Kabanata 44
Trip

Celestia Rogue

"Hello beautiful goddess."

The child greeted a beautiful woman that she saw in the lake where she often visits the mysterious man.

After she secretly sneaked out of the garden she is told to not stepped out of, she would always play near that man.

She likes his presence.

And now, a very beautiful goddess came to visit. She knows her, for she is one of the deity's that visited their land which she secretly observes along with the other angels.

"How are you, pretty little angel?"

She smiled.

She has this soothing aura around her that made the child instantly feel comfortable.

"I had such a good day! I like playing in here!"

The child let out a happy giggles making the goddess smile at her genuinely then looked at the man, just reading a book silently.

"Angels were usually afraid of you, you were the only god with no angels."

She commented.

"I never cried out of happiness to create angels in my land, that's why."

He shrugged.

"I'm sure one of this days, you will."

She smiled, inilingan lamang siya ng lalaki na nagpangiti sa dalaga saka binalingan ng tingin ang magandang munting anghel.

"I thought you never liked having someone around specially a child?"

The woman said amused, the man just sighed and choose not to answer.

Hindi alam ng bata kung bakit kakaiba ang titig ng babae sakaniya na may bahid ng pag aalala ngunit panatag siya dahil nakikita niya sa mga mata nitong may mabuti siyang kalooban.

"I like being around him."

The child shrugged then giggles as she played with the leaves to make her float. Nailing ang lalaking hinawakan siya sa paa at marahang ibinaba habag nasa libro pading binabasa ang mga mata.

"Are you not afraid of him? why do you like being around him? Angels are usually afraid of him."

The goddess asked the little angel making her smile.

"I'm not afraid of him, I know he will never hurt me, and I can see that he's sad so I volunteered as his friend, so he won't be sad anymore! I am also always alone in our land, and it makes me feel down."

The child stated happily making the goddess smile as she kissed her forehead.

"I feel tingly."

The little angel giggled.

"I, the goddess of enlightenment gives you my blessing and protection, my bright child. May this little angel always find happiness whatever path she will take."

The goddess chanted making the child smile as her pair of beautiful golden eyes glowed and turned krystal clear for a moment which made them froze.

Hindi niya maintindihan ang kalungkutan at pangambang pilit na ikinukubli ng mga mata ng diyosa.

"Why are you worried?"

The child asked making the goddess stop as she stared at the strange child and shook her head as she caressed the child's hair.

"You should go home, it's getting late."

She whispered then looked at the man that suddenly stood up.

"What are you two worried about?"

The child asked innocently, but then the man suddenly carried her.

"I'll take you home now."

He smiled at her and kissed her forehead, unti unti ay bumigat ang talukap ng munting anghel roon.

"Make sure she won't see the little angel."

Iyon ang huling mga katagang narinig niya saka siya tuluyang nilukob ng kadiliman.

Napabuntong hininga nalamang ako nang maalala ang napanaginipan ko. Isa nanamang ala alang hatid ng shattered core. Nang mawalan ako ng malay ay iyon ang laman ng panaginip ko, at nang magising ay nasa aking silid na ako. Hinatid ako roon nung tatlong kumag.

Dati ay tanging maliliit na senaryo lamang ang nakikita ko, ngunit ngayon ay tila ba mas importante ang mga ala alang inilalahad saakin.

Para bang may ipinapahiwatig ang mga ito na kailangan kong malaman. Kanino ba ang ala alang ito? does it belong to one of the two great gods who owns the shattered core?

"You okay Lucius?"

Eithan asked, napakurap ako doong humarap sakaniya saka ngumiti.

"Yes may naalala lang."

Ngiti ko saka sabay na naglakad patungo sa kwarto ni Fiona sa girls dormitory. Kasama ko ngayon si Misha, Noah at Eithan, nag aya silang bisitahin si Fiona dahil isang linggo na itong nagkukulong sakaniyang kwarto.

"Fiona? it's us, are you okay?"

Misha asked with a gentle tone, hindi ito sumagot.

"Fiona, nag aalala na kami."

Noah said concerned.

