For There Were None

I groaned, feeling my head hit something hard as my surroundings slowly shook. My back was laying on something smooth yet my body was sore as though I got slammed unto a wall. My neck was stiff, preventing me from twisting it around like I usually do every time I wake up. I opened my eyes, realizing that a cloth was patched around my head, covering down my left eyesight; it was throbbing. I reluctantly unwrapped the cloth, feeling uncomfortable.

The sun was up high when I glanced on those clear skies, and as I sat up, I found myself sitting on a carriage; surrounded by small wooden boxes and other sealed items covered by a cloth. In front of me was a wooden plank nailed on each sides, serving as a railing or some sort as for the items stored in here not to fall.

According to view outside, our path was subtle for the ground was filled with small pebbles, sometimes stones big enough to shake the ride off balance, and both sides of this run-down road were already woods. I didn't know where I was, but I keep sensing unique energy flow through the air. But I just knew I've felt them somewhere before.

My memory was hazy, clouded—that when I try to think about how I ended up here, very few scenarios would come up and disappear a second after I try to get ahold of them. So rather than forcing myself, I turned my body around; seeing a black curtain hindering my remaining vision.

Behind this curtain, I could hear the hooves of horses making a sound against the ground and a female voice, talking so cheerfully with her tone going up and down. I figured it was somebody I know when I moved the curtain aside, Finé's back was on me for she was taking over the two horses' reigns.

"See? I told you there was seventy-eight percent she'll wake up today!" She exclaimed, glancing at the Dragonborn seated beside her. The latter just nodded before looking at me.

"Alright?" She titled her head in question. I just nodded as an answer. She was wearing a brown cloak now, just like Finé.

"I need details, Finé."

"Ah about that," she grabbed something out of her cloak's inside pockets. It was a flyer, folded into four parts. I took the paper and unfolded it myself, and I can't help but scoffed at what I'm seeing.

"Caelesti of the Unknown? So I have a wanted poster going around now?" I chuckled, I knew it wasn't the time for that but it was amusing. "So, what did I exactly do enough for my candidacy name to spread?"

"First thing's first, you've been out cold for two weeks now. That chant drained all your spiritual energy to turn those priests into monsters. In other words, you were used as a catalyst. You've been using your life force directly without you even realizing it and that drove you to the point of extreme exhaustion enough for you to fall into a short-term comatose."

"Two weeks still isn't a short-term."

"Well, that's the front of it. Don't forget about that massive monster that you released in the middle of the forest. People had enough worries about those weird monsters attacking them and then they had that thing to worry about. Do you get what I mean?"

"I was angry, there was no way out of it."

"There was a way out of it but you weren't in any right mind to think of any. Because of that, you dug a grave for yourself. I don't know how, but the World's Organization winded up hearing about my betrayel, your Overseer's, and the fact that we have the Dragonborn over a short period of time."

"I shouldn't even be surprise, they have eyes and ears almost everywhere." I sighed. "So they made it look like everything was my fault, spreading my wanted flyers, making people hate me—enough to serve as a warning."

"Why are you even so calm about this? You destroyed the Trading Port of Hana, and the whole of Siegber is looking for you. Everything processed too quickly over these two weeks. And that's not all, words are getting out that it was you who wiped out the Celtic Religion."

"You mean those druids? They turned into monsters trying to eat me up."

"Exactly, and that's what people don't know. They believe it was Caelesti who turned them into monsters to attack the port, and you can't really get out of that accusation because of that massive monster that you released yourself. You see how easy it was for that organization to destroy you?"

"Those people sure do act fast."

"We underestimated them. We should have been more discreet. It's weird how they use your candidacy name in those wanted posters than your actual one though."

"It isn't that strange. It served as a waring for me and other candidates that the org's pretty much going to destroy anyone the same if they go against them."

"Your picture on the poster is blank, which means that they don't know what your appearance is. Or is that another warning for you not to do anything or they'll show your appearance to the public?"

"Who knows?"

"I'm serious. You should plan ahead carefu—"

"Where's the other two? What about Celeztie?"

"I don't know about this Celeztie..." she trailed off, she must be with the others. "And the two—ah, the Klein and the De la Valliére. We grabbed you out of the that port, boarded the ship, and escaped—while the two of your friends exterminated every monsters in sight. Look at this." She extended her hand to grab something beside me, inside the boxes. "Here."

