The Final Match

"You can still back out you know." Wika ni Iyana sa tabi ko. Kakatapos lang namin ng lunch at kaninang umaga pa namin nalaman ang susunod na maglalaban-laban.

Pero minalas yata ako. For the final match, Roy Harlington, Ciel Drey, at ako ang maghaharap-harapan. This is really bad for my case dahil disadvantage ako nito. Like I said before, I'm not confident with my combat abilities and yes, may maitutulong din 'tong ability ko but...unlike my opponents' magic and skills, hindi ko alam kung may pag-asa pa akong manalo. I'm not downgrading myself, I'm just stating a fact.

"May isang oras pa bago magsisimula ang finals. You should sit this one out, there's a possibility of death you know." Pagpipilit pa sa akin ni Iyana. I just ignored her habang nilalagay ang bagong bili kong katana sa may belt ko sa beywang.

Ewan ko kung ako ang trip ng dalawang 'to na kanina lang gustong manalo sa kompetisyong ito, but now? They're being cowards. At bakit ba sila concern sa akin? Yes, they are concerned. Kailan ba sila naging concerned sa akin?

Ah hindi parang may mali, they just want to go back to the Academy already dahil tapos na naman sila sa pagpapakitang-gilas. I've known these two more than anyone else better, kaya alam ko na ang ugali nila.

Tss. Selfish freaks.

"Akala ko ba gusto niyong manalo?" Tanong ko. Naiinis narin ako sa kanilang dalawa. Si Andrea medyo tumahimik nadin dahil may nahanap na magandang libro sa bayan kanina nang kumain kami. Kaya ngayon ay masaya siyanga nakupo sa couch habang bumabasa.

"I don't have any urges like wanting to win all of these. Si Andrea." Napatingin kaming dalawa kay Andrea na ngumingisi. Para 'tong baliw.

"W-what? Ah right. Ikaw na ang bahala Keila. I don't care if we win or not. Either way, nakuha ko na ang objectives ko sa pagsali sa kompetisyong ito." And that is the fact that she has already proven herself to anyone. So papabayaan nalang nila sa akin ang lahat ganoon? I sighed. Ano pa ba ang bago?

"I won't back out Iyana." I said. Kahit ano man ang sabihin nila may ego parin ako. I heard her sigh.

"Then pwede na ba akong mauna pabalik sa Academy?" Tanong niya. Sabi ko na ngaba.

"May next category pa pagtapos ng finals. Andrea, you, Deil Montreo, at may isa pa dapat ang a-advance. Kaya kahit matalo man ako, kailangan niyo paring mag advance sa final category." Napaisip sila sa sinabi ko. Andrea finally closed her book pero may nakalagay na bookmark sa gitna.

"Honestly pati ako naiinip narin. Like there's no point in continuing anymore." In other words, they're loosing motivation. Parang laro lamg ba sa kanila ang lahat ng 'to? "So let's make a deal, if Keila managed, which is impossible, na manalo sa final battle, then we can advance and go for the win. Pero kung hindi, then we back out." Napaisip din ako sa sinabi ni Andrea.

She's the kind of person who only gets motivated kung pagdating na sa gusto niya ang pinag-uusapan. While Iyana only gets motivated kung may nakita o nalaman siyang nakakaagaw pansin. They're like kids in that aspect.

To tell the truth, I don't have any reason to fight. If I had a choice, I would have backed out than to face death itself. But what would people think of the Academy if a student, from the school, suddenly backed out na parang wala lang sa kaniya ang lahat? At isa pa, sa akin nakatutok ang karamihan sa atensyon ng mga tao. They all think na ako ang leader sa aming tatlo and if we quit, ako ang sisisihin. Also, I hate failing people who has so much hope for us around me. I'm just......not used to it.

"Fine. I'll agree to that." At least we'll have a reason to back out if I loose. Hindi din madadamay ang dalawa kung may mga issue ang mga tao.

"Roy Harlington is surprisingly calm." Bulong ni Theone sa tenga ko. Hmm parang wala lang talaga sa kaniya ang lahat ng ito. He was able to sense a spirit, that guy is the most person I'd be wary of.

"Si Ciel Drey naman nayun ay paulit-ulit na sinasabing 'killing two birds with one stone' at excited siya." Sabi ni Ziandra. Killing two birds with one stone huh? Ciel has been looking forward to fight Harlington ay dahil sa munting away namin nung nakaraang araw, he's holding a grudge against me. Well ako din naman.

I had my spirits roam around to check things para makapag-plano ako. Unlike Andrea and Iyana, I have no particular ability I could be proud of. Iniisip nilang isa talaga ako sa mga Elite apprentice but I'm nothing of the sort. Isa lamang itong cover-up story. Hays.