"Fiona!"

Eithan knocked on her door, nagkatinginan kaming apat. Should I teleport inside? right in front of them?

"Fiona? it's me Lucius."

I uttered.

"Should we break the door?"

Eithan asked.

"No, wait."

Sambit ko, kasabay ng dahan dahang pagbukas ng pintuan at ang pagtama ng mga mata namin.

She seems restless and I know what's the reason after hearing her thoughts.

"Come in."

She said as she lets us in.

Agad kaming nagsipasok saka niya isinara ang pintuan at naglagay ng matibay na barrier.

"What's happening Fiona? Nag aalala na kami, isang linggo ka ng nagkukulong sa kwarto mo."

Napabuntong hiningang saad ni Misha na bakas ang pangamba sakaniyang muka.

"It's about my father."

She said making their forehead crease.

"I think I found him, wala siya dito sa Zaveri at may posibilidad na buhay siya."

Naiiyak nitong saad na nagpamulagat sa mga mata nila.

"R-Really? is grandpa really alive?"

Eithan asked making Fiona nod her head. Ang kaniyang ama ang dahilan kaya sila naririto sa kaharian ng Zaveri.

"Noong umalis siya patungong Zaveri ay hindi siya natuloy para sana bisitahin ang nagmamay ari nitong eskwelahan. He is devoured by that leak that devours anyone who gets near it and they never comes back!"

She said as she clenched her fists

"T-That leak that no one can seal?"

Gulantang na saad ni Noah na nagpatango kay Fiona. Napangisi ako roon, interesting, I am planning to go to that leak anyways and confirm what Allen told me.

"Are you sure about this, princess Fiona?!"

Tanong ni Misha na tila ba nalimutang naririto ako.

"Yes! I found him and I can feel it! he needs our help!"

Fiona said hysterically then looked at me.

"Help us Lucius, nararamdaman ko! nararamdaman ko kung gaano ka kalakas at nararamdaman kong ikaw lang ang makakatulong saakin...please...please help us and I will do anything with my power to pay you back."

She begged desperately while crying, inalalayan namin siya.

"Fiona, what are you saying?"

Kunot noong tanong ni Eithan.

"I can feel it, I can feel your overflowing mana no matter how you try to hide it at alam kong may itinatago ka pa. Wala akong balak ipaalam sa iba kahit pa alam ko iyon, pero nagmamakaawa ako..."

Napapikit ito ng mariin habang humahagulgol.

"Please, please bring my father back, Lucius, I beg you..."

She pleaded making me sigh.

"I will, Princess Fiona Bailey."

I smiled.

"R-Really?"

Eithan asked delighted with my answer.

Napatango ako roon at natigilan nang bigla nalang akong yakapin ng mahigpit ni Fiona.

"Thank you so much, Lucius."

She said genuinely as she hugged me tight, nailing nalang akong niyakap ito pabalik.

"Anything for a friend."

I smiled at her sincerely then wiped her tears making the princess smile.

"So what should I call you two? should I call you your highness from now on?"

I smirked then looked at Eithan, nanlaki ang mata nila roon.

"Yes, I've known from the start Princess Fiona Bailey and the crown prince Eithan Bailey. Even Misha and Noah who is your personal knights."

I chuckled.

"H-How?"

Taka at gulat na sabay pang tanong ni Noah at Eithan.

"I have my ways."

I winked at them, hindi ko pwedeng sabihing naririnig ko ang mga nasa isipan nila dahil tiyak na mahihiya si Eithan sa lahat ng pumapasok sakaniyang isipan.

Nailing nalang ako roon.

"So when are we going?"

Tarantang tanong ni Misha saka tumingin kay Fiona na mukang may malalim na iniisip.

"We should go now, ayokong mag sayang ng oras, gusto ko ng mailigtas si ama... please, we to save him before it's too late."

Mariin at determinadong sambit niya saka napapikit nalamang na ikinatango namin.

THAT DAY WE PREPARED for our trip to the Bailey kingdom and then decided to go before noon.