It was a newspaper—was only a single page though. But the headlines on the front was enough for me to know the entire article without even having to read it. I let out another exasperated sigh as I dropped it off back to the box.

"Unknown Heroes, Sited in Hana's Port." I stated, remembering the headline.

There was even a picture underneath, a photo clearly taken by some locals while the two were using their abilities to fight off that monster I released myself. The newspaper was black and white, but it was clear enough to figure out who they actually are.

"And that's a latest issue, bought it yesterday. News and rumours always spread fast here in Siegber, especially that the Trading Port of Hana is where most States' attention are on to, since it's a trading port where many events always spring up."

The situation must be advantageous for them. They've always been waiting for a right opportunity in order to make each of their own first moves, and that chance happened to be on their side of the board. We may be in a truce right now, but that doesn't mean they don't plan things that would corner me up when the actual battle happens.

The thing is that, I've only ever been rounding up my pieces, I haven't even placed them on the board yet. There's only me on that board which means I'm bear, with no pieces to rely to. They've always been the kind to make a move first before checking their pieces since they've had their pieces with them all along.

Andrea has the backing of Exodus and Iyana has the Fairy Queen, Titania. I have none, but thanks to my involvement in this World's Battle, I was able to delay their time and prepare. But that situation is advantageous for then as well since they have even more time to plan ahead. And then the first opportunity came, them branded as heroes and me being the wanted criminal.

Will they take that chance to begin their strike against me? If not now, then when? Where? How? And with what? Will I be able to cope up with it? I've always been stuck in a disadvantage situation, but I didn't mind it much back then—and I still don't mind it even now. It's fine. Since it has come to this, let them do whatever they want. I'll just have to counter it like I've always been doing.

I trust them, and that means I also trust how they wouldn't just let this opportunity pass. They aren't naive, they certainly won't do nothing concerning this hige advantage. What are they planning? What kind of traps are laid down for me? Are they working together? Or is it that eacch of them have their own seperate moves? Just thinking about it makes my skin tingle in anticipation—

"Hmmm is that really the case? Have you never felt your blood rushing at the sight of people despairing?"

I clenched my fists. Grimhouse Four. Clerix, the first Grim.

"That excitement when you fight against someone without knowing the real outcome of the battle! That thrill of having somebody else's life being judged by the palm of your hands!"

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing the sudden memory to the back of my mind since it was impossible to forget, for those words weren't just anything...they're my own reality, facts—as much as I hate the idea. But what could I do? It's what I feel, and no matter how hard I try, I can't just stop feeling those emotions.

Hindi, parang mali. Pwede kong pigilan ang emosyon na 'yun, pwede itong mawala na para bang hindi ko sila naging emosyon sa una pa lang. Magagawa ko ito sa isang pikit ng mata lamang, sa loob ng isang segundo—at mawawala narin ang ganoong klaseng emosyon na nagpapanukha sa aking masamang tao.

Pero kahit gaano man ako kasama, hindi ko kayang mawala ang mga emosyon ko. Hindi ito tungkol sa pagiging moral, natatakot lang talaga ako. I hate fear, pero wala na akong magawa dahil pati sarili ko ay kinakatakutan ko na.

But I can't just erase those emotions, because after all...it's the only humanity left of me when everybody else calls me a monster. Emotions are the only thing that drives me to do my responsibilities—without them, I'd go insane. And who knows what I'll end up being?

Pinilit ko ang sarili kong intindihin ang iba at tanggap ko rin na walang iintindi sa akin, hindi ako galit...pero minsan napapaisip din ako na masyado naman yatang galit ang mundo sa akin. Pero tinanggap ko ang lahat ng 'yun, dahil napapagod na akong kuwestyunin ang mga bagay bagay na hindi ko naman nakukuha ang sagot.

Napapagod na ako. Hindi nila maiintindihan dahil sila ang nasa posisyon ko. Some expect a lot from me, others revolve their lives on me, while most might have disliked my own existence, and the world keeps placing burdens one after another. It's all about me, at ayaw ko nang ganiyan.

Kaya hinahayaan ko nalang ang iba kung gusto nila akong talikuran, kung gusto nila akong pahirapan, saktan, o patayin. Hindi sa wala akong pakealam, may emosyon din ako kaya mahirap din sa parte ko, pero nakakapagod lang talaga sa punto na hinihiling ko na lamang na sana matapos na ang lahat.

"You're oddly quiet, what are you thinking?" Tanong ni Finé. Napasandal lamang ako sa gilid at napatingin sa dinadaanan namin sa labas.

