When we arrive at Parallel World, Rogue College. We headed directly to my dorm to take a long rest. We need to wake up early for today is the first day of the Life VS Death Competition. Right now, I am with Walter, Victor, Rick, and Warren. 5 am pa lang ay nandito na kami sa Main Field. We are placing the banner on the center and Rick makes sure that it'll float surely in the air until the competition week's end. I get the chance to move on from the traumatic (every year) death anniversary of my parents.
Walter and Victor helped me to move on from it and I am happy that after our journey to go back here in Parallel World, Rogue College they argued to stay in my room so they can watch for me. We got up early and then did our rituals separately. "Okay na ba ito or magcoconfetti pa tayo?" Tanong ni Walter. May bitbit siyang isang palanggana ng confetti na binili pa namin sa mortal world.
Natatawa pa ako sa kanila kasi, Nahihiya silang makipag-usap sa mga tindera at tindero kaya ako na ang gumawa noon. We also bought a polaroid. Hindi pa nakikita ni Pricipal King ang mga pinambili namin and I hope he'll consider them or let us keep it. "Ako nalang ang gagawa niyan mamaya. Total, Hindi naman ako kasali sa comittee." Kinuha ko ang palanggana sa kamay ni Walter atsaka ngumiti.
The basin is not heavy at all. With my petite body, I can still carry it freely though. "Come come! Let's take a photo!" May halong excitement ang boses ni Victor. Inilabas niya ang bili naming polaroid camera na ikinabigla ni Rick at Warren. "what's that thing?" Tanong nila.
"Doesn't matter. This thing is real magic!" I chuckled. I am at the center while the four male was on my side. I smiled at the camera and so does the others.
After our picture taking, binigyan namin ng isa-isang copy si Rick at Warren. "This is so cool!!" Warren said. Tumango naman kami kaagad bago nagtawanan. Time check. It's already 5:30 in the morning and morning students arrived to watch the show. The competition will start at exactly 12 pm. Walter, Rick, and Victor had an amazing idea to keep the crowd entertained.
I make a big yawn. I am on the backside of the field. Since I am the one who'll throw these confetti I need to prepare myself and the spell that I am going to use. "Inaantok ka pa?" Napatingala ako atsaka ngumiti kay Rick.
"A bit." I smiled when he handed me a cup of coffee. "Ang aga pa nga eh pero may mga estudyante na." Napatawa ako. Tama siya. Maaga pa para magpuntahan ang mga estudyante kasi, Hindi pa naman kami tapos sa preparation namin. Victor excused himself to console our panelist.
"It's cold isn't it?" Tanong nito habang nakatingin sa langit. "Konti." Natatawang sagot ko atsaka humigop sa mainit na kape. Tumingin ito sa gawi ko atsaka ngumiti. "Have you heard the story of Joy Ancient and what happened to her?" Napa-angat ako ng tingin kay Rick atsaka tumango. "Bakit?"
"It's written on the history book right?" Tanong nito pabalik sa akin bago tumingala ulit sa langit. Tumango naman ako ng dahan-dahan. I read the history of Parallel World, Rogue College before, and the love story of Joy and that student Lloyd Cabanilla. I just stared at Rick's back in silence. "What do you know, Hazel?" He asked.
I swallowed the lump on my throat. This presence suffocates me. "Their son was sentenced to death. His name is Axl right?" I turn my head to the other side to drink my coffee and to wash away my anxiousness. "Do you think he did it?" Why is he asking me?
"No," I replied. "A young man whose friendship with Victor, Walter, Dalton, and Emerita won't do something bad that causes their friendship to end. It's a frame-up I guess?" I tried my best to not sound uttering. Hindi ko Alam Kung saan ako nakahugot ng sagot na 'yon but I am sure of what I said.
