Edward Dace.

14. September.
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.
Yellowbell Street, San Lorenzo.

I DIDN'T KNOW whether I responded like a superhero or a super-idiot.

My body moved on its own. I did not think at all. I had a sudden rush of energy, like I didn't have time to be scared, to be rational, or to be someone who had his mother taken away from him.

I saw Nicholas James down the rails, and then I saw the blinding lights of an incoming train.

I couldn't allow that.

Time slowed down as I grabbed Nicholas's arm and collar and heaved him up and away from the track. We locked eyes; he sprawled on the safe ground and I was left frozen on the rails.

I knew I should jump. If I had time to pull Nicholas away from danger, I have time to run. But I didn't. I held my breath, transfixed by the white light. Or orange lights, dahil PNR lang ang tren na 'to.

Perkele.

"Dummkopf!" Laevateinn's voice rang, then a dark figure charged against me, grabbed me by the waist, and threw the both of us into the other side of the track. I was safe, but I still could not breathe and my ears were ringing.

The train chugged along, drowning us in engine noise.

I panted and wheezed, wide-eyed at the blue and orange blur of the train. I was shaking all over.

"It was the PNR," Sir Arthur said, sitting and panting beside me. Ngayon ko lang na-realize na s'ya at hindi si Laevateinn ang tumalon para iligtas ako. "You had time to jump, Edward Dace."

Kahit magkaiba sila ng ugali ay hindi mo makakailang magkapatid sila dahil halos magkaboses sila.

I scowled at him, too shocked to utter a word. I wanted to thank him, but I harboured hatred towards him these past few days. But I wanted to thank him and say thanks, dad, but...

"Edward, don't cry, you're safe." Sir Arthur tousled my hair the same way Sir Lance used to.

"I'm not crying, leave me alone." I slapped his hand away. I immediately regretted that, hindi ko sinasadya. Nabigla lang ako at...

"I'm sorry." Sir Arthur stood and brushed his pants.

"No, I..."

I suddenly remembered my phone, so I groped my pockets to check. Sir Lance's lucky charm fell out of my pocket when I pulled my phone out.

Sir Arthur picked it up and smiled. It was bittersweet.

"H-He gave it to me," I said defensively. He gave the charm back to me.

"I understand." Sir Arthur shook his head and crossed the tracks, to where Nicholas and the others were.

Futhark was holding Joyeuse back from attacking Nicholas, who was still stunned and was staring at me. Laevateinn stood, tensed and a bit wide-eyed too. He ran to me and helped me up my feet, then we both ran to Futhark.

"Why did you save me?" Nicholas asked, somehow looking innocent.

"I'd do it for anyone, don't feel special," I said between my teeth. Nanginginig ako.

Nakawala si Joyeuse sa pagkakahawak ni Futhark at nakaisang sipa sa tagiliran ni Nicholas. Si Sir Arthur na bodyguard ni Nicholas ay kaagad na umaksyon. Naitulak n'ya si Joyeuse palayo at binitbit na n'ya si Nicholas sa balikat n'ya.

"What are you doing, we're not leaving!" Nicholas said, hitting Arthur's back repeatedly.

"We have to leave," sagot ni Sir Arthur. "You don't want to be involved in this trouble."

Akala ko hahabol pa si Joyeuse ng mga ilang sapak o sipa kaya nakihawak-hawak ako sa t-shirt n'ya. Si Laevateinn, akala ko pipigil, pero tinanggal n'ya lang 'yong salamin ni drama queen.

Tapos sinuntok n'ya 'yong gago.

Tumalsik si Joyeuse sa lupa at napaupo. Lumuhod si Lae sa tabi ni Joyeuse, akala namin ay iisa pa, pero ibinalik na lang n'ya 'yong salamin nito. Nasaktan man si Joyeuse ay at least sigurado kaming hindi nasira ang salamin n'ya.

Kakaiba ka, Lae.

"What is happening here, are you four alright?" Cassandra asked, breathless and worried. She seemed to have left chasing Oliver dude to check on us. "What happened?" She knelt down beside Joyeuse and checked his bleeding lip.

"I was making him calm down," Laevateinn surprisingly answered, also with an innocent tone.

Joyeuse remained sitting on the ground. He's obviously mad. His glares could melt the railings. He was breathing hard, too.

"Okay, that's it." Tumayo si Cassandra at hinila si Joyeuse para tumayo na rin. "Calm down now, calm down. Let's go get you boys home first."

"Paano po si Oliver Ramos?" tanong ni Futhark.

Cassandra's face darkened. "May hinahabol kami ngayon."

"Hinahabol?" I asked.

"Tumakbo at nagtangkang tumakas si Oliver, pero bago pa man s'ya makapasok sa talahiban, may humampas sa ulo n'ya ng makapal na aluminum. Hinahabol nina Mendoza at Fontilla 'yong gumawa."

Futhark and I gasped.

"S-Si Oliver po?" Futhark asked.

Cassandra clicked her tongue. "Dead on the spot. Malakas-lakas ang hampas."

Joyeuse suddenly turned to her, holding her arms. "Dead?" he asked, his voice breathy. "W-What do you mean dead, he can't be dead, t-this can't be another cold case."

Cassandra gently put her hands on Joyeuse's shoulder to calm him down. "Sweetheart, it's okay. These things happen."

"W-We can help in the manhunt, we're going to—"

Laevateinn sat down on the ground like a child throwing a tantrum. "Tired," he said, frowning. "Ich habe Hunger. Ich möchte jetzt schlafen. Müde. Durstig. Kopschmerzen. Mir geht es ganz schlecht. Ich möchte Äpfel essen. Ahhhhh."

They all turned to me for the translation. "Gutom, inaantok, pagod, at nauuhaw na raw po s'ya," I said. "He feels bad and he wants to eat apples. Ahhhh."

"Edward, bakit namumutla ka?" Cassandra asked, cupping my cheeks.

"M-Muntik na po akong masagasaan ng tren. Partida, hindi ganoon kabilis ang andar ng PNR."

Sinubukan naman ni Futhark kumbinsihin si Joyeuse. "Jo... Pagod na kami. Umuwi na tayo."

Joyeuse clenched his fists.

"Ihahatid ko na kayo pauwi," Cassandra offered.

15. September.
Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
372A High Street.

GINISING AKO ni Futhark para sa agahan at dahil may klase kami mamayang 7 o'clock. Ginising din n'ya sina Lae at Fenrir, na lumipat lang sa lamesa para matulog. At least they had the courage to battle the coldness of the morning shower.

Hanga rin ako sa sipag at tiyaga ni Futhark, dahil kung ako, hindi na ako papasok sa martial arts, lalo na't ala-una ng umaga na kami nakauwi at nakatulog. Kumain muna ako habang si Futhark naman ang naligo at mga ilang minuto muna ang lumipas bago ako nahimasmasan at napansin kong hindi namin kasabay kumain si Joyeuse.

