LISTEN CAREFULLY

Nicholas James.

26. November.
Friday, 5:00 p.m.
Wonderland Org.
Temporary Base.

IT WAS THE KNAVE WHO DROVE ME BACK TO THE BASE. He saw me on his way home, gave me a bottle of iced tea to put on my cheek, picked up McDonald's and a Happy Meal, and dropped me in front of the building.

He didn't speak at all. He didn't ask where I got the busted lip, he didn't ask if I wanted to go home, he didn't ask if I wanted the unicorn toy instead of the robot.

He simply saw me, gestured to his car, bought me the unicorn and that was it. The Happy Meal served its purpose, though.

I stood alone in front of the flat Wonderland has been using as a temporary base, watching the Knave leave.

"Arthur," I called before he got inside his car.

He stopped and gave me an unconcerned look. "Yes, sir?"

It has come to my attention that Arthur has turned gloomier. Might be the black get-up. Might be the impression he gives off; that he has absolutely nothing left to live for. Might be the tie he has stopped wearing.

Maybe the rot inside has finally surfaced, who knows.

I swung the unicorn around. "I was wondering... why didn't you ask me where I got these scratches?"

His face remained emotionless. "Do I have to?"

"Yes, because it's kind of your job as my bodyguard." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm sorry. I was reporting in the chancellor's office." A small smile etched on the corner of his lips. I knew it was fake. "Because somebody made a ruckus and hacked Coronado Chronicles's website and Facebook page, even though I asked him not to."

I frowned. "Are you mad because I involved the student publication or you're mad because the article's about Edward Dace?"

"Why don't you take a guess?"

My lip twitched. "I don't like your tone, Arthie. Tougher now?"

"And I don't like your constant power play, Nikki." He scoffed. "What are you going to do, kill me? Remove me from my role as the Knave so my father kills me then? Send a hitman after me?"

"Maybe I will." I crossed my arms.

He took steps closer, towering me. I got the full Lukas vibe. His glare was empty yet sharp, like cold steel hollowed out and honed. It didn't help that it was dark, he was wearing black, and the orange lamppost illuminated his face. His eyes seemed reddish with the reflection of his hair and the lamppost. He spooked me.

It's like being threatened by a dead man.

I kept a straight face. "Hurting me is a death wish, Arthur Lukas."

He ran his fingers along my neck, smiling. Now this one is a genuine smile. "I wish for death every day, Mr. Germaine. What have you against a man who has nothing left to lose?"

I tightened my grip of my unicorn. Is this betrayal, Arthur? Are you going to kill me? After giving me a Happy Meal?

How do I escape him? Do I fight, do I run? Do I threaten him? How would I threaten him when he said he has lost everything? What else could change his mind?

What is it that he cares for the most? Lance? Edward? Jule? Coronado Chronicles?

How can I use them to my advantage?

Arthur grasped my neck. His grin turned savage, like a floodgate holding off all his hatred, all his frustrations, and all his anger. A fragile floodgate that could break in front of me at any moment.

I'm officially scared.

"Do you know why nobody takes you seriously?" Arthur asked in a whisper. "It's because you're a child in this game of adults, flaunting a title that could be taken away from you as easily as this."

Don't cry.

His grip tightened. "There's one thing you should remember, Nicholas. You are only Mad Hatter because your father died."

Don't cry.

I tried to laugh, taking out my phone from my pocket. I have to keep my fear at bay. "Let's take a selfie before you kill me."

I beamed and Arthur slapped my phone off my hand. His grip loosened.

"That was an iPhone, Arthie." I pouted. "It has a fidget spinner for a camera."

This is why nobody takes you seriously, Nicholas.

But this is the only way out.

"You're going to pay for it, Arthie," I teased.

Anger the enemy.

He punched me in the face. My vision turned white for a second. I haven't even recovered when he grabbed me by the neck and slammed me down on the ground. My head hit the cement and spit flew out of my mouth.

Arthur continued strangling me and I could not, for my dear life, get him off me. I thrashed, I kicked, I scratched his arm. My nails even dug so deep in his arm, he started bleeding too.

Anger the enemy.

Then remind him of his greatest fear.

"I-Is this," I struggled, "is this how Edward felt?" His grip loosened a bit, giving me enough chance to talk. "W-When Luciano beat him up?"

Remind him of his greatest fear—turning into a pathetic version of his father.

"I don't care," he said, but he was rattled. He wasn't even choking me anymore. He just pinned me on the ground.

"This is why people leave you, Arthie," I said, alternating between gasping for air and talking. "Because you don't care enough."

"I don't care."

"Exactly why you'll die alone."