"I'm thinking of how interesting things are getting." It was the truth, but not exactly the whole one either.

"Those friends of yours..." bumalik ang tingin ko kay Finé nang naramdaman ko ang pag-aalangan niya. "My numbers are telling me that there's a huge chance they're going to—"

"I know." I interrupted.

"...going to do something against you." She still continued.

"I know." I repeated again, pero mas madiin na ngayon.

"Do you really?"

Napabuntong-hininga ulit ako at tuluyan nang humiga ulit habang nakapatong ang ulo ko sa magkapatong kong braso. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kaniya na hindi ako magmumukhang kawawa.

Kaya pinili ko na lamang tumahimik habang dinadamdam ko ang paligid havang nakapikit ang mga mata; ang tunog ng kabayo, ang huni na mga naglalampasang ibon, at nadagdagan pa ng gulong nitong karwahe na tumatama sa mga bato.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" I could feel Finé's anxiousness reeking. "I'm giving you the right to use my life however you like and you aren't going to tell what you're dealing with—"

"I'll pretty much get involved in every little wars and battles out there, all of them want my head for it. Now you know what you're dealing with, are you backing out?" I said almost as immediately.

"...it's not like that. I already expect things to go down that way, you're recruiting after all. But the fact that you're actually recruiting for your own aides this late, what if you won't make it? I got a grasp that you'd recruit anyone that interests you, what if we betray you? Kill you?"

"I don't care as long as you do the job I tell you."

"What if I don't?"

I smirked. "You'll find it out yourself. Would my aides risk doing what I want them to? Or would they choose to go against me? Isn't it thrilling if I put it that way? The fact that you wouldn't know what'd happen, doesn't that make you anticipate it?"

"You're twisted."

My eyes sprung open. Before I even came to realize, I've been doing it again—being...twisted. Since when did that word become that sensitive to me? I used to not care what others think of me—or at least I've been ignoring them. But ever since that encounter with Clerix...I don't know. Something changed, and whatever it is—I don't like it.

"Am I?" I played, after realizing I haven't replied for almost a minute. Or perhaps I didn't really need to, but the moment made me feel like doing so.

"You haven't told me everything. That Klein and De la Valliére—"

"I told you, I know. Even more than your numbers do."

"Why are you so relaxed about it? They're your friends, and they're thinking of turning against you."

"I'll leave those small things to myself."

"Small things? Is frienship and betrayal a small thing now?"

"Why are you asking me?"

Naramdaman kong hinawi niya sa gilid ang kurtina para tignan akong nakahiga habang nakapikit na ulit ang mga mata. Narinig ko siyang napabuntong-hininga habang ang Dragonborn ay nakikinig lang.

Hindi niya masyadong naiiintindihan ang sinasabi namin dahil iba ang lenguwahe ng mga Dragonborns. She probably learned the Main Language along her time trying to survive alone. I could only wonder what she's been through and still maintain a curious and innocent expression on her face. It's like nothing could ever faze her.

"Because you seem to be an expert regarding the subject." She admitted with honesty as thd carriage halted on the side of the road—that made me sit up.

"Expert on the subject, huh?" I caught her attention then but said nothing.

The kind of betrayal I did isn't anything normal. It's immoral. Something I want to regret but couldn't, something I knew would become a mess but I didn't care. Altering emotions, taking their ability to feel any hate towards me, because the more they'll hate me, the more those will turn into care and love.

My sister realizes that, and she might have deceived herself into believing that she didn't really care for me as a sister, rather, she focuses all those emotions as though it wasn't love—hatred instead. She's out there to get me, I know that and I won't blame her for it.

Ganoon din si Kuya. Pinipilit niya lamang ang sarili niyang itago ang tunay niyang nararamdaman...that he acts as though he never realized that I altered their emotions. They knew I did something the moment they themselves noticed they weren't capable of hating each other.

Pero ganoon lang ba kadali sa kanilang kalabanin ako? Na patayin ako? What about those memories we have of each other? Was it that easy to turn around from them like they never truly mattered? Those memories may have been a fake because of their set emotions...but not for me.

That's why if we were to face each other one day...I won't blame them for it—I won't even hate them for everything they'll do against me. Rather, I've always wanted to battle them with full power. I could only wonder what would result of me after that though.

"Bakit kailangan pa nating tumigil sa tabi para lang makadaan sila?" Tanong ko kay Finé.