Sasakyan ng mga ito ang gagamitin daw namin. Eithan can also make vehicle with his power and not just weapons since it's advance.

"Not bad, that is suck a cool vehicle."

I grinned, nag iwas lamang ito ng tingin.

"T-thank you."

He said shyly, napahawak pa ito sakaniyang batok na nagpailing lang saakin. Hindi ko kasalanang ganito kalakas ang alindog ko at kahit nasa pagkatao ako ni Lucius ay nababakla ang mga kalalakihan saakin.

"I have my own vehicle, susunod nalang ako."

Ngisi ko saka kinuha iyon mula saaking space storage na nagpamangha sakaniya.

"Wow, that's a cool looking bike."

Eithan said amazed, siya ang pinaka namangha rito.

"I'll teach you how to make it next time."

I shrugged, sunod sunod itong tuwang tuwang napatango.

"Let's go."

I chuckled as I put my helmet on and rode the motor bike, it's an unusual vehicle that my mother used to tell me about.

Mahaba ang magiging biyahe namin na aabutin ng isang linggo at ilang segundo lamang kung magteteleport ako.

Pero gusto ko ding sakyan itong ginawa ko kaya naman ay sasabay nalamang ako sakanila.

It is a fun journey to me, pero hindi ko nalang maiwasang mapangiti nang maalalang ito ang daang binaybay ko noon habang papunta kami sa Bailey kingdom upang ipatapon ako sa sealed leak.

They tormented me so much on our way while my face is covered with sack.

"What are you thinking?"

Fiona asked then handed me a drink while we were resting after three days of long trip, agad ko iyong nilagok at nginitian siya.

"Good old days."

Ngisi ko nalamang.

"Thank you nga pala."

Napabuntong hiningang sabi niya saka tumingin saakin.

"Thank you for agreeing to my selfish request and sorry for bothering you."

Napapikit niyang saad, bakas ang kalungkutan sakaniyang mga matang nangungulila sakaniyang ama.

"I won't agree on something I cannot do, I'm not that conceited."

I shrugged.

"You're an amazing person Lucius."

Fiona smiled at me.

"I think not."

Naiiling na sabi ko na ikinairap nito.

"Well I think you are."

She chuckled.

"And I hope you could pass whatever challenge you will face and see the light no matter what path you will take."

Makahulugang saad niya.

"I don't know why, but I feel like you were carrying to much in your shoulders."

She looked at me and patted my back.

"You can give me some if it's getting heavy, kapag hindi mo na kaya."

Ngiti niya, para bang may humaplos sa puso ko roon.

"Kaya ko pa, don't worry."

Turan ko saka ttumingin sa magandang kalangitan.

"You're a great friend Fiona, I'm glad that I met you, you and those three idiots."

I mumbled then laughed, this time it's true, I really see them as my friends now.

"I'm glad that I met you too, Lucius, kahit gaano ka pa kagago minsan---madalas ata."

Tawa niya.

"But seriously, kapag hindi mo na talaga kaya, nandito lang kami. You can tell us anything, your secret is safe with us. Alam kong malakas ka, pero minsan kahit gaano ka kalakas ay mapapagod at mapapagod ka talaga which is fine. Nandito kaming mga kaibigan mo para lumaban para sayo, para alalayan ka."

Litanya niyang nagpangiti saakin.

"Thank you."

I said sincerely.

"Hoy! bat nagsasarili kayo diyan! gusto din namin mag drama ah!"

Reklamo ni Misha na kararating lang kasama si Noah at Eithan na bumili ng makakakain na nagpatawa saamin.

"Yown!"

Fiona giggled then snatched her chocolate from Eithan that sat beside me. Si Noah naman ay pumagitna at umakbay saamin ni Fiona, samantalang si Misha ay sumiksik na din sa gitna namin.

"I love this view."

Misha chuckled as we all watched the sunset on an empty field as we sat on the hood of their vehicle.

The sky turned gold ang orange. Ang sabi ni mama ay napakaganda ng paglubog ng araw dito sa Mytheia.

I wonder how many worlds are out there? I wonder how many creatures are living in each worlds? I wonder if there is parallel world? did the Celestia in that world has the same faith as mine?