His eyes widened. I think I hit the nail on the head.

Also Arthur's fear: dying alone.

I grinned and coughed, feeling victorious. How sweet, learning a lot about a person's fears. "Picture this, Arthie," I said, stabilising my breathing. "A lonely boy who, to please his father, sacrifices his own happiness and joins an organisation he didn't want to join. But uh-oh, his father doesn't care about him because his father only cared about his brother!"

"Are you talking about yourself?" he hissed, an attempt to shake me.

"No, sweetheart, I'm talking about you and I am not done monologuing, love." I smirked. "So, because you're alone and you don't get enough love and affection at home, you dated this super hot White Rabbit but you're scared of what your father would say so you pretend that you're only dating Lance for the organisation, because you know the only way your father would allow you is if he thought you're using Lance to your advantage."

Arthur bit his lower lip.

"But uh-oh number two, Lance left the organisation and you were torn between two choices: your own happiness and your father's will. Now because you're a coward, you chose your father. Horrible decision, Arthie, because your father cares for Siegfried more than you! You betrayed the only person who ever loved you for you, for somebody who doesn't even care!"

Arthur raised his fist to punch me once again, but somebody from behind hit him with a bag. The bag was full of books and it made Arthur fall on his butt, so this good samaritan was without doubt Alice.

Alice threw her heavy bag at Arthur and helped me up. "Anong nangyari?!" She pulled me away from Arthur and put a protecting arm around my shoulders. She was taller than me and I felt protected enough. "Sir Arthur?!"

Arthur threw Alice's bag away and stood up. He brushed his trousers with his hands and shook his head.

I was actually not done with my monologue. Alice interrupted us too soon, I still had a paragraph composed in my mind. It was uh-oh number three, Arthur's...

"Sir Arthur, ire-report ko po 'to sa King of Hearts," Alice said gravely, glaring at Arthur.

"No don't," I said. "Or else Arthur's father would be very disappointed in him."

Arthur scowled, punched his car, and started walking away with his bleeding arm in the open. I assumed he didn't want to drive with all the emotions burning inside him. He might just crash his car and end everything. That would not be very nice.

Alice wore her backpack, picked up my unicorn, and hugged me. Then she cupped my cheeks to get a better view of my face. "Get inside and wash up. Gamutin natin 'yang mga sugat mo tapos ikwento mo sa 'kin ang lahat ng nangyari, okay?"

I nodded, feeling lightheaded and a bit sick. Now that I've calmed down, the adrenaline rush that I've had a while ago has slowly disappeared and pain has started to take over my entire body. I threw myself at Alice, burying my face in her shoulder.

Don't cry.

"Let's go inside," Alice said, softly.

"I want to play an arcade game," I replied in a muffled voice. "I want tea and cake and I wanna talk about fairy tales and I want you to read me fairy tales and I want to..." My voice cracked.

Alice hugged me again and patted my head. "You want to what?"

I want to

qdieuitbeiwthmedwliassrdajapyluewtih

I don't know how I'd voice them out all at once.

I wailed, hoping Alice would understand me through my cries. I wish my tears would fall into the ground and spell out my pain. I wish I could transform this pain into something else.

Edward's words rang in my ears: Mang-aasar ka tapos iiyak ka kapag napikon.

Taunting and angering people are the only way I know how to escape uncomfortable situations. How to escape trouble.

Alice led me inside the building, where we're met by Melissa, Edward's mum. Tears blurred my vision but I could hear from Melissa's tone that she was worried.

"Anong nangyari?" she asked Alice, taking her bag. She placed Alice's bag beside the couch and checked on me again. "Sinong nanakit sa 'yo?"

"Si Sir Arthur po," Alice answered, rubbing my back.

"Buti na lang sinuntok ko ang hinayupak na 'yon noon. Oh, tumahan ka na." Melissa dried my tears with her apron and she smiled at me and that made me cry some more.

I think she panicked when I cried louder.

"Ano bang sinabi sa 'yo ni Sir Arthur?" Alice asked, putting her hands on her waist. "At bakit ayaw mong i-report ko kay Nathan?"

"Bakit mapula ang pisngi at leeg mo, sinakal ka ba ni Arthur?" Melissa tutted. "Hindi ko akalaing magmamana ang batang 'yon kay Luciano."

"Mabigat po ba ang kamay ni Luciano?" Alice furrowed her brows at Melissa.

"Sobra. Lalo na kapag may ginawa o sinabi kang hindi n'ya nagustuhan."

Don't say anything, Nicholas.

"Kaya naman po pala gano'n si Sir Arthur."

Don't say anything.

