I was yawning the whole class, I can't even listen to Sir Jielo well. Bothered Sir Jielo are throwing rats on our faces because every time he opens his mouth to discuss, Walter starts yawning. Nakatulog silang dalawa sa kwarto and of course nothing happens. Pinanindigan nila 'yung sinabi nilang 'babantayan ako.'
"that's so disrespectful of you three. GET OUT!" We pouted and grab our stuff. Baka sumabog pa si Sir Jielo kung hindi namin siya susundin. Nang makalabas kami sa classroom ay halos mag-celebrate si Walter. So all this time, he's just acting sleepy? Idiot.
"Mr. Rough, Mr. Jamora, and Ms. Gamalo. To the office." Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo atsaka sabay naming binatukan si Walter. "Ingay mo kasi! Pinatawag pa tuloy tayo." Whiny Walter had no choice but to rush to Mr. Mal.
When we arrived in the Supreme Student Office, my eyes darted to the male whose sitting in the corner, eyes staring in my direction that made me shiver. Keith. He is the only one who can make me feel this way aside from his father and Sir Jielo.
"I just want to let you know, Mr. Jamora and Ms. Gamalo that,-" I grip on Victor's coat when Mr. Mal dropped a huge book on the table. By using his wand, the book flipped by itself. After flipping, my eyes followed the book, obviously because now it's now floating in the air. "A supreme student shouldn't be late in class. AND!"
I hardly clutched my chest when the book dropped on the table. What kind of fuckery is this? Surprise game? "Always listen to the discussion. Attentively!"
"It's Mr. Jamora's fault!" I said pointing out Walter. Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Walter at kaagad ding nakabawi sa gulat. "Ang boring kasi yung klase, Mr. President."
"Just admit that you are lazy, dickhead."
Isang masamang tingin ang ibinigay ni Walter kay Keith. He was about to talk back, but Victor told him to calm down and ignore what this werewolf said. Thank all heavens that he listened though, he now acted like he heard nothing and it's only the four of us.
"This coat just arrived earlier and I am so excited to hand this to my members. Your names and position were written on the coat. I want you to use this coat regularly so the students can respect that you are part of the SS." Mr. Mal said, handing over our coat.
It's been weeks since I transferred to Parallel World, Rogue College. I am slowly adjusting myself to the place even though it's hard, But, I decided to do it for my own good. Before, I was just a simple student who can be defined as a bookworm, anti-social, cold, emotionless, and distant. That's what they said.
And since then, I challenge myself to change for the better with the help of Victor Rough and Walter Jamora, I manage to change myself to fit on their student touchstone. Without Victor and Walter, maybe, I am still a book work, anti-social, and distant. But since these two are sociable, I became sociable as well.
Right now, we are in the forest without Victor's presence. May meeting daw kasi ito kaya hindi nakapunta pero gagawa naman daw siya ng paraan para makadalo sa training namin at para narin maturuan kami ni Walter.
I was practicing my spell on a rock to turn it into a ruby when someone approached me. "Look guys, A pure blooded mortal is practicing a spell, as if she's a wizard." A smile was drawn on my lips before I clicked my tongue, turning my body to face this male towering me. "Ako ba 'yung pinaparingan mo?" Puckering my lips, I narrowed my eyes on his healed wound in the arm.
After staring at his scar, I tilt my head. "Maybe you're right. That, I am a mortal practicing a spell-like a wizard. Does that bother you?" Nakangising tanong ko sa Kanya. He turned his hands into a fist but I maintained my posture. I need to remain calm.
Cold airbrushed my skin that makes my hair flew in the other direction. Putting some of my hair strands on the back of my ear, Hindi ko pa din nilubayan ng titig si Keith. Mabuti nalang at Hindi ako wizard katulad nila, kasi kung ganon, mapapahamak pa ako. Those stares, Alam kong tinotorture na niya ako sa utak niya.
"Mr. Arson." Saved by Mr. President. Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Walter sa balikat ko kaya nginitian ko siya atsaka tumingin kay Keith bago kami naglakad papunta sa pwesto niya. "May ginawa na naman ba siyang hindi maganda sa'yo?" I shook my head.
