Edward Dace.

15. March.
Wednesday, 1:00 a.m.
Vorstellungen Lab.

I'VE BEEN HERE for at least 30 minutes and it was the worst ten hours of my life.

Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko kapag nawalay ako sa piling ng mga gadgets. I will absolutely not thrive in a forest or the province. This was also the reason why I was so thankful that our hiking trip was cancelled.

I've been holding on the hologram box Lae gave me. This was the only thing here that has the semblance of home.

The centre of the labyrinth was freezing and scary, but for some reasons, soft cushions were everywhere. Walang kahit na anong upuan o lamesa, isang buong kwarto lang talaga ito na pinuno ng unan.

Imagine a daycare in the middle of the sewers.

There were seven doors surrounding us that were seriously giving me the horror movie vibes. It felt like the next time a door opens, a zombie willattack us and the only thing protecting us is an army of beanbags.

Then the fourth door in the middle lit up and slid open.

I almost screamed until I registered the drama queen and Sir Arthur making their way in. Nakaalalay si Joyeuse kay Sir at pareho silang madungis. Hirap na hirap sila, ano kayang nangyari sa dalawang 'to.

Dumudugo ang tenga, ilong, at pisngi ni Sir Arthur at nawawala ang salamin n'ya. He's trying his best to stay awake but his eyelids were already drooping and he could barely lift his head up.

Tinulungan ko si drama queen na ihiga si Sir Arthur sa isang gilid. Mabuti at napakaraming unan sa paligid.

"Anong nangyari?"

"Attacked by an escaped prisoner," Laevateinn said, locking the door from the inside.

Joyeuse nodded and worked on catching his breath.

"Lae may first aid kit kayo?" I crouched beside Sir Arthur and tried to locate the source of the bleeding.

"Calling a medic." Laevateinn interacted with the buttons on the wall.

"Is Lance on the way?" Joyeuse asked. He knelt beside me. He coughed then took a handkerchief out, pressing it against Sir Arthur's ear.

I know it's bad and inappropriate but a thought passed by my mind:

Tatawa ako kapag nagka-amnesia rin si Sir Arthur.

Who knows, maybe Joyeuse would call it quits.

"Brother is on the way," Laevateinn answered. "He's with Futhark."

"Anong eksaktong nangyari, drama queen?"

"This big mad bloke attacked and chased us. He beat Arthur up and hit his head and his back with a metal pipe."

Buti at may kabutihan pang natitira sa yelo mong puso at tinulungan mo si Sir. Alam kong ikaw ang tipo ng gago na mang-iiwan ng kinaaayawan mong tao at hahayaan silang manigas at mamatay.

"Jule..." Sir Arthur weakly said. He slowly pulled out a navy blue velvet pouch. "Just in case, if something happens," he whispered, "give this to Lance."

My heart started beating fast. I puffed my cheeks to feel my face because I felt like it's going cold and numb.

"But if I woke up tomorrow," Sir Arthur continued, "give it back to me and don't say a word."

"Alright." Joyeuse took the pouch.

I slapped his hand. "Gagi 'wag mong tanggapin! Paano kung hindi na talaga gumising?"

Utu-uto si drama queen, sinauli nga sa bulsa ni Sir Arthur 'yong pouch. "You give that to Lance yourself!"

"Parating na raw po si Sir Dad, Sir Arthur! Hintayin n'yo po!"

"Edward don't... don't scream at my ear." Kumunot ang noo ni Sir. At least sigurado kaming conscious s'ya kahit nakapikit na.

Bumulong ako sa kanya, "Pagdating ni Sir Dad sasabihin namin na i-kiss ka kagaya ni Prince Philip."

Humigpit ang pagkakatikom ng bibig ni Sir Arthur.

Gumatong si Joyeuse, "If you stayed alive, we're going to make Lance wear a maid outfit."

"Oh, oh! Ipapakita ko po sa inyo pag-uwi natin 'yong mga stolen pics ni Sir Lance! May isa ro'n na mukhang tanga."

"If you stayed alive I will give you a mint condition Avengers comics," pagsali ni Lae. Agad n'yang binawi. "Nope, I'm not that concerned enough. I will make Lance dance the Macarena in a maid outfit instead."

"Arthur, don't sleep," sabi ni drama queen at tinapik-tapik ang mukha ni Sir. "If you stayed alive we'll... uh..."

"We'll let you marry our dad!"

No responses, but Sir Arthur turned visibly redder.

"Oh no he's turning red, is he dying?" I asked. "Lae, anong oras pa 'yong medic?"

"No, idiot." Joyeuse slapped the back of my head. "If he's dying he should be turning purple or blue."

The three of us looked down at Sir Arthur at the same time.

He's just red.

"Are we waiting for him to turn purple and die?" I furrowed my brows at the two.

"I'm tired and in pain," Sir Arthur whispered, weakly opening one eye. "I can't hear on my left ear. All I want is some peace and quiet, boys."

"Well don't sleep," Joyeuse said.

"Don't talk."

"'Wag kang matutulog Sir Arthur, baka hindi ka na magising!" I shook his shoulders.

"Death might be better than this," he mumbled and coughed.

Laevateinn crouched across us. "Death called an' he's having none of your, brother."

"Really, Lae?" I raised an eyebrow. "You're the head of the organisation that owns this hell-incarnate labyrinth and you can't say the word shit?"

"You have touched shit earlier, Edward Dace."

Said in the most elegant accent I've ever heard.

I screamed unintelligible sentences at him, throwing beanbags. He caught all three.

"Shush, both of you!" Joyeuse screeched. Hindi nakuntento, sinipa pa ako. Nagiging bayolente kang gago ka, huh.

"Jule," Sir Arthur called.

We all kept quiet and waited for him to talk. A minute passed and we got worried so Joyeuse poked his cheeks.

"What is it, Arthur?"

"Nothing, I just wanted peace and quiet."

Just as when we collectively decided to let the man have his peace and quiet, the room started shaking. Metal gears moved and scratched against each other, filling the room with loud grinding and squealing noises.

"I have died and this is Hell," Sir Arthur said, convinced. "I deserve this punishment."

Joyeuse flicked his nose. "You're alive. You're not escaping this shithole."

I looked around, wondering where the door was, until Sir Lance jumped down from the ceiling and rushed to his boyfriend. Futhark and Zweihänder followed, with Futhark falling on his butt.

Ah kaya pala maraming unan.

I immediately gestured to Zweihänder to shut the fuck up and not make a racket.

"Arthur, I'm here." Sir Lance took the handkerchief from Joyeuse and held Sir Arthur's head up.

"Heaven," Sir Arthur said with a slight smile and a puff of his cheeks.

Sir Lance smiled fondly and checked Sir Arthur's injuries. "Perforated eardrum but no serious skull damage. Must've been kicked in the head a lot of times. A cracked rib—"

Sir Arthur hissed in pain when Sir Lance pressed around his torso.

"—two cracked ribs and bruises across the scapula up to the clavicle. Hit by a metal pipe again, I see. Don't worry, you'll be better in a few weeks, Arthie."

He let Sir Arthur rest his head on his lap before turning to us. "What about you boys, is any of you hurt?"

Joyeuse and I shook our heads.

"There's the medic," Laevateinn told me, pointing at Sir Lance.

"I thought he's a—" I turned to Sir Lance. "I thought you're a cop?"

His face scrunched up. "Pft, what kind of cop doesn't know first aid and how to locate and treat injuries?"

"Ayos lang kayo?" Futhark knelt beside Joyeuse and me and put his hands on our heads.