Melissa sighed through her nose and tousled my hair. "Nagluto na ako. Kumain ka na ba?"

I shook my head. My throat hurts, I couldn't speak.

"Oh maghilamos ka muna at magpalit ng damit, ang dumi-dumi mo. Ipagamot mo kay Alice 'yang mga sugat mo, maghahain na ako. Ikaw Alice, kumain ka na?"

"Hindi pa rin po."

"Pagkatapos mong gamutin si Nicholas, pumunta na kayo sa kusina, ha? Kayong dalawa, ha?"

Alice and I nodded, and Melissa went back to the kitchen. Alice turned to me, helping me take off my coat. "Narinig mo si Tita Melissa. Maghilamos ka na at kukuhanin ko sa kwarto 'yong first aid kit."

"Alice," I said, making up my mind. "Let's move to a different flat tomorrow."

She was confused at first, but agreed anyway. "Maghahanap ako mamaya. Saang bayan?"

"Just far enough so Edward Dace wouldn't know where we are." I smiled. "I'm not letting him take Melissa away from us."

Sender: Arthur
Receiver: Sir Ducere

Lance. I want to see you. I watn to hear your voie pplease. Pleasr answee your phonr. Plse i want to grt rif of this paib i want to hear yoi ssay its goinh to be ok i eant you to tell me ti stay bravae i eant you to come bakv please come back it hurst so mucg please ibwant to see you

Message not sent. Try again?

Edward Dace.

28. November.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.
Coronado University Dormitories.
Room 372A High Street.

ISA NA NAMANG UMAGANG KAY PUÑETA.

I woke up from the racket caused by these wild primitive males outside my dorm room. Apparently, may isang nagpuslit ng kuting at nagkagulo silang lahat para maghanap ng gatas, maliit na bowl, box, at samu't saring abubot para sa kuting.

Pagpasok ko sa common room kung saan nila nilagay ang kuting, nakita kong may four-poster bed, milk fountain, at sariling portrait na ang pinangalanan nilang "Sir Whiskers, duke of Catbridge". 'Yong mga BS Architecture abala sa pagde-design ng kastilyong karton para kay Sir Whiskers.

'Yong mga HRM, nagtatalo-talo kung anong ipapakain kay Sir Whiskers sa lunch, hanggang sa nasupalpal sila ng mga kumukuha ng Veterinary at sinabing hindi pwede ng crème brûlée ang kuting.

Meanwhile, nakaabang ang mga Med students. Narinig kong sinabi nung isa na kapag lumaki't napabayaan ang kuting, ida-dissect na nila.

"Wala tayong pasok bukas hanggang sa Martes," galak na galak na sabi ng isang arki student, "pwede nating gawin 'yong castle mamayang gabi!"

Sabog na nag-cheer ang lahat ng mga arki.

"UMIINOM NA S'YA NG GATAS!" sigaw ng isa at nagsilapitan ang lahat sa kama ni Sir Whiskers.

Nabosesan ko ang sumigaw. Si Zwei 'yon. Of course, narito si Zweihänder. S'ya ang nagpapakain kay Sir Whiskers. Bakit ba ako nagtaka?

Pabalik na sana ako sa kwarto ko nang mahuli ako ni Zweihänder. "Edward! Tingnan mo may kuting!"

I tried to smile and nod, but it came out as a grimace. "Yeaaah, bawal ang hayop sa dorm, right?"

"How dare you," dramatikong sabi ng isang Theatre Arts student na nakasuot pa ng kapa. Inilawan s'ya ng flashlight ng tatlo pang estudyante, dagdag effects. "Sinasabi mo bang isang hamak na hayop lang si Sirrr Whiskerrrs?!"

Parang nagkasala ako't hindi na makakapasok sa langit.

No doubt, ito ang mga katropa ni Zweihänder.

"Nope, and I think he's royalty," I said. "Magagawa bang sabihin ng isang "hamak na hayop" na "Ang bait naman ng mga college students na 'to, pinagkakaabalahan ako kahit na exams nila next week!" Hmm?"

I smirked at their collective groan.

"Walang pasok bukas!" protesta nung arki student. "At Linggo ngayon!"

"Oo nga, we earned this!"

"Boo, KJ!"

"Diyos nga nagpahinga ng Linggo!"

I laughed sardonically, raising my hand. "Okay, firstly, Sabado nagpahinga ang Diyos. Pinalitan lang ni Emperor Dude Constantine I at ginawa n'yang Linggo dahil isa s'yang malaking bida-bida. Secondly, 'wag n'yong ampunin 'yang pusa kung itatapon n'yo rin naman kapag nagsawa na kayo."