Roy Harlington have mind and shadow magic. Wala pa akong ideya kung ano ang magagawa ng dalawang mahika niya, but I'm assuming his mind magic can control people. Since he looks so calm, maybe he's confident. But his shadow magic though, ngayon ko lang narinig na may ganoong magic. I don't understand.

And Ciel Drey, wala parin akong alam sa kung anong klaseng kakayahan ang meron siya. Aliya Prover has speed. Teoff Alfreds has perfect sights. Ano kaya ang sa kaniya? Since there will be three of us, ibig sabihin random ang mga atake nila as long as they would either defend themselves while attacking.

Or also there's a possibility na magco-conspire ang dalawa laban sa isa. If that were the case, then mapapadali ang laban. But knowing Ciel's personality, it's hardly impossible na mag te-teamwork siya. This is vexing. Kailangan kong isipin ang bawat angulo ng posibleng laban naming tatlo para makapaghanda.

"Ano na naman ang iniisip mo?" Andrea asked. At ngayon ko lang napansin na nagbabatuhan pala ang dalawa ng weapons nila. Ang kukulit talaga ng mga 'to.

"A plan." Sabi ko nalang at bumalik ang tingin ko sa lamesa. I'm currently here sitting with a cup of my favourite jasmine tea. Na miss ko din ang vanilla pero okay nadin 'to.

"Why are you always thinking of a plan? Why don't you just fight head on?"

"Because I don't have the ability to do so." I specialise more in planning and thinking than fighting.

"You have though." Napatingin na naman ulit ako kay Andrea. Umupo siya pabalik ng couch at binuksan na naman ang libro niya. Iyana was in the bathroom who decided to take a bath. "I mean, it's um..." anong ibig niyang sabihin?

"Get to the point Andrea."

"Why are you hiding it?" Huh? Ang alin?

"Hindi ko alam ang mga pinagsasasabi mo Andrea. It's all too complicated to underatand."

"Alam kong alam mo ang sinasabi ko." But I don't! "Damn this is so awkward! Yung huli nating laban!" She let it out. Ang awkward nga ng topic na 'to. As much as possible, alam kong ayaw niya, pati din naman ako, pag-usapan ang bagay na yun.

"It's a malfuntion in my part." Wika ko nalang at umiwas na ng tingin.

"Ano naman ang ibig mong sabihin sa sinabi mo?" Nainis yata.

"What I mean is, kahit ako hindi ko maintindihan yung nangyari, okay? So please. Let's just forget about it ever happening."

"I've always been thinking about it Keila. You know I deserve an explanation about what happened."

"Alam kong hindi pwedeng basta ganoon nalang ang lahat." I know she deserved an explanation for what happened. It completely look like I was copying her ability. No wonder akala ng mga tao I was building an illusion. I was having fun that it felt good being that strong. "But not now." Dahil iba muna ngayon ang pinoproblemahan ko.

That case with Andrea though, hindi iyon ang unang beses na nangyari iyon. When I was battling against Jass Ji, I had her ability. Wala akong maintindihan nung mga oras na yun at nagpadala sa nararamdaman kong kapangyarihan.

But then Headmistress banned me from ever doing something like that. Hindi ko alam kung ginamit niya ang authoritative ability niya kung saan napapasunod niya ang mga tao even againts their will, but I was saved by it. If I had been using that kind of thing for so long, I don't know what would have happened to me now.

"Anong pinag-uusapan niyo? Ang seryoso niyo ah." Hindi ko na sinagot ang tanong ni Iyana. It doesn't concern her anyway. At teka, ang bilis niya naman yata sa bathroom.

"I don't like the set up of this match at all." Sabi ni Andrea. Which I agreed. Nandito kami ngayon sa may dating naming lugar. Yung waiting area.

Sa ilalaim, nakita namin na lumalakad na sa screen ang host kasama si Thomas, kasabay din nito ang pag-andar ng malakimg screen sa ibabaw ng arena. Mas dumami pa ang tao dito ngayon sa arena kaysa kanina. At kanina nung sa bayan kami, ang bilis naman yata kumalat ng balita tungkol sa mga matches nila.

"It's finally starting." Wika ni Andrea. I nodded. I should at least feel nervous about all of these but I don't! Is it because sobrang sanay lang talaga ako sa pakikipaglaban?

Before the host could say anything, lumabas na si Ciel Drey at lumalakad papuntang unahan. I still can't see his face dahil sa maskara niya, but I can pretty much tell he's so confident about this. Mukhang may binabalak siya.