I went back to our room to wake the drama queen up.

"I'm awake," Joyeuse said, facing the wall. "Couldn't sleep."

"Then bumangon ka na, nagluto na si Fu ng agahan. May klase pa tayo kay Sir Henry."

"I'm going to skip school."

"Dude, you gotta suck it up. Namatay si Oliver pero napatunayan mo naman na hindi ikaw ang tunay na pumatay kay Bhouszxc JheyPii. Sabi rin ni Cassandra, shit happens."

He sat up and glared at me. "Why did you save Nicholas James? Is it because he's your brother?"

"Why? Dapat ba hinayaan na lang kitang maging mamamatay-tao? Alam mo ang dami mong kalintikan at kaartehan sa buhay. Matuwa ka na lang na gising ka ngayon, hindi 'yong pinoproblema mo pa 'yung ginawa ko kagabi."

"You gave us the wrong street name, that's what you did."

"I'm sorry! Hindi ko naman gustong magkamali!"

"Nag-aaway ba kayong dalawa?" tanong ni Futhark. He furrowed his brows at us and entered the room, drying his hair with a towel. Laevateinn sleepily followed behind him.

"He said he's going to skip school," I told Futhark.

"Then go and skip school." Futhark raised his shoulders. "Walang problema."

"That's not fair!" I protested. "Bakit ako pagod din naman pero papasok pa rin ako?"

Futhark smiled at me. "Because you're not a big baby."

Binato ni Joyeuse ng unan si Futhark sa mukha. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing! 'Wag ka nang pumasok at magpahinga ka na lang muna dahil alam naming pagod ka."

Joyeuse must've been repressing his anger towards Futhark because he suddenly made a lunge at him, and started hitting him with his fists. Laevateinn and I separated the two from each other.

"Drama queen, what the fuck?" I said, cautious for another wrestling match.

"Faen ta deg! Noong isang araw pa ako nagtitimpi sa 'yo!" Si Futhark naman ang tumalon kay Joyeuse at nagpaulan din ng ilang suntok. And wow, he spoke in Norwegian. Nagrambulan na silang dalawa.

"Oy, oy! Tama na 'yan!" sigaw ko sa kanilang dalawa. Nagulo ang kama, nalaglag silang dalawa sa sahig. Sinubukan ko silang pigilan kaso nasipa lang ako at may naka-jackpot pa ng isang suntok sa pisngi ko. Si Lae ay sumipol at tinawag si Fenrir.

Inangilan at tinahulan ni Fenrir sina Futhark at Joyeuse at nang hindi nakinig sa kanya 'yong dalawa, tinalon n'ya rin at inambahang kakagatin.

Kaagad na lumayo si Futhark at tumalon sa kama ko. "Hindi na! Hindi na! Hindi na ako mang-aaway."

Nagpunas lang ng dugo sa labi n'ya si Joyeuse. Hindi pa magaling 'yong sinuntok ni Lae kagabi.

"'Wag na kayong magsuntukan, parang mga gago eh," I said, picking up Joyeuse's pillows.

Lumabas ng kwarto si Lae. Si Fenrir ay binantayan kaming tatlo.

"Ano bang problema mo, Joyeuse?" Futhark asked, folding a blanket that fell off.

"Really, you don't know what my problem is?" Joyeuse sat on my bed, watching us make his own bed.

"Futhark said he needs a license before he tells us what your problem is," I retorted. "Pero malakas ang kutob kong sa utak ang problema mo."

"Edward, tama na," Futhark said firmly.

"What? Ikaw, pwedeng makipagbugbugan kay drama queen pero ako bawal magsabi ng kutob?"

"Okay, you know what guys? Tama na. 'Wag na tayong tumuloy sa klase. Um-absent na tayong lahat ngayon sa klase ni Sir Henry at ni Sir Arthur at ni Sir... Sir De Asis tapos magkanya-kanya na tayong lakad mamaya para sa sari-sarili nating majors."

"Kung kailan gising, nakaligo, at nakakain na ako?" I shook my head. "Unbelievable."

Futhark stomped his foot. "Alam n'yo, hindi ko alam kung saan ako lulugar sa inyo."

"Try outside the house," Joyeuse said, crossing his arms.

"Alam kong stressed tayong lahat." Futhark sat on Joyeuse's bed and buried his face on his hands. "Nakakapagod ang linggong 'to, I swear. Mentally, physically..."

I waited for him to finish his statement but he just stopped. I gave his shoulder a nudge and he gasped and shook his head as if he had been underwater.

"Go back to sleep," Joyeuse said and threw my pillow at Futhark.

Pagkatapos ay nakaramdam kaming lahat ng isang maligalig na presensya sa loob ng bahay ni Sir Lance.

"Woooooy," said a childish voice. Alam naming lahat na si Zweihänder 'yon. Paano s'ya nakapasok dito? Paano n'ya nalaman ang lugar na 'to?

Zweihänder knocked at our room's doorframe and grinned from ear to ear. He's wearing a blue hoodie and a space boy backpack. "Yo, mga sisiw."

Laevateinn was silently sparkling behind him. Joyeuse and I narrowed our eyes at Laevateinn. So ikaw pala ang nagpapasok kay Zweihänder, huh.

"Zweihänder?" Futhark asked. "Ano pong ginagawa n'yo rito? Pa'no n'yo po nahanap ang..."

Zweihänder shrugged. "Hinahanap ko kasi 'yung bahay ng magulang ni Mistletoe, tapos nawala ako. Sakto, nakita ako ni Lae tapos tinawag n'ya ako."

"Ah. Ang aga naman po..."

"Kailangan kasi, ngayong araw tayo aalis para sa seminar." Zweihänder walked inside the room and took a folder out from his backpack. "Buti nakita ko kayo, kasama rin kasi kayo sa seminar."

"Kami po?"

I grimaced. "Bakit hindi kami na-orient na damay kami rito?"

Zweihänder squinted his eyes. "Uhh, kasi kulang kami ng apat na members, tapos kapag hindi kami nakahanap ng apat na participants pa, hindi na kami makaka-attend. Tinanggap na ni Val na hindi kami makaka-attend, pero sabi ko, "Noooo, may apat akong sisiw na kakilala na handa tayong tulungan dahil mahal na mahal nila si Zweihänder!" kaya nilista ko kayong apat sa—"

"Somebody shut this moron up," Joyeuse said, sternly.

"N-Nilista n'yo po kami?" Futhark worriedly asked. "Paano po 'yong mga klase namin?"