May isang nakasalamin na business student na nagtaas ng isang detalyadong kalendaryo para sa isang buong taon. "Actually, nag-assign na kami ng schedules for babysitting. Magpapalitan kami ng pag-aalaga kay Sir Whiskers hanggang sa lumaki at magkaroon s'ya ng sariling pamilya."

"At gwapo si Sir Whiskers so like... 3 months?" dagdag ng isang tourism student.

"Babae si Sir Whiskers," ubo ng vet student sa likuran ko.

Zweihänder gasped. "Did you just assume his gender?"

Nagulat ang vet student. "Zwei, wala s'yang ano! At alam ko 'yan, c'mon, vet student here."

"SINILIP MO?" Ngumiwi si Zweihänder. "Ew, what is wrong with you?"

"Pero kapag tinapon n'yo 'yan," sabi ng isang Biology student na kanina pa nananahimik, "kapag biglang nawala 'yan 'wag n'yo nang hanapin."

"NO."

Nagkagulo ulit ang mga ligaw na hayop sa dorm. Hindi ko akalaing ganito ko uubusin ang oras ko. Wala ba akong ibang pwedeng gawin? Wala ba akong pwedeng imbestigahan, kutingtingin, o aralin?

Tumalon mula sa kamay ni Zweihänder si Sir Whiskers at dahan-dahang lumapit sa 'kin, palayo sa kaguluhan. I crouched on the floor and reached out my hand, meowing back at her.

Natawa ako dahil naalala kong takot sa pusa si Joyeuse.

Sir Whiskers rubbed her face against my hand. Laevateinn would've loved to play with her. Too bad he wasn't here.

"Guys?" tanong ni Mistletoe. Pinatahimik ng pagdating n'ya mga gorilyang nagrarambulan. Lumingon sa kanya ang lahat. "Nawawala 'yong kuting ko, may nakita ba kayong kuting?"

Sabay-sabay naman na lumingon sa 'kin ang lahat, at sabay-sabay din silang tumuro sa 'kin. Si Zweihänder na s'yang leader na nagsabi ng kwak-kwak ay naglakad palapit kay Mistletoe at nagsumbong ng, "Sooo, si Edward ang nagbitbit dito sa common room, tapos pinilit n'ya kaming gumawa ng kama at milk fountain."

"Excusez moi?!" I accidentally exclaimed in French.

"Peux-tu le croire?" Zweihänder replied, also in French and also sarcastically.

"Sabi nga namin," dagdag nung vet student, "bakit namin pagkakaabalahan 'yon e may exams kami next week, pinilit lang talaga kami ni Edward."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," I said, standing up and raising both my hands. "May polsci ba rito? I'd like to ask for a lawyer."

"Gusto ko lang makuha 'yong kuting ko, Ed," Mistletoe said, picking up Sir Whiskers. The cat traitor rested her head on Mistletoe's shoulder.

"Hindi ba bawal ang hayop sa dorm?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Bakit nagdadala ka ng hayop sa dorm?"

The common room rumbled with murmurs of agreement.

"Dinaan ko lang s'ya dito dahil uuwi ako mamaya sa bahay kasi-"

"I might need to cut you off right there," I shook and scratched my head, "your explanation is getting kind of boring and I'd rather have breakfast with that Theatre Arts dude."

Binato ako ng rose ni Theatre Arts dude at pinalo naman ako ni Zweihänder sa braso. "Ganyan ba ang detective, hindi pinapakinggan ang rason ng isang tao? Kahit ampon si Mistletoe ay may karapatan pa rin s'yang mapakinggan."

Fuck it's like Joyeuse and his whole annoying love-hate relationship with sentiments.

I faked a smile and asked Mistletoe again, "Bakit ka uuwi sa bahay n'yo, Mist?"

Mistletoe's eyes drifted from corner to corner, as if looking at invisible cameras in a sitcom, before he answered with his brows knitted together, "K-Kasi do'n ako nakatira... Ed."

I turned to Zweihänder. "I hate you."

Everyone laughed and started cleaning up their mess. Someone hung Sir Whiskers's portrait up in the middle of the common room. An HRM student offered me the brûlée he whipped up earlier but I had to refuse since he placed the treat on a casserole lid.

Mistletoe left the room with Sir Whiskers after everyone has said their goodbye to her.

Zweihänder helped in sweeping, and everyone cooperated, it seemed unreal. Zweihänder noticed me staring at him so he approached with a grin on his face. "Kapag nakikita nila akong naglilinis, naglilinis din sila."

