Then There Was Silence

"M-miss Iyana—"

"What? You can't even hit a ship? They aren't even moving." Bored kong sabi habang nakatingin sa mga monitors kung saan pinapakita ang limang malalaking barko.

May mga simbolo ng Exodus ang mga flags nila kaya mukhang gumana nga ang plano. I deliberately leaked the information for the whole world to know kung saan ko tinatago ang Seventh End, a lot happened and these past few weeks because of that but finally, mukhang nahanap narin kami ng Exodus.

Ever since I took the Fairy Queen's offer, Titania, about leading the New World Order, I've been going around these past year and half to find what Titania wanted me to find, an army. She said she'll handle the rest and at this point, I found some but it isn't really enough to be called an army.

"M-may nakapaligid po na barrier sa paligid ng mga barko. Hindi po ito kaya ng mga mahika natin dahil masamang enerhiya ang mga ito."

"Then fall back. Let them come." Seryoso kong sabi.

Alam kong tututol pa sana sila pero lumabas ako mula sa room at gamit ang spatial ability ko, dinala ko ang sarili ko sa may beach area ng buong isla. Maliit lamang ang isla na ito, perfect for the facility. I've set up different bases of operation everywhere while I've been gone these past months at kakabalik ko lang dito isang buwan ang nakalipas.

Not even Headmistress knows where I am. Alam ng mundo ang tungkol sa dalawang versions ng New World Order pero hindi nila alam kung sino ang namumuno ng mga ito. Basically saying, no one knows that a Klein is currently leading the other New World Order where normal people could benefit. In other words, I have the majority of the world's support.

As if on cue, biglang lumamig ang paligid. Unti-unting nababalot ng masamang enerhiya ang hangin, mas dumilim pa ang kalangitan. Napangiti ako dahil kahit iba na ang enerhiyang ginagamit niya ay kilalang-kilala ko parin kung kay sino ito nanggagaling. Tinaas ko ang kamay ko kasabay nito ang pagsummon ko ng baril.

Tamang-tama na isinangga nito ang matalim na dagger na nanggagaling sa kalaban ko na ngayon ay nakatakip ang mga mata ng isang itim na maskara. Suot din nito ang pulang cloak na may simbolo ng Exodus. Kakaibang tingin ang binibigay niya sa akin, at dahil kilala ko na ang mga tingin na ito ay alam kong nagulat siya.

"How troublesome, Andrea." Bati ko dito. Ngumiti lang ito na hindi kami gumagalaw sa mga posisyon namin. Pero mas diniin nito ang dagger sa akin kaya mas hinigpitan ko ang hawak ko sa baril na nakasangga dito.

"Long time no see." Just as she said those words, flashes of lightnings appeared above the dark skies.

Gamit ang masamang enerhiya na nakabalot sa buong pagkatao niya ay dinirekta niya ang lightning sa direksyon namin, probably hoping I'd jump away. Pero tinaas ko lang ang isa kong kamay para mabuksan ang spatial ability ko. Pinunit nito ang maliit na space sa ibabaw namin at gamit ang space na ito, ay dinirekta ko ang lightning sa dagat.

"This would have been a lot better reunion under different situations."

"True." She agreed playfully at nagpalabas ulit ng isa pang dagger sa likuran ko. This time, I took the iniative to jump away to dodge her dagger kaya ngayon ay dalawang daggers sa magkabilang kamay na ang hawak niya.

"I've always wanted to ask you why." May bahid ng lungkot ang boses ko na hindi ko pinahalata sa mukha.

"Then why don't you?" Hindi katulad ng sa akin ay puno ng determinasyon ang boses nito.

"Because now isn't the time." I shot multiple bullets from the gun I'm holding towards her. Mas mabilis ang mga galaw nito kumpara noon kaya madali niyang nasangga gamit ng mga daggers niya ang mga bala ko na kahit noon ay nahihirapan siyang gawin.

"When is it always time for you, Iyana?" Ang pait ng tono ng pagtanong nito.

Pero hindi na ako gumamit ngayon ng baril, nagpalabas na ako ng ilang-daang bala na hindi makita-kita. With a snap of a finger, lahat ng ito ay agad na nagpasalin-salin sa kung saan siya. I didn't let her take a break and continued doing so, that no matter how much she blocks, there's still a lot more.

