Edward Dace.

15. September.
Wednesday, 6 p.m.
Shakey's, Pampanga.

DAHIL SA MGA NALAMAN ko kanina, nagmagandang-loob ako na manlibre ng hapunan. Hindi pa bumabalik ang Coronado Chronicles mula sa seminar nila at wala kaming maisip na magawa sa hotel na hindi makasisira sa reputasyon at bait namin.

Now for some reasons, wala masyadong umiimik kanina sa kwarto (nag-stay muna sina Futhark at Lae sa 412), maliban noong nagtanong ako kung gusto ba nilang maglaro ng tagu-taguan, and they didn't just refuse, they dismissed me.

Pagkatapos ay gumala-gala si Lae kasama si Fenrir; baka bumalik sa natural habitat n'ya at natunugan na lang na kakain kami ng hapunan kaya umuwi ng ala-sais.

Si drama queen ay nakatulog pagkapasok na pagkapasok n'ya sa kwarto at nagising na lang noong nakituloy si Futhark, pagkatapos ng session nila ni Ms. Gracia.

Tahimik lang si Futhark pagkatapos no'n, nagsulat lang s'ya ng notes n'ya habang nasa pinakasulok ng hotel room. Pinahiram ko s'ya ng headphones para kumpleto ang pag-e-emo n'ya. Hindi na s'ya nakapagsulat dahil tinuro ko sa kanya kung paano gamitin ang Youtube app.

Ngayon ay nasa Shakey's kami. Pinagala muna ni Lae si Fenrir sa labas dahil hindi s'ya pinapasok sa Shakey's. Hindi ko alam kung paano sila magkikita ulit mamaya. Sa hotel ba uuwi si Fenrir? Paano kung magkasalisi kami at bumalik si Fenrir dito tapos si Lae, nakauwi na?

Paano nagagawang pagalain ni Lae si Fenrir, ganoon ba kalaki ang tiwala ni Lae sa katalinuhan ni Fenrir?

I tried to create a healthy dinner conversation. "Mga dudes, 1 pm pa ang klase natin kay Ms. Gracia bukas. Anong balak n'yong gawin sa umaga?"

Nag-isip naman sila, pero walang sumagot. Mga perkele.

"Okay lang ba kayo?" I asked. Their silence was becoming a bit concerning.

"Gracia gave me homework," Joyeuse replied, finally. "I'm simply observing all of you. It's research."

"Ikaw, Fu? Kanina ka pa tahimik, tapos hindi mo rin ako pinagsabihan no'ng sinabi kong aakyatin ko 'yong chandelier sa hotel."

"He knows you can't reach it even if you tried," Laevateinn said.

"Edward Dace, you're 5'4", right?" Joyeuse asked, taking out his smartphone to take down notes. "How does that make you feel?"

"What, I'm 5'5", you fucking cu—"

"Eh, 5'4". It's that weird hairstyle of yours that gives you the illusion that you're 5'5"."

I scowled at him. Buti pa si Ms. Gracia, naniwalang 5'7" ako.

"Now," Joyeuse continued, "you didn't tell me what being short makes you feel like. Angry?"

"Like I don't wanna pay for your meal."

"Huh." Joyeuse typed on his smartphone and nodded to himself.

"Matangkad lang kayong tatlo!" I told them. "Can we stop talking about my height and just answer my question? Futhaaark?"

He raised his brows and blinked. "Ano ulit 'yong tanong mo?"

"Kung okay ka lang ba. Kanina ka pa tahimik, anong iniisip mo? Dahil ba 'to sa session n'yo kanina ni Ms. Gracia?"

He nodded. "Pero nag-iisip lang ako, Ed. You don't have to worry."

"What are you thinking about?" Joyeuse asked. "Gracia said that one way to help yourself is to help others. I don't know what she exactly meant by that, but it has the word 'help' and I am under the impression that friends help each other and since we are fri—"

"Putragis, ang daming sinasabi," I muttered.

Joyeuse rolled his eyes and buried his nose under the menu. Futhark smiled at me and rested his chin on his palms, putting his elbows on the table. Laevateinn was staring intently at me, his hands holding a page that shows a promo for an apple pizza.

I forced a smile at him and nodded, my smile turning into a grimace.

A moment later, Futhark's phone rang. He stared at the unknown caller's number for a few seconds before he answered it.

