There are always a lot of hidden sides in every story.

This is a special chapter written in Scarlett Montecillo's Point of View. Enjoy!~

(Listen to the song while reading this chapter ;))

~ × ~

Two Weeks after Hillwood Day

       They say that there's no word for a parent who lost his or her child, for the pain they feel is beyond compare. One that can't be put into words.

       That was what I felt, too... when I thought I lost my daughter.

       My world fell into pieces, and as if it wasn't enough, fate still chose to pulverized it and turn it into ashes- ashes blown by the wind to Divinity knows where. And no, it's not enough to describe how painful it was. Kaya ngayong nasa piling ko na ulit ang anak ko, hinding-hindi na ako papayag na may mangyayari sa kanila. Hinding-hindi na ako papayag na mawawala ulit ang kahit sino sa kanila.

       One has to know what he or she is fighting for before entering a war, and I perfectly know what's mine. It's my family– Nick, Yohan, Hendrix, Travis, Jarvis and Alexandria. And if I have to mess with destiny itself to reassure their safety, secure their future and shield their happiness, I will gladly do so.

       Entering a war with a lot of people to protect... I know it will put me to a disadvantage. But if it's for my loved ones' happiness, I'm willing to take big risks.

       What's important to my children, is also important to me. The thing I'd do for them is way beyond someone's imagination. It's things that even the powerful beings in this world won't put a halt to- even fate won't be able to block my plans.

       At kung ang ibig sabihin ng pag-protekta ko sa kasiyahan nila, ay ang pakikipaglaro ko sa apoy, gagawin ko. Lahat gagawin ko... no matter the consequences may be.

       "Mrs. Montecillo." I took my sunglass off and turned my head sideways, paharap sa taong umupo sa tabi ko. We're both silent the moment our eyes met, contrary to how loud the place is. Nakaupo kasi kami sa isang bench sa gilid ng daan dito sa maingay at crowded na Town Center. Only people with keen eyes would recognize who I am.

       I gave her a nod and a smile before turning my attention on the line of people waiting for their orders in front of a stall. Isinuot ko rin ulit ang sunglasses ko para hindi makita ng mga tao ang pagbabago ng kulay ng mga mata ko. At nang maramdaman kong naka-Ability mode na ito ay pinakiramdaman ko na ang paligid, para masigurong walang ibang makakarinig at makakapansin sa aming dalawa.

       Better safe than sorry.

       "How is she?" Mahina kong tanong habang pinagmamasdan ang mga taong dumadaan sa harapan namin. I can see her body tensing through my peripheral vision.

       Hindi naman niya ako sinagot agad, at sa halip ay luminga-linga pa sa paligid. I can feel her anxiousness building up from here. She's scared.

       I can't help but smile. "Don't worry, we're safe. No one's around."

       Halata namang napanatag agad siya sa narinig mula sa akin, lalo pa't bumuntong hininga siya– a sigh of relief. Hindi naman siya sumagot agad kaya hinayaan ko lang muna. Mukhang malaki nga ang pabor na hiningi ko para sa kanya kaya naman natatakot siya ng ganito.

       I feel bad.. But the things I'd do for my family knows no boundaries.

       "A-ayos lang po siya." Kalaunan ay sumagot na itong katabi ko, pero hindi ako nagsalita. She obviously has a lot more to say, so I'm letting her be.

       "Mahina pa rin po siyang kumain, at hindi pa rin siya lumalabas lagi. Madalas din siyang nagigising ng hatinggabi, umiiyak. Dinadalaw po ata ng masamang mga panaginip." Napangiwi ako sa narinig ko, pero nanatili pa rin akong tahimik. Worry is starting to creep in my heart.

       "Lumalabas lang din po siya ng kwarto kapag bumibisita iyong kaibigan niya.." Napataas ang isang kilay ko sa narinig, kaya agad akong sumagot. "Friend?"

       Who could possibly that be?

       The girl beside me nodded, before answering. "Yung babae pong Victoria ang pangalan."

       Victoria... Hmm.