Even though Keith is giving me chills because of his deadly stares, that still didn't change the fact that he might have 1/6 care feelings for everyone around him. I have high hopes for that. I just don't understand kung bakit ganon na lang ang galit niya sa akin. Is it because hunters are related to mortals and I am a mortal? Pero wala naman akong ginawang hindi maganda sa kanya.
"Mag practice na tayo." Tumango ako kay Walter atsaka namin ipinagpatuloy ang naudlot na practice.
After our practice, dumiretso kami ni Walter sa Cafeteria para kumuha ng lunch. Victor's presence is still not here. Hindi na din naman siya naka-abot sa practice, siguro ay sobrang busy niya na rin. Naalala ko kanina tinanong niya ako paulit-ulit kung ano ba talaga ang color ng wand nung lalaki sa footage.
Hindi ko naman masagot kasi, wala namang nilabas na wand yung lalaki sa footage. Kung meron man, matatandaan ko kaagad 'yon. "Dadalhan ba natin ng pagkain si Victor sa office nila?" Tanong ni Walter sa akin. I had no idea where their office is. "Ikaw, maaga pa naman para sa next class."
"Sabagay. Kumain na lang muna tayo magtake out tayo after natin kumain." I bobbed my head and start eating my Hawaiian pizza. I was halfway when I heard a loud cheer coming from the hallway. "What's happening?"
"No idea. Tara na." I gasped, Walter held my wrist again and pulled me up. I haven't finished my pizza yet! Dumiretso kami sa labas ng cafeteria and my eyes widened when I saw Victor pointing his wand to someone. It's a girl and I don't know her name.
Walter grabbed my arm again pulling me close to him. We are standing behind Victor's back and I maintain my brows, frowned and confused. I don't have any idea what's happening. Is this a brawl? "Who is she?" 'yun na lang ang tinatanong ko kay Walter. I had no courage to ask him if this was a brawl or not.
"Crezia Faye, Brown Wand leader." My jaw literally dropped when I heard what he said. Brown wand leader? so this is a brawl! He is fighting for a position. Hindi ko alam at bigla ko nalang itinaas ang mga kamay ko atsaka sumigaw.
"GO VICTOR!!" I cheered happily.
Parang naging hudyat na rin ang sigaw ko at nagsimula na silang mag-away. "unsparing!" The girl named Crezia started, kaagad namang nakailag si Victor and deja vu. The student behind Victor is me but luckily, Walter pulled me so the one who got the spell is the student behind me. "phew. that's close hehehehe"
"Abarakadabva!" Victor said. Pero nailagan iyon ni Crezia kaya yung lalaking nasa likuran niya turns into an owl. "Disapero" Bulong ni Walter para bumalik sa dati ang estudyante. Other students were left with no choice but to walk away from the brawl. Baka sa susunod maging ahas na sila kung hindi pa sila aalis.
My eyes shifted when Crezia used a spell for herself that affected her speed. She is now standing behind Victor, I was about to give him a warning about it, but I forgot that Victor is skillful, I know he'll notice that.
"El Infernom departo!" Sigaw ni Crezia, mabilis pa kay kidlat ay itinutok din ni Victor ang wand niya kay Crezia.
"La noche buenas!" And with that, two powers unite in front of our eyes. The calm and manipulated eyes of Victor turned into Brown just like his wand while he's giving too much power.
"Anong ibig sabihin nang La noche buenas?" Tanong ko kay Walter. "That's a powerful spell, so as El Infernom departo, if el infernom departo can literally make your whole body numb and can cause your death, La noche buenas can kill you instantly when it hooked you." Two powerful spells. Biglang nag vibrates si Rolex kaya napatingin ako kay Rolex bago binalik ang tingin sa laban.
In a blink of an eye, tumilapon si Crezia. Her back hit the wall so hard and it snapped me back into reality. Victor ended up kneeling on the ground panting. Kaagad na hinanap ng mata ko si Walter at nakita ko siyang pinupulsuhan si Crezia.