Dahil halos limang minuto na kami nakagilid sa daan dahil may nga nakalinyang karwahe at mga kabayo ang dumadaan dito. Tsaka ko nalang naalala na hindi pala siya nakakaintindi ng ibang lenguwahe pwera na lang sa Main Language—

"That's a market caravan na pagmamay-ari ng isang aristocrat." She answered, looking at me with a smile. "I didn't know you came from the lower Eastern countries, for you to speak that. I was given a job that requires gaining information from different countries you see, kaya makakaintindi talaga ako ng ibang lenguwahe."

"Your accent's giving you away." I smirked. "And it sounds weird."

Sumimangot naman siya at ibinaling na lamang ang tingin sa mga dumadaan. "Their carriages have a crest, and it's a common knowledge in Siegber to give way to nobles."

"I was under the impression we've somehow reached Enchansia already."

"We are. But just because the Governor in this State is a commoner doesn't mean that law can easily change." She sighed. "There are plenty more commoners here in Enchansia than nobles, so aristocracy in this State is underpowered by the majority of plebeians, so they can't really cause trouble in here. That's why laws like that don't matter but for the sake of the whole Nations' image, the Governor never abolished the law."

Tumagal pa ng sampung minuto dahil sa dami nila, tsaka lang kami nagpatuloy nang mawala na sila sa paningin namin. Lumiko kami sa may mga kakahuyang parte, nawala na ang mabatong daan at napalitan ito ng mga damuhan na hanggang sa tuhod ang taas.

May mga karatula na nakasabit sa mga puno, may nga nakasulat ditong babala base sa imahe pero hindi ko maintindihan ang salitang ginagamit. Nagtataka ako kung bakit dito kami dumaan dahil kapansin-pansin na walang pumupunta dito pero nanahimik na lamang ako at kumuha na mansanas sa loob ng box na natatabunan ng puting tela.

Nahulog ang mansanas na kakainin ko na sana dahil sa biglaang pagyanig ng lupa. Nagulat ang dalawang kabayo sa unahan dahil dito at nagsimula nang tumakbo ng mabilis. Nakakalat narin ang ibang pagkain dito sa loob at kanina pa sumisigaw si Finé sa labas para tumigil na ang kabayo.

Moving the curtain away, my eyes widened seeing a cliff waiting for us meters ahead. Finé was saying something while holding the kid for her not to fall, but I couldn't make out any of it due to the building air pressure around us. I gritted my teeth in annoyance as I forced myself to summon a dagger. The dagger immediately cut off the ropes that connected the horses and the carriage.

The moment they were cut off simultaneously, the carriage slid off the ground, finally hitting a tree as the horses jumped off the cliff toward the other side. Tumama ang likod ng ulo ko sa isang wooden box na lalo pang nagpainis sa akin, medyo masakit parin ang katawan ko at dumagdag pa 'to.

Tumagilid ang sinasakyan namin, pero dahil sa mga nararamdaman kong emosyon ay mukhang maayos lang naman ang kalagayan ng dalawa. Lumabas ako sa karwahe at nakita ang batang babae at si Finé na nakatayo habang may pinagmamasdan.

Nang tumayo ako ay 'dun ko lang napansin ang dumidilim na kalangitan. Hindi ito ulap kundi usok na parang tinatakpan ang sinag ng araw. Kasabay nito ay apoy na nagmumula sa itaas, tumatama ito sa mga punongkahoy na sumusunog sa gubat. There came a sudden roar that engulfed the whole woods, shaking the ground—as well as that unbelievable amount of unique energy slipping through the air.

"Dreki. Ég skynja dreka..." mahinang bulong ng bata na narinig naman namin. Tumigin ako kay Finé pero nagkibit-balikat lamang ito.

"Don't look at me like that." She said. "It's not like I can understand all languages out there. But base on what's happening, I think she's telling us there's a dragon above."

"That's interesting." I smiled, crossing my arms.

"Don't even think about going after that thing. I know your body still isn't in perfect shape. Let's get out of here."

I frowned. "I wasn't even planning to." I mumbled, following her anyway.

Tama din naman kasi siya. Dragons are one of the mythical creatures ever existed in this world, a single dragon can wipe our an entire nation depending on how powerful it is. Kaya pinipili na lamang ng ibang tao na umalis kaysa namang magsayang lang sila ng buhay patayin o sugatan manlang ang isang dragon.