       Agad na akong tumayo matapos kong marinig iyon. Bahagya rin akong lumingon sa kanya dahil kitang-kita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha niya habang nakatitig sa akin. She must be wondering why I stood up.

       Mabilis ko na lang din na pinasadahan ng tingin ang suot niya– a simple shirt and jeans. Hindi man kita ng iba ay pansin na pansin ko naman ang pin sa belt niya– the Austria Family's security personnel's symbol. She would look like a simple employee if it isn't for her braided light blonde hair that stands out. She's beautiful, too– her eyes as fierce as the mysteries of Twilight, and as innocent and as hopeful as the Sunrise.

       Naeva Soleil Locklair

       Daughter of the most powerful family of Central. Her parents died of a mysterious death months after she was born. Before they passed away, Naeva's parents asked Nick and I a favor, and that is to hide her and keep her safe until she's old enough to carry the weight of their family name. They asked that request as if they already knew they'll die. I don't know the reason behind it, and what's even more surprising is that they wanted everything to be kept a secret. Kaya nang mamatay sila, nawala rin ng parang bula ang impluwensiya at presensya nila.

       Naeva, on the other hand, grew up safe and hidden under the Ferrer's Foundation care. Halos magka-edad lamang sila ni Travis, at siya ang kauna-unahang baby na nadala sa Foundation. Before Alexandria came, I visited her frequently. Nang magsimula naman ang killings noon, nalimitahan ang pagbisita ko sa Foundation para masigurado ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng bata roon. Hindi basta basta ang Foundation at nakatayo ito sa mga ligtas na lugar, far from the dangers of the outside world. They have their own community and homes, and they're also allowed to go out once or twice a month, if they're old enough.

       As for Naeva, she has her own set of security personnel, kung kaya naman ay madalas din siyang mamasyal kung saan saan. Hindi nga lang niya pwedeng sabihin kung sino siya, dahil iyon ang kaisa-isang bilin ng mga magulang niya. She goes by her fake name: Rue Sanchez

       Sa Oakwood siya nag-aral hanggang makatapos ng elementary. When I found out about Alexandria, I also realized that at some point, she became classmates with Naeva, too. Hindi nga lang sila naging magkaibigan dahil pareho naman silang ilag sa tao. And as of the moment, Naeva is studying in Montecillo Academy.

       Ilang taon na lamang ay babalik na siya sa Central, upang gawin ang mga tungkulin niya. She must uncover her parents' secrets, and the reason why they wanted to keep her hidden. Sa panahong iyon, sisiguraduhin ko ring maasahan niya ang tulong ko katulad ng kung paano ko naasahan ang tulong niya ngayon.

       "Keep on looking out for Cassandra, and inform me if something's wrong as soon as possible." I muttered before placing my hands on the top of her head. Kasabay nito ang paggana ng Ability ko.

       My winds will watch over you, Naeva.

       "Be careful, and leave as soon as you sense danger." She smiled and nodded. Her eyes full of courage and willingness.

       Nginitian ko na lang din siya bago ako nagsimulang maglakad paalis, papunta sa pinag-parkingan ng sasakyan ko. It's in a crowded space, a few blocks from here. Bago rin ako tuluyang makalayo ay naramdaman kong umalis na siya roon.

       Naeva is acting as my eyes and ears in Stephen's house, disguised as one of the security personnel of the family. Siya ang nagsisilbing taga-balita sa akin sa nangyayari kay Cassandra, at sa lagay niya.

       Simula noong mangyari ang kaguluhan noong Hillwood Day, at umalis papunta sa Central si Nick, alam kong hindi na nakakapunta si Alexandria roon. I know that both Travis and Alexandria misses Cass, and for some reason she's not talking to me, too... or maybe I'm wrong. Sa tuwing tinatanong ko rin si Stephen kung kamusta siya, iniiba nito ang usapan. It's as if he doesn't want me asking about her daughter. But how can I not? She is family.

       Knowing that she isn't Nichole's biological daughter didn't change anything. Si Cassandra pa rin ang anak ni Nichole para sa akin. She's my best friend's daughter, the cousin and friend my children love so much, and the smart girl that Nick and I both adore. No blood can ever change that fact. Cassandra is family, and I don't abandon my family.