I nodded. "Uh-huh, baka nahihiya dahil ikaw nga na anak ng chancellor at EIC, naglilinis, sila pa kaya na mga hamak na taga-lupa lang."

He rested his chin on the end of his broom. "You see, influence is a tool. Ikaw ang bahala kung paano mo gagamitin."

I squinted my eyes at him. "I feel like you're training me for something but at the same time, malakas ang kutob kong nanggagago ka lang."

He saluted and chuckled. Ichaival arrived with a cup of coffee in his hand and his smart phone in the other. Mahina n'yang siniko si Zweihänder at sinabihan ng, "'Wag kang magpapagod."

"Yes, mommy Val."

"Ed, sasama ka ba mamaya?" tanong naman sa 'kin ni Ichaival. Ibinulsa n'ya ang phone n'ya at habang nakatingin pa rin sa 'kin ay isinuot n'ya ang kamay n'ya sa likod ng damit ni Zweihänder. Pagkatapos ay pinagalitan n'ya ito. "Basa ang likod mo, magpalit ka na ng damit."

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't see that," I said. "Saan kayo pupunta? O kagaya ba 'to ng sa Pampanga, may sariling seminar si Zwei."

"Hindi ka ba inimbita ni Mist sa bahay nila? May party raw para sa kuya n'ya at maraming a-attend na engineer na kaibigan ng pamilya nila."

"Oh, so hindi tugs-tugs-tugs party kundi oh-look-at-me-I'm-fancy party. Good, good, 'cause I suck at both. Kaya siguro hindi ako inimbitahan ni Mist. At saka siguro, kasi, baka ano. Ano, baka ipahiya ko s'ya, I mean—" I laughed under my breath—"I could think of a thousand reasons why one wouldn't invite Edward Dace to a party."

I'm sure one of the reasons ay dahil ayaw n'yang ikumpara ako sa kanya. Ang hirap maging magaling.

"That's not true," sabi ni Zweihänder na parang s'ya pa ang na-offend. "Baka nakalimutan n'ya lang."

A part of my brain started composing excuses not to attend the party.

"Tingin ko in-assume ni Mist na pupunta tayo as a group ng CC kaya hindi ka na n'ya kailangang sabihan personally," sabi ni Ichaival. "Si Zwei nga kahit hindi iniimbita pumupunta."

"Kailan ko ginawa 'yan?"

"Date namin ni Kristina. Lahat ng date namin ni Kristina."

"Kung ayaw mong pumunta ako dapat nag-iwan ka ng laruan na pagkakaabalahan ko nang tatlong oras!"

Nilagay ni Ichaival ang kamay n'ya sa balikat ko. "I-enjoy mo ang pagiging single, Edward. Mahirap magkaroon ng dalawang jowa."

Dahan-dahan akong tumango. Si Futhark nga, biglang nagkaro'n ng tatlong anak. Gano'n yata talaga ang kapalaran ng mga Gomez.

"Anyway," Zweihänder said, clearing his throat. "Pumunta ka na rin mamaya kasi inimbita ni Mist ang buong CC. Sila Excalibur hindi naman n'ya sinabihan personally pero pupunta kasi CC sila."

"SMS ako," I said.

"Sisiw ka na rin."

"Eh, 50-50."

"'Wag kang magsho-shorts mamaya. Pantalon at maayos na polo, okay?" Zweihänder leaned closer and added in a low voice, "Between you and me, mas maliit kang tingnan kapag naka-cargo pants ka."

I frowned, but I kept my composure. "Okay. Dadaan ako mamaya sa mall at sasabihin sa saleslady na ikuha ako ng isang formal attire para sa isang formal party na dadaluhan ng mga nagtatangkarang tao."

"Sapatos, Edward. It's all in the heels."

"Oh-kay, that's enough about my height. Anong oras kayo pupunta?"

"The party's at 7," sagot ni Ichaival.

I narrowed my eyes. "So... 8 kayo pupunta?"

"Magkikita-kita kami sa playground sa Tamarisk Street nang 6:30, Edward. It's important to be punctual at parties like this."

"If you need to be punctual bakit party pa ang tinawag n'yo at hindi meeting? Or, or a formal gathering?"

"Birthday ng kuya n'ya," sabi ni Zweihänder. "Notice how we dropped the "birthday"? Kasi feeling din namin ay formal gathering ang mangyayari."

"Bumili kami ng wine, just in case." Nagkibit-balikat si Ichaival.

Wow. Wine. Ibang-iba sa "walwalan" namin ng SMS kung saan nagtitimpla lang si Futhark ng iced coffee at hahaluan namin ng Mountain Dew tapos kung sinong unang mag-palpitate ay s'ya ang maghuhugas ng pinggan sa isang buong linggo.

Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit dalawang araw walang tulog si Lae at nagawa n'yang akyatin hanggang tuktok ang puno sa labas ng 372A.

Zweihänder brightened up and Ichaival was quick to shoot his enthusiasm down. "Hindi tayo ang iinom ng wine, Zwei. Bawal ka."

"You can't tell me what to do, you're not my mum!"

"Then stop calling me Mommy Val!"

"Okay, mummy, daddy, don't fight," I said, waving my hands. "I'm gonna go grab breakfast and I'll see you later."

Zweihänder grinned at Ichaival before nodding at me. Ichaival gave me a thumbs up.

"See you at the party."

••• GENIUSFORSALE •••

ALAM KO NA kung bakit hindi ako inimbita ni Mistletoe. Unang pasok ko pa lang sa mansion nila, si Luciano Lukas kaagad ang bumungad sa 'kin. I mean bukod sa first class catering, waiters, naglalakihang chandeliers, at Beethoven na tinutugtog ng isang guest sa grand piano ng mga Brown sa pangatlo nilang sala.

Damn, Mistletoe. Bakit ka pumapayag na ma-bully kung ganito kayo kayaman?

May hawak na wine glass si Luciano Lukas at nakasuot s'ya ng itim na itim na suit. Bagay na bagay sa kulay ng budhi n'ya.

Nagkatitigan kami nang ilang segundo bago s'ya ngumisi at bumulong ng, "How brave."

Oh you'll see how brave I am, isasalaksak ko sa bunganga mo 'yang basong hawak mo.

Pinagitnaan ako ni Excalibur at Clarent, na parehong nakasuot ng formal attire. Ang ganda na nga ni Clarent kahit na naka-uniform, mas lalo na ngayong naka-dress s'ya, kahit simple lang.

Si Macey at Ichaival, may ibang pinuntahan. Si Mistletoe nagpaalam na mage-e-entertain ng ibang bisita.

Naramdaman siguro nila Excalibur at Clarent na nagwawala ako kapag na-provoke. Kinuwento siguro sa kanila ni Zweihänder kung paano ako nagwala't nakipag-away kay Nicholas no'ng seminar ng Literature Club.

Si Zweihänder na naglalakad sa harap namin ang bumati kay Luciano. "Good evening, sir." He shook hands with the devil, firmly. "I'm Harold Coronado."

I can't believe I'll be seeing Luciano socialising with other humans the human way. His smile was fake and horrible on his face, though. It's like seeing the devil put on a smiley face but the smiley face is also evil.

Macey gently nudged my arm. Sumiksik s'ya sa likod ko, akala ko ay natatakot kay Luciano. 'Yon pala ay nagtakas s'ya ng isang plato ng hors d'oeuvres. Tahimik s'yang kumain habang pinapanood ang pagpa-plastikan ni Zweihänder at Luciano.

Nagmagandang-loob pa s'yang mag-alok, "Gusto mo, Ed?"

Si Excalibur ang lumingon at nanghingi. Tinanggihan ko dahil baka mapasabak ako sa sigawan, nakakahiya kung may laman ang bibig ko.

"You've grown well, Harold," sabi ni Luciano habang hinahampas-hampas ang likod ni Zweihänder. Matatanggal ata baga ni Zwei. "Last time I saw you, you were tiny and loud. You're here on behalf of your father, eh?"

Tumango si Zweihänder at dahil makapal ang mukha n'ya ay sumimple rin ng hampas sa braso ni Luciano. It's as if he's thrown all manners and etiquette through the window. "Nope! We're here because Noir Brown invited all the publication staff!" He laughed afterwards. "This is nice!"

"I see Edward Dace is part of the publication staff?"

Perkele, Edward Dace na naman. Utang na loob, wala bang ibang pangalang pwedeng banggitin?

Magpanggap kaya akong Kiel Alf Gomez gaya ng laging ginagawa ni Joyeuse?

"Yep!" Zweihänder lied easily. "He's one of our new layout artists."

"I'm surprised he'd work under the supervision of my son Arthur." Luciano smirked at me.

I glared at him. I would've smirked at him too, but Macey stuffed my mouth with hors d'oeuvres. It tasted good, I might actually pay more attention to the food than Luciano Lukas.

"Of course," Zweihänder said, puffing out his chest. "Walang problema si Edward sa mga tao."

I wish.

"Si Sir Arthur po ba, nandito rin?"

"I haven't seen my son since Friday."

Didn't Sir Arthur say he was on his way to the airport? Saan pupunta si Sir Arthur?