"Assseeesss, 'wag mong alalahanin 'yon." Zweihänder jokingly hit Futhark's shoulder. "Ipapadala lang ni Ichaival ang letter galing sa seminar sa mga prof n'yo tapos you're freeee!"

Did he just sing that last word?

"Did you even think of what our reaction would be?" Joyeuse asked. Wow, coming from him.

"Yes!" Zweihänder chuckled. "I imagined matutuwa kayo at mae-excite tapos yayakapin n'yo ako kasi this is a huge opportunity."

"Naisip n'yo po ba na pa'no kapag hindi kami sumama?" I asked.

"Of course! Kaya nga dumaan ako kahapon sa hardware, bumili ako ng lubid."

"B-Binalak n'yo po kaming kidnapin?" Futhark's hand flew to his mouth.

"Pero nandito na kayo kaya hindi na kailangan! Funny how things work out. At isa pa, sabi ni Lae, sasama raw kayo."

The three of us glared at Laevateinn.

He squinted back at us and said in a wispy, hissy voice, "Doesn't feel good being ordered around now, does it."

Marunong gumanti si Laevateinn.

"Saan po ang seminar?" Futhark asked.

Zweihänder snapped his fingers. "Pampanga po, mamser! CC na ang bahala sa transpo, foods, at hotel, sarili n'yo na lang ang kailangan n'yong bitbitin. Oh! Mga damit din pala, dahil hanggang Biyernes ang seminar."

Our glares were back at Laevateinn.

"Three days, huh?" I said.

Laevateinn replied a smug smile.

"Kasama po ba adviser n'yo?" I asked, careful not to sound too hateful.

"Nope," Zweihänder replied. "Busy si Sir Arthur sa mga gawain sa uni. Kahit gusto n'ya akong bantayan, hindi sumang-ayon ang mga tala at planeta."

"Pupunta muna ako sa uni para magpaalam sa mga prof ko," Futhark said.

"Make it quick, naghihintay na 'yong van sa labas ng uni. Kaninang 5 pa kasi dapat kami aalis. Hahaha!" Zweihänder laughed and marched outside the room.

"Madre de Dios!" I muttered, scrambling to pack my laptop, phone, wallet, a shit ton of charger, and my credit cards.

Joyeuse went to sleep.

Laevateinn and Fenrir had their shoulder bag ready. Nakahanda na pala ang gamit nila kagabi pa.

Futhark grabbed his backpack, then noticed Joyeuse. He just rolled his eyes and proceeded to pack the drama queen's clothes too. "Jo, aling mga t-shirt mo ang dadalhin ko?" he asked.

"Don't bother, I'm not going," Joyeuse replied, his voice muffled because he pressed his face against his pillow.

Zweihänder heard that. Bilang dakilang chismoso na s'yang tunay, pumasok ulit s'ya sa kwarto namin, this time ay nakalabas na ang makapal na lubig na binili n'ya. Hindi s'ya nagbibiro sa binabalak n'yang pangingidnap.

"Futhark, ikaw na bahalang magbitbit ng kung anumang burloloy at koloreteng kailangan ni Joyeuse," sabi ni Zweihänder. "Lae, matutulungan mo ba akong itali si Joyeuse?"

Laevateinn nodded with the most enthusiasm I've ever seen from him within the entire span of our friendship.

And so fast forward to our unplanned trip to Pampanga.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

I SAT beside Macey. It would have been nice and romantic if she wasn't praying the rosary and if she wasn't taken by Adrian. To her right was Futhark. Silang dalawa ang kanina pa nagsasagutan sa pagdadasal, kahit na tutukba-tukba na si Futhark at automatic na lang ang bibig n'ya sa pagsagot.

Bakit sila nagdadasal? Good question. It's for the safety of the jetplane we're in. No actually it's a Toyota Hi-Ace, but Zweihänder managed to fly it. While singing, even. I sensed that Ichaival, who sat beside him, was internally freaking out.

Behind us were Excalibur, Clarent, and Mistletoe. Excalibur and Clarent (who I think are couples) were playing on their phones. Gusto ko ngang sumali dahil ang bobo ni Excalibur mag-tank, kaso nahihiya ako sa kanila.

At the same time, kawawa sila kapag sumali ako.

Mistletoe was sleeping while listening to his headphones. Sinakop nina Lae at Fenrir 'yong upuan sa likuran nina Mistletoe, at natutulog din sila. Si drama queen, tinali namin kanina at binato sa pinakalikod ng sasakyan, kasama ng mga bag at gamit namin.

Three hours later and we arrived at a hotel. Ichaival was in charge, s'ya rin kasi yata ang mas pinagkakatiwalaan ng adviser at mismong magulang ni Zweihänder. Naupo kami sa lobby at hinintay na tawagin ni Ichaival para sa mga kwarto namin.

"Anong oras ang start ng seminar?" Clarent asked Mistletoe.

Mistletoe checked his phone. "11 ang registration. Makakapunta tayo sa venue nang maaga."

Macey and Futhark came back with paper bags of food, and gave each one of us a sandwich. I narrowed my eyes at Futhark and hoped he got the meaning: Why are you spending more time with Macey?

"Sa'n galing 'to?" Excalibur asked, taking a sandwich from Futhark.

"Ginawa ko," Macey answered. "Dapat ipapamigay ko kanina sa biyahe kaso baka isuka n'yo lang."

Zweihänder, who was rummaging through Macey's paper bag, found a three-layered sandwich and celebrated. His eyes were twinkling and his mouth was wide open in victory as he lifted the sandwich up, until Macey hit his head and snatched the sandwich away from him.

"Kay Edward nga kasi 'to Zwei, kumuha ka ng iba," she said.

My heart skipped a beat and I tried not to smile, so hard. I wish I wasn't as red as I could feel my face burning.

Macey handed me the winning sandwich. "Ed, oh. Sabi kasi ni Futhark patatabain ka namin."

I wanted to be disappointed that it was my mother Futhark who thought about the sandwich but I was too happy to even complain.

"Thanks," I muttered, looking down and accepting her sandwich. I'm going to keep this for later. Macey pinched my cheek and went to give Mistletoe his share.

Futhark grinned teasingly at me. I scowled at him, then he whistled lowly and looked around. Then he gasped loudly, jumping.

"Zwei, Zwei! Nakalimutan natin si Joyeuse sa van!" he said, running to Zweihänder and shaking Zweihänder's shoulders.

Laevateinn, who was intently watching the hotel's aquarium, turned to us and followed Zweihänder, who had barely swallowed the sandwich he's chewing when he rushed back to the parking lot.

Futhark ran after them.

Ichaival arrived with the cards for the rooms, following Zweihänder, Laevateinn, and Futhark with suspicious eyes. "Saan pupunta 'yung mga 'yon?" he asked.