There are different levels of dragons, as what I've learned back in the Academy's origin books, the weakest are the Follower class; they are smaller compared to other dragons and they move in group while following the orders from their flock leader. The Rogue class, they are big enough to wipe an entire mountain to ashes, but they move alone and dislike interacting with other dragons. Compared anyone, this dragon class can be tamed.

The Alpha class is the one of the most powerful dragon types. Delikado din sila dahil pwede nilang mapasunod ang kahit anong klaseng dragon. Sila ang pinakamalaki sa lahat na kayang sirain ang isang buong isla, makakagamit din sila ng mahika at mas mahaba ang buhay nila kumpara sa iba. But they are also very rare and can only be seen flying around once in every generations.

Then there are Dragonborns like this girl walking beside me. They have horns and can grow out wings but they remain in human form nonetheless. They are half dragons and half humans, but I heard from the Overseer before that those with the Royal blood can turn into dragons and they can also order other with dragon bloods in them in one command.

Kaya hindi nakakagulat kung bakit hinahanap-hanap ng World's Organization ang isang katulad niya. Among all the dragon classes, Dragonborns can be compared to an Alpha class, though there aren't really proof which are more dominant. A half blood or a pure one. Which led me to a fact that we haven't really named the child.

"Finé. What's the girl's name?" Napatigil siya sa paglalakad kaya ganoon din kami.

"She doesn't talk much so I didn't have to call her, so naming her kind of slipped off my mind." She smiled at the girl as an apology but the child only tilted her head to the side in question.

I crouched lower to match her height as I placed my hand over head, staring at her clear indigo eyes. They always managed to catch me off-guard, their colours were drowing the shade of sunlights passing through it. How old is she again? Eleven? Twelve? She's way too young to go travelling with somebody who always attracts enemies everywhere like me. But somehow, leaving her alone would be such a waste.

"Listen," I called out. "You may or may not understand but you're going to keep up with me whether you like it or not—"

"Too straightforward, Caelesti." Finé cut off. I glared at her. I've always hated being interrupted. "Fine. Go on and scare the girl."

I sighed. "Astoria." I smiled, standing up. "From my hometown, it means to rise, to soar, be free."

"Astoria." She repeated with her accent. "Astoria likes Astoria."

She beamed, she's trying to say she likes the name. I rubbed her hair before walking on ahead, and as I did so, her hand clutched the loose ends of my cloak. I slowed my pace for her to keep up, she had shorter legs which makes it harder for her to walk fast.

We tried to ignore the loud ramblings above the dark skies, as well as the spreading fire around for the dragon not to notice our presences. We do so by making sure we don't release our spiritual energy as to not attract any unwanted attention. But that was proven to be difficult as smokes began to hinder our view.

"Dragons react to Astoria." She stated, stopping on her feet while gazing above. The child closed her eyes, sniffing through the clouded air. "Humans. Powders." She opened them, looking at me. "Iron."

"I do sense humans surrounding the area. But I doubt they'd notice anyone here other than them."

"Must be dragon hunters." Finé mentioned, keeping her guard up. "And by powders, she meant explosives, guns, and other weapons. Then there's iron. Dragons mostly get weakened when they come in contact with any iron or metal so dragon hunters usually use them against those creatures."

"Nakakaapekto din ba ito kay Astoria?" Tanong ko na ikinatango niya naman.

"She's still a Dragonborn; a human with dragon blood, a royal one at that. Metals and irons may not affect her that much thanks to her superiority advantage, but she can still get hurt."

"Then we have to move fast. The more time we spend here, the more chance we'd seperate due to the building smoke."

"Don't worry, Beast People have extraordinary senses. I can feel we're close."

We continued to follow Finé, sometimes stopping because she would hesitate where to go, but then go on ahead the next moment later. I didn't know why choose this forested path towards out destination rather than the main road, but then again, considering the fact that there might be checkpoints, I guess this way is safer. Or is it?

I heard loud explosions from above, it wasn't close but it wasn't all that far away either enough that we could feel the tremor under the ground. The defeaning roars reigned from the skies, and as much as my curiosity wanted the dragon's attention, I couldn't make any risky move at the moment.

I caught a glimpse of large boulders blocking a cave's entrance. Given the forming fog, a wooden sign was obviously hung unto the tree next to the rocks, it's long trunk arching downward to a small rounded hole between the rough edges of two boulders.