Internal gasp. Pa'no kung pupunta s'yang Ireland para tapusin na si Joyeuse?! Pa'no kung nasa Ireland na s'ya ngayon?!

I was mentally chanting "Shit, shit, shit." when Zweihänder noticed my panic and decided to ask Luciano, "Oh? Saan po nagpunta si Sir? Hindi talaga ako binabalitaan nun akala ko pa naman best friends kami."

Luciano seemed weirded out. Go, Zwei. He answered, suspicious, "He's probably cooped up in his room."

That's probably code for I'm going to Ireland in secret to kill Uresonderry.

I knew it, Luciano Lukas and Sir Arthur are in cahoots and they're going to kill Joyeuse!

Zweihänder raised his eyebrows at me. Am I really that easy to read?

"So," Zweihänder asked, modulating his voice. "Bakit po nasa kwarto lang si Sir Arthur? May nangyari po ba, may sakit po ba si Sir?"

Ah, right. Always listen to reasons and sentiments because they might lead you to the truth.

Verdammt, I can't keep a calm and level head because it's Luciano Lukas in front of us. I did say I've gotten over my anger for him but that's just because he's not in the flesh and in front of me!

Tapos gumatong pa 'yong kahayupang ginawa ni Sir Arthur!

"Ed, tikman mo 'tong Cornichons." Hindi na naghintay si Macey ng sagot, sinalampak na lang n'ya sa bibig ko 'yong maliit na pickled cucumber.

"Ech!" Nandiri ako pero nahiya rin akong iluwa 'yong Cornichon. Na-distract ako mula sa galit ko sa mga Lukas at nabalin ang atensyon ko sa paglunok nang hindi nalalasahan ang kadiring Cornichon.

Macey reached out her hand. "Gusto mong iluwa?"

My eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm not a kid," I said, struggling to turn my grimace into a brave smile. Then I painfully swallowed, my jaws aching from the sour taste.

Dahil sa perkeleng pipino ay hindi ko namalayang natapos na ang usapan ni Zwei at Luciano. Naglalakad na palayo si Luciano, naghahanap siguro ng kausap na pwede n'yang matakot at mademonyo.

"Edward," tawag ni Zweihänder. Mapapagalitan ako nito.

"Hindi ko niluwa 'yung pagkain," I defensively replied.

"No." Zweihänder led the group into the living room, where there's no one at all, and gestured us to sit. "So, Edward. Ilang Cornichon ang kinain mo't pagpasok na pagpasok pa lang natin ay nangangasim na 'yang mukha mo?"

I shrank in my seat and mumbled, "Four?"

"No, you were chewing on a Luciano Lukas Cornichon and you couldn't spit it out even though you hate it."

"Okay, first of all, that's gross and I will never look at a Cornichon the same way again. Second, I've moved on! It's just that his face is not something I wanted to see welcoming me."

"Patay ka n'yan par," sabi ni Excalibur na may kasama pang palo sa tuhod ko. "Gusto mong mag-detective tapos ang obvious-obvious ng mukha mo. Lalo na nung binanggit si Sir Arthur."

"Basang-basa mo kung anong iniisip, eh," Clarent added. "Hindi ka pa rin ba maka-get over sa pakikipag-break ni Sir Arthur kay Sir Lance?"

"No, it's not that." I pursed my lips for a second. "But speaking of, nasaan daw si Sir Arthur?"

"Nasa bahay nila," Zweihänder answered.

"Are you sure? I don't think Luciano sounded like he's telling the truth."

To be honest hindi ko narinig ang sinabi n'ya dahil na-focus ako sa punyetang pipino ni Macey.

"May mga araw talagang hindi lumalabas ng kwarto si Sir," Zweihänder explained. "Tingin mo ilang weekends ko nang sinubukang makigulo sa bahay nila?"

"Alam ko na ireregalo ko sa 'yo, Zwei," Excalibur said with a grin. "Regaluhan kita ng hiya, par."

"But that's not it," I said, trying to keep it low. "Sinabi ni Sir Arthur na pupunta s'ya ng airport. Pa'no kung nasa Ireland s'ya ngayon tapos sinabi lang ni Luciano na nasa bahay nila?"

"Then you should've used your skills to see and deduce if Luciano's telling the truth." Zweihänder frowned. This was the first time I've seen him frown in disappointment and I felt really guilty. "Kaso hindi, eh. Nadala ka ng emosyon."

I have no words. Pinapagalitan nga ako ni Zwei. I couldn't keep my cool and if we're investigating a case, I have just jeopardised the entire operation.

"I'm sorry, Zwei," I said, looking down.

"Anong gagawin ni Sir Arthur sa Ireland?" Excalibur asked.