"Nakalimutan si Joyeuse sa van," Clarent replied.

Ichaival facepalmed. "Okay, so si Clarent at si Macey magkasama sa 411; si Edward, Joyeuse, ako at si Excal sa 412; tapos si Futhark, Laevateinn, Mistletoe, at Zweihänder sa 413."

"Kasama ko si Zwei?!" Mistletoe complained. "Pagti-trip-an ako ni Zwei, baka mamaya hindi na ako magising bukas o kaya baka magising ako sa loob ng aquarium!"

"Kaya nga sinama ko sa 'yo sina Futhark at Laevateinn. Mahihiya si Zwei magligalig sa harap nila."

"Bakit hindi kayo magkasama ni Zwei, Ichaival? Nakikinig naman sa 'yo si Zwei!"

Ichaival smiled at Mistletoe. I knew it was a smile but it sent chills down my spine. He held Mistletoe's shoulders and said (still with a wide smile on his face), "Mist. Inampon ako ng mga Coronado, two years old pa lang ako. Bente na ako ngayon. Do the Maths. Ilang taon ko nang pinagtitiisan si Zwei?"

Mistletoe was horrified, we could see him shaking. He swallowed and nodded in panic.

"Gusto mo bang makipagpalit sa 'kin?" Excalibur offered.

"No!" Ichaival said. "Magkakantahan lang kayo ni Zwei magdamag! Kabisado ko na lyrics ng mga kanta ni Taylor Swift kahit na wala pa akong naririnig na kahit isang kanta n'ya!"

"Sa 'kin, gusto mong makipagpalit?" Clarent offered. "Bibigwasan ko si Zwei."

"No, Clarent! Kailangan natin nang buhay at gising si Zwei para sa mga susunod na araw!"

"Palit tayo, Mist?" Macey offered.

Napaisip si Ichaival. "Wala akong nakikitang problema ro'n."

"Oh ayon," Clarent said. "Ako magbabantay kay Mist."

I glanced at Excalibur. Okay lang sa kanya na may ibang lalaking kasama si Clarent? But then again, I mean, it's Mistletoe.

"Okay, settled na ang mga kwarto?" Ichaival asked.

I raised my hand. "Hindi po talaga kami magkakasama ng SMS?"

"No, baka mag-away-away kayo."

I clicked my tongue. "Smart. By the way, Kuya—I mean, Ichaival, tungkol saan po 'yong seminar na pupuntahan natin?"

"Seminar?"

Kumunot-noo silang lahat sa 'kin. Dapat ay nakutuban ko na kanina na scam ang sinasabing seminar si Zweihänder! Hindi talaga kami dapat nagtitiwala sa dimples n'ya!

"Ang sabi ni Zweihänder, kailangan n'yo ng apat pang participants para maka-attend," I said, shoving my hands in my pockets to avoid flailing them around.

Hindi alam ni Ichaival kung matatawa s'ya o maaawa o maii-stress. "Kumpleto naman kami ng line-up, hindi naman namin kailangan ng apat pa. At saka anong seminar naman ang may mandatory number of participants per university?"

"Nakow. Naisahan kayo ni Harold Coronado," Excalibur said, tutting.

I stomped my foot. "Then bakit kami kasama rito?!"

"Ang sabi n'ya may ibang lakad daw kayo?" Ichaival said. Now I could see he's worried.

"Saan?"

"Kay ano," Ichaival took his phone out and read his notes, "Ms. Theresa Gracia. Imi-meet n'ya raw kayo rito sa lobby ng hotel mamayang 1 pm."

"Sino po s'ya at bakit po n'ya kami imi-meet?"

Ichaival was just about to answer when we heard a screeching banshee and saw him sprinting from the entrance just to cover Ichaival's mouth. The screeching banshee was Zweihänder. He managed to leap at least five feet and lunge at Ichaival.

I turned to the entrance to see more familiar faces.

Malayo pa lang sila ay naririnig ko na ang litanya ng reklamo ni Joyeuse. Nagtatakip si Lae ng tainga habang naglalakad at si Futhark, nakahawak lang sa balikat ni Joyeuse. I think I've seen his facial expression somewhere.

Ganito ang nakikita kong itsura ng mga mapagpasensyang magulang kapag walang tigil ang bunganga ng anak nila sa pagngawa.

"Zwei, anong sinabi mo sa kanila na pupuntahan nila?" Ichaival asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sabi ko sasama sila sa seminar!" Zweihänder answered, waving his arms around.

"Zwei," Ichaival repeated firmly, giving Zweihänder an I'm-done-with-your-bullshit look. "Sabihin mo sa kanila ang tunay nilang pupuntahan."

Ichaival had the superpower of making Zweihänder confess to us. Zweihänder looked down and said, "Inutusan ako ng Chancellor na mag-set up ng appointment para makakuha kayong apat ng therapy."

"Therapy?" Joyeuse, Futhark, and I chorused.

"K-Kung sinabi n'yo naman po nang maayos, hindi n'yo na po kami kailangang lokohin," Futhark said, looking grateful. "Sasama naman po kami."

"I won't," Joyeuse, who had his arms crossed the whole time, said.

"And that's why you had to be tied up and gagged." I smirked at him.

Futhark started fidgeting his hands. "Ano, kami po ba ang magbabayad ng session o ano po..."

"Don't worry!" Zweihänder said. "Ang sabi ni Mama, binayaran na ni Ginoong Sir ang lahat."

Our jaws dropped.

"Ginoong Sir, like, si Sir Lance?" I asked in a combination of awe and disbelief.

"When did he pay for it? Is he the one who asked for it?" Joyeuse asked, suspicious.

"Hindi ko alam ang ibang detalye pero kahapon inutos sa akin ng mga nakatataas." Zweihänder smiled. I was keen on making sure he's not up to something so I listened closely:

His accent has a tinge of French.

I shook my head. This was not the assessment I was aiming for.

Zweihänder put his hands on my shoulder and Joyeuse's. I thought it was to reassure us, but he said, "Tatlong araw 'yon. Ang sabi sa 'kin ay may special tutorial ng Values Education."

He clicked his tongue, winked at us, and skipped towards the elevator. "Tara na, Val! Balita ko a-attend din ng seminar 'yong mga taga-San Leandro. Naalala mo nung binuhat ako ng EIC nila? Ang saya no'n."

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

The Coronado Chronicles left for their seminar, leaving us alone in the rooms. I was surprised they'd trust us with their belongings, but I mean, I'm Edward Dace. I don't need anything that much.

If I did need something, I could simply buy it.

Ibinilin kami ni Zweihänder kina Lae at Futhark. Kapag daw mabait kami ay bibilhan n'ya kami ng cake.