Lumapit kaagad ako kay Victor atsaka hinaplos ang likod niya. "You won." Iyon na lang ang naibulong ko sa kanya before he places his head on my shoulder, taking a rest, and probably lost his consciousness.
He uses too much strength and power to win the brawl in which he did.
--
"Apat na oras na siyang walang malay. Sigurado ka bang maayos na siya?" Nakangusong tanong ko kay Walter, tumango naman si Walter habang kumakain ng saging. Chill na chill pa siya habang binabantayan namin si Victor. Nawalan siya ng malay pagkatapos ng brawl kaya sinugod namin siya kaagad sa campus hospital.
Mr. Mal approached us and gave us a smile. "Mr. Jamora, with all the respect, your friend is suffering can you stop eating?" Tama! Kanina pa siya kain ng kain. Hindi daw kasi niya natapos yung lunch kanina kaya bumabawi siya ng kain.
Nag Peace sign lang si Walter at tinutuloy ang pagkain niya ng saging. Nakahiga pa siya sa bakanteng kama. "Kamusta na siya, Ms. Gamalo?" Tanong ni Mr. President. "Apat na oras na po pero hindi pa din po siya nagigising." Nakangiting sagot ko. It would be rude if I don't. Atsaka isa pa, nandito siya para tingnan ang kalagayan ni Victor. We should be happy though.
"Si Crezia Faye? Where is she?" I asked back.
"She didn't make it. She lost her life right after their brawl." So that spell is that powerful. "Pwede po ba akong magtanong?"
"Sure, go ahead." I composed myself before asking. "Can you gave me a copy of the spells at the four curses?" Cross fingers. "Why?"
"After ascertaining the spell that Keith used on me in the brawl, I just want to make sure that I won't encounter deadly spells again." Tiningnan muna ako sa mata ni Mr. President, obviously he's reading my mind but I am a hundred sure that it is what I am thinking right now. I need to secure my safety, now that all the students grasp that I am a pure blooded mortal.
Mr. President nodded and stood up from sitting on the monoblock. "Okay, give me a minute." I flashed a smile and stood up too, to show my respect. "Thank you, Mr. President."
"Please drop the formality, you can call me Rick, and besides, magkasing-edad lang tayo." So he's 19 too? I thought he's just 17. If we look through his appearance, he doesn't look 19 at all. He has this charming face and curly hair, a nerdy glass is also, and I keep on thinking deeply if he put braces before cause his teeth are so perfect. Well to my hunch, he is a mesomorph body type. And I forgot to mention his dimples.
"Okay, Rick. Thank you again!"
He bid goodbye to me and Walter who are now currently sleeping on the vacant bed. It's already 5 in the afternoon and it's dark outside. Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang komotan na lang si Walter at bumalik sa upuan ko. I was seated on a monoblock that was placed in the center.
I am currently reading the history of Parallel World, Rogue College and how they end up like this. According to the book, The school was built in 1990 on January 1. The first person who used to manage the school is Spencer Ancient. Sa unang basa ko naisip ko kaagad si Principal Spencer at hindi nga ako nagkakamali.
There was a photo of him in the center of the crowd, smiling widely. The first head was Joy Ancient. It was said in the book that Joy Ancient, Spencer Ancient, and King Ancient are siblings. Principal Spencer and Principal King are identical twins. After a decade(2000) Principal Spencer managed the Rogue College, He was transferred to Blanche University.
Hindi pa doon nagtatapos. When Principal Spencer transfers, the next person who replaces him is Ms. Joy Ancient. She had a relationship with a student named Lloyd Cabanilla. It was also stated in the book that the moment Principal Joy figures out that she is pregnant with Lloyd, her family, the people behind Parallel World, Rogue College turn their back on her and her baby. It was a tragic story.
