It's been a month since I transferred to Parallel World, Rogue College. Padilim ng padilim ang gabi at heto pa rin kami sa training ground. The leader of the Brown Wand group is not here with us, thus he is busy with his group. Minsan na din nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon si Victor para turuan kami ni Walter in which we fully understand him.
Kwento ni Walter, Matagal na daw'ng gusto ni Victor maging leader ng kanyang grupo, pero dahil bata pa ito at wala masyadong alam sa mga spells ay kinailangan pa niya na aralin ang mahigit sampung libro para lang sa pwestong iyon. Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya gusto ang pwestong iyon, pero kung ano man ang dahilan niya ay handa naman kaming sumuporta sa kanya.
He did too much for us already because of him, we might risk ourselves for the brawl, but he is there to help us and lead a hand to help even though it's against his group rules. We miss his presence sometimes but, We understand him. I know there will be a time that he'll come to us, and the old not-busy Victor will await us. For now, all we can do is support him.
Time check. It's already 7 pm, we are starving to death, but we can't do anything but obey our president. Rick Mal. He's been so harsh to us and told us to practice almost. Every day.
Inabutan ako ng isang bottled water ni Walter bago ito umupo sa tabi ko. Napabuntong hininga nalang kaming dalawa habang pinapanuod si Keith at si Rick na magpalitan ng spells. "I'm so sleepy." That's what he always said. Ako, rin naman ay inaantok na pero sa tuwing magsasalita kami, parati kaming sinisita ni Keith.
Of course, he's the vice president after all. "Turn on the lights, Keith." I almost raised my right brow after realizing what Rick said. So, are we really gonna spend our night here? For what? I mean, what's with everyday-practice?
Wala pang isang segundo ay napuno na ng ilaw ang training ground.
I don't know how did, Keith does that and I won't bother knowing it. I won't associate myself with a wolf geez. Nakakatakot. Nakakatakot siya. Kung makakasalamuha man ako ng wolf ay baka hindi na ako matakot nasanay na ako sa tindig pa lang ni Keith at ng tatay niyang panganib, nakakapanindig balahibo na.
"Ms. Gamalo?" Kaagad kong ibinigay kay Walter ang bottled water na hawak ko upang makatayo at lapitan si Rick. "Bakit?" I asked confusedly. He pointed his wand in my direction, which gave me a quick alarm to fish out my wand, and pointed it in his direction also. I don't know what's befalling, but It's better if I prepare personally.
A smirk formed on his lips. While he's trying to take a step towards me. I stepped back while I was frowning my brows. What is he doing? I don't have any idea, yes, but I am a hundred percent sure that any moment from now, he'll be using something that surprises me. I hate surprises! and I'll never like them.
"abrakadabra!" Once again, I summon a bow and arrow. He was quick enough to visualize what I just did, and a moment later. He's now holding a dagger knife. "Let's see how quick your senses are, Ms. Gamalo." I gulped. So we have a quick practice of senses now, huh? Quite interesting. I've been practicing my sensation for so long. But I can't do it.
The advantage of mortals and wizards is that they can sense their nemesis's action. They can read their colleague's minds. All will be acceptable and come out to be smooth if only I can turn back the time and tell my mom to pick a wizard to marry. I would've done it.
Without further words, Rick starts developing his daggers. There's one thing I remember before this life-risking training starts. I heard my Aunt's Jane voice in my head echoing and echoing.
I was in the sea of people, and I am currently searching for my dog. "When it comes to senses. Pwedeng-pwede mong gamitin ang Demarcation Method may mga bagay lang na Kailangan mong alalahanin, Classification, rule out and filter." Mahinhing Sabi ni Aunt.
"Imagine the mentally of a dog, where do you think he'll go?" Tanong ni Aunt sa akin. For a moment of silence, everyone stopped moving, even my aunt stopped moving. Moving my eyeballs, I found my dog barking at a storekeeper.