"I've always blamed myself to what happened to you two." I admitted and she just laughed, patuloy parin ito sa pag-ilag.

Tulad ko din ang mas pinarami niya pa ang daggers at isa-isa itong tinapon sa akin. Closing my eyes with a sigh, I opened different spaces everywhere near my body, directing her attacks somewhere. Mas lumaki ang masamang enerhiya niya. Ramdam ko din na tuluyan na talagang umalis sa katawan niya ang kahit kaonting bahid ng pure energy.

Using dark energy means abandoning the other, but failure to control it means death. I wonder where she gets that determination. I do admire her strength and toughness, but she's on a different path than mine now, that admiration simply won't bring me anything.

"Blaming yourself? Don't try to be a good friend now after all this time." Dahil sa mas matinding masamang enerhiya na pinapalabas niya ay hindi na magawang makalapit ng mga bala ko kaya tinigil ko na lamang ito kaysa namang magsayang pa ako ng sarili kong enerhiya.

"I do know what you're here for. So let's cut to the chase. That should be enough for a warm up."

"Still the same as ever, aren't you?" Hinanda niya na ang sarili niya at humakbang papunta sa akin.

"We'll see about that."

Ke'ala

Somehow, bad premonitions kept throbbing deep inside me whenever I feel the chill wind pricking against my skin. Rain started to heavily pour but despite that, my figure was illuminated standing under the dim light near the railings. I was soaking wet, but that didn't matter at the moment. I could see lightnings flashing beyond the horizon and they were bright, serving as the only thing that glows through these dark skies.

Liquid continued to block my vision, I was even shivering, but I couldn't make myself join the others eating their dinners. Avoiding sensing their emotions is one thing, but my actual reason was beyond that. I could feel massive energy waves coming from the direction of those same lightnings. My whole system was tingling in anticipation, excitement of what would it be if I were to go and see it.

I know I couldn't though. The direction was completely off the route if we were to head for Magnus. So I could only sigh hoping this damn feeling would just fleet away. But this wasn't just any other excitement and anticipation, it isn't just any of those emotions which others could trigger on normal terms. Which means whatever is out there...it's something big enough that even me feels like this.

"Captain Jack said you could use something like this." A voice said.

I wasn't surprise finding Celeztie right behind me. She has been staring at me for a while now. She pulled herself closer, the edge of her shoulder hitting against mine, but it wasn't bothersome. As a result, the white umbrella she has been holding until now reached up above my head.

"What are you doing here?"

"You're all watery. You'll get sick, you know." What she said made me smirk.

"I don't get sick."

"I see."

Just as I muttered that, another lightning struck the ocean. This time though, it was too near that it caused friction. The waves became heavier—massive that they caught up to the height of the ship. Clenching my fists, I was trying to prevent myself from following where that ligtning came from.

"This is bad." Celeztie barely whispered. "Pumasok na tayo, Ke'ala." Hinatak niya ako papasok sa isang maayos na cabin medyo malayo sa kung saan kami kanina. Hinayaan ko nalang siya dahil ayaw ko rin namang tumagal dun na tumatayo lang.

Iniwan niya ang payong sa labas ng cabin. Nang makapasok kami ay nagtataka akong makita siyang pabalik-balik ng paglalakad. Nahihilo ako habang tinitignan ko siya kaya tinutukan ko muna ang sarili ko. I used quite a bit of drying magic to my soaking clothes.

Nang maayos na ang pakiramdam ko ay hinubad ko ang puting cloak at sinabit ito sa likuran ng pintuan. Hindi ko na hinubad ang maskara at napag-isipang umupo sa higaan. Kumpara sa cabin kanina ay medyo maayos ang lagay ng mga gamit dito.

"What's wrong with you?" Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong hindi magtanong. Kanina pa kasi siya nagmumunimuni sa sarili at palakad-lakad. Naiisip ko ang sarili ko. Ganoon din kasi ako minsan mag-isip at kapag hindi mapakali. "Closing your eyes and staying still will help you to think more calmly." I suggested which she quickly followed. After a deep breath, she closed her eyes and stood still few meters away from me.

I crossed my arms looking at her. It bothered me a lot before that she looked exactly like me except for her paler eyes, but now that I'm quite used to her presence following me around, what can I say? It's...reassuring I guess. I've been too used at dealing things by myself despite being surrounded by many people so she's refreshing to have when mixed with my nature.