"Futhark, may alcohol ka?" Please have some. I really want to bathe in alcohol right now.

"Wala akong alcohol, pero may binili ako kanina sa ospital." He chuckled and handed Joyeuse a new inhaler. "Alam kong nawala mo sa rooftop ng Wessex building 'yong dati mong inhaler."

Oh sure, buy an inhaler but skip the alcohol.

Joyeuse took the inhaler, confused. "The bloody hell was I doing in Wessex's rooftop?"

Futhark shrugged. "Investigating?"

Joyeuse blinked, shook his head, and used the inhaler. Aasarin ko sana pero nagpigil ako.

"Nagkakagulo raw sa GB6." Zweihänder joined us. "Ano nang balak n'yo?"

We can't let Henrik's men see us, that's for sure.

I can't let Futhark contact any of them either. It's not like I don't trust him; I do. I'm just scared that with his disorder and without us by his side, he could be really vulnerable to our enemies.

Also kinabahan talaga ako sa ginawa n'ya kanina, but it was awesome in the end.

Zweihänder can't be seen either. Hot seat ang mga Coronado ngayon, tropapits si Henrik at Christian, eh.

And as much as possible, I want Joyeuse out of the chaos. I know what it's like living fearful and I'm sure that the explosions and everything we've been through are nightmare fuel.

Plus, his brother revealed himself to be the real Mad Hatter. That sucks big time.

I have nothing to worry about Lae. I should worry for anyone who pisses him off and I should process this newfound fear sooner before I accidentally annoy the guy and he blasts me off to kingdom come.

But I need to watch out, too. Sigurado akong biglang dami ang nasa listahan ng may galit sa 'kin. Bida-bida rin kasi ako, nakipagkumpitensya pa ako kay drama queen sa paramihan ng kaaway.

One thing's for sure. All of us need to hide.

"Ed?" Futhark snapped me out of my thoughts. That's when I realised all of their gazes were on me.

"Bakit?"

"What do we do, Edward Dace?" Joyeuse asked.

Keep everyone safe to buy us time to think of a plan of attack.

We need to take Wonderland from Corey.

I need to avenge my brother.

I need to take Wonderland back for my brother.

But not today.

Soldiers need to rest too.

"Do you have someplace to stay in Iceland, Sir Dad?" I asked.

Sir Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Iceland?"

I nodded. "Magtatago po muna tayong lahat. SMS, kasama po si Zwei."

"We're retreating?" Joyeuse sat on a beanbag.

"We're not retreating, we're gathering our forces. Henrik will come for us, Cole Rey will... I mean, we need to be ready for Wonderland too. They will not sit in idle. We need somewhere safe to prepare."

"And Iceland because...?" Futhark asked.

"Far enough from the Philippines, close enough to their turf—they'd think Iceland's the last place we'll hide from them."

"I think the last place they'll think of is South Africa, but sure." Joyeuse rolled his eyes. "How will we fly over to Iceland without going on Henrik's radar? I also won't go through tunnels or any labyrinths, if ever, for some engineering miracle, this thing goes as far as Iceland."

Ciel Brown.

I'm so happy I have the Brown siblings now, they're really handy.

"We'll ask Ciel Brown to pilot a private jet."

"Henrik will be alerted of a private jet taking off."

"Yeah, that's why we'll board an ordinary plane. Ciel Brown's a distraction."

Joyeuse seemed impressed. Heh.

Sandali, perkele. Nilalait na naman ako ng hinayupak na 'to. Sasabihin n'ya hindi n'ya inakalang manggagaling sa 'kin ang idea na 'yon—aba putangina labanan mo ako gago.

"I know a place in Iceland," Sir Lance said whilst gently stroking Sir Arthur's hair. He glanced at Laevateinn. "But I'm not sure if we can stay there."

"Where is it?"

"Vorstellungen's Base." Laevateinn's serious face sent shivers down my spine.

Why, Lae? Anong meron sa base n'yo? Ikaw boss nila, 'di ba? Pinuno mo rin ba ng mga patay na tao ang base n'yo? Handa kaming ialay si Futhark para maglinis.

"By rule," Laevateinn continued, "we could bring one friend with us."

"Aren't you their leader? Can't you just say we're with you?" I demanded. "C'mon, dude, use your powers!"

"I lead by example, Edward Dace. The rules exempt no one. Right now there are only two members of Vorstellungen here."

"Can't you just make all of us members? Vorstellungen is cool."

Laevateinn grimaced. I felt so guilty that he's disappointed with me.

"Helix Error is a member, right?" Sir Lance asked. "He could bring Edward Dace."

Nalito na si Joyeuse. "Why is there even a rule that says you can only invite one person to your organisation?"

"Calm down, Jule, it's for security and to make sure that every member is worthy enough to deserve a one-time invite."

"Aww, and you're going to invite us?" I teased.

"Aww, sa wakas may pipili rin sa 'kin." Zweihänder chuckled.

I laughed at him. "Ngayon ka na nga lang pipiliin, kapag no choice pa."

Tumawa rin s'ya. "Piliin man ako o hindi, 6'0" pa rin ako."

"Sir Lance iwan na po natin si Zwei."

"Helix Error can come with us but still," sabi ng napaka-negang si Joyeuse. "There's only three of you and five of us non-members."

"What about Njal?" I ventured.

"Njal invited Siegfried," Sir Lance answered, cleaning Sir Arthur's face with his own handkerchief.

"Forseti?"

"We don't ask Forseti things like that," Laevateinn said.

"Sino pa bang kilala kong taga-Vors... uhhh si Thor?"

"He'll bonk our heads," Joyeuse whispered accusatively.

"Thor used an invite years ago," Sir Lance said.

"What about the hot woman beside you last Sunday, Lance?"

"Firstly, that's Freyja and we'll have a hard time asking her. Secondly, I know you like older women, Jule, but please back off my sister."

"I said hot because she's hot, not because I wanna ask her out."

"Hayaan mo Sir, tapos tingnan natin kung sinong unang iiyak." I smirked at Joyeuse.

"Again, not asking her out."

"Sa hilatsa ng mukha mong 'yan? Mamaya magulat na lang kami nagbreak na kayo."

"Kailangan pa rin po natin ng dalawang galing Vorstellungen," pagputol ni Futhark sa namumuong asaran session. "May kakilala pa po ba kayo?"

"We have Freyr and Hermod," sabi ni Lae. "But I have a feeling that Hermod would choose Edward Dace. And Helix Error would also choose Edward Dace... And Freyr mentioned Edward Dace too... But Edward Dace is best friend..."

"Sana all pinipili, ano, Ed?" hugot ni Zwei.

"Pinipili ako dahil hindi ako humuhugot!" I hissed at him. Then my stomach grumbled and everyone turned to me.

Embarrassed, I told Futhark, "Fu, may baon ka bang pagkain? Si Lae hindi ako pinakain."

"H-Hindi ako nakabili, sorry, Ed..." Futhark laughed nervously after.

"You had time to buy an inhaler but no time to buy foods?"

"Tumatakas kami, alangan mag-shopping pa ako?!"

"Demoted ka na sa pagiging yaya, hindi ka na nanay."

"Kailan ako pumayag na maging nanay n'yo?"

"Let's all get some rest tonight," Sir Lance decided. "We'll figure something out tomorrow."

We all nodded and looked around to find a place to sleep.

"Sir Daaad may baon ka pong tubig?"

Sir Lance shook his head and ripped the sleeves of his shirt to bandage Sir Arthur's chest. Akala ko sa movies lang ako makakakita ng gano'n.