Inagaw niya ang mic mula sa host at instead of being mad about it, natuwa pa ang mga audience. Madami siyang supporters. I hate his guts.

"Isa lang ang masasabi ko," he took a deep sigh first before opening his eyes. "Mananalo ako!" Sigaw niya at naghiyawan ang mga tao. "Lilliana Devin, humanda ka sa ginawa mong pagpapahiya sa akin. I'm going to take my revenge on behalf of my friend to you." My eyebrow lifted. Kasalanan ko ba yun? I'm only returning the favour. At isa pa, si Andrea ang tumalo sa kasamahan mo, hindi ako.

"At ikaw Roy Harlington!" Tinignan ko si Harlington na nasa kabilang banda. He wasn't wearing his mask anymore kaya nakikita ko na ang mukha niya. May sugat siya sa ilalim ng kaliwang mata niya, parang may tumamang blade dito. He only smiled at me at ngayon ko lang napansin na nakatingin din pala siya sa akin.

"Ako ang tatalo sayo! Kaya huwag na huwag mo aking imaliit!" And with that, he gave the mic back to the host at nagsigawan na naman ang mga tao sa paligid. But looking at Harlington, ni parang hindi manlang niya narinig ang sinabi ni Ciel sa kaniya. Not that I care either way.

"Mukhang magiging intense ang laban nato ah!" Sigaw din ng host na nakisabay sa ingay. "Put your bets everybody! Dahil magsisisimula na ang laban!!"

"Harlington ako!"
"Whoo! Go Drey!"
"Hindi din magpapahuli ang taga-Academy!"

Seriously? They don't even remember my name. I sighed. Not that I care. Instead of jumping from here, gumamit talaga ako ng hagdan pababa. Wala ako sa mood ngayon magpasikat, baka kung ano pa ang sabibin mg mga tao.

When I emerged from the giant door, nasilawan ng araw ang mga mata ko. Kahit naka long-sleeve ako ay abot parin ng init ang balat ko. Parang kakalbuhin ako ng init. Kailangan kasi ngayong hapon pa talaga ang labang 'to eh. Pwede namang mamayang gabi nalang.

"Well, well, well, mabuti naman at hindi ka tumakbo." Sabi ni Ciel habang naka-cross ang mga braso niya. Halata namang inaasar niya lang ako. I scoffed. Provocations don't work on me.

"Don't get too cocky. Alam naman ng lahat na puro salita ka lang but in reality nanginginig ka na sa takot dahil baka tumulad ka lang sa dalawa mong kasamahang nasa hospital ngayon." I saw how his smirk disappeared at nabuo ang mga kamao niya. I showed him my smile na parang wala lang akong sinabi and as expected, he snapped.

He was just about to land a punch against me pero bago pa man makarating sa akin ang kamao niya, ay sinalo na ito ni Thomas. Both of us received glares from him.

"The fight isn't starting yet." Mahigpit niyang sabi and let go of Ciel's fist.

Siya ang unang nang-asar tapos siya din naman ang napikon sa huli. Mga tao nga naman. He's one of those immature people I've met. Also, he's almost the same as Andrea in that aspect. Natuto din ako kay Andrea ng mga provocations. I didn't know it'll work that well.

Nagsimula na ang countdown at nawala na sa tabi namin ang host at si Thomas. Peor ang pinagtataka ko ay bakit wala pa dito si Harlington? Did he back out at the last minute? Pero bakit niya naman gagawin yun?

"Where is he?" Bulong ko habang nililibot ang paningin ko. He's not standing in the waiting area where I saw him earlier. Eh nasaan na siya?

3...

Three seconds left. May masama akong pakiramdam nito. I held my katana while it's still being sheated.

2...

Ciel Drey in front of me was frowing. He feels cautious. Kinuha niya ang mga shurikens niya mula sa maliit na bag na nakakabit sa beywang niya.

1...

The sun continued blazing above us. Tumatahimik din ang mga tao. The wind blew right in front of me, but it feels awfully hot dahil sa kondisyon ng araw ngayon. I'm almost already sweating na hindi pa nga nagsisimula ang laban.

0...

And with that, nagsisimula na ang laban. I was about to move back expecting Ciel to attack pero napaluhod siya sa lupa at pinipilit makatayo. May nararamdaman akong bakas ng emosyon at enerhiya malapit lang sa amin, but I can't pinpoint it's location. People may think wala namang nangyayari, but there's something really weird going on here.

That is, pati ako ay hindi din makagalaw. It's as if my feet has its own will at ayaw sumunod sa gusto ko.

