LVerse of the Day.
"God blesses for those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Matthew 5:4

Chapter 46
Reminisce
[ Jack Harrison ]

WHILE STANDING near the tower, in front of the gate, a scene suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Together with my friends and I, we waited for almost three minutes just for someone who is important to James. Damn this punk, he'll always make a way for us to join in this friggin' fiesta. I'd rather stay at my room or in the library, sleeping or reading some books, than standing here, waiting for someone we don't know.

Wearing my blank face, I stared at the new arrived girl. She's... stunning, and I don't know how long have I been staring at her that I only got out of my own trance when James said my name while laughing his ass off.

"This is Jack Harrison Amores, my best friend. Ako na lang ang magpakilala sa sarili niya dahil wala naman itong balak magsalita." Then, the rest of them introduced themselves, too.

I stayed quiet while looking at them. And finally, it was the girl's turn to introduce herself. "I'm Megami Maureen Shimizuo, and this is my new friend right here, Zoe Madelyn Wainright." She smiled. My world seemed to stop for a brief moment she showed her smile.

Looking at her, she looked like a kid who won a toy from an arcade. I saw how her face turns red when the cart had moved. I nearly chuckled in her reaction, but I manage to say, "Noisy," causing her to look at me. Pero hindi niya man lang ako pinansin at nagpatuloy sa pagsigaw.

This lady is too cute.

The way she danced at the center of the crowd makes me smile, but I immediately hid it before James could even saw it. Nagkagulo ang lahat. Mayroong nakapasok na kalaban. Nakita ko kung paano siya nataranta at umiyak. I want to go to her and comfort her, but I can't...

James brought Maureen to her room and I'm so worried sick. She's asleep for two days and I cannot do anything for her to be okay. I don't know what's gotten into me that I am acting this way. Damn it.

"By the way, Mr. Amores, come here."

Kinunot ko ang aking noo dahil sa biglaang pagtawag ni Mrs. Merida sa'kin. "What's the matter?" I asked.

"Kilala mo si Miss Shimizuo? I know you know her, and I want you to train her personally after your sister. It's her request, anyway," she casually said before proceeding with her work.

Sa 'di malamang dahilan, nanigas ako sa aking kinatatayuan. Without further discussion, I agreed with her condition. I don't know what exactly is happening to me. But I already have a hint for this kind of feelings.

I remember how the King, my father, taught me about the gods and goddesses. That there's this one god who decides who we love and will be with us for eternity. The god of fate, Kismet.

It is told that when you see the person that is fated to you, your surroundings may stop and all you will think of is her. As time goes by, every skin contact is like an electricity for them. And... you'll get easily attached with that person. Funny that I have felt all of those in a span of less than a week.

Is this what they really called 'destiny'?

Nervous, I opened the metal big doors of the training hall. I tried so hard to knot my brows and make my face so grumpy in the eyes of everyone, even with the girl who got my attention. I heard her say "hi", but I chose to ignore it. As I land my eyes to my sister, avoiding Maureen's intense stares, I said, "Jane, Mrs. Merida wants to talk to us. I don't know what's the reason."

I immediately turned my back at them and rushed towards the door. Binagsak ko ng malakas ang pintuan dahilan upang mapatingin sa'kin ang mga estudyanteng nasa labas. They avoided my eyes and left.

The next day came and Mrs. Herodie called us, seniors, to be the training partners of the lower level. In this part, I know that Maureen will be my partner, as what Mrs. Merida and Jane's condition. Mrs. Herodie discussed how the pairing will make. Seconds after she's done with her discussion, a number appeared on my wrist. It's a number 12.

I waited for 2 minutes but no one came in my front. Sighing, words escaped from my mouth. "I am the Rank 1 in Rank SUPREMUS, a prince, and a powerful one. Jack Harrison, where's your partner now, huh?" I murmured while staring at the number 12 on my wrist.

"Hi! I'm Maureen, your partner," saad ng tinig kasabay ng paglahad ng isang kamay na sa aking harapan.

Inangat ko ang aking tingin. I cleared my throat and compose my self again, as if she didn't heared something from me. "Let's go," I muttered and turned my back.

"Why you didn't approached me earlier? I'm your partner."

Pilit kong pinagsalubong ang aking mga kilay habang nakatingin sa harapan. "You should be the one approaching me," were the words came out from my mouth coldly.

"What? But a gorgeous lady like me should not wait for someone. But it's okay if it's you," her sweet voice said.