       Mabigat man sa loob kong hayaan si Naeva na pumasok doon, malaki pa rin ang pasasalamat ko sa tulong niya. I don't want, and I will never leave Cassandra unattended.

       Agad akong sumakay sa backseat ng aking sasakyan nang marating ito. "Babalik na po ba tayo sa Mansion, Ma'am Scarlett?" My driver, one of our most trusted security personnel, asked. Inilingan ko agad siya bago ako tumingin sa labas.

       Time is of essence, and my every move is important. The Council watches my family like a hawk. Ngayong araw lang ako makakakilos ng malaya habang panandaliang nawala sa amin ang mga mata nila, salamat sa tulong ni Jace, kaya wala na akong sasayanging oras.

       "Let's go to Girdwood."

       There's two more who needs me.

~ ~

       Girdwood is very different compared to Oakwood and Hillwood. The town is small and quiet, a total opposite of the two. It's also peaceful here, a safe sanctuary you can run to if you feel too much pain.

       Kung kaya't hindi ko masisisi kung bakit dito nagpunta si Arianne at Vivienne.

       Yes, I know they're here. And even if I so badly want to tell my son, this is something that should happen. Arianne wants to breathe, and she must have that. She's currently living in agony, and so is Jarvis, but they both need it... to be stronger. To survive what's waiting for all of them.

       There are things that we can never change, especially if it's meant to happen. My children, and the lives of the people they love... they're all meant to suffer from the start. For the spikes embedded in their hearts will make them more powerful. It's her promise.

       And I have a promise I must fulfill as well. One I made to Lillian and Aleece.

       Huminto ang sasakyan sa gilid ng daanan papunta sa Girdwood Circle, sa unahan ng isa pang nakatigil na kotse. A gray BMW Nazca M12.

       Walang pag-aalinlangan namang bumaba ang driver ko nang tinanguan ko siya, kaya agad na rin akong tumingin sa rear view mirror upang pagmasdan ang pagbaba ng taong sakay ng kotse sa likuran. I saw him nod at my driver who's eyes are now in Ability mode, ready for any danger that might occur.

       Maya-maya pa ay bumukas na ang pintuan ng backseat, at sinalubong ako ng isang nakasimangot na mukha.

       "Why did you call me here?" He asked, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his voice. Pinagtaasan ko naman siya ng isang kilay.

       I guess we both know we're not each other's fan.

       "Do you want to get out of this car alive, or would you rather have your air supply cut off?" Umismid naman siya sa akin, pero kalaunan ay yumuko na lang. I smiled.

       Of course he knows what I can do.

       "What brought you to Girdwood?" He asked again, this time in a low tone of voice. Andoon pa rin ang inis sa boses niya pero hindi ko na lang ito pinansin. Kinuha ko na lang din ang dalawang litrato sa handbag ko, at iniabot ito sa kanya.

       Kitang-kita ko naman ang pagkunot ng noo niya nang tanggapin ito. His eyes are full of questions, and there's the visible irritation on his face again.

       "Arianne Faye Arabella and Vivienne Montclair." Bago pa siya makapagtanong ay nagsalita na ako, kaya nakuha ko ang buong atensyon niya. His brows furrowed in confusion.

       "Those two girls are named Arianne and Vivienne. They moved here last week, and they'll attend Girdwood High starting on Monday. I want you to look after them."

       The guy beside me scoffed at what I said, before returning the pictures to me. "Why would I do that?" Halatang ayaw nito ang pinapagawa ko sa kanya kaya agad ko siyang nilingon.

       "Did you forget that you owe me something, Axel Aidan Carson?" I calmly asked, a cold smile appearing on my lips.

       I don't want to do this, but he's asking me to show him my fangs. Akala ba niya ay hindi ako seryoso sa pinapagawa ko sa kanya? Arianne is close to my heart, and she's important to Jarvis and Alexandria. At hindi man kami malapit ni Vivienne, importante rin siya sa akin dahil anak siya ni Lillian, anak siya ng best friend ko.

       "Don't use that against me..." He answered in gritted teeth making me smirk.