I snapped into reality when someone called out my name. Napalingon ako kay Walter atsaka ngumiti. Demarcation Method. I should imagine If I am Rick Mal, which part of my body should I throw the dagger? In the legs para hindi ako makatakbo. I summon one bow only and so does Rick. He summons one dagger too.
I am composing myself, trying my best to stay calm and think deeply. Pulling my bow, I put my hand up, pointing my bow to my opponent. I really have no intention to hurt him but if he's going to aim any part of my body, I won't be having a second thought to hit his ear. I know it sounds not amusing to hit someone in the ear but knowing that my bow and arrow might hit critical parts of his body is more dangerous.
"A mortal vs A wizard, what a nice view to watch." I can hear Keith's voice mocking me and the president. Rick just smiled and within a second he threw the dagger in the direction of my leg, I knew it! I hurriedly opened my legs widely before it hit me and let go of my arrow.
Someone gasped in the distance that made me turn my face in that direction. "That's close." I pucker my lips when I heard heavy breathing coming from Rick's voice that made me rush to him and give him a hug. "I'm sorry!!" Tinawanan lang ako ni Rick bago ako niyakap pabalik.
"Hey, it's fine! We almost hit each other though and what a quick sense you have there. You opened your legs the moment I throw my dagger." Natatawang wika nito. "Tumigil ka nga!" Hinampas ko nalang ng bow ang ulo niya bago ako naglakad pabalik kay Walter.
"Nakakapag Pigil-hininga naman 'nun!"
"Haha bolero!" Tinawanan lang ako ni Walter atsaka tumayo. Siya naman daw ang magsasagawa ng life-risking task. Bumalik ako ng upo sa putok na trunk ng puno bago ko nilingon si Keith. He is staring at me again with those gray eyes. Hindi ko alam kung ano na naman ang iniisip niya but I hope I impress him a bit?
After the life-risking activity and spell practice, pinayagan na kami ni Rick na bumalik sa mga dorm namin. I am with Walter now, he said he'll drop me at the dorm because he doesn't trust anyone around me. Sounds cheesy as but they are always like that, after our brawl with Ethel, Franco, and Keith. They are making sure that I'll arrive at my dorm, safe and sound.
"Dito na lang ako," Tumigil na din si Walter sa paglalakad atsaka ako hinarap. "Oo nga pala, bago ko makalimutan, sinabi pala ni Victor sa akin kagabi na baka daw isang linggo siyang busy dahil sa paparating na competition." Competition? I frowned. "Anong competition naman 'yan?"
"Life vs Death."
"Life vs Death?"
"Yes, It's like a brawl but in an all-student version. I mean, all the students in their designated colors. It's going to be bloody." I rolled my eyes. Bloody my ass. Sa pagkaka-alala ko ay hindi naman naging bloody ang nakaraang brawl namin at ang brawl ni Victor. Oo, nasaktan ko si Keith pero Hindi naman 'yon sapat para tawaging bloody.
"Hindi, bloody as-in madugo, ah. Bloody as-in mag-eenjoy ka." Napatango nalang ako sa sinabi ni Walter atsaka nagpaalam na. Pumasok na ako sa loob ng dorm and as usual, binati na naman ako ni Queen of Hearts.
When I arrive at my room humiga ako kaagad sa kama at tumingin sa kisame. I miss the world, I miss the world, I miss the world. Kidding aside, I am on earth but in a different dimension.
I woke up late as usual. Since today is Tuesday, I am wearing our school uniform and of course the SS coat. Inilagay ko sa loob ng coat ang wand ko bago ako naglakad paalis sa dorm. It's kinda unusual cause the boys didn't escort me or meet me in the hallway. Parati kasi nilang ginagawa iyon at napuno ng tawanan at asaran ang hallway dahil sa kanilang dalawa. I kinda miss it.
Nang makarating ako sa room iginala ko kaagad ang mga Mata ko. Walter is sleeping on his seat and Victor is playing with his wand. What's with these two? nag wand fight na naman ba sila kagabi? I just shrug off that thought and headed to my chair. I had a lot of rest though.