For a second, I thought myself is blushing. Pinili kong lingunin siya at inirapan. I saw how shocked she is after seeing me rolling my eyes. How cute... "Tss."

Huminto kami sa paglalakad sa harapan ng mansyon o dormitoryo namin—ng mga ka-rangko ko. I glanced at her. Nagtataka ang kaniyang mukha nang lingunin niya ako pabalik. So I asked, "You're not surprise on how big this mansion is?"

She frowns. "Why would I? My mansion is bigger and more attractive than this." Even though I know that she's bragging, I can't help but to think how cute she is. "And what are we doing here?"

"This is our dorm. Supremus Mansion as we call. Dito kita it-train." Her jaw dropped. "And now you're shock," I added a whisper before going inside. Sumunod naman kaagad siya.

I toured her around the mansion. And as we stopped and pulled ourselves inside the Training Room, we didn't waste any time. In training her, I didn't expect she's this good. Jane already told me about this, but it is different if you, yourself, who will be the one will witnessed it.

I jumped off in her direction and even I'm thinking twice of hurting her more, I instantly punched her stomach. Her body was thrown on the ground. I want to go to her and help her but she managed to stand up with all her might. She, then, run towards me.

Before she could even get so close to me, I released an upper cut blow but I know she's fast enough to block my attack. I kick her on her gut and she can't do anything but to receive it. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makitang napaluhod siya at napaubo ng dugo. But still, she stand up. I plastered a forced smirk on my lips before she raised her head to look at me.

Hinawakan niya ang kaniyang tiyan at labi. But then, shocked expression left on our faces when the cuts on her face suddenly disappeared. I don't know how long I'm frozen on my place until she got that chance to blow an attack on me. Hindi ko iyon naiwasan dahil sa pagkabigla.

I complemented and said an indirect congratulations to her. But what surprises me is her act. Maureen just kissed me. And I bet, my face now looks like a riped tomato.

From that day, my mind got worsen. It keeps on thinking about her. Para na akong mababaliw kaiisip sa kaniya.

I was sleeping peacefully in the library, where my favorite spot is located, when I heard the unexpected voice from the girl whose the reason of my craziness. "Who's this?" her freezing yet sweet voice reached my hearing.

Inangat ko ang aking ulo mula sa pagkakayuko, at ang mukha ni James at Maureen ang bumungad sa'kin. Sabay na nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Maureen habang nakatingin sa isa't isa. Because of the fast racing of my heart, I immediately stood up from my sit and walked away. And I don't know that she followed me and held the hem of my jacket, causing her to stripped from the floor.

"Aw!" I was fast to caught her in my arms. Snaking my arms to her waist, I didn't expect that we'll fall together at the floor. A loud thud interrupted the whole library. Nasa ilalim niya ako at alam ko na ang bumagsak at naglikha ng malakas na tunog ay ang aking likuran.

Napatitig ako sa maamo niyang mukha, hindi iniintindi ang masakit na likuran at bulungan ng mga estudyante. "O to the M to the G! I'm so sorry, Jack!" she cried.

Dali-dali siyang umalis sa ibabaw ko at agad na hinila si James patungo sa kung saan. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako at pinagpagan ang sarili matapos kong tumayo. In an unknown reason, my fists curled while staring at the place where Maureen and James has gone. Umalis ako sa lugar na iyon nang may madilim na mukha.

Days passed and the last day before the Blue Moon has come. It's also the day we decided to have a sleep over in Maureen's dormitory. The squad brings all they needed but I got nothing in my hand.

"Twinny," I heard my sister's voice from behind. Nilingon ko siya at pinagtaasan ng kilay. "What is happening to you? This past few days, you are acting weird. Are you okay?"

Umiwas ako ng tingin at inilagay ang magkabilaang kamay sa aking bulsa. "Am I?" I questioned back.

"Ewan ko sa'yo. Gulo mo talagang kausap." And she walked away while holding a basket full of foods.

Sumunod na lang din ako sa kaniya. We arrived at Maureen's dorm. James knocked it three times and it immediately opens. I stared at the lady in front of us. She's d-mn sexy and hot with her outfit. I have known that she's on training this past few days and I'm so proud of her when she told us about her magic.

Naguusap pa sila nang sumapaw ako. "Why don't you let us in?" I asked.