"Ipunin mo na lang ang laway mo, Ed," Zweihänder joked. It wasn't funny.

"Tangina, gawain mo Zwei?"

"Edward, I have apple," Laevateinn said, taking out an apple from his sling bag.

I gasped and took the apple. "Nagtanong ako kanina, bakit hindi ka nagsalita?"

"You asked Futhark, not me."

"Kahit pa. Malinis ba 'to?"

"Edward, ang sasabihin mo lang ay thank you," natatawang bigkas ni Zweihänder. Nakahiga na s'ya sa sahig at nakaunan sa beanbag.

"Thank you, Laeee." Ngumiti ako sa kanya at kumagat sa mansanas.

Nagtayo ng beanbag fort sa tabi ni Zwei si Futhark. Parang pugad... o dog bed, depende sa hihiga.

"Ed, dito ka na," sabi n'ya.

Ah dog bed.

"Brother, you take the first watch," utos ni Lae. Umupo s'ya sa may pinto, nagkrus ng braso, at pumikit.

Tinapik-tapik ni Zwei ang pwesto sa kabilang tabi n'ya. "Jo, dito ka na sa tabi ng inahing manok mo."

"No thanks," sagot ng pinakamaarteng lalaking nakilala ko. "I'd rather sleep sitting."

Natapos ni Futhark ang isa pang beanbag fort sa tabi ko. "Jo, dito ka sa tabi ni Ed. Ito 'yong mga malilinis na unang nakita ko."

Favouritism.

Joyeuse shrugged and lay down his nest.

Futhark smiled and took a beanbag, taking the spot above our heads. "Dito ako para nakikita ko kayong tatlo."

"Para tayong nasa camping ng boy scouts," Zweihänder said. "Tapos magkukwentuhan tayo ng nakakatakot, tapos para hindi tayo matakot, magkukwentuhan tayo ng tungkol sa mga crush natin, tapos—"

Joyeuse threw a beanbag at his face to shut him up.

Some minutes later, I finished eating the apple and took one last gaze at all of them before I went to sleep.

Laevateinn told Sir Lance to take the first watch but he's the one beside the door. I'm sure he's still alert. Hopefully he gets proper rest in Iceland.

Futhark's sleeping with his arm covering his eyes, his other hand massaging Joyeuse's head. Joyeuse was frowning and biting his lip whilst sleeping. I wish he's really sleeping and not having a nightmare.

Zweihänder hugged three beanbags. He's so quiet when he's asleep. He looked more serious too. Shame he's louder than a rooster when awake.

Sir Lance has finished bandaging Sir Arthur and was wiping the blood off his hands. Then he kissed Sir Arthur's forehead and stood to check all doors.

A few minutes later and I felt myself drifting off to sleep.

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

I WAS IN LUCIANO'S MANSION and I immediately realised I was dreaming. No way I'm waltzing here awake and conscious.

There's a kid running around and laughing, as if playing with me. When I ran after him, the view shifted and I was in Luciano's library.

A kid was reading Nibelungenlied and fanboying about the hero to his mom. Their faces were blurred. A man walked into the library and called to them. The kid ran to his father, and the mother followed, chuckling.

The kid showed the book to his father and told him all about the hero and the dragon.

"I can't wait to tell my brother," he said.

The view shifted once again and the family were in the dining room, sharing a meal. There were two kids now, both boys, and Spongebob was serving them burgers.

"And then the hero killed Fafnir the dragon!" the older boy told his brother, whose eyes were twinkling with wonder and amusement. The two could barely eat dinner because of their chatter.

I smiled at the scene, feeling my heart becoming fuller.

The father, whose face was blurred too much, laughed and told the kids, "Oh wait 'til you read Hagen as a boar!"

"Oink?!" the younger child exclaimed, totally amazed.

The older boy stood on his chair and cheered, "Siegfried will kill that boar too! He can do anything!"

"Like killing me?" the father asked.

The room suddenly darkened.

"Why didn't he save me?" the younger brother asked.

The two of them started walking towards me, both with blurred faces, but with their voices so clear, I could almost feel it.

"I'm sorry, Edward Dace," the chicken on the table spoke.

I started running away because it's what I do best... Until the mother blocked my way and opened her arms in a hug. I embraced her and... and the father and the younger brother followed.

"It's okay, Dave," the younger brother said, hugging. "You're my hero."

The father kept the three of us safe in his arms. "You're doing great, Dave."

It felt warm.

The Avengers joined us in the group hug, until Thanos snapped his fingers and everything disappeared and the world turned black.

"Ma?" I called out to the void. "Mama!"

Nobody answered.

"Nikki? Gago uuwi na tayo! Nik!"

My voice just echoed back at me. I ran because I got scared.

"Sir Dad? Lae?"

I stumbled over a book. Nibelungenlied. I flicked through the pages and it appeared to be a photobook of all the stolen shots I have of my friends.

Then Sir Arthur appeared, wearing Luciano's clothes. He raised a gun up.

"Sir Arthur?! Hindi po ako ang nagnakaw ng infinity stones?!"

He shot the ground and I leapt away. Then I realized I was wearing Spiderman's costume. I could fight Sir Arthur.

"Sir! Akala ko po ba magkakaibigan na ulit tayo?!"

"I'm sorry, Edward Dace."

Then I heard a loud crash and I woke up panting. It felt as if I was underwater and I suddenly resurfaced.

I took some minutes to compose myself, then I shook my head and looked around.

Nasa paanan na ako ni Zwei at ang layo ko na sa pillow fort. Si Futhark hindi gumalaw sa hinihigaan n'ya, kung paano ko s'ya huling nakitang tulog, gano'n pa rin ang pwesto n'ya.

Si Joyeuse ay sumiksik sa tabi ni Sir Lance at nakadikit talaga ang likod n'ya sa tagiliran ni Sir. Si Sir Arthur ay nakaunan sa braso ni Sir Lance, nakasiksik din. Tinitigan ko muna s'ya nang mga ilang segundo para masigurong humihinga pa s'ya.

Buhay pa naman. Kawawang Sir Lance, ang dami naming ipapagawa sa kanya.

Si Lae naman ang nilingon ko. Nakaupo pa rin s'ya sa post n'ya kanina, pero ngayon ay nakadilat at nakatitig na s'ya sa 'kin.

I got nervous, for some reasons. The emotions in my dream were still fresh to me, but I can't be scared of Laevateinn. He has saved me countless times, every time.

I stared at him too, waiting for him to talk.

There were dark circle under his eyes, which only made them bluer and brighter. His hair's a mess and his pullover's sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He looked absolutely terrifying and he's not saying anything, which scared me more.

"G-Good morning," I told him.

"You were sleep-talking, Edward Dace," he replied.

"H-How much did you hear?"

"Why do you sound so scared?"

"Scared? Me? Pfft, I'm not scared, I'm just, I-I'm just ah, I'm... I'm..."

He patted the spot beside him. I was scared he'd throw a knife at me if I didn't move so I sat beside him.

"When you grieve for the loss of a what could have been," he said, looking down at me, "what you're actually grieving for is a life you think is better than what you have."

"Yeah, kaya nga tinawag na panghihinayang, 'di ba?"

"Is your present not good enough for you?"

I avoided his gaze. "It could've been better."

"You could make it better."

"Nicholas is gone."

Laevateinn sighed. "I'm not good with comforting people who lost a loved one... because whilst I understand the concept, I can't really grasp its meaning."

"It means you'll never see their faces again."