"I got it!" She exclaimed which made my eyebrow lift. She knew I was asking but she only answered a grin.

"Stop looking so stupid." I was starting to get annoyed.

"You know it's practically like saying stupid to yourself as well." Sighing, I decided to just ignore her and laid myself on the bed. The bed was soft and warm this time.

"Fine then." I could sense the fact that she didn't expect me to give up easily reason why she's quite surprised.

"It's the events!" She finally said. "You told me something about this before."

"And you just remembered what." Nodding, she took a few steps in front of me. "What is it? And cut to the chase this time."

"The lightnings!" I frowned sitting up. "You always speak so intricately that I couldn't figure out what. You said if you've got another chance, you'd definitely go after it."

"Enlighten me."

"Let's just say that the you in my time don't often regret the decisions you've already made. So it caught my attention when you actually did." She sat beside me with her legs crossed. What she's saying puzzles me. "If I do remember, 'mind had wondered beyond where light dominated, I wish I could have gotten myself to where it had kept pointing at', you said."

I wondered to myself then. Did I really say that? Somehow it isn't impossible for me not to. But for me to regret something, that certainly isn't 'often'. Hindi na ako magugulat kung bakit kanina pa ako binabagabag ng isip ko kung ano ba ngaba talaga ang nandoon. Kung ano ngaba talaga ang nagbibigay sa akin ng ganoong klaseng mga emosyon. Kung pinagsisihan ko ngang hindi pumunta doon...

Napabuntong-hininga ako at humiga, ginamit ko ang mga braso ko biang unan tsaka pinikit ang mga mata. Tulad ng sinabi ko kanina, iba ang direksyon ng pupuntahan namin sa direksyon ng mga lightnings na iyon. Wala akong oras para sa mga bagay na hindi kabilang sa plano ko. Tiyak na masisira lamang ang mga nasa isip ko kung madadagdagan pa ito ng isang bagay.

My thoughts are like a whole puzzle with every pieces one by one already in their right places. But if I were to give justice to my curiousity, the discovery would lead to another puzzle piece which could ruin the whole puzzle I've already built or at least starting to build.

And currently, the puzzle I'm figuring out is this war so that I'd be able to get my hands on that Guardian. To do that I need to find Silv and to start that itself, I'm heading for Magnus. I'm going there not just for the whole reason of finding Silverrium, I also need news regarding what's been happening in that country.

Then there came those lightnings. If I were to go off-track at this moment, ano nalang ang mangyayari sa mga pinaplano ko? It'll only distract me from what I'm originally bound to do. And that is to activate the Etherion Tower, to do that I need that damn Guardian. Pero sinasabi niya na pinagsisisihan ko na hindi pununta sa kung ano man ang naghihintay doon.

In the first place, how can she be so sure that I was regretting it? The 'me' in that time probably meant to go there under different circumstances—damn. Why do I keep convincing myself not to anyway?

"We definitely have to go!" She kept insisting as I continued to ignore her. There's completely no point in doing that. "Are you even listening?"

I knew she was getting annoyed by all of this but I didn't care, or at least I try not to. Opening my eyes, I was almost taken aback seeing her too close in front of my face. Her long eyelashes barely touching mine. Was she always this persistent?

"If you want to go that badly, then do it yourself." I turned myself around, then I felt her step back.

"Really stubborn." I heard her mumble. Rolling my eyes, I finally closed them letting my body relax.

The morning light slowly crept its way on my skin, feeling the warm sheet covering my lower body, I got it off and landed my bare feet on the cold floor. Stretching my arms up made my whole nerves jumped awake. I could no longer hear the rain which kept its noise up until early morning, and I was right; outside the window was a view of the calm ocean waves accompanied by the early breeze.

Yet roaming my vision, I see nothing of her presence. I frowned moving myself towards the door. I put the white cloak on after taking the mask that fell off the bed. Nang lumabas ako ay nakita kong nagkakagulo ang mga pirata na maraming kinuhang kayamanan sa mga pasahero kagabi. Lumakad-lakad din ako sa buong lugar dahil nagtataka talaga ako kung bakit wala siya dun.

"Ke'ala!" Captain Jack Holmes greeted with a huge grin. "May pagkain 'dun sa kitchen."

"Have you seen Celeztie around?" I directly asked at nilibot niya rin ang tingin niya.