Months later, The abandonment of Ancient Family to Ms. Joy Ancient gave a huge impact on Mr. Lloyd Cabanilla and Parallel World, Rogue College that builds up the tension between him and Ancient Family. In the middle of the battle, January 1, 2001, Mr. Lloyd Cabanilla accidentally killed the father of the family. That brought him to Nardith. What happened to the love story of Ms. Joy and Lloyd is depressing until she gives birth to a wonderful cute baby. She named him, Axl Ancient.
The Golden Scheme is a powerful necklace that Ms. Joy dedicated almost her life to her lovely son's birthday on December 31, 2014. January 1 of 2015, Ms. Joy Ancient died from poisoning. Her son, Axl becomes the primary suspect of the poisoning because he is the only person that his mom's spent time with. The court of Nardith pleaded him guilty and was sentenced him to death just like his father.
"Are you done reading?" Napa-lingon ako sa paligid at ngumiti nang makita ko si Victor na nakatingin sa librong hinahawakan ko. I closed the book and turn my body to Walter whose snoring beside me. "Hoy!" I tapped his shoulder but he just whines.
Tinampal ko ang makapal kong libro sa mukha niya na ikinamulat ng kanyang mga mata.
"BROOO!" I just roll my eyes when he speed up towards Victor's bed to gave him a hug. "pinag-alala mo kami! gago ka!" Ngumiti lang ako sa kanila at kasabay nang baklaang yakapan nila ay bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa nun si Rick.
"Your awake." Palihim na inabot ni Rick sa akin ang isang brown na libro na ikinatuwa ng kalamnan ko sa tiyan. "Thanks." I mouthed before keeping the book in my palm. Tumayo ako at tumabi ng upo kay Victor.
"Kamusta na ang pakiramdam mo?" Ngumiti si Victor na parang walang nangyari sa kanya atsaka kami binigyan ng mahigpit na yakap. "Guess what! Ako na ang leader ng Brown Wand!"
Rick shook his head while laughing. "I knew it. Who would like to have a one on one brawl with you though? your spells are poisons." Victor just laughed confidently before turning his face to our colleague.
"What time is it?" I asked. "It's almost 6pm. " Sagot ni Rick atsaka tinapik ang pisngi ni Walter.
"Uh hey, President. I just want to tell you that my mother, Mighty Rough, took the map that you've given to me." Oh right! I almost forgot that one! Rick didn't look surprised at all cause he just smiled and nodded his head. "Don't worry, I had a lot of maps in the office."
--
Katulad kagabi, sinamahan na naman ako ng boys sa kwarto. Queen of hearts said no at first then after she said yes. Geez. I need to act like I am a sick hooman and they are the ones who are escorting me inside the dorm. "Thank you, queen." Nakangiting sabi ni Victor.
"May mabuti ka talagang puso." Walter added. I just roll my eyes mentally and the moment they enter my room, they throw themselves in my bed. I locked the door and told them to stay on the bed so I could wash.
When I saw my face in the mirror, I almost hit my knuckles on it. How the heck! They drew a black circle all over my eyes para daw masabing totoong may sakit ako! This stupid idea always comes from the most stupid person. Walter Jamora!
After taking a half bath, nakita ko ang boys na naglalaro ng wand nila. Not surprising anymore, my room is a total mess. My clothes are scattered, my books and spell books on the shelves are also scattered, my bed is crumpled, my sofa is now on a different angle!
"Wow. Ganda ng ginawa niyong training room ah. Kwarto ko pa talaga?" I just rolled my eyes at both of them before combing my hair. I saw their reflection in the mirror pointing their wands in my direction. With my quick senses, kinuha ko ang wand ko sa itaas ng cabinet ko atsaka iyon itinutok sa kanilang dalawa.
"Farcial!" I yell with a smirk on my lips. "HAZEL GAMALO!"
I make a loud yawn and check the time. It's already 8 am in the morning. Wala na ang boys sa kwarto, how did I know? My room last night is a total mess but now, it's so clean. I stretch my arms before heading to the bathroom to take a bath.
It's already 9 am when I stepped out of the dorm. Hawak hawak ko lang ang coat kong kulay yellow na bigay ni Rick. I am wearing a plain white t-shirt and jeans. At dahil sikat ang tuck in sa Rogue, nakiki gaya na din ako. Today is Wednesday and it's a yay day for me. No uniform day.