"I remember their faces very well. I could close my eyes and relive everything, over and over again."

"Aren't you sad you can't make any new memories with them again?"

He shook his head.

"What if I died? Won't you miss me?"

"Edward Dace will leave and die eventually. That's life. I won't miss you."

Tangina ng hinayupak na 'to, ah.

"Because," he patted my head, "I will never let Edward Dace die before me."

Bumawi.

"I'm sorry I didn't save your brother."

"It's okay. You saved me, my mother, Error... You always save everyone."

"Edward Dace." He looked up at the ceiling. "Learn how to manage without me."

That sounded ominous.

"I will." I stood up and patted his head. "So someday I can protect you too."

He smiled at me. "I brought you guys food and water."

"Oh thank fuck."

"Wake the others up so we can have breakfast and leave. Hermod's waiting for us in the airport."

Oh boy. Hermod. May bagong kapatid na naman kaming makikilala.

I shook Futhark's shoulder. The first thing he did when he woke up was gasp, sit upright, and check if his metal bracelet's on his left wrist.

It's there, my dude, you're not hallucinating. We're actually in a labyrinth two storeys below the ground.

"Fu, gising, aalis na tayo."

"Oh, Ed..."

"Tapos gisingin mo na rin 'yong iba."

He rubbed his eyes and chuckled. "Ako talaga ang una mong ginising para gisingin sila, ano?"

"Oh no, you figured out my plan." I rolled my eyes.

Laevateinn handed me paperbags of light breakfast and I helped him take them out whilst Futhark woke the others up.

A few minutes later, we're all sitting on a circle, quietly eating breakfast. Even Zweihänder sat quietly. It's a miracle and I'm scared. Futhark ate a little and gave me the rest of his burger.

Joyeuse sat far away from Sir Lance, embarrassed after discovering he had a nightmare and moved to sleep beside his father-figure.

Sir Lance checked Sir Arthur's injuries again, made him drink water, and let him continue sleeping on his lap after. He ate with his eyebrows furrowed, deep in thought.

I was feeling awkward, so I said, "Man, nami-miss ko 'yong mga panahong ang sino-solve lang nating kaso ay nawawalang Educ Fund."

Everyone turned to me, confused by the sudden sentimentality.

Futhark chuckled. "Oh, 'yong mga panahong ang pinoproblema ko lang ay kung anong lulutuin sa gabi dahil hindi kayo kumakain ng gulay tapos si Sir Lance pinipilit akong magluto ng gulay."

"I know you boys ate a lot of junk when I was away," Sir Lance laughed.

"Tumaba at tumangkad nga si Ed." Zweihänder grinned at me. "Dati parang kapag tinres mo 'yong electric fan ay liliparin na s'ya."

"I miss the days na ang nagpapasakit lang sa ulo ko ay ang Tissue Paper of Destiny." I gazed at my burger.

We have come a long way, haven't we...?

After all this time... it's still the four of us together.

I wouldn't change a thing.

This present is good enough for me and I'm off to create a better future.

"Lae," Zweihänder called.

He caught everyone's attention.

"Pwede bang magpaiwan dito sa Pilipinas?"

"Why?"

"Kailangan ako ng CC. This way, hindi rin kayo mahihirapang maghanap ng taong Vorstellungen na mag-iimbita sa 'kin."

"It's Edward Dace's decision."

"Anong gagawin mo kapag may sumugod sa bahay ninyo?" tanong ko.

"May mga security guards si papa. Magtatago rin ako, pero hindi sa Iceland. I'll be your eyes here. Isasama ko ang CC."

Kasama nila si Excalibur at Clarent, and I'm pretty certain Mistletoe has the entire Brown lineage in the palm of his hands.

Kung may gusto akong magprotekta kay Macey, it would be Zweihänder.

"Sumama ako rito dahil nag-alala ako para kay Edward," pagpapatuloy ni Zwei, "pero ngayong nakita kong wala akong dapat ipag-alala, babalik na ako sa mga kapatid n'yong sisiw."

"I'll escort you to safety," sabi ni Sir Lance.

"Arthur needs you, brother. Stay here," sabi ni Lae. "I'll—"

"No!" Joyeuse, Futhark, and I chorused.

When it became too obvious that the three of us didn't want to be away from Laevateinn, the three of us looked away and pretended nothing happened.

"I was saying," Laevateinn smirked at us, "I'll ask Hermod to escort Zweihänder to safety."

"Hermod." Zweihänder slowly nodded. "Sounds cool. Kapatid n'yo rin?"

"Sadly." Sir Lance grimaced.

"I'll check outside." Laevateinn finished his apple juice and climbed up the door from the ceiling.

"Sana all kayang mag-pull up nang gano'n kadali," Zweihänder said, then leaned closer to me. He whispered, "Kaya kong mag-pull up, nag-sana all ako para sa inyong tatlo nila Jo."

Babatuhin ko sana s'ya ng unan kaso umiinom ng tubig ang hinayupak.

"We'll stop by Theresa's house before we head to the airport," Sir Lance said.

"Theresa?" Zweihänder blinked. "Theresa Gracia, psychologist?"

Futhark and I gasped.

"Mama Theresa!" I exclaimed, then corrected myself with a cough, "Ma'am Theresa. Sorry, na-typo bibig ko."

"Taga-Vorstellungen po pala s'ya?" Futhark said.

Napansin kong nakakunot-noo lang si Joyeuse at pinapanood ang mga reaksyon namin.

"Si Ma'am Theresa, Jo," sabi ko. "'Yong inaway mo dahil hindi mo masagot mga tanong n'ya dahil hindi ka pasado sa GMRC."

Mas lumalim lang ang kunot ng noo n'ya.

"No'ng nagpunta tayo sa Windsor dahil loko-loko itong si Zwei, may seminar daw tayo kahit wala naman."

Umiling si Joyeuse. "When was that?"

"Around September?"

Pagkatapos mong itulak si Nicholas sa riles ng tren at mabuti ay nailigtas ako ni Sir Arthur.

"Wala kang naaalalang kahit ano sa Pampanga?" tanong ni Futhark. Umiling ulit si Joyeuse.

"Si Anna, tanda mo? Jowa ng kuya mo?"

"Oh, did we meet her? I assumed Corey broke up with her because every time somebody mentioned her name he acted as if she's left him."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Futhark.

Hindi naaalala ni Joyeuse ang nag-iisang GMRC class na pinasukan n'ya.

Maybe what happened in Pampanga before was too traumatic for him, that's why his brain deleted the entire trip from his memories.

The pessimist in me got scared that Joyeuse might've fucked up his brain so bad that it just deleted memories randomly. How long do we have before he forgets us too?

I need to bring him somewhere safe and secured.

"Ipakikilala ka namin kay Ma'am Theresa, Jo," Futhark said.

"You'll like her," I added. "She's sweet and very calming."

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

"VINCENT BAKA MAHULOG KA!"

Bungad sa 'min ang pagsigaw ni Ma'am Theresa sa tatlong maliliit na bata. Nagtatakbuhan ang mga bata, tapos may isang nakaakyat sa taas ng ref, kumakain ng pretzels.

Hinuli ni Futhark 'yong isang tumatakbo at si Zwei naman ang nakipaghabulan sa panganay. Si Lae ang naunang maligo dahil may pupuntahan pa raw s'ya.

Pumwesto lang ako sa upuan katabi ng couch, kung saan natutulog si Sir Arthur. Si Joyeuse ay may kinakausap sa phone sa garden.