No one knows, right now I just wanted to focus into doing my role in this world and probably live the way I wanted once everything is over.

I want to live freely without any concerns once I am done with my mission.

"Hoy Noah, Lucius, wag kayong uminom at magdadrive pa kayo diba?"

Saway ni Misha na nagpanguso kay Noah at napakamot ng ulo dahil wala itong magagawa sa utos ng kasintahan. Ako naman ay ngumisi lang na tuloy tuloy na nilagok ang alak.

"It's fine, hindi ako madaling malasing."

Ngisi ko saka muling kumuha ng alak at kumain ng chips na hawak ngayon ni Eithan.

"So how old are you four? you're not really eighteen right?"

I asked.

"I'm twenty five."

Noah shrugged.

"I'm just twenty two, so hindi din nalalayo."

Misha added while eating.

"Twenty three."

Simpleng sagot ni Eithan. Oh same age lang pala kami neto, napatingin ako sa gawi ni Fiona na napanguso at ayaw kaming pansinin. Nagpipigil naman ng tawa doon sila Misha at Noah, samantalang si Eithan ay nginisian siya na lalo lang nagpasimangot sa dalawa.

"T-Thirty."

Nguso niya na tila ba masama pa ang loob saka sinamaan ng tingin ang magjowang tawang tawa ngayon.

"She's your aunt?"

I asked Eithan, tahimik naman itong napatango.

"Hindi naman halata eh! kita niyo nga nakumbinsi pa natin ang lahat na eighteen lang ako!"

Iritang sambit nito habang asar na nakatingin sa nakangisi naming mga ekspresyon.

"Wala naman kaming sinasabing matanda ka na."

Natatawang saad ko dahilan upang samaan ako nito ng tingin na lalo lang nagpahagalpak saamin.

We spent our night on that empty field since tatlong araw din kaming walang tulog na wala namang kaso saakin dahil hindi naman ako talaga maaapektuhan ng pagpupuyat.

Then the next morning, we started our trip that lasted for four days until we finally reached the Bailey kingdom.

It is a kingdom that has more oceans and lakes in it. Even the palace is actually underwater and is said to be the sacred land of the water god.

And surface naman ay may iilang mga isla kung saan naninirahan ang mga citizens ng kaharian. Most citizens are mermaids and other water beastmen.

"Do you also have a water attribute? or is it just metal from your mother?"

I asked Eithan.

"I also have water attribute but kept it a secret in the University since they cannot know that I am the Bailey kingdom's crown prince."

He stated making me nod my head on him, I heard that the crown prince of Bailey, which is Eithan, is almost on par with Nataliah in terms of mana.

"Are we going to the palace?"

Misha asked.

"No, we can't untill were sure to rescue grandpa, ayokong umasa nanaman si uncle Dylan."

Eithan sighed, nanlambot doon ang ekspresyon ni Fiona.

"The current emperor? your uncle?"

I asked, tumango siya doon na nagpangisi lang saakin.

Dylan huh?

He is said to be the current emperor of Bailey after his older brother died, he will pass the throne to Eithan when he turns twenty five.

"We should stay in the capital to rest and prepare for tomorrow."

I stated, nagsitanguan sila roon.

"We could stay on a famous inn in the capital, my mermaid friend owns it."

Fiona stated making us nod our head on hear as we hid our faces under our cloaks and walked to the inn Fiona is talking about.

THE NEXT DAY, I woke up on an unfamiliar room, the inn we were staying at. Napangiti ako nang makita ang mails ni Draco saakin.

From: Drashit

Good morning beautiful. *sleepy but still thinks about you.*

From: Drashit

I want to see you. *sad noises huhu*

Tawang tawa ako sa mga pahabol niya sa bawat mails. What the heck? so out of character! napapunas ako ng luha sa kakatawa at nailing nalang.

To: Drashit

Hey handsome, what's for breakfast? ako kasi gustong ikaw sana pero mapagtitiisan na yung pagkain sa baba. *rorr*

From: Drashit

Don't tease me my lady, I might take it seriously. And isn't it suppose to be rarr? *rarr rarr while shaking my head*

Ayon sabog si Drashit.