When Victor told me the history of his friendship with Dalton and their female friend. It made me realize something. "So you believe that Axl is innocent?" He asked. I nodded my head without any second thought. "Yes." He was about to say something pero inunahan ko na s'ya. "I don't have any idea what happened behind the book but I am sure that, Axl Ancient is an innocent kid." After all, he is the only person who's left to take care of her mother after her own family disowned her and took away, Lloyd Cabanilla.
"I believe too..." He smiled. We heard the horn sound from the field. Rick patted my shoulder before he gets inside the field, leaving me alone and clueless.
If he believes that Axl Ancient is innocent then why did he ask me if I know the history? Did he expect me to say that Axl, deserves to rot in Nardith and the death penalty?
Pagkatapos kong ipagtatapon tapon ang mga confetti, pumasok na din ako sa loob. Nakasabayan ko si Rick at binigyan ng ngiti agad naman siyang ngumiti sa akin at itinuro ang kabilang exit sa field papunta sa tents kung nasaan ang aming first contestants.
"Hazel! Thank God, you're here!" Tiningnan ko ng masama si Walter nang ibigay niya sa akin ang isa flash drive. "A-anohin ko ito?" Tanong ko sa Kanya. "Syempre, Computer Science Wizard ka, Hindi ba? Kaya ikaw ang gagawa niyan." I raised my left brow and rolled my eyes. "Seriously?" I asked.
Kaagad naman tumango si Walter atsaka umalis na sa tent. "Walter!" Hinabol ko s'ya sa labas but the lad just ran away from me. That childish, Jamora. Napabuntong hininga nalang ako at tinahak ang daan papunta sa sound system.
"Excuse me, dito po ba ang tent for a sound system?" Tanong ko sa isang brown wand wizard na nakaupo sa isang camping tent chair. She remembers me so she hurriedly bows to me." Ms. Treasurer." I puckered my lips. "Please, address me with my name~ Hindi kasi ako sanay na may tumatawag sa akin ng ganyan."
"Sige po, Hazel. Ano pong kailangan niyo dito?" Tanong nito. May ibinigay siya sa akin na isang camping tent chair at kaagad din naman akong umupo doon. Maliban sa mahigit dalawang oras na akong palakad-lakad sa aming malapad na field, tinatamad na din ako na gumawa pa ng task na binibigay nila sa akin.
"Can I ask you a favor? Total andito ka na naman. Pwede bang ikaw nalang ang mag-play nito?" Nakangiting tanong ko at ibinigay sa kanya ang flashdrive. Kaagad naman itong tumango at walang pagdadalawang isip na tinanggap ang flashdrive. "Sige po! Naorient naman na po kami ni President. " Orient? I nodded my head and smile. Nagpa-alam na ako sa kanya na aalis na ako at sabi naman nito na siya na daw ang bahala. I somehow feel confident with her words.
I headed out at Nakita ko si Walter na pinapapila ang mga estudyante at ginagabayan sila papasok sa field. At doon ko lang napansin, Kung ano ang meron sa field. I guess this is their way of killing the boredom of the students while waiting for the real show to starts. There's a small stage in the center and students in Magenta wand are falling in line. Mukhang may maliit na show na magaganap ngayon.
Victor is talking to the panelist while they are walking to the other side of the field where the long table is located. Just like the discussion in the meeting last Saturday, 3 panelists are here today. I only recognize Mr. Arson since the other panelist is talking to Victor. His gaze shifted to me so I hurriedly look away and do my stuff.
Scared? Yes, I am. Who wouldn't this man is a werewolf just like his son. Keith Arson. Naglakad ako pabalik sa tent namin para kunin ang mga gamit ko at makapagbihis ng maayos. I am stiff wearing my pajama though, just that I am also wearing our coat so nobody sees what I am wearing inside this coat.
"Where are you going?" I stopped packing my stuff when Victor stepped in. "Oh! Tapos ka na ba doon sa panelist?" Tanong ko sa Kanya bago pinagpatuloy ang pag-iimpake ko ng gamit. The more I left my things here, The more our tent will become messier. "Yep!" I nodded my head and hang my bag on my shoulder.