"Malapit nang mag-1 pm," Futhark said, looking at the wall clock. He took out his notebook and his pencil case. What a nerd. "Bumaba na tayo sa lobby."

I shrugged. "It's Values Ed. Hindi ba si drama queen lang naman ang may kailangan n'on?"

Futhark frowned, disappointed. "Hindi 'yon sa tinuturo sa Values Education, Edward. It's about applying what you've learnt, kung natutunan mo na nga. Respeto sa teacher na magtuturo sa 'yo, dahil hindi mo mababayaran ang oras n'ya. 'Di ba, Joyeuse?"

"If I attended those classes and not say a word, will you let this go?" Joyeuse asked, staring at the ceiling.

"Kapag nakita kong ina-apply mo sa araw-araw ang matututunan mo, I'll let it go." Naglakad si Futhark papunta sa pinto at sinundan ni Laevateinn. Naiwang nakahiga sa sahig si Fenrir, natutulog.

"Oh bloody hell, I just want this week to be over." Joyeuse stood and followed.

We went to the lobby, where chairs and couches were placed for guests. There was a grand fountain, and a Murano glass chandelier hanging above.

Ms. Theresa Gracia was early for the appointment. She's this bubbly, happy-looking woman in her 30's or 40's (it's hard to be sure of their age, we're Asian), with a notebook on her lap, wearing beige blouse and a corduroy skirt. Based on the corduroy skirt, I'm gonna say she's in her late 40's, pushing 50's.

Her eyes lit up as she saw us, immediately knowing that we're the problem children she's gonna be handling today.

"Hi!" She gestured to the couch. "I'm Ms. Theresa Gracia. I will be your therapist for today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow."

Ako lang ang tanging utu-utong naupo sa couch na tinuro ni Ms. Gracia. Joyeuse took the comfortable chair to my left, which was farthest from Ms. Gracia, Futhark sat on a wooden chair to my right, and Laevateinn sat on the floor. At least si Laevateinn ay kaharap din ni Ms. Gracia.

"Really, therapy in a hotel lobby?" Joyeuse asked.

Ms. Gracia smiled. "I was told you guys are unorthodox, so I thought I'd use a different approach. Hindi ba parang less ang tension kapag nandito tayo?"

"It's noisy, I could hear everything," Joyeuse complained.

"What happened to I wouldn't say a word mo kanina, dude?" I asked.

Joyeuse rolled his eyes.

"It's not really therapy-therapy," Ms. Gracia said. "Isipin n'yo nagkukwentuhan lang tayo tungkol sa mga buhay n'yo."

I raised my hand. "I have a blog. Wanna read that instead?"

She crinkled her nose and smiled. "I want to hear from you personally, but I'll take note of that blog." She clicked her pen thrice and flipped her notebook open. "So? How are you guys?"

Joyeuse groaned. Futhark shot him a glare.

Laevateinn raised his hand. "I saw two koi fish in the fountain."

"That's nice, Laevateinn," Ms. Gracia said and scribbled on her notes.

"How did you know our names?" Joyeuse asked again. Oh the ever-suspicious one.

Ms. Gracia raised her eyebrows innocently. "Laevateinn, Joyeuse, Futhark, and Edward Dace, right? I was given notes about you."

"Who gave you notes?" Joyeuse, again, asked. Interrogated, more like it.

"Joyeuse, chill," Futhark said. "Nagbigay siguro ng notes si Sir Lance para alam ni Ma'am Theresa kung anong kailangan n'yang i-tackle. Parang 'yong mga quarterly teacher's comments na nakalagay sa card natin noong elementary lang 'yan."

"Bold of you to assume I went to elementary school."

"High school," Futhark corrected.

Joyeuse remained squinting at Ms. Gracia.

"What, you skipped that too?" Futhark asked, after not receiving a reply.

"It makes you paranoid, doesn't it?" Ms. Gracia asked. "Knowing somebody has notes about you, talking in an open area where anybody could eavesdrop."

"Get to the point," Joyeuse hissed. Oh boy. Napupuno na ang drama queen.

"Someday, you're going to be a phenomenal group. The Seven-Minute Semblance. A lot of people would know about you, a lot of people would want to know about you. How will you handle that if you can't handle me having notes that I've acquired completely legally?"

I raised my hand again. "I'm okay with it. Everybody loves me."

"I'm Superman," Laevateinn added.

Futhark just smiled and shrugged.

Joyeuse continued glaring at Ms. Gracia. Wow, his trust issues are off the roof.

Now that I think of it, Joyeuse doesn't really trust anyone, except for Sir Lance, who, ironically, was also the reason for his trust issues.

"Pressured?" Ms. Gracia asked again. I felt funny, because usually, being pressured was my thing. "Paranoid? Okay, I want you to remember that feeling of vulnerability." She stood up and beckoned us to follow.

As if our minds suddenly became one, Futhark, Laevateinn, and I grabbed Joyeuse and dragged him with us, to the room where Ms. Gracia prepared a little classroom set-up, with all the chairs and tables.

"Take a seat."

I sat in front of Laevateinn, beside Joyeuse, who was then in front of Futhark. Inunahan ko talaga si Lae sa harap dahil kapag ako ang napunta sa likuran n'ya, siguradong likod na lang n'ya ang nakita ko.

Ms. Gracia locked the door and sat on the teacher's table. She clicked her pen twice. "Now, we're in private. Still feeling anxious, Joyeuse?"

"I was not feeling anxious," Joyeuse protested. "I was cautious. You might be using this whole bloody therapy thing to gather information that could be used against us."

"Why would you even think that?" I asked him.

"Why wouldn't you? This is your problem, Edward Dace, you're too trusting."

"'Wag kayong mag-away sa harap ng bagong teacher natin," Futhark said, leaning over.

"Okay, new question," Ms. Gracia scribbled on her notebook again, "what frustrates you the most?"

"This whole thing!" Joyeuse raised his arms.

"Oh, I'm not asking you." Ms. Gracia turned to me. "Edward Dace?"

Joyeuse groaned in frustration in the background.

"Uhm." I blinked. "I... pwede po bang balikan n'yo ako mamaya?"

"Okay, sweetie, take your time. Laevateinn?"

"That dogs don't have wings," Laevateinn replied. Anong balak nitong gawin kung sakaling magkapakpak si Fenrir?

"That frustrates you?"

"It makes me sad... Oh. But if dogs had wings, humans would abuse them worse than some of them were already doing. Now I'm happy dogs don't have wings."

I glanced at Joyeuse. He's mumbling angrily to himself.

Ms. Gracia turned to Futhark. "Ikaw, Futhark? What frustrates you the most?"

"Sarili ko po," Futhark answered quietly.

"Why?" Ms. Gracia kept her eyes on her notebook.

"Because I'm useless," he whispered.