Our class starts at exactly 1pm, it's already 12:30 pm at konti pa lang ang mga estudyanteng andito sa loob. Mostly, pag ganitong tahimik ang classroom Hindi ko magawang magsalita ng una or tanungin man sila kung napano sila. It's kind of weird when I did it though. Nag cr-cringe ako sa sarili ko.
I laid my eyes to both sides, nobody wants to start a conversation. Should I? The moment I open my mouth, someone pokes me from the back kaya napalingon ako ang to my surprise it's Victor. "Bakit?" Tanong ko atsaka ngumiti ng bahagya.
"Sabi ni Walter, everyday daw kayo nag pa-practice? Excluded naman kayo sa competition, Bakit kayo na pa-practice?" I frowned deeply. I don't know though, We practice from Saturday to Monday. "I don't know, wala namang sinabi si Rick eh." Nakangusong sabi ko.
"Kamusta naman 'yong group mo? You look busy." He shrugged his shoulders while chuckling. Did I say something funny? "We are the coordinator of the competition and in order to maintain the peacefulness of the competition and students as well, we need to secure the school."
"What do you mean?" I asked out of the blue. "What I mean is, next week is the start of the competition. But don't worry, SS are excluded. Samahan mo ako mamaya sa office ko, Ikaw na ang magbigay kay Mr. Mal sa listahan ng mga grupong mag ba-brawl."
I nodded. After a minute dumating may isang babaeng ang dumating. Her face doesn't look familiar at all. Who is she? "Mom?" Mom? Napalingon ako kay Walter. He's already awake and he looks so confused to see his mom figure in front?
"Anak! Jusmeyo namiss kita!" My jaw literally dropped when his mom rushed to him and gave him a tight hug. I slowly turn my head to Victor and raise my brow confusedly. "Well, she hasn't seen his son for 5 years."
"And you must be, Hazel Gamalo?" Okay, how did she knew my name? "Oo, po. Paano niyo po nalaman?" I asked in a curious tone, ngumiti naman ito ng malapad atsaka lumapit sa akin para bigyan ako ng isang mahigpit na yakap. Aww~ A mother's embrace. I never felt this kind of embrace for quite a long time. It feels good.
"Ikinuwento ka kasi ni sugarplum sa akin, Hindi ko naman Lubos akalain na Ikaw ay may angking kagandahan din pala." I felt my cheeks turn red. If that's a compliment or a comment. It flatters me. After she gave me an embrace, she turned to Victor's side and gave him a hug too.
"Namimis ka na daw ng Nanay mo. Okay lang ba daw sa'yo, Kung dadalaw siya?" Tumingin ako kay Walter and frowned but he just shrug and rubs his sleepy eyes. "She's always welcome to visit, tita. Namimiss ko na din siya at may gusto akong sabihin sa Kanya." I wonder what would that be. Maybe it's a sensitive and serious topic.
Walter moved on from the state of shock as he stood up from sitting on his chair and walked to Victor's chair. "Ma! Bakit ka ba andito? Diba, Sabi ko sa'yo sa Trana kana pumunta?" Oh yeah, Trana is the 13th month in Parallel World. After December, they had another month. Trana.
Trana is the month where students are allowed to meet their parents. To think it up, it's a month where students can spend time with their parents for a whole month. In which, again, I can't affect myself too. If only they allowed mortals to go back to the real world. I would never waste my day spending time with my aunt.
"Eh sa hindi na ako makapaghintay eh. Atsaka September na naman ngayon!" I smiled while watching Walter talking to her mom.
I wonder if mom was still alive and she figured out that I am in an extraordinary place to study wizardly and craft, would she expand her effort to meet me? or to make time to see me? How about dad though? Would he support me if ever?
But fate is playing games with me. This melancholy feeling deprives me once again.
"Excuse me po~" Nagbow ako ng bahagya sa kanila atsaka kinuha ang libro ko bago ako naglakad palabas ng classroom. I know this is not the perfect time to be like this but it pains me when I see someone spending time with their parents. It's hard to bond with them cause I can't feel what they feel.