Awtomatikong napalingon siya sa'kin. She shyly smiled, which makes her so adorable, and laughed awkwardly. "Oh... sorry. Come in, come in." Natapos ang gabing iyon nang kami ay masaya. Hindi man halata, pakiramdam ko ay ako ang pinakamasaya sa aming lahat. We just bonded, and the girl who got my attention is present.

Mabilis dumaan ang mga araw. Patago ko siyang nagugustuhan dahil kapag ito ay nalaman ng ina kong reyna, tiyak na siya ay magagalit. She already arranged someone for me. That for her, she's the perfect pair of me. I know she didn't believe about the tale of destiny, because father and her started in an arranged relationship, too.

Ngayon ay kaming lahat, mga ka-ranggo ko, ay nakatambay sa sala ng mansyon. They are bored, while I am waiting for my Maureen to transfer in this mansion; tomorrow. I'm so proud of her. She just surpassed my score in the Ranking Test, making me to admire her more.

But I know... that this admiration is slowly upgrading to love... And I'm afraid to know what she's really up to, the reason why she's flirting with me. Maybe she's playing with me? Ouch. That hurts my feelings.

I decided to lean on the sofa, close my eyes and feel the serenity to the surroundings. I did sleep but the cold temperature of the room makes me jolted up from my slumber. "What the f-ck?! Ang lamig! Who the h-ll adjusted the aircon?!" I shouted in a shocking tone.

The people around the room put their glances to the only girl who is standing near the air conditioner. She's holding a big fan and wearing a sexy black pair of outfit. She's not minding my deadly stares, while still fanning herself with that big fan and said, "It's so hot, darling! I can't bear it anymore!"

"Aren't you aroused?"

Her eyes widened at my question. "Darling, I'll get arouse if you'll let me," she said and winked.

"Shut up, flirt." I rolled my eyes and lean on the sofa. I don't know what's gotten into me and I really want to tease her. Her reactions are just too cute.

The girls helped her ease the hotness she's feeling by creating a pool with blocks of ice. And h-ck, she looks really hot with the bikini she borrowed from my sister. I can't bare watching her like that so I walked out of the scene. Nag-iinit lang ako...

The next day came, the day I'm waiting. My comrades are preparing the mansion for the welcome party that will happen later. We are at the middle of arranging the things when the door opened and Maureen showed up.

Halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko sa naging suot niya. Hapit na hapit ito sa kaniyang katawan at maliit na tela lamang ang suot niyang pangibaba. Bigla-bigla, parang gusto ko siyang ibulsa at itago sa kung saan. Ayaw kong may makakita sa kaniyang ganiyan ang suot.

I saw my sister signaled something to me that I immediately understand. She wants me to make a way in convincing Maureen to change her clothes. I sighed and ruined my hair. This is frustrating the hell out of me!

Without any hesitation, Maureen sat right at my lap. My eyes widen in shocked. She's just wearing a small piece underneath! Napakagat ako sa labi at bumuga ng hininga. Putting my glare at my sister, I shooked my head in disbelief.

I don't know what's gotten into my mind that I wrapped my arms around her and sniffed her neck. "Change your clothes with something connected to flowers..." I whispered.

I can't see what's the reaction of this girl since I'm at her back. "Why?" I heard her asked in a low tone. "But nevermind. I'll change without your reason, darling." The time didn't move, for me, when she turned around and give me kiss for five seconds.

Hindi nakapagsinungaling ang aking mukha at puso. Namula ako samantalang mabilis namang tumatakbo ang aking puso na animo'y nasa isang karera. Tila kay lakas din nitong tumambol na umabot sa puntong hindi ko na marinig ang reaksyon ng mga kasama ko.

When my friends already finished the decorations, we welcomed Helios, the new member to our family. Next is Maureen, who's too stunning the time she entered the big doors. I remained standing while staring at her, shocked at what she's wearing.

It's just a simple dress with different flowers printed on it and she paired it with a strap sandals. I, or rather we, can't believe that she wore that kind of clothes—since where immuned to her dresses that's so revealing. The night goes on and we're extremely happy for having the two of them in our rank.

Our traditional Rivendellian Ball came. It goes on smoothly, especially that Maureen and I made out at the back of the stage. I was so happy that I haven't controlled myself. Enemies approached us, the reason why I happened to control myself and remember that we're still not together to do that sinful thing.

The Dark Entities—name of the gross creatures that keeps on attackinh us—that ruined the ball last night had become exiled from our world. And because of the attack that happened last night, the councils decided to throw us in a mission.