"Hello?"

All of us watched him.

"Who's this?" Kumunot and noo ni Futhark. Napakunot din kami ng noo. Then he gasped and smiled, looking around. "Nandito nga kami. Nasaan ka?"

"Who's that?" Joyeuse asked, again very suspicious.

Futhark covered his phone's mic and replied, "Bandmate ko na sinabi kong nakakita sa 'kin sa ospital last last week."

"Who?" I squinted.

Futhark turned to his left and waved. "Hi, Cole!"

Cole? Is that a girl? May babae ba si Futhark na hindi namin kilala?

Biglang nasamid si Joyeuse at naubo. I raised my eyebrow at him, until someone tall ruffled his hair, almost slamming his head on the table.

I looked up.

This guy must be an actor or an artist or someone who gets paid just by existing in this world. He has an unkempt copper blond hair and grey blue eyes. He wore a black graphic t-shirt, black jeans, and black Chuck Taylors. His whole get up screamed "girl magnet".

He smirked down at Joyeuse. "Oi, wee lad."

Irish accent.

Joyeuse's brother?!

Joyeuse slapped the taller guy's hand away and fixed his hair and glasses, clearing his throat. "Hello, Corey."

"Corey" grinned and turned his attention to Futhark. "So ye really were t'e one I saw at t'e 'ospital wit' me brother, eh?"

"Brother," I murmured, aware that my jaw has dropped.

Futhark smiled. "Hindi ko akalaing kapatid mo si Joyeuse, Cole."

"And I can't believe you're bandmates before," Joyeuse said. "Why didn't I hear of this?"

"Hindi ko nga alam na kapatid mo."

"His name is literally Cole Rey Uresonderry, you didn't realise that?"

"Mabait at cool s'ya at ang layo n'yo sa isa't isa?"

"Yeah," I added. "Like your brother is a walking Hollywood superstar and you are a walking murder case."

Joyeuse glared at me. "Still better than you, walking conspiracy theory."

Cole Rey (or Corey as Joyeuse calls him) sat beside Futhark, who scooted closer to Laevateinn to give space for the coolest person I've ever met personally and not online.

"What ye doin' 'ere?" Cole Rey asked Futhark. "Thought yer uni's at San Lorenzo?"

"We're on a, uhh..." Nablangko na si Futhark.

"What we're doing here is none of your business," Joyeuse said. I could hear him straining to keep his accent at bay. "You don't see me struttin' 'round your little studio so off you go now."

"Am not 'ere fer ye." Cole scoffed at Joyeuse. "A'haven't talked ta K3 for years since 'e left SZ12 an' we 'ave lotsa craic tae catch up on, aye?" Cole grinned and nudged Futhark with his elbow.

Futhark turned pink and smiled sheepishly. "Please don't call me K3 in front of the others."

I'm just having fun listening.

Wait.

Isn't he the brother who got shot?

"Why don'tye crack on or go home?" Joyeuse finally snapped, in Irish accent. He glanced at me and I smirked smugly at him.

"Ah, wouldn't hurt tae pop over the gaff an' visit Ma, eh Jule?"

Joyeuse pounded the table with his fists. "Oh ye bloody moran of a brother! Eff off an' leaf!"

We stared at him.

Cole laughed and asked me, "Ye look like a fine bloke, ye a friend of me brother?"

"We're classmates and he copies my homeworks." I shrugged, failing at thinking of something cool to say about me. "Small thing."

Ah dammit, I should have told him about how brilliant I was when Joyeuse lost our bet!

"Ya got something tae go or yer dinin' in?"

"We haven't ordered yet," Futhark said.

"Whadd'ya say, we take t'e order out an' we eat dinner at 'ome? My treat."

Laevateinn slid the apple pizza page across the table, to Cole. Cole raised an eyebrow and read the promo. "Ya want t'is?"

Laevateinn nodded vigorously.

"Sure, a'guess." Cole shrugged.

Laevateinn gasped.

"Brother," Laevateinn cheered. Lahat talaga ay kuya n'ya, maliban kay Sir Arthur.

Cole turned to Joyeuse. "Ma and Lizzy are 'ome."

I whistled lowly. "You have a sister?"

Joyeuse groaned. "Just leave us alone, Corey."