Finé didn't say anything despite the warning plastered on the sign, it was written in some sort of letters, still, it was understandable. Rετυrπ. It says, and it was even written in blood. Perhaps it was an effective method to drive some passerby out.

The temperature went down into sudden decrease the moment I entered last and I was grateful I still had the cloak. Hindi ito madilim katulad nang inaasahan ko dahil sa kaonting liwanag na lumulusot mula sa mga butas sa itaas. Malamig ang paligid, pati narin ang mga matutulis na bato na nakaukit na sa bawat pader.

Marami ang pwede likuan na nahahati sa iba't ibang hagdanan pero dumerecho lang kami kung saan sa dulo ay may naririnig akong agos ng tubig. Pati ang lupa ay medyo basa, kaya lumilikha ng tunog ang sapatos namin sa tuwing humakbang kami dito.

Mas tumindi ang tunog ng umaagos na tubig nang makalapit na kami. May parang ilog dito kung saan sa dulo ng kweba ay may bumabagsak ng waterfalls. May mga lanterns din na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng ilog na siyang nagsisilbing ilaw.

Finé stood on the corner, waving her hand vigorously above her head, enough for a man rowing a gondola to stop by just in fromt of her. I couldn't see the face of the man clearly since it was covered by a coolie hat, that kind that extends in triangular form upward made out of hays.

A short downpour of water came the moment we passed by the waterfall, leaving us all soaking wet. The gondala wasn't that big, probably just enough for the three of us added by the man currently standing on the end, a paddle stick held by both of his hands, directed underwater. Another strange fact is that...I couldn't sense any emotions from him, nor do I sense any form of life force.

"We should arrive in the next half an hour, you can even enjoy the view on the meantime." Finé said, looking around.

I opened my palm, revealing a dagger. It was purely if curiosity when I threw the dagger towards the direction of the man, his back facing us, and it hit just around his lower neck. I frowned where there was no blood, nor any reaction from him. The dagger just easily evaporated into hot liquid, immediately fading away.

"What?" My eyebrow lifted in question when Finé shot me a frown. "I was genuinely irritated by curiosity."

"Would you really just hurt anybody like that just because of curiosity?"

"Hindi naman siya nasaktan."

"That's a yokai. It's what they call to wandering spirits of nature. Sometimes they appear with a human form to take care of this place, sometimes they appear as a form of water, air, earth, and other worldy things. They don't have any spiritual energy or life force at that since they don't actually have a life." She sighed. "So even if you attack that guy, he won't fight back nor will he die so people just ignore these yokai's. Their main job is to protect the peace of this surrounding nature, they don't meddle with our own lives."

"So what if I destroy this surrounding nature?"

She smirked. "Try and you will probably die on the spot."

"Interesting—"

"Don't even think of doing it."

I glared at her. "Why do you always assume I'd do something bad?"

She shrugged, but answered none anyway. I rolled my eyes in annoyance and chose to have a look around like Astoria does. It isn't all that bad, everything appeared to be crystal green, even the water underneath is clear. Due to the colour, the light reflecting around begin to look like green as well.

Astoria kept us entertained with her trying to learn some words from Finé that it didn't feel like exactly half an hour before we saw another cave on the far end of the river. There were people around now, some were on another gondolas, some were riding horses beside the riverbank, while some kept their own pace walking.

We were all headed to the same destination, inside that cave surrounded by forested trees and thick bushes. The inside was where different sets of gondolas were lines up next to the land and it was like a small port, there were also lanters left floating above the water level to keep things illuminated.

Our ride stopped a meter away from the land just like any others. The yokai threw in a wooden plank to cover that gap as we one by one headed out. There were many people in here—almost crowded even, that the smell of sweat and perfume blended in naturally. I could see some more yokai around too, though they remain standing on their spots, unconcerned about people's businesses.

"Wear your hoods," Finé said, pulling hers up above her head as we threaded the path forward where most people are going. "We don't want anyone here to remember our faces. And don't stare at others. This place is where most people, outcasts, other races, and wanted criminals gather, we don't want to cause trouble."

"Perfect place for me then." I smirked, sensing Astoria grab my cloak from beside as to not get lost.

"Perfect place for us."

There was this huge iron gate at the far end of this paved road. The gate had metallic bars attached to a lever that when they pulled it back, the gate was slowly dragged up, then there was that sound of chains coiling against the metal rails when it did so. The road was so crowded that it'd take several minutes just to enter. Murmurs of complains buzzed through these people's lips, but against these number, their complaints were unnoticed.