Not to be dramatic and such but it just really hurts.
I passed from the field and headed to the three rocks in front of the forest where our training ground is located. The cold wind starts brushing my skin and I can feel a spiritual embrace around me. For the second time, I can't feel anything again. I am turning weak and emotional.
If only I can magic rain- by that thought a hard rain starts showering me, ended me up hugging my both knees. I closed my eyes, praying in my mind that my parent's soul would come to my comfort zone.
It was a dark morning and I woke up when my mom was patting my cheeks gently. I don't have any idea what's happening but 6 years old me watched my parents packing my things up. "Bakit po? Aalis po ba tayo?" The moment I spoke those words a beautiful smile plastered on my mom's face.
She's as beautiful as ever. "Yes, baby~ do you want to help mommy? we are going to meet your grandparents~" Excited me nodded my head endlessly before jumping off my bed to help my mom packing up my clothes.
"Darling!" I chuckled when I heard my dad's voice that made me rush to him. Warm arms were wrapped around my small body. My dad lifted me up! My dad hugs me and my dad is carrying me in his arms.
"Daddy! I miss you, daddy!" I place a kiss on his cheeks that makes me smile. "Daddy has a surprise for our one and only princess!" I remember myself listening attentively with the surprise that he'll give to me. "A wand!" I clapped my hands and screamed happily.
My dad placed me back on the floor and kneeled down to hand a rectangular box in my small hands. The thunder from the rain is getting louder and louder. I heard my mom telling my dad that we should be quick. Without any words, my dad lifted me up as we rushed to their car. He places me in the backseat with my stuff.
"Mommy, where are we going?"
"We are going to grandmother and grandfather~" My mom replied after she fastens her seatbelt, she turns her body to meet mine and so she can wear my seatbelt. Somehow I feel secure. "Let's go daddy? palakas na ng palakas ang ulan baka matraffic tayo~ malulungkot pa itong baby girl natin." And again, a soft chuckle from a kid-filled up the car.
Hindi pa kami nakakalayo ng mag-ingay sa daddy sa loob ng kotse. "There's no brake!" My mom's happy face turned into a serious one after she heard what my dad said. They both looked in my direction, but Hazel Gamalo, the 6 years old kid, so innocent and pure. Doesn't have any idea what happening.
The moment I tilt my head up, a huge impact happened and that impact changed everything.
"HAZEL!" I tilt my head from hugging my knees when I heard someone called out for me. "Hazel! Asan ka? Putek ang lakas ng ulan, oo." I smiled. Tumingin ako sa direksyon nina Victor at Walter, they use their wands as their flashlight while they are yelling my name.
What did I do to deserve these people? I just watch them silently from afar. I can't even open my mouth to tell them that I am just here, watching them. I wiped my wet face before composing myself to stand. I don't feel cold. Not at all after what happened.
I stared into the dark sky. Rain continues pouring. So does my heart ache. I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I wanted to sob out my pain, but I couldn't. I want to do something to cry, but after witnessing what happened to my beloved parents. Parang umatras Yung mga luha ko.
My relatives called me heartless for not crying on the day of their burial. But heaven knows how I wanted to cry. At the age of 6, I encountered something that I can't bury. As it'll remain alive and unburied inside my head.
But I have hopes for tomorrow. The day will come that these tears I had to keep inside me, I had preserved without any reason why and what for. Will fall like gigantic raindrops. I've been keeping myself in my comfort zone for so long. I wanted to cave out and tell the world that I had emotions. But, for how long? How long should I wait for the light to come to the sky?
"Gago ka! Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap!" Walter hissed before helping me to walk in their direction. I let out a soft chuckle. "Napakabasa mo. Trip mo ba magpaulan at maligo ah? Kung Ganon 'di Sana nagmagic na ako ng ulan sa classroom para sa'yo." Natatawang saway sa akin ni Victor.
"Hindi naman~" They use their coat as their protection from the heavy rain. "Halika na nga!"