Nakatayo sa kusina si Sir Lance, nakalagay ang dalawang kamay sa bewang. Akala ko ay tatakutin n'ya 'yong bata na pulis s'ya at huhulihin n'ya 'yong bata kapag hindi bumaba.

"C'mon now, Vincent, dito ka na sa baba kumain ng pretzels," panunuyo ni Ma'am Theresa.

Sir Lance reached out both of his hands and enthusiastically said, "Jump!"

The child got so excited, he set the pretzel jar aside and leapt into Sir Lance's arms, laughing. He carried the child and pinched his nose, saying, "My boyfriend likes pretzels too."

My eyes widened. I don't think that's something you tell a kid, Sir Dad?

Futhark raised his eyebrow at me. "Is it not, though?" he said.

Kung magpapaka-Madam Rosa ka, numero sa lotto ang ibigay mo sa 'kin, hindi panghuhusga.

Vincent's gaze drifted to his pretzel jar. "A-Akin lang 'yong mga pretzel do'n," he told Sir Lance. "Kayo na lang bumili ng para sa boyfriend mo."

Futhark gave me a sly look. "See?"

The little girl on Zweihänder's shoulders harrumphed and protested, "Bakit s'ya may boyfriend, bakit ako bawal?"

"Dahil 37 years old na si Tito Lance, Grace," Ma'am Theresa replied.

Nagpigil kami ng tawa nina Futhark at Zwei. Tito Lance.

Lumapit sa kanila si Sir Lance at bumulong habang nakangisi, "That's my boyfriend." Tinuro n'ya si Sir Arthur. "Gwapo ba?"

Grace gasped, then turned to Ma'am Theresa again. "Bakit s'ya pwedeng magpakulay ng red bakit ako hindi?!"

"Gusto mo kulayan natin ang buhok mo, kagaya ng kay Elsa?" alok ni Zwei.

"Huh! Auntie, auntie, gawin naming Elsa buhok ko pleaseee?"

Tumawa lang si Ma'am Theresa. "Pumunta muna kayo ro'n kay Tito Greg n'yo, kakausapin ko lang ang mga bisita natin."

May binulong muna 'yong bata kay Futhark bago ito tumawa at sama-sama silang tatlong tiyanak na lumayas sa sala.

"It's an honour na bumisita kayo rito sa bahay ko nina Sir Siegfried, Sir Heimdall." Hinila ni Ma'am Theresa ang mga monobloc galing kusina at doon pinaupo sina Futhark at Zwei.

Umupo si Sir Lance sa couch at kinandong ang paa ni Sir Arthur.

"Kailangan n'yo po ba ang tulong ko?" dagdag ni Ma'am Theresa. "A-Aside sa pakikigamit ng shower namin?"

"Yes, we're going to Iceland," sagot ni Sir Lance.

Napataas ng kilay si Ma'am Theresa at napanganga. "Ah... So it begins..."

"What begins?" I asked.

"Pinakulong n'yo na si Henrik. Anong susunod n'yong gagawin?"

Gather forces. Take down or take over Wonderland.

Turn it into an organisation that will protect ordinary people and fight criminals.

But I know it's not that simple.

After Henrik, what's next?

"Hindi po namin alam," Futhark answered.

Somehow, it translated to me as: Wala po kaming sasabihin sa inyo na kahit ano.

Does he not trust Ma'am Theresa, now that he knows she's with Vorstellungen?

But Laevateinn trusts her. Sir Lance trusts her.

If this is Vorstellungen... I know I should tell the truth and nothing else.

"We don't know what to do yet," I told her, "but I'm sure that we're going to do the right thing. Whatever it is."

Futhark raised his eyebrows in surprise before he smiled at me and nodded.

Ma'am Theresa bobbed her head in approval.

This is a test, isn't it?

For our application!

"And Futhark..." she said with a long sigh.

Futhark raised both of his hands. "I'm with Edward and I will do everything in my power to make sure he succeeds."

I knew I was supposed to be happy, but Futhark's determination was new to me and almost... desperate, as if something else was on the line.

"That's not the case, Futhark. I'm sorry, nagsinungaling ka sa 'kin tungkol sa sakit mo. Who's to say na hindi ka magsisinungaling ulit sa 'min?"

"Me," Zweihänder said.

Nagulat kami. Kahit si Sir Lance napalingon.

"I vouch for him." Zweihänder raised his hand. "Kapag may ginawa si Futhark na ikasasama ng organization n'yo o ni Edward, kapag nagsinungaling s'ya at may napahamak, you can have my head."

It looked like Ma'am Theresa didn't want Zweihänder to do it. Even Sir Lance. He was the most hesitant. Wala ba silang tiwala kay Fu? Dahil ba sa sakit n'ya?

"Zweihänder," Sir Lance called. "If Futhark screws something up, intentionally or by accident, they'll throw you to the labyrinth."

Napakatapang ng tingin ni Zwei. "May tiwala po ako kay Futhark. He said he'll do everything in his power to make sure Edward succeeds. I trust the two of them. Four, actually. I trust the Seven-Minute Semblance."

Futhark kept his head down.

"And the Seven-Minute Semblance trusts Zweihänder." Joyeuse entered the room, already showered and looking sharper than usual with new dark clothes. Nasanay kami na laging light-coloured ang mga sinusuot n'ya recently, seeing him in a dark purple polo shirt made me think that his old self was back.

"If you break this deal and something happens to Zweihänder, Vorstellungen-related or not, Seven-Minute Semblance will impose our personal brand of justice."

Perkele, Joyeuse. Nagbalik ang demonyo. I like how you think.

"It's only fair that we get something in return too," I said, straightening my posture. "If we'll be working for Vorstellungen, might as well get some awesome benefits."

Sir Lance chuckled and shook his head.

"Jule Lewis Uresonderry," natatawang bigkas ni Ma'am Theresa. "I thought they were joking when I heard you sat on Balder's seat."

What's with Balder's seat? 'Yon ba 'yong bakanteng upuan sa meeting last Sunday? Akala ko nag-react 'yong mga tao dahil, I mean, look at this fucking drama queen. Ngisi pa lang masarap nang tirisin.

Tumayo si Ma'am Theresa at ngumiti sa 'min. "Napaka-remarkable ng mga estudyante mo, Sir Heimdall. They all pass."

I jumped from my seat. "Hah! I knew it! This is a test! Hinuhusgahan n'yo kung karapat-dapat kaming makasali sa Vorstellungen!"

"Huh." Ngumisi si Sir Lance. "Hindi ka natakot na baka hindi ka pumasa, Edward? Not even the slightest offended that I brought you here to be tested without even telling you?"

I returned the grin. "I know myself and I trust all of you. I've nothing to fear or be insecure about."

"Fear what you don't know, Edward Dace." Si Lae naman ang pumasok sa sala at humawak sa ulo ko. "Be scared so you can be prepared."

"Akala ko may pupuntahan ka, Lae?"

"I have returned. All of you get ready. We leave in an hour."

"Mauna ka na pong maligo, Sir Lance," Futhark said. "Para maasikaso n'yo na rin po si Sir Arthur."

I made up my mind to use the shower after Futhark. Sigurado kasi akong lilinisin n'ya 'yon pagkatapos n'yang gamitin.

Umalis na ang mga nakatatanda at iniwan kaming mga teenagers sa sala. Ang tahimik ng lugar. Ilang segundo pa ay umalis ulit si Lae.

"Edward Dace, Futhark," tawag ni Sir Arthur. "Please help me sit up."

Lumapit kami ni Futhark.