"Babalik ako sa dorm. Magbibihis lang." He nodded his head and take off his coat to loosen the tie of his polo. Napatawa naman ako ng Mahina. "Bakit ka pa kasi naglagay ng tie. Okay na sana eh." Napakamot si Victor sa batok niya atsaka tumawa. "Si Walter ang naglagay nito. Sabi niya kailangan ko daw maging pormal." I shook my head.
"Nah. You look fine without a tie. O'sya! Mauna na ako. Babalik ako mamaya total 10 am pa naman. May oras pa para makaligo at makapag-ayos ako." Tumango naman siya atsaka inilalayan ako sa mga gamit ko. Huwag na kayong magtaka kung bakit andami kong dala.
Walter and Victor slept in my room and what do you expect them to do about their clothes and the things that were left on their unit? Of course, they magic it. I forgot to mention that my room is in a total mess right now. We left it in mess kasi pinatawag kami ni Queen of Hearts. Hinahanap daw kami ni Rick kaya ayon.
I was in the hallway leading to the main building nang may napansin akong taong familiar na nakatayo sa gilid ng malaking Puno na nasa free field. He seems familiar. I closed my eyes to recall his physical figure and I clearly remember the male that keeps on appearing in my dream. I opened my eyes and I look away when he turns his face to look at me. My chest is beating so fast. What the hell is happening to me.
WHEN I arrived at the dorm, Queen of Hearts just opened the door for me. I smiled and headed to my room. I throw my things on the bed and sit on the edge. I saw his face. He smiled at me and he waves his hands. Just like what I recall from my dream.
Napabuntong hininga nalang ako atsaka tumayo para maligo. I took 30 minutes bath since I still had to go back to the main field. I wore a Red Valentino bow off-the-shoulder blouse paired with black jeans. Since my hair is a bit thick, I need to comb it with my comb so It'll dry quickly even though my professor in Science way back in Junior High educates us to don't comb our hair when it's wet because according to him, It will cause quick alopecia.
It's according to him though. It's his scientific belief.
And to make my outfit presentable. I wore my white sneakers. After fixing myself. Tumayo na ako para kunin ang SS coat ko atsaka kinapa Kung andon pa ba ang wand ko. Kinuha ko iyon and mumbles a spell to make my room neat before leaving. Mabuti nalang at naturuan ako ng boys Kung anong spell ang gagamitin Kung gusto mong malinis kaagad ang kwarto sa loob ng limang minuto.
After I make my room neat and clean. Pinatay ko na ang ilaw atsaka lumabas na doon. I smiled at the students who approached me and told me that they'll be late later which is totally fine. I walked out of the dorm while my coat is hanging on my arm. Habang naglalakad sa hallway, my eyes spotted the young male again. He's still leaning his back on the tree while murmuring something.
Kasali ka itong lalaking to sa competition? Well, if he does. I hope for his triumph. He again lay eyes on me but this time, Hindi na ako umiwas ng tingin. Titigan na Kung titigan but I need to stare deeply into his eyes. Baka sakaling may makuha akong sagot Kung sino at Kung anong parte ang meron siya sa Buhay ko at Kung bakit parati ko siyang napapanaginipan.
"Oishi! Halika na! Magsisimula na ang klase natin!" I squint my head when he hurriedly fixes his things and ran to someone. I turn my head forward. Oishi? I think I heard that name before. Why it sound so familiar?
"Hazel!" Iginala ko kaagad ang mga mata ko nang marinig kong may tumawag sa akin. "What?" Tumakbo si Walter papunta sa akin at hinila ako. Hindi naman na ako nakapalag at hiniyaan siya na hilahin ako palayo sa lugar na iyon. We headed to the main field and I frowned my brows when we stopped in our tent. "Why?"