"Saan na siya?!" Naiinis na sigaw ni Ciel na hanggang ngayon ay nakaluhod parin sa lupa, hindi makagalaw. Isa lamg ang ibig miyang sabihin, si Roy Harlington. I knew that man would be the most troublesome.

"Ahhh hindi niyo parin ba ako napapansin?" Wika ng isang boses. That's Harlington, there's no doubt about it. I could feel him, but I can't see him. How come? Eh ang liwanag ng silak ng araw?—

My eyes widened when I remembered something. Kahit hindi ako makagalaw, pinilit ko paring kunin ang katana ko at tinusok sa lupa kung saan makikita ang shadow ko. Bigla nalang akong nakaramdam ng sobrang pagod nang makagalaw na ako. Shadow magic. So ito pala ang magagawa ng shadow magic niya. It took me few minutes to figure it out.

"You're a smart one..." wika niya. Still, I can't see him. I made a deep breath at umayos na ng pagtayo. Ciel's still immobilised.

I can't attack him if I can't see him. At kami lang ang magiging kawawa sa labang ito kung ito nalang palagi ang gagawin niya. Can't he take us more seriously?

"I'm actually looking forward on fighting...hmm sino mgaba ang pangalan? Andrea de la Valliere and the number seven, Iyana Klein." Nagulat ako nang sabihin niya ang pangalan ng dalawa. I frowned. There's no way na may sinabihan kami nito. Except Delia who's already aware of it.

"Sorry but you have to be contented." Sabi ko nalang.

"Hindi mo ba itatanong kung paano ko nalaman?"

"Sinundan mo kami nang pumunta kami sa bayan." The time when we were investigating about those pesky asassins. Since he has shadow magic, he can easily emerge from anyone's shadow.

"Haha! Ang talino mo naman. You're sharper than you look."

"Sabi nga nila, don't judge people by their mere appearance." I heard his chuckle.

I reflexively swung my katana behind me to block th incoming shurikens at napatingin kay Ciel na ngayon ay nakatayo na, glaring at me. Palagi naman yata ganoon ang tingin niya.

"Don't exclude me in that talk of yours. Hindi ako isang extra dito!" Galit niyang sigaw.

"Aha psensya naman kung ganoon ang nararamdaman mo." It wasn't me who said that. It's that guy.

Napatingin kami sa gilid at nakita siyang hawak hawak ang tatlong shuriken while he slowly emerged out from the shadow upon the wall. Since he's not wearing his mask anymore, makikita namin ang ngiti niya. From up close, he looks like 39 years old or something. Pero hindi mo mahahalata dahil parang hata parin ang mukha niya. May scratch lang nga sa kaliwang mata. I wondered what happened to it.

"I can't believe I'm fighting children now." He said while shaking his head in dismay. "Mukhang mas madami ang sumaling mga bata ngayong taon."

"At bata din ang tatalo sayo!" Then I only watch as Ciel ran towards Harlington with his arms behind him. Mabilis siyang gumalaw and slipped underneath him at akmang sisipain na sana pero mabilis ding gumalaw ang kinakalaban niya at nahawakan siya sa damit nito. He lifted him up as the latter tried making him let go.

"I like straightforward kids like you." At napangiti siya. "Don't you know in East 'ninja' ang mostly na tintatawag sa inyo? 'Assassin' is so outdated." He sighed. "You, young man, should be more aware of your attacks. Be sensible." Tapos ay napatingin siya sa akin. "Ikaw? Hindi ka ba aatake?"

"I rather plan first." Tinapon niya si Ciel sa tabi at lumakad papunta sa akin. He was in front of me when I tightened the grip around my sword.

"Pero paano kung wala ka ng oras magplano? For example, your friends are going to die. Can you even afford to think and plan first? You should just attack." Pinapangaralan niya ba ako? I don't need it! I'm basically aware of what I should do in any circumstances.

He lifted his hand and I braced myself for an incoming attack. Pero laking-gulat ko na ipinatong niya lamang ang kamay niya sa ibabaw ng ulo ko and smiled. The features of his face reminded me of someone familiar. Pero hindi ko alam kung kay sino.

Before I realised it, he walked passed by me. I felt an enourmous magical energy emitting from him. It was almost as strong as that guy I felt back from Lethum Mountain. Remembering about him made me shiver. I escaped death that time, pero kung aatake ba siya ngayon, may posibilidad ngaba bang mamamatay ako? He isn't attacking though.

But looking behind his back, habang naglalakad siya, there's only one thing that came to mind. That is, no matter what, we can never defeat him. I smiled.

"I will surrender."