"If you mean that girl with you last night, hindi ko naman siya nakita." Matapos niyang sabihin 'yun ay may hinabol siyang isang tauhan niya. He sure is a busy person.

I decided to head to the kitchen, and Jack was right. There was a lot of food atop the table and only one person is here. Isa siya sa mga pirata. But he seems too young for that. Yumuko siya bilang galang sabay ngiti tapos ay bumalik sa ginagawa niyang pagluluto. Mula dito sa pintuan ay nalalanghap ko ang amoy ng ginigisa niyang garlics at onions. Lumapit ako sa lamesa at kinuha ang isang medyo mainit pa na sandwich. May palaman itong cheese.

"Is there no jasmine and vanilla?" I asked the kid, a little younder than Cel. Tumingin siya sa akin at umiling.

"May isa din pong babae kaninang madaling araw ang nagtanong niyan at naghanap pa nga." Well thag must be Celeztie.

"Alam mo ba kung nasaan siya ngayon?" Isa at kalahating oras nalang ay mararating na namin ang Magnus.

"Hindi ko po alam." Aalis na sana ako nang napagdesisyunan kong humarap ulit sa bata.

"You wouldn't mind me helping a bit, do you?" Agad siyang humarap sa akin at ngumiti.

"Pero may hahanapin pa kayo—"

"I'm sure she's just off somewhere near."

And thus, I went and helped the kid cook. I started melting some butter cubes on the hot surface of the pan. I do admit I missed cooking a lot, I often did when Iyana and Andrea made me do so. I smiled. I almost can't believe it's been that long now. I still even remember the day I first went to that island. The way the three of us often argue on whose turn is it to cook, it was...well nostalgic.

"I told you to drop that dagger, Andrea!"  Sigaw ni Iyana.

"Then stop pointing that gun to my face!"

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at dumerecho sa kusina. Nasanay na ako sa ilang buwan ko na kasama sila sa dorm na ito, na ganito na halos palagi ang bumubungad sa akin sa tuwing pumapasok ako sa pintuan.

Binuksan ko ang refrigerator at napagmataan na wala na halos kaming natirang pagkain. Napapikit ako ng mata para mapakalma ang sarili ko. These two really are getting on my nerves!

"Who was..." pang-aagaw ko ng atensyon sa dalawa. Bigla naman silang natahimik at napunta sa akin ang tingin. "Who was in charged of the grocery for this week again?"

"Iyana/Andrea." Sabay na wika ng dalawa na siyang nagpainis pa sa nararamdaman ko. Kanina pa ako gutom at hindi pa ako nakapag-agahan.

"Manindig kayo dahil hindi ko magluluto." Malamig kong sabi.

Akmang lalabas na sana ng kwarto nang hawakan ako ng dalawa sa magkabilang kamay. Hinarap ko ang dalawa na nakataas ang kilay ko though not that they can see it with my hair all down. Iyana was looking away with her face flushed and Andrea staring intently at me with her eyes slightly averting. They're embarrassed, in a cute way, that is.

"We'll buy." Nahihiyang sabi ni Iyana. "So you cook." Hindi kasi siya usually nanghihingi ng pabor sa iba dahil kayang-kaya niya naman gawin ang mga bagay-bagay na mag-isa.

"Gusto ko 'yung adobo." Sabi naman ni Andrea. Mas mahigpit pa ang kapit niya sa akin. Mukhang gustong-gusto niya nga talaga 'yung niluto ko sa kanilang adobo last time. I guess that isn't a popular dish in here.

"What? Mas gusto ko 'yung menudo!" Tutol ni Iyana.

"Ako ang bibili kaya ako ang masusunod."

"Pera ko ang gagamitin mo!"

"I can use my own money!"

"Ako nalang ang bibili!"

"Huh?! Ako ang in charge sa grocery, Iyana!"

Hanggang sa natapos ang araw na kaming tatlo na lamang ang bumili ng mga pagkain at ang niluto ko ay adobo at menudo. Natawa ako ng mahina sa naalala ko. Another strange feeling, nostalgia. I used to believe reminiscing about memories of me being weak won't make me grow. Was I too hard on myself? Funny that I've only realized that when Celeztie came.

Perhaps it's time to loosen up a bit.