       "Why? Have you forgotten what you did to my son? You threatened Hendrix's life, do you think I'll let you off the hook easily?" Kahit ilang buwan na ang lumipas, hinding-hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutan ang ginawa niya sa anak ko.

       He wanted to kill my son, just because his friends lost in the Hunt. Porke't nasagutan ang mga kaibigan niya sasaktan na niya ang anak ko? Who gave him the right?

       "I don't care, I can just ask my parents to take care of your anger." Aniya na ikinatawa ko ng mahina, bago biglang sumeryoso ang mukha ko.

       Why is this kid underestimating me? Nakakalimutan siguro niyang isang Ferrer-Montecillo ang kausap niya. I can destroy his family's reputation in just a blink of an eye.

       "Mukhang nakalimutan mo rin kung paano nagmaka-awa sa akin ang mga magulang mo, para lang maligtas ka. I spared your life because they begged for it. It won't be pretty if it happens again, don't you think?" Mahinahon kong sabi.

       Kitang-kita ko naman ang iritasyon sa mukha niya, at ang labis na pagtutol sa kanyang mata pero ngumiti nalang ako. I smiled sweetly at him.

       "I keep deep grudges, Axel. What you did to my son is unforgivable, and I'm trying to give you a chance to redeem yourself by doing what I ask of you. Look after Arianne and Vivienne, and you will be free."

       Sinigurado kong mararamdaman niya kung gaano ako ka-seryoso base sa tono ng pananalita ko. Ngunit alam ko rin namang alam na niyang hindi ako nagbibiro. Dapat lang.

       Hindi ko na rin siya inantay pang sumagot at sumandal nalang ako sa headrest, kasabay ng pagpikit ng mga mata ko. Mukhang alam na rin niyang ibig sabihin nito ay hinding-hindi siya pwedeng tumutol, dahil agad na siyang bumaba ng sasakyan.

       I still heard him sigh and mutter a few complaints, making me smile. He might be fuming with irritation right now, but I know him and his family... they won't disobey me. They're scared of me, after all... especially Axel.

       Maya-maya lang ay sumakay na rin ng kotse ang driver ko, at nagsimula ng magmaneho paalis. Idinilat ko naman ang mga mata ko para tumingin sa labas.

       A sad smile made its way on my lips upon realizing something. My three best friends are now gone. I can't help but think, and ask... Are they all happy now? Are they all in peace now?

       Pare-pareho silang may naiwanan na anak bago nawala sa mundong ito. Mga anak na napalapit na rin sa puso ko, sa pamilya ko at lalong lalo na sa mga anak ko. Hindi ko sila natulungan noong panahong nanganganib ang buhay nila, at hanggang ngayon ay mabigat iyon sa loob ko. I miss them so much, too.

       Bumuntong hininga na lang ako.

       Nichole, Lillian and Aleece... Don't worry. I will watch over your daughters, and I'll do everything I can to help and protect them.

~ × ~

Monday

       When I first learned about my Ability, I admit I was scared. Having the power to manipulate the element of Air is considered both a gift and a curse: gift for it makes you powerful and rare, and a curse because the element of Air won't bend for you, and instead it will enslave you. It will tell you to control your emotions and restrict yourself against your own will, and the winds will tell you things you wouldn't want to know.

       Like what happened three months ago...

       It was the most-awaited celebration of Hillwood Day, and I was preparing to leave for the Academy. I cannot say I was excited since apart of me was nervous that something bad might happen... and it really did.

       Ngunit bago pa mangyari iyon, bago pa ako makaalis ng Mansion, at makapunta ng Academy, ay para na ako agad binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. Pababa ako ng hagdanan noon nang maramdaman ko ang biglang paggana ng Ability ko, kaya agad akong natigilan. I thought the winds were warning me of danger, and it really did... but it was much more than that.

       Sanay na ako sa malakas na hampas palagi ng hangin sa balat ko.. Pero noong mga oras na iyon, ibang takot ang naramdaman ko. Takot hindi lang para sa mga taong pwedeng madamay, kung hindi ay takot para sa mag-Aama kong nasa Academy ng mga oras na iyon.