"Huh? I'm sorry hindi ko narinig. Pakilakasan ang boses, hijo."

"D-Dahil useless po ako," Futhark repeated, a bit louder. He lowered his head.

"How are you useless?" Ms. Gracia furrowed her brows. "Because you're not what other people want you to be?"

Futhark looked up and blinked. "Po?"

"Could you tell me why you think you're useless?"

"Hindi naman po useless si Futhark, si drama queen lang naman ang salbaheng walang ginawa kundi sabihan si Futhark ng useless," I said.

Ms. Gracia slowly turned her head to Joyeuse, who glared back at her. Then she directed her attention to me. "Edward, nakapag-isip ka na?"

I nodded. "I don't think I get frustrated? I mean, nadi-disappoint ako, and I usually get upset with things, but I don't get frustrated that much because I know I can change them with enough effort."

"What about your mother?" Joyeuse asked. "Aren't you frustrated that you still haven't rescued her?"

I frowned.

"Thought so too." Joyeuse rolled his eyes and looked away.

"I'm not frustrated," I said, louder to convince them. Or maybe I was convincing myself. "I'm scared and anxious, but I'm not frustrated. Naniniwala akong mare-rescue natin si Mama. You can't be frustrated when you have hope."

"Na-kidnap mama mo, Edward?" Ms. Gracia asked, looking worried. "Ni-report n'yo na sa pulis?"

"We can't report it to the police, you sillyface," Joyeuse said, looking at Ms. Gracia as if she's crazy.

"Why?"

Wonderland Org have snitches in the police, haven't they? That's why the police's Tamarisk Street sting failed, but thanks to us, they found the real drug den. But I don't think we can tell Ms. Gracia about Wonderland Org.

Ms. Gracia regarded our silence as an answer.

There was a brief moment of silence as we stared at her whilst she wrote on her notebook.

Minutes later, she asked us, "What do you want the most?"

I raised a confused eyebrow.

Ms. Gracia noticed that, since she added, "Like, anong sinisigaw ng puso n'yo?"

We all sat in a contemplative silence.

'Wag muna ako ang tawagin n'yo, ma'am. Nag-iisip pa ako.

"Joyeuse?"

Yes.

Joyeuse was bemused. He just grunted, "Huh?"

Ms. Gracia chuckled. "Ano ang isinisigaw ng puso mo?"

I raised my hand. "Invalid po 'yong tanong. Walang puso si drama queen."

"Aww, don't be like that. Of course he has a heart." Ms. Gracia smiled at Joyeuse. "So, just tell us what your heart screams."

"I don't get your question, you," Joyeuse stopped himself from calling Ms. Gracia names.

"Babalikan kita. Futhark? What is it that you desire the most? Ano ang isinisigaw ng puso mo ngayon?"

Futhark swallowed and looked down again. Bakit ka nahihiya sa 'min ngayon, Futhark? We're friends.

"Gusto ko pong maging okay ang lahat."

Oh.

He chuckled breathily, raising his shoulders, "Gusto ko lang mawalan ng inaalala. Bonus na kapag masaya rin ako."

I raised my hand. "'Yong akin po kagaya na lang din ng kay Futhark."

"Why, Edward? What did you initially have?" Ms. Gracia asked.

"That I want to be stronger and better. But then I thought, that's gonna be on my to-do list instead."

Ms. Gracia nodded approvingly. I think I'm doing good in this Values Education. Kung ganito ang pinagawa sa 'min noong elementary at high school at hindi kami basta pinasagot ng isang buong libro, siguro matutuwa ako sa Values Ed.

"Laevateinn, what's yours?"

Laevateinn shrugged. "I want apples."

I grinned. "I thought you're gonna say world peace or something," I told him.

He shook his head. "That's gonna be on my to-do list as well."

I laughed. "Oh you cheeky lil shit."

"Joyeuse, you?" Ms. Gracia asked again. "Sabihin mo lang sa 'min kung anong sinisigaw ng puso mo."

Nabubwisit na si Joyeuse. "Why are you phrasing the question like that? You can simply ask me what I want, I have a list of my goals and plans right here!" He raised his hand in the air, as if holding an invisible box. Or maybe robot nga s'yang tunay at hindi lang namin nakikita ang screen n'ya.

"I want you to dig deeper within you. Know what you really want, what your heart wants."

"Hah? Why are you asking my heart, I don't know what my heart wants, it's not sentient nor conscious. Why would my heart have a will or desire?"

Ms. Gracia kept her smile on. "Isipin mo lang kung anong gusto ng puso mo."

"I don't know! Even if I try thinking what the bloody hell do you mean, I still don't know what my heart wants. That's logically impossible."

"Just throw logic out of the window, sweetheart."

Joyeuse's eyes widened and he threw his head back. He certainly could not believe what he's hearing. "How massively absurd!" he exclaimed, his accent thick. "Throw logic out of the window? Have you lost your bloody mind? Are you entirely bonkers?"

"Hmm," Ms. Gracia crinkled her nose again. "It's notable that you know what frustrates you but you don't know what your heart wants."

"I know what I want!" Joyeuse stood and pounded his table with his fists. "And I know what I need! It's you and your confusing words! Bloody asking me what my bloody heart wants."

Ms. Gracia pursed her lips and wrote on her notebook. "I'm going to ask you now, Joyeuse. What frustrates you?"

"This conversation!"

"Why?"

"Because it's nonsense and I don't understand anything. You go blabbering about hearts and all these bloody words."

"It's nonsense because you can't understand anything?"

Joyeuse stopped and swallowed, slowly sitting down.

Ms. Gracia gave Joyeuse a serious look. "So it's what you really want: to understand people?"

"Hindi ba ang sabi mo sa 'min noon, nafu-frustrate ka dahil hindi mo maintindihan kung bakit umiyak si Sir Lance?" Futhark said, with a calming tone.

"Usually, you get frustrated when you can't have what you wanted," Ms. Gracia added. "You want to understand people and emotions, Joyeuse?"

Joyeuse scowled at her.

I enjoy seeing Joyeuse shutting up.

"That's adorable, drama queen," I teased.

"'Wag n'yong asarin," Ms. Gracia crinkled her nose at me (which reminded me of Macey's sweet aunts) and continued talking to Joyeuse, "Joyeuse, sweetie, that's actually a good thing. You don't have to pout just because you can't understand people."

Ang sama ng tingin ni Joyeuse sa kanya. "I'm not pouting because I can't understand people. I'm upset that I have to hear it from you."

I raised my hand to get Ms. Gracia's attention. "It's actually amazing how you figured that out, how'd you do it?" I asked. "Did you use your—you know—Psychology magic?"

I heard Futhark sighing.