"Safe na po bang umupo kayo?" tanong ni Futhark. "Kumusta na po ba pakiramdam n'yo?"

"I've been worse." Umubo si Sir Arthur, umaray, at napahawak sa katawan n'ya.

"'Wag n'yong patatawanin si mars, naku." Tumawa 'yong isa pa naming kasamang demonyo.

Ngumiti lang si Sir Arthur. "I doubt you could, Zweihänder."

"Talaga, kahit pakitaan kita ng video ni Ginoong Sir na nagma-Macarena?"

Nag-loading si Sir Arthur at napakapit sa tadyang n'ya.

"Do you need something, Sir Arthur?" I asked politely.

He shook his head. "I just... want to ask you... do you see Lance as a father-figure?"

"Sir Dad po ang tawag ko sa kanya," I answered seriously. "Hulaan n'yo po kung anong sagot ko."

"What do you... What do you think of a family van?"

Futhark gasped. Joyeuse rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Si Zweihänder nalaglag pa sa sahig. OA masyado.

Anong meron sa family van? Mahal ba ang mga gano'n? Uutusan ba ako ni Sir Arthur na bumili ng family van? Mas maganda ang family van kaysa Land Cruiser ni Sir Lance o 'yong Ford ni Sir Arthur kasi kasya kaming lahat tapos makakatulog nang ayos si Lae at Fenrir sa loob.

Pwede rin kaming mag-camping, may charging port ang family van.

Or roadtrip! Pwedeng magpalitan sa pagmamaneho si Sir Dad at Sir Arthur para malayo mararating namin kahit gabihin kami!

"He's giving it a lot of thought," narinig kong comment ni Joyeuse.

"Mukha rin s'yang excited," dagdag ni Zwei.

"Ed, gets mo ba kung anong tinatanong ni Sir Arthur?" Nilagay ni Futhark and kamay n'ya sa balikat ko.

"Bibili s'ya ng bagong sasakyan kasi iniwan ni Zwei 'yong Ford Ranger sa building ni Henrik?"

"No, you idiot." Tumuro si Joyeuse kay Sir Arthur. "He's going to ask Lance to marry him."

"In a family van?"

"No! It means he's asking you if you're okay with him proposing to Lance, because you're like Lance's second child."

"So para saan 'yong family van?"

"Forget the van! Focus on Arthur's question."

"He asked me what I think of a family van, though?"

Sir Arthur sighed. "Forget that. I want to ask the four of you if... if I could marry Lance."

"OMG..." Nag-iyak-iyakan si Zwei at nagpunas ng fake na luha. Wait may luha talaga, paano n'ya nagawang magkaluha?

"Shouldn't you be asking his father?" tanong ni Joyeuse. "This Odin Alfadur person?"

Sir Arthur pursed his lips and blinked innocently at Joyeuse.

"Wait," Futhark figured something out. "Kinakabahan ka po ba, Sir? Kaya tinatanong n'yo rin po kami?"

"Is it because you rejected his proposal before?" I asked.

Napakapit ulit sa tadyang n'ya si Sir Arthur.

"Maybe it's because he betrayed Lance and joined Wonderland." Joyeuse shrugged.

"I feel lightheaded, maybe I should lie down again..." Sir Arthur whispered, leaning back.

"No, Sir Arthur, wake up!" Zweihänder clapped his hands loudly. "Pinatawad ka na ni Ginoong Sir at nagkaganyan ka dahil niligtas mo ang kanyang prodigal son, 'di ba? You're doing good, 'wag kang kabahan!"

"Yeah!" I added. "You have nothing to fear!"

"Rejection," Sir Arthur muttered. "I propose and he brings up how many times I rejected him so he rejects me. Him saying this is not a good time to propose.  The world literally falling apart and here I am thinking of proposing. You boys are right, I should try again next year."

"'Wag ka pong ganyan, Sir," sabi ni Futhark. "Kilala po namin si Sir Lance, baka umiyak pa 'yon kapag ikaw ang mismong nag-propose."

Pinalo ni Zwei ang tuhod ni Sir Arthur. "Anong this is not a good time, narinig kong nag-propose s'ya sa 'yo kanina sa kusina. Nakita ko rin 'yong mga notes na iniiwan n'ya sa newsroom."

"How did you know about the notes, those were in my drawer." Kinunutan ng noo ni Sir Arthur si Zwei.

Sininok si Zwei at hinila si Joyeuse sa tabi ni Sir Arthur. "Joyeuse, you wanna say something about this proposal? Tutal ikaw ang long-lost son ni Ginoong Sir."

Kay Joyeuse kami tumingin. Kung may kilala kaming tututol sa kasal at sa engagement, si Joyeuse 'yon. I don't think he even has to remember Sir Lance to do so, sigurado akong tututol s'ya sa kahit anong uri ng pagmamahalan.

Kahit na tinagurian at certified na malandi ang hinayupak na 'to.

O baka hindi talaga s'ya malandi, inborn lang talaga ang charisma ng mga Uresonderry at maraming marupok sa paligid n'ya.

"Do you... Do you approve of me proposing to Lance, Jule...?" Sir Arthur's stare at Joyeuse looked so human, so nervous and scared. If I had my phone with me I would've snapped a photo.

Joyeuse heaved a sigh. "Whilst I still don't forgive you for all the nightmares, I'm not against you marrying Lance."

Nakahinga nang maluwag si Sir Arthur.

Inalog ni Zwei ang balikat ko. "Ikaw ba ang nag-reprogram sa robot n'yo?"

I pushed him away from me. "Yeah I added a heart feature in my last update of his software."

"Really, you're not?" Ngumiti nang isang segundo kay Joyeuse si Sir Arthur pero kaagad n'yang pinigil ang saya n'ya.

Ang lalim ng kunot ng noo ni drama queen. "You're selfish, pessimistic, assumes the worst in everything, and a coward." He paused and turned to Sir Arthur. "I've been selfish, pessimistic, and very sad too, but the boys were there to cheer me up and make me better. I know what you feel... and I think you deserve to be happy and better too. You need Lance and I know Lance is miserable without you."

This time hindi na pinigilan ni Sir Arthur ang ngiti n'ya.

"Naaalala mo na si Sir Lance, Jo?" tanong ni Futhark.

Oo nga 'no. Kaya pala kung makasiksik kay Sir Lance akala mo tunay s'yang anak.

Nagkamot ng ulo si Joyeuse. "When Arthur called me son, everything just... came back and... it just felt... right."

I tilted my head. "Like a solved jigsaw puzzle?"

"With a satisfying click." Joyeuse clicked his tongue before patting Sir Arthur's arm. "I hate you for what you did, but remembering everything Lance has said about you, remembering how you put up with my bullshit too... remembering you're also my friend... you deserve to marry Lance."

I smiled. I really wish I have my phone or my Midterm Project to record any proof of Joyeuse having positive human feelings.

"Nagalit ka po sa 'min last year," Futhark added. "Sabi n'yo po, you know you'll be a bad spouse because you're a bad brother, a bad son, a bad..."

"Friend," I said.

"A bad friend, and a bad lover. But we think you're not as bad as you see yourself."

"Hindi mo sinaktan si Lae kahit na gusto ka n'yang patayin, hindi mo iniiwan si Luciano kahit na tarantado s'yang hayup s'ya, niligtas mo pa rin si drama queen kahit na attitude s'ya, and I'm sure we all know how much you love our Sir Dad. You'll be a good spouse."

Sir Arthur stared wide-eyed at us, breathing heavily and bracing his body.