Zweihänder gave me a this-is-your-call look. He's not going to help me, he wants me to find a way to keep my cool and answer Excalibur on my own.

I want to leave this party.

"Hi, okay lang ba kayo d'yan?" Mistletoe arrived and asked. Thank fuck.

"Yup," Zweihänder said, patting Mistletoe's back. "Ikaw, kumusta?"

"Umiiwas ako sa kanilang lahat, lalo na sa mga kuya ko." Mistletoe sighed. "Napupuno na naman ako ng bakit ang kuya at ate mo ganito-ganyan tapos ikaw ganito lang."

"Dito ka na lang ampon, we gotchu."

"Ilang kuya at ate ang meron ka?" I asked, trying to change the subject altogether. Zweihänder squinted his eyes at me.

"Tatlong kuya, tatlong ate. Ako ang bunso."

"I see, I see." I nodded slowly. "Anu-ano bang trabaho ng mga kapatid mo?"

Mistletoe groaned, sitting beside Clarent. "May engineer, may architect, 'yong isa lawyer, may doctor, tapos 'yung panganay piloto."

"Wow, Mistletoe, keep up."

"Okay lang 'yan, Mist," Clarent said. "Second year ka pa lang naman."

"Bakit si Edward, second year pa lang din naman pero ang dami nang nagawa?"

Edward Dace na naman. Magpapalit na talaga ako ng pangalan. Ako na po si Ms. Emilia ngayon.

"Kasi kung sa 'kin ka dumidikit edi sana ikaw alila ko sa paggawa," sabi ko.

"Inaalila mo ako kaya ayaw ko!"

"Kailan kita inalila?"

"Kakasabi mo lang na gagawin mo s'yang alila, 'tol," sabi ni Excalibur.

"But I mean it in a good way!" I protested.

"I don't think you do," Clarent said, shaking her head.

"Ganito," Zweihänder clapped his hands to grab our attention, "kapag may lumapit sa 'ting kamag-anak ni Mist, kailangan purihin s'ya ni Edward, like really talk him up."

"Oh, sure, like really talk him up." I turned to Mistletoe. "Ano bang ginagawa mong kahanga-hanga sa buhay?"

"Putting up with you." Mistletoe rolled his eyes.

I was impressed. "And that's real talent, okay, I'll talk you up."

"Let's go and grab something to eat," Zweihänder said. "Tapos susunduin ko na si Mommy Val, baka nakikipag-networking na naman 'yon. Macey, bibigyan kita ng one hundred kapag alam mo ang pangalan ng lahat ng handa nila."

"Three hundred kapag alam ko rin kung paano lutuin," Macey negotiated.

"Deal." Zweihänder and Macey shook hands.

We made our way to the dining area, almost bumping to several people wearing fancy clothes. I started questioning whether our presence in this party was needed. This seemed more like an adult party, not a birthday party.

At kung birthday party nga ito, nasaan ang bouncy castle?

I saw a black figure in my peripherals. It caught my attention because it reminded me of Fenrir. Was that a dog?

I sneakily separated myself from the group and went to where I think the black figure has disappeared. Then I saw a tail. A wolf's tail, disappearing through the door that lead to the garden.

That must really be Fenrir, since Luciano Lukas is here so maybe Laevateinn...

I ran to the garden, accidentally bumping into people, including one woman who almost fell down the lawn. I felt proud for being able to grab her by the waist and steady her footing.

She smiled at me and I really considered winking, but I prioritised following the dog.

"Fenrir!" I tried calling. The dog didn't stop, but his tail wagged a lot more.

I zoomed in with my Midterm Project and that dog was, indeed, Fenrir. Maybe he wanted me to follow him?

Fenrir you son of a bitch, kausapin mo ako nang ayos!

The bastard led me deeper into the Browns' garden, with trees illuminated by white vintage metal lanterns. The cold and the crickets chirping drowned the noise of the party, and it felt as if I was transported to another dimension.

Then Fenrir stopped, smirked at me (this dog, I fucking swear to God), and pointed at a tree with his paw.

And there I saw, sitting under the mahogany tree and enjoying his own peace, was a man wearing an Azure tunic inside a velvet red cloak. His hair was white and soft, like snow, and his eyes were a calm sea green.

Fenrir whimpered and the man noticed my presence. He slowly smiled, which rendered me speechless. He patted the patch of grass beside him, as if asking me to sit there. Fenrir laid his head on the man's lap.

I approached him cautiously, not trusting myself to speak.

The man stroked Fenrir's fur and reached out his other hand to me.

"Hello, Edward. It's been a while."