       But that fear was accompanied by pain– pain of betrayal. Then, anger quickly built up inside of me. Muli ay nagawa kong magpalamon sa lakas ng Air Element, at kahit malayo ay alam kong kayang-kaya kong putulin ang supply ng hangin sa mga taong may masamang binabalak noong araw na iyon... Pero ang nakakagulat, tila hindi gumana ang Ability ko sa lakas ng barrier na nakapalibot sa Academy.

       Right there and then I knew, it was starting. The war we've been trying to prevent... It has started. And it's a force that our power cannot fight against. A battle we'll never win on our own. Kung kaya't doon pa lang, alam ko ng tama ang desisyon naming huwag magpadalos-dalos simula pa lang.

       Nick was right when he said that there's a right time for it– there's a right time for Alexandria to face the danger that's waiting for her... for all of us.

       At habang hindi pa dumarating ang araw na iyon, gagawin ko muna lahat ng magagawa ko upang protektahan sila. Habang hindi pa dumadating ang tamang oras, kami na muna ang gagalaw para sa kanila.

       "Long time no see, Mallory and Alfred." I smiled at the two figures that entered my office. It's been more than two months since I last saw the both of them.

       At sa tuwing nakikita ko sila, napapatanong talaga ako palagi sa sarili ko kung bakit kami nauwi sa isang alyansa. But I guess, it's true. Sometimes unlikely alliances are born in pursuit of the greater good.

       "Kamusta ang naging buhay niyo sa Oakwood?" Tanong ko nang umupo sila sa harapan ko. Umismid naman sila pareho kaya napa-iling nalang ako. They didn't change at all.

       "Para mo na rin akong tinanong kung kamusta ang buhay ng nakakulong, Scarlett." Mallory answered while raising her eyebrow, making me laugh. Kahit kailan ay napaka-maldita ng babaeng ito. Pati nga si Alexandria hindi niya pinalampas, muntik ko na siyang awayin dahil doon.

       "Sa akin ka pa ba magsisinungaling, Mallory? Oo nga't dinakip kayo ng Council, pero diba't hindi naman kayo nagtagal sa puder nila? They let you go after two weeks, and I even had to come up with reasons whenever Yohan ask about the both of you." Dahil sa sinagot ko ay si Alfred naman ang napataas ang kilay. Umayos din siya ng upo bago pinasingkit ang mga mata niya.

       "And why is your son asking about us? The last time I checked, he doesn't like us." A teasing smile made its way on my lips upon hearing his question.

       "Apparently, he's been getting along with Melissa. He shared the informations he got from me to your daughter." Sumimangot naman ang mukha ni Alfred kaya agad na tumawa si Mallory. Lalo ring lumapad ang ngiti ko dahil sa pagtutol sa mata niya.

       "Scarlett, if your son is playing with my–" Hindi ko na siya pinatapos sa gusto niyang sabihin, at agad na akong nagsalita.

       "Don't worry, Alfred. I didn't teach my children to play with other people's feelings. Besides, they only get along with someone they really like. They don't like fake people." I assured him.

        Bumuntong-hininga naman siya, kaya si Mallory na lang ang sumagot.

       "Let's stop talking about the kids. They're old enough to handle their own feelings, and make their own decisions." I nodded at what she said, before clearing my throat, preparing to ask for a more important topic.

       "Now that you've decided to come back here... I take it you already found what you're both looking for?" Nagkatinginan naman ang mag-asawa sa tanong ko, bago sabay na tumango. I cannot decipher the emotions in their eyes, as if it's a mixture of everything they're feeling. For that, I don't know whether to be worried or not.

       "Whatever it is that you want to say, you can say it here. Montecillo Mansion's grounds are safe and protected." Paninigurado ko sa kanila.

       Andito kasi kami sa opisina ni Nick, na pansamantalang ginagamit ko. I told my children I have a meeting I need to attend, when the truth is I'm just here. Inantay ko pang maka-alis sila Hendrix at Alexandria bago ko pinapunta sila Mallory at Alfred. Balang araw ay malalaman din nila kung ano ang mga importanteng bagay na inaayos namin, pero sa ngayon, mas makakabuti kung wala muna silang alam.