Ms. Gracia smiled at me. "You can learn a lot about people by asking them what frustrates them and what they want the most." She proudly showed us her notebook. She wasn't taking down notes, she was doodling us!

Laevateinn clapped. "You drew me in a Superman costume."

"Ang liit ko!" I exclaimed. "Dudette! Mas matangkad ako sa 'yo!"

"I look like a scarecrow." Joyeuse grimaced in disgust.

"B-Bakit po mukhang palakol ang ulo ko...?" Futhark tried not to laugh.

Ms. Gracia laughed. "Ang hirap kasi ng buhok mo, bakit hindi pantay? Is that a fashion choice?"

Futhark almost choked. "Ano po, kasi nagupit ko po tapos hindi nagpantay."

"Ikaw naggugupit sa sarili mo?" I squinted. "So that's why it's choppy and uneven. I thought you're aiming for a Sprezzatura."

"M-Mas tipid kapag ako lang ang naggugupit... at saka okay naman daw, maayos naman daw ang itsura ko."

Ms. Gracia closed her notebook. "I guess that's enough for our little introduction, let's proceed to our one-on-one."

"One-on-one?" I asked.

"It's still therapy. I'm going to need the three of you to wait at the lobby while I talk to one."

Ah shit.

"Dito po sa classroom? I mean, room—anong kwarto ba 'to?" I looked around and secretly left a microphone under my table. I knew these things really come in handy.

"Yes. Now who'd like to go first?"

Futhark raised his hand. "Ako po last!" That's the most desperate I've seen him.

"I'm second to the last," Laevateinn said, raising his hand too.

"I don't want to be first," Joyeuse said. "If I had to be first, I'd take a taxi and go home."

All eyes were on me. Superstar na naman ako.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

"So Edward Dace, hmm?" Ms. Gracia sat in front of me, writing on her notebook. We moved my chair and my table in the middle of the room.

"The great and power," I added, chuckling a bit.

"The notes about you says you have anxiety issues and tend to repress unwanted memories. How's that working out for you?" Ms. Gracia clasped her hands and smiled at me.

I blinked. "What do you mean how's that working for me, I mean you've seen me, look at this five-foot seven of pure awesomeness."

"Five-foot seven of pure awesomeness, huh? At anong masasabi ng matangkad na batang ito tungkol kay Luciano Lukas?"

I shrugged. "The man's a certified asshole, but after I've understood his side, I... I kind of didn't fear him anymore. Naawa na lang ako dahil wala s'yang kaibigan."

"Naawa?"

"Kung dati ay sumasakit ang tiyan ko kapag pinag-uusapan o naiisip ko s'ya, ngayon, hindi na. I think tumapang ako noong nakita ko kung pa'no s'ya kausapin ni Sir Dad—Lance, I mean Sir Lance. That all my life, I've lived in fear of..."

Oh no.

I raised my hand for a time out, to collect my thoughts.

All my life I lived fearing him? I didn't even remember him until recently. Where'd this fear come from?

Blurry memories flashed before me: Melissa crying and begging Luciano to let us stay, Luciano hitting and beating us up, me hiding behind a couch everyday because everyday he'd yell at me and hurt me...

I want to leave. Can I go to the restroom?

Ah shit.

My mouth was dry and my stomach's starting to churn.

"Are you okay, Edward?" Ms. Gracia asked.

Yes, I'm okay.

But why can't I talk?

Why am I anxious?

I'm safe, no one will hurt me here.

Ms. Gracia handed over a box of tissue. "It's okay. You're safe with me." She patted my head. "And it's amazing that you think you've gotten braver!"

I opened my mouth, but for some reasons, words won't come out.

"Selective Mutism?"

I shook my head.

"It's okay, honey. Psychogenic Mutism or Selective Mutism is often caused by anxiety or past trauma, and you can deal with it."

I know I can deal with it.

"Would you like to write down your answers instead?" She slid a notepad and a pen across the table.

I nodded and took the pen.

"One key to treating that is by knowing the cause of the trauma. You think you're ready to talk about it?"

I nodded again. Talk about it. How ironic.

"Could you think of anything that might have been traumatic for you?"

I started to write: My childhood was a nightmare. Luciano Lukas wasn't a person who liked children. He beat me up whenever I

My hand trembled. My handwriting was almost as indecipherable as Futhark's.

"Take a deep breath, Edward," Ms. Gracia said. "As you said. You're braver now."

I wrote again.

I was told Luciano took us in to protect me. Maybe he wasn't really that mean. Maybe I reminded him of my father who betrayed him.

"Edward, he hurt you. Please don't try to cover his violence with his intention. Being reminded of your father is not an excuse for child abuse. There is no worthy excuse for child abuse."

I...

I took a deep breath before I wrote: Can I talk about how Error forgave me even after I left him alone for years?

Ms. Gracia nodded. "Is he your friend?"

I nodded, grinning. Suddenly, I was filled with excitement and relief washed away all the heaviness I was feeling.

I managed a breathy hiss. Then I tried talking again, "Error is my best friend. H-He's good with computers too! I abandoned him and escaped to Coronado University and..."

Ah shit I'm losing it again.

No, no, no.

I'm braver now. Error is fine now and he's forgiven me and...

"Edward? You said he's forgiven you. 'Wag ka nang ma-guilty sa ginawa mo."

"Maybe I just can't forgive myself. Habang masaya akong namumuhay sa San Lorenzo, si Error, iniwan kong mag-isa. I'm sure he had it really rough."

"You can't change the past, but you can control your future."

Nicholas's words rang in my ears.

You can take back words by sincere actions.

"I'll make sure I won't repeat the same mistakes. I'm gonna be really, really good and strong and I'm going to be able to just face anything head-on."

I'm gonna be as strong as Sir Lance and Laevateinn.

Ms. Gracia smiled at me. "Are you scared of your past?"

I frowned. "Yes."

"Why?"

"It's haunting and—"

Another unwanted flashback.

Betelgeuse talking to a woman.

I swallowed and took another deep breath. "M-Ms. Gracia?" I called.

"Yes?"

"Is repressing memories bad?"

"Well, it protects you for the meantime, but it could cause psychological problems. Like your Selective Mutism. 'Yong mga kinalimutan mong memories, kapag bumalik, it might debilitate you."

"W-What should I do?"

"Forgive yourself, Edward. Forgive the young Dave Casedale Drew who didn't know what to do, who was scared, and who just wanted to escape the hell he's living in, because he did nothing wrong. He was a child. You can forgive him, because now you're stronger and braver."

I couldn't reply to that. I have a racking lump in my throat.

I might need a moment.

Forgive myself?

Forgive the young Dave Casedale Drew who didn't know what to do?

I did nothing wrong. I was scared.

I was a child. I just wanted to be safe and happy.