"They have a detector." Finé warned, her eyes scanning the front among this thick crowd. Beast People do have heightened senses than any average humans, and thus, she could easily see from this position towards a distant.

"And it isn't good because?" I asked, my body absorbing emotions, mostly irritation and impatience.

"This place may welcome different races, but it doesn't mean each visitors here aren't expose. Once their detector finds out we aren't humans, then others might target us upon knowing."

"How does this detector work?"

"They scan it through their monitor by attaching a certain technology under the iron gate that would scan people's energy. Each races have different unique energies, so they'd easily know if one's a human or not."

"So no matter how you hide your energies, their technology would still unveil it." I mutterer under my breath. "As long as they don't block our entrance, I see no problem."

"Except for the metals and irons."

"Astoria will be fine." I immediately replied, holding the child's hand as we head towards the gate. "She only needs to pass, not to touch it."

Tumagal ng halos sampung minuto ang pila hanggang sa makarating narin kami sa unahan. Nagdalawang-isip pa si Finé pero pumasok din naman kasabay ko. Malawak ang gate, may parang tunnel pa ito papasok na umaabot ng limang metro papunta sa kabilang parte.

Napapansin ko nga sa bawat pader ang nga detectors na sinasabi nila, parang itong security camera na gumagalaw pakanan at pakaliwa. Humigpit ang hawak sa akin ni Astoria, nakakaramdam ito ng takot nang makita niya ang mga nakasabit na metal sa gilid.

We were at the other side of the gate when the detectors suddenly one by one started beeping, their red lights blinking faster and faster, and stange as it may be, but all the detectors were faced towards our direction, making people moving inside stop in confusion.

And that was it, the detectors simultaneously exploded on the spot, their particles hitting nearbye people without warning. I had to set a barrier to protect ourselves from the abrupt outburst. The fire didn't really spread, but there were signs of it all around the wall.

Some yelped in surprise while other screamed in pain due to the burns. There were some around that managed to cast a barrier for themselves, but most were already on the floor. Well, that explosion was uncalled for.

"Pomicati! Pomicati!" A group of men entered my view, they wore leathered clothings, it reminded me of those what they call in the West as cowboys. "Što se ovdje dogodilo?!"

They were ordering people to move out of their way base on how they point their long metel sticks to those who didn't do so. They even ignored the injured ones and headed straight to...well, that's strange. Why are they all pointing their weapons at me?

"Did I somehow do something wrong?" I whispered to Finé. She palmed her forehead, sighing at my question.

"I'm supposed to be the one asking you that."

"Anyway," I turned to the man, who seemed to be their leader, who was saying something I can't understand. "Can you move out of the way now?"

"A foreigner." He mumbled. "Whatever, come with me." He tried to grab my arm but stopped when I threw him a glare.

"Touch me and I'll kill you on that same position."

"There's no law here in this place that would protect you if we were to kill you on that same position too." His men were already surrounding us when he said that.

People only passed by as though they don't see us having a squabble here. Their of long metal poles extended even more, and before they could even corner us, their weapons broke into halves the moment I let out my energy.

"You were saying?" It was my turn to provoke him. Since there's no law here, I could do whatever I want.

"I think this is a misunderstanding." Finé interrupted. "What do you need us for?"

"This isn't the place to talk. But I can assure you we won't do something stupid as long you do the same."

I just shrugged, sending out my own energy to Astoria. My energy wrapped around her easily, her own energy didn't reject mine as I thought it would. I've been noticing her heavy breathing and she relaxed feeling my own energy soothe her. Though soon, the group started walking as we followed closely behind.

The inside wasn't like anything I've expected so far. The whole place was too crowded, smokes from different houses and factories were mixing in together yet people never seemed to be bothered by it. I see signs on each buildings, and every single one of them were written in different languages. Some I recognize and some I don't.

Streets were filled with busy boothes and stands, some were openly drinking and eating, while there were sight of others boldly making out. There were children running around too, as well as adults gambling on the side of the roads. Huge glowing clocks were floating above every streets, they were attached to most buildings by heavy ropes.

I couldn't hear what the man in front was saying due to the noise emitting everywhere. Their emotions were blending in, anger, confusion, arousal, excitement, satisfaction...and other bunch of emotions flowing in inside me. The energies were different, must be coming from differet races.