"Iiyak na 'yan. Iiyak na 'yan," Zwei silently chanted.

"Come to think of it," I told the others, "kapag kinasal sila, ibig sabihin ay obligasyon na rin ni Sir Arthur na ilibre tayo ng Happy Meals, dalhin tayo sa sinehan, at samahan tayong maglaro ng laser tag!"

"You eat all my ice cream, play my video games, and throw shoes at my face, aren't those enough?" bulong ni Sir Arthur.

Napasinghap si Futhark. "Tutulungan n'yo na po akong maglinis, mamalengke, at maglaba?"

"I have never done any of those my entire life."

"Rich kid." Ngumisi si Zwei. "Mars, alam mo na kung kanino ka lalapit kapag may away kayo ng asawa mo."

Saka lang yata nag-sink in kay Sir Arthur na magiging mag-asawa nga sila ni Sir Lance kapag nag-propose s'ya at kinasal sila dahil bigla s'yang natigilan at namula nang sobra. Halos kakulay na n'ya ang buhok n'ya.

Kaawa-awang nilalang. Buti pa ako ay nag-iisip na ng designs para sa wedding invitations namin ni Macey.

"I-I'm going outside for a while..." Tumalikod si Sir Arthur at akmang lalabas sa bintana. Dugong Lukas yata ang hindi paggamit ng pinto.

"No, Sir, kalma lang po!" Hinila namin s'ya ni Futhark. Bumagsak s'ya sa couch at namilipit sa sakit.

"Just calm down and think of the time and place to ask the question," I told him, a bit guilty that we accidentally hurt him.

"How about here and now?" Joyeuse suggested, stroking his chin in curiosity. "I wanna see the reddest his face could go."

Sakto ay pumasok ulit sa kwarto si Lae at nagsabi sa 'min ng, "No one's proposing to anyone."

"Wedding dramaaa," bulong ni Zwei sa 'min ni Futhark.

"You're not proposing to my brother." Ang sama ng titig ni Lae.

Mas masama ang titig ni Sir Arthur. 'Kala mo naman nakakakita nang malinaw.

Nagtitigan ang magkapatid na Lukas. Nakaramdam kami ng kuryente sa paligid at sa pagitan nila. Naglabas ng kutsilyo si Lae. Tinaas ni Sir Arthur ang parehong kamay n'ya.

"L-Lae, maghunus-dili ka," sabi ni Futhark.

"Try and stop me, Niall," hamon ni Sir Arthur. Matatakot na sana kami kung hindi s'ya nagdugtong ng, "Tomorrow. I'll fight you tomorrow."

"Very well then." Laevateinn smirked and looked down at Sir Arthur. "If you win against me tomorrow, I'll let you propose to my brother."

Then he left the room again. Saan ba nagpupunta ang lalaking 'to?

Hinabol s'ya ng sama ng tingin ni Sir Arthur.

"You don't need to fight him," sabi ni Joyeuse na nakahalukipkip pa ang braso.

"I need to," sagot ni Sir Arthur. Tinatanggal n'ya ang benda sa ulo n'ya. "I want to marry Lance."

"We know. He's testing you. He wants to see if you have the courage to fight for Lance."

Wow, Vorstellungen. Walang ginawa kundi test dito, test doon.

"I still need to be prepared." Nag-snap si Sir Arthur sa kaliwa n'yang tenga. Napangiwi s'ya. Mukhang hindi pa rin nakakarinig ang isa n'yang tenga. "Edward Dace, how much do I need to pay you to help me fight Niall?"

"A million dollars."

"Right. Do I wire the payment to you or—"

"Oh my God Sir Arthur I was kidding. 10k lang po. Cash. Additional 1k kapag kailangan kong gumalaw."

"For what are you paying Edward?" tanong ni Sir Lance na nakapantalon lang. Nagpapatuyo s'ya ng buhok at nang-iingit ng muscles at abs. 

Hintayin mo, Sir Dad, kapag sinipag at tumangkad pa ako, mag-gi-gym din ako.

"For laser tag," pagsisinungaling ni Sir Arthur. "It's for laser tag and nothing else and please don't ask more questions and help me up so I could take a shower."

Sir Lance was weirded out. He blinked and slowly nodded. "Well I'm just glad you're feeling better."

"Yes, I'll probably die tomorrow."

15. March.
Wednesday, 1 p.m.
NAIA.

MY WORLD SLOWED DOWN when we saw Sir Henry waving at us at the airport. Our jaws dropped when Sir Lance called him Hermod.

I haven't even closed my mouth yet when he started distributing our tickets and fake passports.

Is this real life? Sir Henry? Hermod? Sir Henry? Vorstellungen? Si Sir Henry talaga? 'Yong professor na binu-bully ko?

Sinarado ni Sir Henry ang bibig ko at inabot sa 'kin ang ticket at passport ko. "Ano, Edward? Sa Lit ka lang madaldal?" Bumungisngis s'ya pagkatapos.

"Sir... Henry?" Napalunok ako.

Pumalakpak nang isang beses si Futhark. "Ha! Kaya pala si Sir Henry ang prof natin sa martial arts kahit na Literature ang normally na tinuturo n'ya!"

"My respect remains the same even with this revelation," sabi ni Joyeuse. "Very low."

Tumawa lang si Sir Henry. "Buti na lang at ako ang pumili ng mga pangalan n'yo."

Napataas ng kilay si Joyeuse at chineck n'ya kaagad ang passport n'ya. "Konr Rigsson Jr.? Who the bloody hell would believe this?"

"Lower your voice, junior," sabi ni Sir Lance. Nakaupo sila ni Sir Arthur at nakasandal sa isa't isa.

"Oh, I'm Rick Gomez." Ngumiti lang at nagkibit-balikat si Futhark.

I checked my name. "EMILIA?!" I exclaimed. Kaagad na tinakpan ni Sir Henry ang bibig ko.

"Looking good, Emilia," pang-aasar ulit ni Sir Lance.

Tiningnan ni Joyeuse ang passports ni Sir Lance at Sir Arthur. "Speak for yourself, Orlando Bahaghari."

Nakakikilabot ang dahan-dahan na paglingon ni Sir Lance kay Sir Henry, na nagtago sa likuran ko. Tumawa nang mahina si Sir Arthur.

Hinablot ni Sir Lance ang passports kay Joyeuse at sinabi kay Sir Arthur, "Yeah keep on laughing, Godofredo."

Pinagpatuloy nga ni Godofredo ang pagtawa hanggang sa sumakit na naman ang buong katawan n'ya.

"Hermod, why?!" ani Sir Lance.

Nagtaas ng kamay si Sir Henry. "You make me do these things for free, let me have something!"

Hinayaan na namin si Sir Henry. He's right. We should let him have this one.

Babawian ko na lang s'ya pagbalik namin.

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

The flight to Iceland was long, tiring, and boring. The four of us SMS boys even got tired of playing Pass the Message. Sapat na rin ang tatlong beses na pagdaan ng flight stewardess at pag-aakalang meron kaming prayer circle.

Sinubukan din naming mag-dub ng ilang mga pasahero. Natigil kami no'ng nahuli kami ni Sir Lance na tawa nang tawa dahil sumabay sa dialogues namin ng Frozen ang pagkatok ni Sir Arthur sa ulo n'ya.

Pagkatapos ay natuklasan naming magaling mag-harmonise si Futhark at may perfect pitch si Joyeuse so that was another fun game we played.