"Hinahanap ka ni Rick." Again? "For what reason?" I asked. I place my coat on my monoblock and took out my wand and insert it into my pocket.
"Ewan ko. May ibibigay daw sa'yo eh." I replied with a nod. Umalis naman na si Walter kasi may gagawin pa daw siya sa show. Naiwan naman akong mag-isa sa loob ng tent. After fixing my coat to a position like other members of the SS officers and Of course, Walter and Victor. I stepped out of the tent and I swallowed the lump on my throat when I bumped into Keith.
With his gray eyes that gave me shivers down my spine, I tried my best to stay calm and just blinks my eyes. "Excuse me." He didn't give way so I frowned at him. Can't he see? I am in a hurry (even though I'm not.) I just turned my back from him and headed the other way. Nang makalayo ako sa, Kanya. I took a deep breath and clutched my chest.
Damn that werewolf.
Since I had no idea where Rick is, dumiretso ako sa backside ng field Kung saan ako galing kanina para isaboy ang confetti. I saw him looking into the sky. "Tinawag mo daw ako?" I started. Tumingin ito sa gawi ko atsaka ngumiti bago tumango. "I just wanted to gave you this." He handed me a small notebook that makes me frowned. It's a plain pink book.
"What's this for?" I asked.
"You'll find out soon, but I hope you'll remain quiet after knowing the truth." He patted my shoulder before he left. What is he talking about? What truth?
--
"Good Afternoon, Thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us today. We are very pleased to be able to welcome those of you that have been with us for a long time now as well as those who are new, I am honored to introduce our panelist for this week's program. Mr. Spencer Anciet, Good Afternoon, Sir. Mr. Rico U, So pleased to have you here today, Sir. And, Mr. Arson, A pleasure for your consideration, Sir. Students of Parallel World, Rogue College, I would like to welcome, The Leader of Blue Wand Group and the one who'll be brawling to its close friend, The Leader of the Purple Wand Group."
I was leaning my back on one of the bleachers when I heard a familiar name that was called out on the opening. Principal Spencer is here? Iginala ko kaagad ang mga mata ko and I smiled when I saw principal Spencer waving in my direction. I wave back and giggle. Is this some sort of surprise? Well, I am indeed surprised!
"And now, let's the real show.... begin." Loud cheering and a total silence happened after our MC, Rick Mal said his last speech. Mukhang bihasa na ito sa pagiging MC. He is good, I must say. The leader of the Blue Group and Pink Group headed to the center. They are smiling at each other even though, they'll be fighting each other and worse come to worst, taking lives.
"Hazel." Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa akin and I saw Victor giving me a signal to approach him. "Why?" I asked as soon as I approached him. "Don't stay there. It's dangerous. Come with me." I had left with no choice but to follow him, he even wrapped his arms around my shoulder while we are excusing ourselves to sit beside the panelist.
"I didn't have any idea that you'll be here today, Principal Spencer." I started. Tumingin ito sa gawi ko atsaka ngumiti. "Well, Victor Rough is the one who delivers an offer to me. I couldn't oppose." Napangiti naman ako doon at itinutok nalang ang aking mata sa laban.
Kinalabit ako ni Walter kaya napunta ang tingin ko sa Kanya. He's seating beside Victor and Victor is seating beside me. Next to me is Principal Spencer and Next to him is Mr. Rico U and next to Mr. Rico U is Mr. Arson. That's the alignment.
"What?" I murmured. The brawl already started and he is still poking my shoulder. "Seriously, Walter. If you had nothing to say you shouldn't keep on poking me." He puckered his lips. "Aren't you going to say hi to my dad?" Tanong nito. "Your dad? Where?"
"Next to Mr. Spencer Ancient." I turned my head to see the man beside Principal Spencer. I squint my eyes before turning my face to Walter. "Stop lying! He didn't even look like you. Are you dreaming or what? He's more handsome than you!" Mahinang bulong ko. Victor can't help but chuckle. Well, he heard clearly what I've said though.