       Besides, knowing them, I'm sure they're already on their way to find the answers they've been looking for. I trust them.

       "We've found the buried truth behind our parents' deaths." I gulped at what Alfred said. I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear the truth.

       "And...?" Tanging tanong ko.

       Inaamin kong natatakot at kinakabahan ako sa kung ano man ang maririnig ko. Pero masyado ng matagal na ipinagkait sa akin ang katotohanan. My parents deserve real justice.

       Ito ang ipinunta nila Alfred at Mallory sa Oakwood. Aside from the fact that they've been captured, they also wanted to look for the truth– the truth behind my parents, and their parents' death. Matapos silang pakawalan ng Council, hindi muna nila ipinaalam kanila Melissa at Raven na malaya na sila. Ninais muna nilang makakilos ng malaya sa Oakwood.

       And of course I am supporting their plan, because it concerns me, too. Ilang taon kaming namuhay sa galit, dahil lang sa pag-aakalang ang mga magulang nila Alfred at Dana nga ang pumatay sa Mommy at Daddy ko. Hindi pala. At ilang taon din silang namuhay sa kahihiyan dahil sa maling akusasyon sa mga magulang nila... Poor Dana even had to go to States to move on from their parents death, and where did it brought her? To that devil of a guy who raped her.

       I... I feel so guilty. Isa ako sa mga galit na galit sa mga Pierce. Buong akala ko talaga kasi ay ang mga magulang nila ang pumatay sa parents ko. I was a daughter seeking for justice, and I made sure I'll get it. It was too easy, though... I should've thought of that.

       "We look back on all the files from both our parents deaths years ago, but we still didn't find anything. So, we decided to look for the name you told us. Akala namin ay hindi na namin mahahanap ang taong sinasabi mo, hanggang sa napadpad kami sa border. There we found that person." Seryosong turan ni Mallory, kaya napatango nalang ako. I can't seem to say anything, and the only sound I can hear is their voice and the loud beating of my heart.

       "She only said one name, Scarlett. One name behind all of it." Seryoso nalang akong napatingin sa mga mata nilang dalawa, habang nag-aantay ng sasabihin nila.

       I don't know what I should feel. The anticipation is killing me, but I also don't want to hear it yet. I wish Nick is here.

       "Gabriel Morte." Alfred said.

       Napakawalan ko na lang ang paghinga na kanina ko pa pala pigil nang marinig ang pangalang iyon. Sumalampak nalang din ako sa sandalan ng sofa kasabay nang pagbagsak ng luha ko. Alam ko naman... Alam ko naman ng siya talaga, pero nais kong makasigurado. Sa pagkakataong ito, ayokong basta basta na lamang maniwala kaya gusto kong makumpirma muna ang nalaman ko...

       At ngayon... Here's the truth in front of me, slapping me so I can finally wake up.

       And as if life is taunting me, my memories from Hillwood Day entered my mind again. The message I got that day is still as clear as sunlight. The message that triggered everything.

       "Scarlett, may the winds bring this message to you. Everyone is in danger, Stephen is planning something today."

       That day I heard Favian's voice, as if it was one with the winds, warning me of what's waiting for everyone.

       "Stephen... His real name is Gabriel Morte. And if I can't escape the people chasing me, I want you to know that I heard him talking about your parents' death. Find the investigator assigned on your parents' case, and please... take care of my family. Please keep my family safe, in case something happens to me."

       Hindi ko maipaliwanag kung gaano kalaki ang sakit at galit na natamo ko sa nalaman kong iyon. I've always known that Stephen is not to be trusted, but this... he killed my parents! He took away something from me, and he even placed my children's lives in danger because of what happened at Hillwood Day.

       Ang dami dami niyang kasalanan sa akin.

       All these time, a devil has really been under our care. Nick really meant it when he said never to trust anyone, for in this game of life where people constantly seek for power... only the smart ones win.

       "Saan nakatira ang taong iyon?" Mahina kong tanong kanila Mallory habang marahas na pinupunasan ang luha ko.