"Caelesti." My thoughts snapped back whem Finé called for me. "Are you alright? You seem troubled."

Sa sobrang dami ng mga emosyon sa paligid ay hindi ko na alam ang totoong nararamdaman ko. Marami na akong lugar na napuntahan kung saan may mas marami pang tao, pero iba parin talaga kung ang mismong lugar ay napupuno ng iba't ibang uri kung saan iba't iba din ang bawat enerhiya na pumapason sa akin.

I can only handle these many emotions all at once as long as I don't agitate myself into releasing such energy, otherwise this place would blew up. I tried containing my own energy, but because of how abundant it is, some can't help but leak out. As long as I'm calm, I'll remain the same as usual.

"Worry about yourself, Finé." I dismissed her worries.

Sa ilang minutong lakad ay tumigil kami sa harap ng isang building. Umabot ito sa dalawang palapag, kaonti din ang taong pumapasok. Hindi ko maintindihan ang nakasulat sa unahan ng pintuan, pero napansin ko ang pagtaas ng isang kilay ni Finé nang mabasa niya ito.

Nang makapasok kami ay bumagta sa akin ang amoy ng pinaghalong alak at sigarilyo, pati narin ng iba't ibang klase ng pabango. Mainit ang paligid, pero kaonti lang talaga ang mga tao at halos lahat pa ay lalaki. Para itong isang restaurant kung saan may mga mini couches sa bawat sulok at sa gitna ay may isang maliit na stage.

Humiwalay ang kurtina sa stage at may isang babae ang lumabas dito. Halos wala itong suot sa sobrang iksi ng damit niya, manipis din ito. Kasabay ng paglakad niya papunta sa may gitnang pole ay ang paghiyaw ng mga tao. Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa nakikita. Pero pinili ko na lamang sundan ang lalaki papunta sa ikalawang palapag.

Unlike downstairs, the second floor is quiet where I could see people playing cards, some with mahjong tiles, and other forms of gambling that I didn't want to know. Kumatok ang lalaki sa harapan ng isang pintuan at nang ilang sandali, ay tsaka lang humarap ang lalaki sa akin.

"Šef želi samo kandidata. Ostali mogu pričekati ovdje." He said, and noticing that I haven't said anything, he sighed. "What I'm saying is that, the boss only wants the candidate, the rest can wait here outside. Don't worry, they'll be in good hands."

"I'm not particularly worried." I replied, pushing the door open.

It was dark when I shut the door behind me. I could sense another emotion, and I knew then that there was a person in front of me. I heard something creak, like a chair being dragged against the wooden floor. It was followed by footsteps gaining closer towards me, until I felt a cold breath nearby, it was a nervous sigh mixed with relief.

"Ke'ala." He called, and words all left me the moment he did. My heart began to race, and there was that building emotion within me, it was longing. "I'm sorry." A familiar tone, it wasn't deep; it was soothing to hear. "I-I took so long—"

I interrupted his cracking voice as I pulled him even closer, my arms wrapping around him. I felt him return the warmth I was giving, but I knew it didn't make him feel at ease. I knew everything about me didn't make him feel at ease. But there were no need for further words, his emotions were enough to tell me how hard the years have been for him.

The windows spread open, revealing the glow from the outside. He stepped back, as though afraid of the light. Some of them were reflected on him as I urged him to step forward. I could see his whole body covered in black leathered coat. The hood covered his head, but there was a mask which prevented me from seeing that face.

I scooted even closer, my hands trembling as I touched his mask in which he let me do so. I could hear his shaking breath, and I actually hesitated for a moment. But forcing myself to, his subtle mask ran againt my skin as I took it slowly. And there revealed a face I've never thought I'd see again.

I gulped, preventing a gasp from escaping, my fists clenching so hard that my nails must have had sunk through my skin. Anger rushed like boiling water inside of me, and I didn't care. I didn't care about the hissing pain. I suddenly didn't care about anything else but his torn face.

"Who did that?" My voice was calm, but he knew how I really wasn't. My hand traveled on his cheek, his face was cold, left by its usual warmth and it only angered me more.

"What have they done to you..." my forehead met his, my hands coiled around his neck. "Tell me, Jarvis."

And he finally opened his eyes. I imagined that deep hazel gaze looking back at me...but I couldn't see any, for there were none.

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AN: And I imagined a double update...but I couldn't do any—and thus, there was none.

Lols anyway, I published this one earlier (and longer too) in exchange. So happy reading!