"Ke'ala!" Mabilis na naagaw ang atensyon ko ng taong tumawag sa akin, kasabay nito ang pagbukas ng pintuan.

"Captain." Sumeryoso ang mukha ko dahil sa nararamdaman nito. He's anxious.

"You have to leave. Now." Hinatak niya ako palabas ng kusina na iyon at nakita ko kung paano nagsisitakbuhan ang mga pasahero na mulhang pinakawalan na nila at ang mga piratang naghahanda nang umalis.

"Where is she?" Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa siya nakikita. Halos mag-iisang oras na ako doon sa kusina, hindi ko namalayan ang oras na malapit na nga kami sa Magnus.

"Who? Ah that girl. What? Hindi mo pa siya nakikita?" Nagsimula na akong mangamba sa sinabi niya. Kinuha ko ang pagkahawak niya sa kamay ko at naglakad palayo. "Saan ka pupunta? Kailangan mo nang umalis. Hindi ko inaasahan na pati dito ay may nakabantay paring mga Knights. Their ships are coming fast—"

Hindi niya na natult ang sasabihin niya nang may narinig kaming maliit na pagsabog sa deck sa unahan. Tsaka ko narinig ang mga sigawan ng mga taong nandito. Ramdam ko din ang pagyanig ng buong barko. Dahil dito ay muli na namang umiba ang daloy ng tubig.

"I need to find her—"

"Captain!" May isang pirata ang tumawag kay Jack kaya inis itong humarap sa kaniya. "K-kulang po ang mga bangka natin—" isa na namang pagsabog ang narinig namin.

"What?! Paano nangyari 'yun? We brought exactly ten of them raiding this ship last night!"

"H-hindi ko po alam."

Suddenly hearing that, I had an uncomfortable tightness in mg chest, accompanied by a bad feeling, and anger slowly rising up. Remembering our conversation last night, my fists clenched. Along with that feeling, another explosion dominated the noise coming from the mouths of these people.

Before I knew it, three huge ships hastily surrounded ours. I could see some pirates already moving out with their small boats. A barrier was then built around the ship, preventing anymore from escaping. Yet I didn't care about any of these. All I was thinking at the moment was that girl who left without even letting me know.

Knights jumped from their ships to ours, their spears all pointing at us in different directions. But I knew I had no time to deal with them. If she left just earlier this morning, then she must be still near. I could catch up to her easily. Spears started raining from above, hindi ko napansin na tinapon na pala nila ito lahat papunta sa direksyon namin.

Dahil sa lumilitaw kong emosyon ay lumabas ang masamang enerhiya na nakatago sa katawan ko. The dark energy suddenly surrounded the entire area within a few seconds, creating dark fogs that prevented anyone from seeing clearly. Tinaas ko ang kamag ko at pinawala ang mga weapons nilang kanina pa atake ng atake sa amin. Dahil sa miasma ng enerhiyang lumalabas ay mabilis na nawalan ng malay ang iba.

"D-dark energy." Mahinang bulong ng kapitan.

Jack was just beside me, he's a lot stronger than he looks that he's able to actually blend in with the dark energy. Well such a weak level of dark energy, if they all passed out from this I'd be thoroughly disappointed. May mga Knights na ako ang inatake pero dahil sa kadiliman ay nahihirapan silang gumalaw.

The Captain let out his magnum pistol and started shooting as I decided to finish this all quickly. Nagpalabas ako ng mga daggers at isa-isang pinatamaan ang mga Knights sa paligid. Pero habang ginagawa ko ito ay nagulat ako nang unti-unting nawawala ang masamang enerhiya sa hangin. Along with it, one man stood at the center. His golden armour shone brightly due to the sunlights passing through.

"Who are you?" His question was left unanswered.

Swinging his huge spear, his body continued to let out waves of pure energy. I smiled. I've always thought the Commander title of his was all just a show. Perhaps Headmistress wouldn't choose someone weak as the Commander of the Knights. Thomas Kevins. It has been so long since I've last seen him. I knew he was strong though, I just never expected he's at the level of even erasing dark energy already. Very small amount of people could do that feat.

"I don't know how you acquainted yourself with dark energy, but Thomas Kevins, being the Commander of the Knights and one of the Elites, he's an opponent you can't beat." Jack Holmes whispered.

"Do you really think so, Jack?" I asked with a hint of provocation.