We are divided into two and luckily, Maureen is with me. Habang kami ay naglalakad papunta sa destinasyong binigay ni Headmaster Kashmir, napansin kong kanina pa wala sa sarili ang aking sinta mula nang gumising siya. Sa tingin ko'y malalim ang kaniyang iniisip.

Akala ko ay hindi na siya babalik sa dati pero nang umabot na sa dalawang hanggang tatlong oras, nagrereklamo na siya sa sakit ng kaniyang paa. Sabi'y hindi raw siya sanay na maglakad ng ganito kalayong pook. Naintindihan ko naman siya sapagkat siya ay nanggaling pa sa ibang mundo na tinatawag na Mortal Realm.

"Let's rest here for a while," I announced when I couldn't bear watching my love in tha state anymore. She thanked me and sat right next at my place, under this gigantic tree. I'm just observing her when her cheeks suddenly reddened.

What is she thinking?

Kaunting oras lamang kaming nagpapahinga at nang magsimula muli kaming maglakad, may mga kalabang biglang bumulaga sa aming paligid. Nilabanan namin sila hanggang sila ay maubos. Mayroon pang isang Succubus na lumandi sa'kin sanhi ng pagkainis ni Maureen.

Minsan ay napapaisip ako. Totoo ba ang pinapakitang mga kilos niya? Hindi niya ba ako pinaglalaruan? Siguro ganito siya dahil iba ang pinapakitang ugali ko sa kaniya. Maybe she's just challenging herself as what she sees in my attitude.

Narating namin ang bayan ng Screzine at doon ginawa ang misyon. Madali lamang ang misyon, patayin lahat ng mga masasamang nilalang sa higanteng dome na iyon. Pero hindi ko inaasahang mapapasok kami ni Maureen sa isang sitwasyon na sanhi ng aking paghihirap sa pagiisip ng tama.

Naghahalo ang pagiisip ko bilang isang bata at sa normal na edad ko. It's because we are trapped inside an incubator for monsters. But we didn't morphed into one, instead, we became a kid.

Nakikita ko ang nangyayari sa kapaligiran ko bilang isang bata pero hindi ako makagagawa ng isang bagay na ginagawa ng bente anyos na lalaki. It's so hard, and I'm so thankful that the head scientist of Rivendelle Academy make a way in order for us to go back at our normal phase.

Nawalan ako ng malay nang bumalik na kami sa normal. At sa paggising ko, parang pinahirapan ako ng sarili kong katawan sa sakit na aking nararamdaman. Ganoon din si Maureen, nakatiklop ang dalawang braso sa ulo at panay ang sigaw, marahil sa sakit. Pero nang mawala ang sakit, nawala ang mga alaala ko at ang tanging natitira na lamang ay noong nasa loob pa kami ng glass incubator.

Sinabi lahat sa'ming dalawa ni Miss Thiana ang nangyari. Nang matapos ito, lumabas na kami sa laboratoryo. Napansin kong panay ang tingin ng kasama ko sa paligid at nahihimigan ko ang pagkalungkot sa kaniyang mukha sa bawat gamit na madadaanan ng kaniyang mga mata.

The metal doors opened and there, our academy's headmaster is standing in front of the door, probably waiting for us. He welcomed us back and then we proceed walking towards the way to the main campus. Napahinto ako nang may isang boses sa'king utak ang bumulong.

'She's here.' It was my sister's voice. My forehead creased at what she said. Who is she talking about? And how did shw know that I'm already okay? Oh, probably because of our bond.

Pero... sino ang tinutukoy niya? Siya ba?

I cleared my throat for me to get her attention. "Mauuna na ako. Mayroon lang akong aasikasuhin bago bumalik sa mansyon." Tumango lamang siya kaya agad akong lumakad papalayo sa kaniya.

Nang marating ko ang mansyon, nakita ko kaagad ang babaeng tinutukoy ng kapatid ko. Tama nga ang aking hinala. It's her, Mia Margarrett Laurriel, the girl whom I am bethroted into. Umakyat ang galit sa aking sistema sa nakita. Bakit pa niya kailangang magpakita?! Hindi na sana siya pumunta pa rito!

"What the f-ck are you doing here?!" kusang tumaas ang boses ko sa galit. "You shouldn't be here!"

"Babe, para saan ang galit mo? Hindi ba napagusapan na natin ito? At ng mga magulang natin? You'll marry me and I'll marry you," mahinahon ang kaniyang pagkakasabi.