Natatawa ako habang binabasa iyon. God! he can be adorable sometimes, that made me giggle to myself.

To: Drashit

Depende sa tono siguro pagka malandi rerr *rerr rerr*

I chuckled as I sent it to him.

From: Drashit

Ohh I see.... uwu *nodding my head*

To: Drashit

uwu? unhappy without you? *giggles*

From: Drashit

The emperor said you can create emoji using letters and symbols here like uwu instead of actually saying it. But yes I am unhappy without you baby *winks* *Q* T_T ;** O_o ^,^ >3<

That made me smile then shook my head on him.

From: Drashit

But It's strange that I don't feel any of your energy here in Zaveri for a week now. *confused face*

To: Drashit

I'm not in Zaveri since I had to do a mission, but I teleport there at midnight to meet you, ganyan ka kalakas saakin. *rorr winks winks*

"Lucius?"

Narinig kong pagtawag ni Eithan mula sa labas.

"Yeah?"

I said lazily.

"Fiona said that we will all eat breakfast together before we go to that leak."

He stated, my mouth formed an 'o'

"Sure, sunod nalang ako."

Sagot ko rito saka nagtype ng reply kay Drashit.

From: Drashit

Can I call? where are you? *curious and definitely won't go there just to see you rerr*

He asked making me chuckle.

To: Drashit

Ikukwento ko nalang sayo pagdating ko, just focus on your work, I know you're busy. Love you *hugs and kisses*

From: Drashit

Fine, please take care. *pouts, definitely not nagtatampo cause I want to see you and I am mature*

That made me laugh more.

To: Drashit

Cutie.

From: Drashit

I am handsome, don't call me cute, lady. *frowns and irritated but still loves you so not mad*

From: Drashit

I love you most, please be back safe. *wipes tears dramatically*

That made me smile then just turn off my communicator since hindi na matatapos ang pagpapaalam kapag nagreply pa ako.

We ate our breakfasts together in that inn then I took them to my room.

"Anong gagawin natin dito?"

Kunot noong tanong ni Misha na nagpangisi saakin.

"Shortcut."

I chuckled as I teleported us to the abandoned Island where the devouring leak is located.

"What the heck?! you can damn teleport?!"

Gulantang na saad ni Noah na mukang hindi naman na ikinagulat ni Fiona at Eithan.

"Can you also teleport to Zaveri?"

Tanong din ni Misha.

"Yeah."

I shrugged.

"Tapos pinahirapan mo pa tayong bumyahe!"

Reklamo ni Noah na nagpangisi lang saakin.

"I want to use my motorbike."

Tawa kong ikinasimangot nila saka ako nauna ng maglakad patungo sa leak.

"W-wait sigurado ba kayo dito?"

Kinakabahang tanong ni Misha.

"Pwede kayong magpaiwan kung naduduwag kayo, ililigtas ko si ama."

Determinadong saad ni Fiona na nagpangisi lamang saakin saka kami sabay na sabay na nagpahigop sa leak.

"What the..."

They uttered as they saw how horrible looking the place is.

Ngunit nang lumingon sila sa gawi ko ay bahagya pa silang natigilan.

"W-where is Lucius and who are you?!"

Takang tanong ni Misha nang makabawi sa pagkakatulala saakin.

"Oh? I went back to my original form? I didn't expect this leak could do that."

I shrugged, they blinked.

"L-Lucius? you're Lucius aren't you?"

Eithan asked enchanted as he look into my eyes.

"The one and only."

I winked at them making them gasp.

"H-How? what? why?"

Gulantang pading saad ni MIsha.

"This is my original form, I'm not a he just like how Fiona is not really a she."

I shrugged then looked at Fiona who is now back to her original form.

"Emperor Dylan?!"

Gulantang na saad ng tatlo sa lalaking nasa likod ko na kanina lamang ay nagpapanggap bilang si prinsesa Fiona.