"I do." Well of course he would think so. He has never really truly seen the extent of my capabilities. However, I don't think I have to exert that much effort though.

"Answer me, who are you?!" Thomas demanded. I just chuckled which added to his annoyance. "Are you one of Exodus? Or maybe...another irregular supporting your crazy New Wold Order." His spear was steadily pointed at me this time. The two versions of New World Order really is already spreading.

"If I attack," he frowned. "I don't think you'll live to even see the next second." I said with a smirk. His face darkened with anger.

"Don't provoke him." The man beside me warned. I know he's just concerned, but that underestimation sure is bothersome.

"I do want to battle with you, sadly I have no time." I motioned my finger on the air, creating series of patterns.

"You think I'll just let you escape?" My smile then vanished.

I took a step and before he was even aware of it, nasa likuran niya na ako. Ramdam ko ang gulat niya sa biglaan kong pagkawala at nang humarap siya ay mabilis kong hinawakan ang dibdib nitong nakabalot sa gold na armour. Electric currents then wrapped around his body making him flinch enough for his muscles to weaken. I took that opportunity to throw him somewhere.

Galit ang mga tingin na binibigay niya sa akin pero wala akong pakealam 'dun. A fire phoenix landed just in front of me. Its fur was made from hot flames, its eyes were brightly outshining the sun, and its claws were made from molten steel.

I pulled myself up the creature and stood on it. It let out a loud shriek preventing Thomas from stepping any further. I chuckled seeing his expression with a hint of anger and annoyance. Then my gaze shifted to Jack who was shaking his head in dismay.

"I'm sure you can escape by yourself." He nodded as a confirmation.

Hindi na ako lumingon pa at lumipad sa direksyon palayo sa Magnus. Naiinis ako dahil nasisira na ang plano pero mas nagagalit ako dahil umalis lang ang babaeng iyon na hindi manlang ako sinabi—damn.

"If you want to go that badly, then do it yourself."

I didn't expect she'd really go by herself! I figured she was stubborn and persistent but I didn't expect myself to go after her like this. Perhaps I really am letting myself loose. I sighed as I commanded the creature mentally. If I were to follow where she is, then she's definitely headed to that place where lightnings kept hitting last night.

Don't get me wrong though. She knew she's essential to my plan and therefore went without hesitation because she probably knew I'll go after her no matter what. And that's why I'm going after her, because everything would be ruined by her immaturity if this goes on. Everyone who thinks they knew me is aware of the fact that I'm really particular about my plans.

"Scan the area for her." Utos ko sa fire phoenix na sumagot lang gamit ang umaalingawngaw na boses nito.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto na kaming lumilipad dito pero kahit anino na lamang ni Celeztie ay hindi ko mahanap. She had a really small amount of energy that's almost cannot be detected, so it's hard pointing her out in this empty ocean. Hanggang sa nainis na ako ay nagpalabas ng nga halimaw.

Hindi ako sigurado kung paano ko sila napapalabas pero may pakiramdam ako na galing ito Sigilum na nakaukit na sa katawan ko. It makes me wonder how strong could I have became if I agreed on them putting all the relics inside me. But I didn't want to die without finishing everything, I wouldn't want to take that risk after all.

The monsters appeared floating through the air, then landing on the waters below, a moment later they appeared on the surface. They kept their moving patterns that way as they all spread around, disrupting the calm flow. They were huge, and I don't think people have seen something like this. Sigilum is indeed a relic filled with strange monsters. The fact that Silverrium came from it is one thing already.

The search continued for hours, I could tell from the way the sun rises every now and then.
Then I began to truly worry. If I use my own pure spiritual energy on insisiting to find her, I'm afraid ny stealth way of not attracting attention would be useless. How bothersome.

That is until I found one of those monsters from earlier resurfacing just below the creature I was on. On its head was Celeztie's figure, wet from all that under and above travels. Her gaze finally landed on mine, then there was that awful silence. I could actually feel a little bit of nervousness and fear from her.

"Cele—"

"I can explain!" She immediately yelped.

"I don't want to hear it. The fact that you just suddenly—"

"You said I could!"

"And you didn't have to leave without me know—"

"Because I know na hindi ka papayag—"

"THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO GO WITH ME!" Sigaw ko na siyang nagpatahimik sa kaniya. My loud voice beamed, echoing throuh the distances, then slowly fading.