"Naks! Ganda ah! Presentable."
"Haha bolero." Inakbayan nila akong dalawa habang naglalakad kami papunta sa kabilang building. "Aga niyo naman umalis, hindi niyo man lang ako ginising." Nakangusong sabi ko atsaka kinurot ang nga beywang nila.
"Aruuy! Gigisingin ka kaya namin! Eh itong si Walter nagmamadali, natatae na daw. Sabi ko doon tumae sa cr mo, ayaw naman niya kasi mabangis daw ang amoy." Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maiinis sa kinuwento ni Victor.
"Apaka baboy niyo!"
"Kami pa talaga ang baboy? Sinong nag spell kay franco na maging baboy? Ha-ha? Sino!" Kinurot ko ulit ang beywang ni Walter kaya daing siya ng daing. "Bwesit ka."
Katulad ko, nakasabi lang din sa mga braso nila ang kanilang coat, we are simply holding our wands. Nadako ang tingin ko kay Walter, He is wearing a long sleeve and tattered jeans, he combs his hair to the right way and that makes him look appealing and yeah, handsome.
To my left, Here's Victor. He is also wearing a black long sleeve, his hair is down and of course, his manipulating eyes when he's not smiling. Unlike me and Walter, he didn't tuck in his polo. Wala po siyang kaalam-alam sa trend ngayon kaya pagpasensyahan niyo na.
Bago kami pumunta sa klase nagstop by muna kami sa cafeteria para makapag lunch. Like last week, wala naman kaming ginawa sa araw ng miyerkules kundi ang panoorin ang breathtaking soccer game ng COY at Rogue College. At hanggang ngayon, nabobother pa rin ako kung bakit ko nakalimutan ang mukha nong Dalton Lim na iyon. Nakapagtataka lang.
"Ren! Umorder ka na" oh right. Kanina pa ako nakatayo dito at hindi man lang nag-order. Dumadami na din kasi ang mga estudyante. "Today's special po." Iyon na lang ang nabanggit ko. Alangan naman pumili pa ako, eh naririnig ko na ang mga naiinis na tinig ng mga estudyanteng nasa likuran ko.
After ordering, dumiretso kami sa pinakahuling table at inilapag ang mga order namin. "Uh, Victor. Pwedeng magtanong?" I asked out of the blue. "Hmm! Suree!" I really don't have any idea why other people called him intimidating when in fact, he is a talkative one and a social butterfly, so as Walter.
"Can you tell me something about Dalton Lim?" He nodded before wiping both corners of his lips. "Of course!!" Huminga ito ng malalim atsaka lumapit sa akin. Chismosong Walter also did the same. Geez. What are they even? Twins? Kung nasaan ang isa, dapat 'don ka rin?
"Dalton Lim is an ex-friend of ours. Before he transferred to COY, we are close. We, Me and Walter. No one can separate us. Not even Ms. Joy." Ms. Joy? Ms. Joy Ancient?
"I remember, Ms. Joy's son is as age as mine. Walter, Dalton, and Emerita are so bonded to each other. But that didn't last long. Because someone took Emerita from us. We are just kids and we can't do anything at that time." He continued.
"The Year 2015 is a tragic year for us, students of Rogue University. There was a battle and that tragedy ended when Ms. Joy died from poisoning. The moment the judge of Nardith plea that our friend Axl as the suspect, that's the moment Dalton turn his back from us." Napalingon ako kay Walter na naghu-hummed at tumatango habang kumakain ng monggo. "He transferred to COY and he treats us like strangers." Now it makes sense kung bakit niya binigyan ng spell for leg cramps si Victor.
Nakita siguro nito na magkaibigan pa rin sila ni Walter at nagseselos ito. "Did I answer your question?" Napangiti naman ako atsaka tumango. "Yes! Thankies!" I said before I continue eating.
But something put a stop on me. The name of their old friend is Emerita. Emerita. So similar to the name of Blanche's librarian.