"W-What the...wait I can't process this! si Lucius ay Lucia pala! tapos ngayon---"

"Celestia, that's my name."

I shrugged, kinunutan ko ng noo si Eithan na tulala padin ngayon saakin animo'y nalove at first sight.

"Sorry, I'm taken."

I shrugged, natigilan siya doon at tila ba nanlumo, nailing nalang akong tinapik tapik siya sa balikat.

"And what? we were with the emperor all along?! edi sino ang namamahala sa palasyo?"

Kunot noong tanong ni Noah.

"My sister, the real Fiona who is just disguising as me, Dylan since I wanted to personally find father. I'm sorry for not telling you guys sooner."

The blue haired man said as his krystal blue eyes glowed as he glanced at me making me grin.

"Gusto ko pa sanang iproseso ang lahat pero tangina! ano yan!"

Tili ni Misha nang makita ang dambuhalang halimaw na papalapit.

"Father..."

Seryosong saad ni Fiona, or should I say Dylan habang malungkot na nakatitig sa halimaw.

"I saw it, I saw it a week ago, he is cursed by this land..."

Naikuyom nito ang kaniyang kamao dahilan upang tuluyan ng mawalan ng malay si Misha na agad na dinaluhan ni Noah.

Napangisi nalamang ako nang makita ang guide butterly na lumilipad sa dibdib nito.

'Wow the core part inside the monster core?'

I thought.

'It's a demon and a monster, someone puts the core part in that demon who uses the past emperor's mana that made it stronger.'

Hugo explained, nailing nalamang ako roon.

"Don't get near it, it devours mana."

I said when I saw Eithan about to attack it.

"I will be that devil's opponent."

I said.

"But Luciu---Celestia!---"

Pinutol ko ang sasabihin ni Eithan at inilingan siya.

"I will just have to take his core out, hindi niya makakayang galawin ang mana ko kaya wala kayong dapat ipag alala."

Ngisi ko saka tumakbo na sa kinaroroonan ng nilalang.

"Dylan!"

I heard Eithan shouted, bahagya akong napangisi nang makitang nakasunod siya saakin.

"I can do it, I am not a fool who goes into battle I know I cannot win. I have to save my father."

Sambit niyang nagpangisi lalo saakin.

"Distract him then, then I will take the core."

I said, napatango naman siya roon na ginamit ang kaniyang kapangyarihan upang idistract ang demonyo.

His mana is overflowing, I can feel his godly energy as his wounds regenerates no matter how much the devi attacks him.

Nangisi ako doong gumalaw na saka binutas ang dibdib ng halimaw at pumasok roon.

There I saw Dylan's father, holding a core. Tumigil doon ang guide butterfly, kaya naman ay agad ko iyong sinira dahilan upang lumabaw at magbigay ng isang naksisilaw na liwanag ang corepart na nasa loob nito.

The core part became one with the guide butterfly as my mark absorbed it, muntik pa akong matumba sa pagsikip ng aking dibdib gawa ng kapangyarihang hatid nito saakin, ngunit agad akong dinaluhan ni Dylan.

"Are you okay?"

He asked with a genlte expression making me smile.

"I am, Dylan."

I smiled then met his kind gaze.

They say that there is a god known for his kindness and purity, the god who can calm and heal ones soul.

"Since when did you have the core back to you? did those three do it?"

I asked making him stop then smiled at me as he carried his unconscious father.

"I found my core accidentally a week ago."

He said then looked at me.

"I, Dylan, the god of water, vow to help and guide the hope of Aisha and Percival throughout her journey with all my life, power and might."

He said while looking at me making me smile.

"Nice to finally meet you, water god."

I mumbled.

"Celestia! Dylan!"

Pagtawag ni Eithan na nakalapit na ngayon kasama ang dalawa.

"W-Where am I?"

His father who just woke up said hoarsely, napangiti nalamang akong pinanood sila saka ipinikit ang aking mga mata sa panibagong senaryong hatid ng core part saakin.

***

A/n: Gutom ako habang sinusulat to kaya pagpasensyahan niyo na hahahahaha!