"I'm sorry." She finally settled with an apology. I sighed and offered her a hand.

"What did you find out there?" She hesitated before taking my hand. "Don't worry, it isn't as hot as it looks." I said referring to the fire phoenix. I lowered the intensity, so it would actually feel warm and pleasant when riding he creature.

"Nothing. I couldn't get close to the island no matter how much I row the boat.." She answered taking my hand, then I dried her using drying magic. It sure is handy.

"And why is that?" She sighed in relief then sat on the phoenix' back with ease.

"Dark energy. The whole island is surrounded by it. I feel no traces of life in there, like it's stuck in an infinite time frame."

"How can you be so sure?" She grined.

"I may be weak in terms of spiritual energy pero hindi ibig sabibin nito ay hindi ko namana ang pagka-sensitive mo sa mga ganoong bagay."

"So you do admit you're weak." I smirked as th creature flew higher, now we're surrounded by clouds. "Seems you never got my huge spiritual level."

"I don't know about that. I'm not usually this weak." Napabuntong-hininga siya at humiga, malapad naman ang likod ng phoenix. "It's like my whole energy has been drained, almost emptied, when I first came here." And considering it has been a year and half since, she never got that energy back. It must have been one hell of spritual energy level.

Hindi na ako sumagot pa at tinutok nalang ang atensyon ko sa sinasabi niyang isla na nababalot ng masamang enerhiya. If I was able to sense it last night considering that distance, the energy must be massive. Even now, I feel my skin tingle as our distances grew near. Yet there's this deep sense of familiarity within that energy.

Then there it was. Darkness was polluting the calm air, I could even feel the huge disturbance inside that island. It's like a massive dark ball of energy, with the surrounding edges serving as a barrier. We were just flying around it, and I myself could handle this energy but looking at Celeztie, she couldn't even stand to just feel it.

Pati ang mga halimaw na pinalabas ko kanina ay hindi makalapit sa enerhiyang ito, nasa paligid lang sila at para bang nag-aabang sa kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Celeztie was right though. I couldn't sense any living thing inside and there's no such thing as the smell of death too. Dark energy often have this aura of death, but this one is different. Parang iba ang nasa loob kumpara dito sa labas, 'yung pakiramdam na hindi gumagana ang oras sa loob.

My face flushed, my heart began racing again, my breathing was fast, my fists were clenched, and my lips creating a smirk. Ah...these emotions always pleasure me. I love having this kind of feeling. Excitement that couldn't be describe along with the deep sense of anticipation. There wasn't a trace of fear within me, but it was replaced by anxiety.

"You're staying here." I told Celeztie but she suddenly stood up, which almost made her lose balance.

"What? I'm com—" she stopped herself seeing the expression I was making. "There's no stopping you, huh?" She mumbled. "Fine. I'll wait here. But if something were to happ—Ke'ala!" Hindi na ako nakinig sa sasabihin na dahil tumalon na pababa sa masamang enerhiya.

The energy itself is inviting me in, welcoming me with open arms. As my body passed through the darkness, a pleasant wave of pain crept through my body systems, yet I couldn't make myself to turn around and give up. I wanted to know the origin of this huge power. I was feeling rather adventurous. This was the kind of risk I'm always willing to take.

Perhaps I'm just letting myself be controlled by my emotions, but I didn't care anymore. I regretted the fact that I thought to myself last night that I shouldn't come here. But here I am now, my body being one with the dark energy. The aura I was emitting was someyhing...something fragrant, something strange but familiar, fearful but calm.

This excitement, I could no longer contain it.

My feet landed on the ground, creating an impact enough to get anything near thrown off everywhere. The air pressure intensified by my sudden appearance, blackness was hindering my vision. However at a certain distance in front of me, something was creating light. The way their weapons clash were creating frictions which brightens everything only for a moment then back again to black.

There was the sound of something sharp hitting a flesh, and the smell of rust penetrating another with its speed. And I knew for a certain who they were coming from.

Closing my eyes, I traced the deepest part of my energy, making them stable. Once again opening them, I knew my eyes were glowing in bright pale blue. I opened my palm which I hadn't realizing I was clenching up until now, as a ball of pure white energy engulfing the darkness.

Then there was silence.

AN: Sorry it's late, I know lols. Not gonna make an excuse for that incompetence but well, a happy reading!