"Grabe ka naman!" Nakangusong sagot nito. I giggled. I need to focus on the brawl so I wouldn't miss a scene. It's a fair scene. The leader of Blue Wand is mumbling a spell to water before he gave it to the leader of Purple Wand.
"What's happening?" Tanong ko kay Victor. "They both got exhausted after exchanging spells and running around the field. Z is offering him a glass of water." Bulong ni Victor sa akin. I squint my eyes at the glass of water. He just mumbled a spell there!
The leader of Purple Group smiled and take the water and in instant, he starts drinking it.
"Watch Krismo's downfall in 3.......2........1-"
"Blue Wand Winds!"
--
I still can't recover from the first downfall. The leader of Purple Group was poisoned and was hurriedly sent to the campus hospital. We can't lose our alumni's though and since the Blue team won they are destined to brawl with Green Group. The group of natures. I don't have any clue who'll win this brawl. Nature VS Poison makers. What technique are they going to use this time?
Rick announced the second brawl and everyone is anticipating it. Warren excused himself kasi nga marami pa siyang gagawin ngayon just like what he said last Saturday. Kaya ang naiwan nalang is Me, Walter and Victor, Rick was on the announcer table ahead from us since s'ya ang naatasan na mag MC.
"Do you guys want a snack?" Tanong ni Walter. Victor answered him but I remain silent. I am watching the brawl while squinting my eyes, placing my chin under my hand. I barely heard the spell that they are using but I can see clearly that it's 1 vs 2.
"You think it's unfair right?" Napatingin ako kay Walter. He's speaking while his mouth is full of snacks. I wanted to tell him to swallow the food inside his mouth first before talking to me but since nagawa naman na niyang magsalita habang puno ang bibig, wala na akong nagawa kundi pabayaan siya. "It is though. 1 vs 2"
"When it's not." Singit ni Victor. I shrugged. "Z can't handle the pain when he lost his 2 members so he told us that he'll fight alone whatever happens and if his life comes to an end in this brawl, someone is responsible and willing to take the lead and handle the group." He explained.
"At nakikita mo 'yang dalawang iyan? Sila nalang dalawa ang natira sa Green Group. If they won this time their group will last for 5 years and can make a legacy regarding the power of nature. If they won't... they're journey as Nature Wizards come to an end."
Same idea, same technique. The leader of Blue Wand Group handed a glass of water to the Leader of Green Group named Oxybu. Nakita ng isang member ang ginawa ni Z kaya naman bumulong ito kay Oxybu and likewise, he mumbled a spell, and Oleander (Nerium oleander) appeared on his palm.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a beautiful plant. All parts of the oleander plant are deadly and contain lethal cardiac glycosides known as oleandrin and neriine. If eaten, oleander can cause vomiting, diarrhea, erratic pulse, seizures, coma, and death. Fortunately, fatalities from oleander poisoning are rare, as the plant is very bitter. I just hope that Z can endure the pain that this plant gives.
They talked to each other and barter. Oxybu is telling Z to take a bite of the flower that makes me turn my hand into fists. "Hazel." Maybe they have forgotten that the man right there saves me from dying. He already touches the stem of the plant and it's enough. I fished out my wand pointed it to his hand and pull down my wand. His hand followed my gesture that makes him hands off the plant. I hid back my wand inside my pocket.
"Why did you do that!?" I heard the annoyance in Victor's voice so I squint my eyes at him. "Are you sick? You are ruining their brawl. Hazel! Damnit!" I remain silent while my eyes are focusing on the brawl. Oxybu didn't drink the glass of water that Z gave him and after a minute. I smirked when Z falls to the ground. He lost consciousness after touching the Oleander.
I lean my back on the backrest of the bleacher and closed my eyes. Well at least, I secured his safety. "I asked you, Why did you do that!?" Ibinuka ko ang mata ko atsaka tiningnan sa mata si Victor. "That man saved me from dying Victor. If not because of him I wouldn't make it here right now."