Hindi kami nakatulog nang ayos dahil nagsimulang magbiro si Lae na susulatan n'ya sa mukha ang makakatulog. Nagkauntugan si Joyeuse at Futhark sa sobrang antok at nagkasundo kaming apat na irespeto ang oras ng tulog.

After almost a day, it's March 16 and we're in Reykjavik, Iceland.

A few more travel hours and we arrived at a secluded snow-covered turf house surrounded by a forest of birch trees and possibly protected by actual fairies and trolls.

It was serene and the moon was already dancing with the stars and the Northern Lights.

Why? Why did I have to lose all of my technology when there's a lot to remember?

"Is that Vorstellungen's base?" Joyeuse asked, judging the dingy turf house. On the background was Futhark enjoying the snow.

"Part of," Lae answered. "That's where we entertain guests and new members."

"Where's Error?" I looked around. "Nasa loob ba?"

Please give me Error, I need to touch a gadget or I'll die.

"I didn't ask him to come."

When we reached the lamppost that illuminates the turf's entrance,  Laevateinn drew a pen-knife and took several steps back. "Fight me, Arthur."

"Gladly." Sir Arthur puffed his cheeks in determination and hobbled towards the wide area Laevateinn chose.

Sir Lance was confused. He grabbed Sir Arthur's hand and squawked, "What are you doing?!"

"Fighting my little bruder." Sir Arthur produced his own knife.

"Yeah, I see that. But you can't even beat Siegfried on a normal day!"

"Oh, thanks for the support, honey. Appreciate it."

"You're injured, Arthur. Why are you fighting Siegfried?"

"Because..." Sir Arthur glanced at Laevateinn, who's playing with his knife. "Because we're watching sunsets together forever, Heim."

Nabitawan ni Sir Lance ang kamay ni Sir Arthur. Tinawag namin ni Joyeuse si Futhark (na masyadong natutuwa sa snow) para mapanood ang laban. Kampante kaming hindi talaga sasaktan ni Lae ang kapatid n'ya at tinatakot n'ya lang ito para makita kung talagang desidido s'yang pakasalan si—

WHOOSH.

Biglang sugod si Lae at sinipa sa tuhod si Sir Arthur. Napahiga sa snow ang kawawang Godofredo.

Tumalon si Sir Lance sa pagitan nila at kinalaban si Lae. "I don't know what the two of you are up to but you're not hurting Arthur!"

"Lance, stop, it's my fight!"

Sige nga, sumugod ka nga.

Tinalunan ni Lae ang balikat ni Sir Lance at sinugod ulit si Sir Arthur.

"Siegfried, stop!"

Binato ni Lae ang kutsilyo n'ya sa paa ni Sir Lance. Sa pag-ilag n'ya ay nadulas s'ya sa snow.

"Arthur." Laevateinn lunged and pressed his arm against Sir Arthur's throat. "Why do you want to marry Lance?"

Futhark clutched my arm. He must've felt my muscles tensing. I'm smart enough to not catch one of Laevateinn's punches, but I'm also not stupid enough to let him kill his own brother.

"Edward, alam ni Lae ang ginagawa n'ya."

I turned to Joyeuse. He's so into the fight.

Sir Arthur tried to fight back. He groaned and hissed at Lae in desperation, "You wouldn't understand how someone could make a cruel world turn bright and beautiful because you've always lived in the light."

"You've chosen to live with Luciano."

"I chose to protect you and mother!"

"You're a coward."

"I'm not a coward! I had to choose between your safety and my happiness!"

This... wasn't about marrying Lance anymore.

"You have the courage to be free, Arthur." Laevateinn stood up. "And you know how to do it."

May mga tao sigurong kailangan pa talagang bugbugin para matauhan at kumilos.

Laevateinn walked towards us, looking accomplished. He threw a disposable camera at me and smirked.

"I know how to do it," Sir Arthur repeated, getting up and wincing. "I'm leaving Luciano. Marrying Lance means leaving Luciano."

Sir Lance ran to his side and helped him sit up, a bit confused about what the fuck just happened, but was red because he's heard the words marry and Lance in one sentence from Sir Arthur.

"Lance, I—Heim, I—" Sir Arthur frantically groped his trousers for the velvet pouch he tried to make Joyeuse hold onto.

Sir Lance took a deep breath and grinned. "I have something for you." He knelt on one knee and opened a navy blue velvet jewellery box.

Did he have that with him all this time? A+ for preparedness, Sir Dad.

"I have something for you too." Sir Arthur tried to kneel, but he ended up hissing in pain.

Futhark covered his mouth in anticipation. Laevateinn was looking up at the Northern Lights. Joyeuse was just watching intently, observing everything. Take fucking notes, drama queen. This is true love.

I, on the other hand, started taking pictures.

Sir Lance chuckled. "You go first."

"You're older. You go first." Sir Arthur held his pouch tightly and with a shaking hand.

Ako ang kinakabahan para sa kanila.

"Gottfried Arthur Lukas... I know you're tired of hearing this—"

"I'm not."

"No, let me try another script I've prepared."

"How many scripts do you have?"

"23. I figured if I ran out, I'd remix them."

The two laughed comfortably, then Sir Lance cleared his throat to start over his proposal, presenting a sterling silver sailboat necklace with sapphire stones.

"Gottfried Arthur Lukas. You are the reason why the world doesn't seem so bad..."

Sir Lance stopped. He's got a painful lump in his throat.

I was worried he was about to back out, but Sir Arthur took a silver paper aeroplane necklace with rose quartz.

"Heimdall," he said, smiling. "You made me love... living. You made me look forward to waking up and believing in a future.. or living after 30. I don't believe in a deity, but every night I prayed to someone out there, that when our time comes, we meet again in the afterlife so I can love you all over and over again."

Tama nga si Futhark. Naluha nga si Sir Lance dahil sa mga sinasabi ni Sir Arthur.

Sir Arthur held Sir Lance's hand and squeezed it tightly. "So I can watch sunsets with you forever."

"Beer and late night talks in white sand beaches?" Sir Lance asked, his voice cracking.

"Sweets and hot cocoa in cold mornings."

"Afternoons in coffee shops?"

"And long drives in freeways."

"Drifting into a steady sleep... listening to lunar lullabies?"

"And knowing that you'd still be there when I wake up..."

Sir Lance chirked up. "Movie nights and video games!"

Sir Arthur laughed. "Sparring and boring Philosophy books!"

"Sand castles and sunset sailing!"

"Music and poetry!"

"Oh, I'll give you the world, Arthur."

"I don't need the world. I only want you to marry me."

"I love you."

"Audrey Hepburn."

And when words could no longer describe the love they feel for each other, they threw their arms around each other and embraced as if they'd never let the other go.

I got on the ground to capture the moment.

The camera was disposable and sadly didn't have night vision, so Hemlock's silhouette looked like... a sailboat on the sky, sailing the Northern Lights.

I was stunned by the view for a moment.

Then Laevateinn whistled, and Fenrir loped towards the newly engaged couple, carrying a basket of apples. Oh Fenrir, akala ko iniwan ka ni Lae sa Pilipinas.

Joyeuse stood beside me. "This is why Laevateinn didn't ask Error to come. He knew Arthur would marry Lance."

"He planned everything to make Sir Arthur propose to Sir Lance," Futhark corrected, crouching beside me.

We all turned to Laevateinn.

He nonchalantly shrugged and bit an apple. "They were taking too long and it got annoying." He pointed at the turf house. "That's not even Vorstellungen's, I just picked a venue with a nice view."

I chuckled. "Guess we're planning a wedding now, aren't we boys?"

•••

:')