"Can I," I started slowly, choking back tears. "Can I have a hug?"

Ms. Gracia stood from her seat and hugged me tightly.

I forgive myself.

"Thank you," I squeaked and wiped my tears.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

Joyeuse's turn to talk with Ms. Gracia.

Ang sabi ko sa mga gago, pupunta muna ako sa kwarto dahil masama ang pakiramdam ko. They don't know that I'm feeling better than ever.

I just forgave myself, and with no past trying to haunt and stop me, I think I can do almost anything.

Like eavesdropping to Joyeuse's therapy session. Sino kaya ang unang susuko sa kanila ni Mama?

"Hello, please take a seat," Ms. Gracia said. I fixed my headphones and lay down on my bed. I turned my laptop on just in case anyone enters the room, I can pretend I'm busy.

"So, Joyeuse. Are you doing fine?"

Joyeuse's tone didn't change one bit. I bet he's scowling too. "Are you bloody kidding me?"

"I get this feeling that you hate me."

"I do."

"But we've never met before."

And usually it's the other way around. Hindi ko akalaing hindi pa s'ya nao-offend ni Joyeuse.

"I know your kind," Joyeuse said.

"My kind? You're going to have to be more specific, sweetie."

"Psychologists and psychiatrists. You think you know people, you say you want to help but in the end all of you are just after the money. You might have the others fooled with your motherly or womanly presence but I don't trust you. If you're working for Wonderland or Nicholas, I'm telling you. I'm going to hurt you."

There was a brief moment of silence. Grabe si Joyeuse.

Ms. Gracia finally answered, "I was indeed paid by Dr. Lo because this is literally my job. She wanted me to help you boys. Your adviser gave me notes. He sent it to me via email last Monday. I don't know what Wonderland is or who Nicholas is, and if you hurt me I am going to report you to the police."

That was said calmly and clearly.

It took Joyeuse a few seconds to reply, "Very well."

"Can I proceed to my questions now?"

"Yes."

"Based on the notes given by your adviser, you have attended therapy before. May I ask for what and how old you were?"

"I was fifteen. Cassandra made me see a psychiatrist and a psychometrician. Bloody bastard of a psychiatrist took a look at me, compared my tests and Cassandra's testimonies, said I tick all the boxes of having anti-social personality disorder, gave me a prescription, then went on to his merry way."

Hala.

So psychopath o sociopath ba s'ya? Ano bang pinagkaiba ng dalawa?

I waited for Ms. Gracia's answer.

"Oh sweetie... You were fifteen, you can't be diagnosed with ASPD. And he gave you prescription?"

"Anti-psychotics. How else would I recognise Paliperidone in a bottle with nothing but his bloody initials? It doesn't matter anymore. I knew he's a fake. I discovered that he was paid to mess with me."

Kaya pala walang tiwala si Joyeuse sa mga psychologist. Kaya rin ba ayaw n'ya kay Futhark?

"How are you coping with it?"

"I'm..."

I heard Joyeuse heaving a loaded sigh.

"I'm confused," Joyeuse admitted. That must be hard for him.

"Hmm. Joyeuse, have you ever hurt an animal?"

"No, I'm quite fond of them, to be honest. Except for cats. Cats are evil."

"Have you... ever burned something?"

"No."

"Broken the law?"

"Goodness, no. Rules and contracts are the only certainties I have."

"Well, Joyeuse. For now, I don't think you have anti-social personality disorder. Plus you did say you want to understand people, that means you actually care."

"Ech."

"Don't look so disgusted, caring about people is not a weakness. That's a strength."

There were sounds that seemed like Joyeuse leaned intimidatingly closer to Ms. Gracia. "Let's skip to the part where you tell me what I have to do to solve this. How do I understand people better?"

"One way to understand how people feel is by imagining yourself in their shoes. For example, kapag nagsasalita ka tapos umirap ako, anong mararamdaman mo?"

"How can you not listen to what I say? I'm interesting."

"Because, despite how interesting you say you are, you are just not interesting nor worthy of my time for me. How would you feel?"

Joyeuse's arrogance levelled down. "I think I'd be offended."

"You will be offended. Now what do you think I feel when you keep rolling your eyes while I talk?"

"Uh, stupid?"

"No. Let's try another one. If you gave me coffee, what are you expecting to hear from me?"

"I'd expect you to praise me then say no thanks and I get to drink the coffee."

"We're going to be here for a while."

She was right. Tumagal silang dalawa nang halos isang oras. Ms. Gracia did her best to teach Joyeuse empathy, mentioning that one of the reasons for Joyeuse's low EQ was his high IQ. She also mentioned that maybe it was because of Joyeuse's lack of role models and socialisation.

Lagot ka, Sir Lance.

By the end of the session, Ms. Gracia gave Joyeuse homework.

Now it was Laevateinn's turn. Ano kayang pag-uusapan nila ni Lae?

"Hello, Sir Siegfried," Ms. Gracia said, rather politely.

"Hello, Theresa."

"I wonder what we'll have to talk about."

True, Laevateinn didn't seem to have any problem to talk about. I don't even think he needs therapy.

"I am fine. Happy, even," Laevateinn said. "But I still need this session. I want to learn how to help my friends more. I need your expert opinion on how to deal with them."

I imagined Ms. Gracia smiling. "You're right. Therapy isn't just for those who has problems. Sometimes, it's for those who want to help, too."

There was a brief moment of silence, which I understood as them meeting an agreement.

"Oh, before that," Laevateinn said. "My brother sent you our files?"

"Just notes, sir, and basic details. And your full names for the record."

Bakit ang galang ni Ms. Gracia kay Lae?

"You don't have to call me sir. You have three names to choose from."

Ms. Gracia chuckled. "Siegfried Niall Lukas. You have a beautiful name, sir, and yet you let them call you whatever."

Wait, wait, what?

Laevateinn's middle name is Niall?

It would actually make sense, since his brother is a Gottfried Arthur.

Again, wait.

Isn't the Alfadur person who adopted Sir Lance called Njal, too?

I need to ask Laevateinn later.

"Should we start?" Ms. Gracia asked.

"Yes, but let me take Edward Dace out of the room first."

What?

"I don't think Edward's under the table, Sir Siegfried. Hindi naman s'ya ganoon kaliit."

Laevateinn managed to find the microphone I left in the room. He said, "Hello, Edward. Let's talk later. Bring apples and I won't tell drama queen you've been a mean little kid."

Then the connection was lost. I figured he crushed the microphone with his hand.

Now I can't listen to his or Futhark's session!

"Well, that's that," I said aloud. "Makapag-update na nga lang ng blogs."

•••

Ciao, HeadphonesAndLuck here!

Always stay brave and happy and don't forget: It's okay to ask for help!