"My God, Hazel! This is their brawl! Not yours!" Napahilamos siya sa Mukha niya. "Then what do you expect me to do? Watch him die?"
"If you can, then yes! That's part of the competition." I frowned my brows. "Yes, I know that dying is part of this competition, but he lost his consciousness! Green Group won." I tried my best to stay calm while I am pointing the field with my free hand. Why can't he realize that I just did the best?
"But it is still unfair! You helped him! You shouldn't help anyone when they are brawling." I clenched my teeth before I composed myself to stand. Bahala na. Nawalan na din ako ng Gana na manuod pa ng brawl na ginagawa nila. Ang importante sa akin ay Buhay si Z.
"Hazel!" Hindi ko na sila pinansin at bumaba nalang sa bleacher. It's past 3 pm and I am starving. When I went down, Sakto namang narinig ko ang announcement ni Rick that Green team won and they'll be brawling with White Group. The group of sky and swords.
Umalis ako sa field at bumalik sa tent namin para Kunin ang coat ko. I wore my coat and heave a deep sigh before I left the tent. Dumiretso ako sa exit, Kung nasaan ang ibang brown wand members na nagbabantay. They gave way when they saw me coming. I headed to the three stones a bit far from the main field. Just like what I did before, I saw at the center at kinapa ang maliit na notebook na binigay ni Rick sa akin sa loob ng bulsa ko.
I tie my hair into a ponytail and open the notebook. My eyes widened when the notebook is empty. "Is this a sort-of prank?" I was about to close the notebook when I notice something. When I breathe on the notebook a bunch of text appears. I love magic but I hate this. Plano pa ata ni Rick na patayin ako kakabuga ng hangin sa notebook na ito.
Isinara ko na ulit ang Libro. I can't breathe there so the letter will appear though. Baka ikamatay ko pa 'yon. I need to think of a way to read what's hidden inside this notebook but not right now. I am still not in the mood to read some stuff.
--
I spend the rest of my time, laying in the center of the three big rocks. The air is soothing that it calms the inner me. Nakatingin lang ako sa kulay'ng abo na langit. The clouds are moving at Hindi ko namalayan na mag-gagabi na pala. When I take a look at Rolex, it's already 5 pm in the afternoon. Umayos ako ng upo atsaka inayos ang aking SS coat. Nobody's looking for me which is a good thing.
My tummy is grumbling so instead of going straight to the dorm, pumunta Muna ako sa cafeteria para mag-take out ng dinner. I fall in line just like the other students while my hands are on the pocket of my coat. Everyone is busy eating and talking about what happened in the brawl.
White won against Green. A piece of good news.
"2 cups of riceu and 5 chicken legs. I would like to have salad too." Tumango ang babae atsaka sinimulan nang ihanda ang order ko. "Take out, please," I added. I waited for 10 minutes bago nila ibinigay sa akin ang aking order. I was on my way out when I bumped into Victor and Walter.
"Hazel, I-"
"Excuse me." Bago pa matapos ni Victor ang sasabihin niya ay umiwas na kaagad ako. I am mad to him, I won't deny that. He wanted the person who save my life, dead. Dahil lang iyon ang batas ng laro. Kung iisipin ngang mabuti ay kung, Hindi dahil kay Z ay malamang nakahiga na ako sa aking libingan ngayon. Hindi ko alam kung alin ang mahirap intindihin doon.
Naglakad na ako pabalik sa dorm at nginitian si Queen of Hearts. Pumasok na ako sa loob ng dorm at dumiretso sa kwarto ko. I place my dinner on my couch and take off my coat. I turn on the lights before I closed the door and begin eating.
I know it's early to take my dinner, but I had nothing to do. I need to get rid of what happened. Baka bukas ay makalimutan ko na ang nangyari. Sana lang...