Pinipigilan ko ang aking sarili na sumagot dahil isang kahihiyan sa isang prinsipeng katulad ko ang sigawan ang babae. Magsasalita pa sana si Mia nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan at bumungad sa'min ang mukha ng babaeng pinakamamahal ko. She's so stunning with the dress she's wearing.

"Who's going to marry who?" she asked the time she stopped her foot at the entrance.

The girl on my left hang her arms on mine and offered her hand to Maureen. "Hi! Mia Margarrett Laurriel is my name. I am Jack's fiancé, and you are?"

Hindi tinanggap ni Maureen ang kaniyang kamay. Alam kong napahiya siya kaya agad niya itong ibinababa.

"Fiancé?" I chuckled. "Really? But I'm his girlfriend."

Nagulat ako sa narinig. Of course, she'll say that... I cleared my throat. "That's enough. Let's go, Mia, let's talk with our parents."

Pero hindi ito nakinig. Nagpalitan sila ng mga salita hanaggang sa nagkagulo. Kinuha ni Mia ang sariling braso mula sa pagkakangkla sa'kin at humakbang paabante kay Maureen. "Jack's parents and mine appointed us to marry each other! Jack is a prince and soon to be a king who needs queen! And that's me, bitch!"

Napakabilis ng pangyayari. Nang sinampal ni Mia si Maureen, ginamit naman ng huli ang kaniyang kapangyarihan na naging sanhi ng pagtumba ni Mia sa sahig, naghahabol ng sariling hininga. Linapitan ko si Mia dahil sa naging sitwasyon niya. Hindi siya dapat ginaganito dahil kaming magkakaibigan ang malalagot!

Hindi pa nga ako nakakatayo nang maayos mula sa pagtulong kay Mia, nakita ko nang natumba si Maureen sa sahig habang hawak-hawak ang kaniyang balakang. Gusto ko siyang tulungan pero walang lumalabas na salita mula sa'king bibig o maski kilos mula sa'king katawan.

Sofia hurt her by using hurtful words, I can see it on her face but she's trying to hide it. Her oceanic eyes produced tears that makes my heart more heavier. Pero nagulat kami sa naging sunod niyang kilos. Parang may sumapi sa kaniya dahil sa oras na nakabalik na siya mula sa kaniyang kwarto, ibang-iba ang Maureen na kilala ko ang nasa harap namin ngayon.

She went berserk. Naging mabilis masyado ang pangyayari at ngayon ay nakayakap ako sa kaniya, kinokompronta siya sa mga naging kasalanan ko. Hindi ko na kinaya pa ang bigat na aking nadarama kung kaya't sinabi ko ang lahat-lahat sa kaniya. Ang lahat ng hinanakit ko, ang lahat ng nararamdaman ko simula nang makilala ko siya.

Nagkabati kami at pati na rin ng mga kaibigan namin. She's too kind to be hurt like that. Hinding-hindi ko na siya hahayaang masaktang muli...

Akala ko ayos na ang lahat. Akala ko naging mabuti kahit papaano ang tadhana sa'kin. Pero hindi... dahil hindi pa nga umaabot sa isang linggo simula nang malaman namin sa isa't-isa ang aming nararamdaman ay nawala siya.

Kahit saang sulok ng akademya ay hindi ko siya makita. Tinawag ko na ang lahat ng mga guwardiya sa kaharian at pinahanap siya sa buong Magic Realm ngunit wala pa rin... Napakasakit ng sinapit ko sa tadhana. Hindi ko pa nga nakakamit ang totoong kaligayahan ngunit heto, kinuha na ang tanging taong nagpatibok sa'king puso.

Ngayon ay nakaupo ako sa hardin ng kaharian namin, kaharap ang guardian niyang kakaiba. Nakatitig ito sa akin at napakaganda nitong pagmasdan. Simula nang mawala ang kaniyang amo, na dalawang taon na ang lumipas, kumupas ang kulay ng mga bulaklak sa ulo ng nilalang na ito.

Nginitian ko ito at ipinatong sa aking hita. "Sa tingin mo, Fuzzy, nasaan na ang iyong amo? Maayos kaya ang kaniyang kalagayan ngayon? Pero kung sakaling literal na wala na siya sa mundo... ano ang magiging reaksyon ko?"

"Fuzzy..." the guardian didn't answered so, I just hugged her. "I'm sure she's already in a happy place right now."

@eggarru