       That investigator... He needs to pay now. Kaibigan siya nila Mommy, kaya nga kampante akong huhulihin niya ang nararapat na may sala sa nangyari sa mga magulang ko. Tapos malalaman ko na lang, kasabwat pala siya sa paglilibing ng katotohanan? Kaya pala... kaya pala matapos din ang ilang taon ay bigla nalang siyang nawala.

       "What will you do, Scarlett?" Mallory asked.

       Isang ngiti naman ang ibinigay ko sa kanila. At alam kong alam na nila ang ibig nitong sabihin.

       That person owes me the truth, and it's time to ask him for a payment... his life.

~ ~ ~

Saturday

        Twenty years ago, I faced a battle I wasn't ready for. I entered a war I wasn't aware of. I was unprepared and it cost me my parents' life. Now, I'm standing in the middle of a new war where my children's live are at stake, and this time I'll make sure I win.

       Sumandal ako sa headrest nitong swivel chair ko, at pumikit. I can slowly feel my Ability activating as the wind encircles me.

       Maya maya lang ay naramdaman ko na ang koneksyon ko sa asawa ko, kaya agad akong napangiti.

        "How are you?" I softly asked. Alam kong dinadala na ito ng hangin papunta kay Nick.

       This is one of the advantages of being an Air Manipulator.

       "I miss you." Mas lalo naman akong napangiti sa narinig makalipas ang ilang minuto. "I miss you, too. Your kids miss you as well."

       "Are they all there?" Bakit kahit hindi ko siya kaharap ay alam na alam ko kung gaano siya kasabik makita ang mga anak niya? It's like I can actually see his face right now.

       The Council forbids any communication between Nick and us, but I don't care. Kaya ginagamit ko ang hangin upang kausapin siya, dahil alam kong sa ganitong paraan ay hindi nila malalaman na nag-uusap kami.

       "The boys are still sleeping. As for your daughter, she's not here. She's in Oakwood with Xenon." Sagot ko sa kanya. Binalingan ko rin sandali ang wristwatch ko upang makita kung anong oras na. Siguradong mamaya lang ay darating na ang anak namin.

       "Xenon finally brought her to Dana, huh?" I unconsciously nodded. Alam ko naman kasing sa Montreal Manor talaga sila pupunta, isa pa ay maayos ding nagpa-alam sa'kin si Xenon.

       "It's starting, Nick. That's why I decided to postpone our trip to Central, we need more time here and you need time to do your mission there, too."

       "What will you tell your children? They will ask questions, you know them." Napangiti ako sa narinig.

       Of course, I know that. They're just like you... curious about a lot of things. Always eager to look for answers.

       "I'll make up reasons. Ako na ang bahala. Isa pa, nausog din ang party ng mga Montclair kaya magkakaroon ka pa ng oras para gawin ang plano. Plus, we need a little bit more time for Yohan. It's really happening to him, he's really starting to suffer, Nick." Narinig ko naman siyang bumuntong hininga.

       "We both know this was meant to happen, but you can't still stop yourself from worrying, huh?"

       "It's a mother's job to worry, dear husband." Akala mo siya hindi rin nag-aalala. Siya nga itong mas grabeng nag-alala nang malaman namin ang nag-aantay na kapalaran sa mga anak namin.

       "I know. Just, take care of yourselves please? I will do everything I can from here. I'll make sure they'll win this war in the end. Our children will be safe, I promise you that."

       "I know you will." Ngumiti nalang ako dahil alam ko ring oras na para tapusin ang komunikasyon, at konesyon namin. Agad nalang din akong tumayo upang lumabas ng opisina ko.

       I can't help but smile while thinking of the Council.

       They thought they can bring us down by siding with the enemy. Gabriel may have the power, but it was my family who gave his position to him. If it was up to me, I would take that position back already. But we're following a plan, so I need to stay still for now.

       I'm not worried though.

       Let them believe we're weakened. Let them think they have us in the palm of their hands. The best way to defeat the enemy is by tricking them that you're losing.

       Besides, the Council doesn't make the rules. I, Scarlett Jane Ferrer Montecillo, does.