"He's going to buy the apple pizza, drama queen," Laevateinn said. "Be nice to big brother Cole Rey."

"Edward will buy you the apple pizza. Now shoo that person away."

"But he's so cool," I said. "Let's hang out with him for a little longer, his coolness might rub off on us."

"He's not cool, he's just a regular person who coincidentally knows how to play the bass and has a good voice and can dance."

I gasped in awe. "You play the bass?"

"Yeah. And Kiel 'ere plays t'e drums," Cole answered. "'e was a sub when CJ had ta quit."

Joyeuse stood and walked out.

"'ey little bro where are ya goin'?" Cole asked, grinning.

"Trying not to ruin my night with your presence," Joyeuse said, raising his arms.

"Well t'en, see ya at Ma's."

"I'm not going to see Mum, I'm going back to the hotel."

"Talaga, mas gusto mong makasama si Zweihänder?" I smirked. "Need I remind you that you'll be the only member of SMS there?"

"Ah, got a lot of friends now eh, Jule?"

Joyeuse stopped in his track.

Cole Rey smiled. "Glad yer doin' well."

Joyeuse muttered something, but we didn't hear because of the busy buzzing in the restaurant. Then he left.

We all turned to the better and cooler Uresonderry.

I'm still musing if he's really the Cole Rey Joyeuse shot when he was young. He seems nice and he doesn't seem to bear a grudge towards his brother.

Maybe Joyeuse was the only one who bore the trauma of that accident. After all, he didn't forget.

"Let's order food," Cole said, following Joyeuse with his eyes. He then raised his hand up to call for a waiter and I swear I saw at least three girls fighting to have our table, which kinda rocked.

After we received our order, Cole gave us a ride in his black Mustang sports car. Futhark and I sat at the back; we didn't want Laevateinn to squeeze and torture his long legs in a tiny space.

For some reasons, the car smelt like a road trip during the night, into the mountains, where you can gaze at the faint glow of the city lights below while you drink cola and talk to your friends about anything and everything.

Also, pizza.

We reached the Uresonderries' residence in a few minutes. It was a simple townhouse, unlike the Lukas's mansion. I assumed they have their main house in Ireland.

Cole unlocked the door and called, "Ma, we got guests!"

The three of us awkward boys stood outside. Laevateinn followed Cole, that leaves two awkward boys standing outside the Uresonderries' residences. Futhark stepped inside, and now there's only one awkward boy standing outside the Uresonderries' residences.

A tall, lovely brunette wearing a 90's get-up greeted us. She removed her oven gloves and smiled at us. "Oh!" She took a good look at us, pinching our cheeks and all that. "Hi! I'm Jule's mother, Elise."

She grinned at me. "You must be Edward Dace." Then she pinched her chin and pointed at the rest: "You must be Futhark, and neither Jule nor Edward talked about a German boy, but I'm guessing you're a head of an organisation?"

Laevateinn nodded. "I formed an apple club. Once a year, we gather to eat lots of apples."

I squinted my eyes at him. "Coronado has that?"

Laevateinn looked at me as if I'm crazy. "You and Futhark are honorary members."

"P-Pano n'yo po nalaman kung sino kami?" Futhark asked. "Nagkukwento po ba si Joyeuse sa inyo?"

"No, no. That boy barely talks to me," Elise said. "Your age range isn't Cole's circle, plus I know Edward's voice."

"Pero hindi pa po ako nagsasalita kanina."

"Sweetheart, that pitch of voice could only belong to a fine young man with your height. And Futhark—you're the only one wearing a pressed shirt, and knowing that all of you live all by yourselves in one house, it means that you ironed that shirt yourself.

"Thinking that you also gave yourself that choppy haircut, I reckon you live alone in poverty. Now Edward told me about Jule having to apologise to a person called Futhark, and among the three of you, you look like someone my son would exploit. And the German boy..."

"Laevateinn," Laevateinn said.

"Laevateinn. There's something about the way you stand that reminds me of..." Elise pursed her lips. "Must be those K-dramas I watch recently." Then she laughed.

Cole beamed proudly. "Ma's a detective. She met Dad when chasing an Italian druglord."

"Cool," Futhark and I stared at her in awe.

"Your dad's a detective too?" I asked Cole.

Elise sputtered. "Oh nu, their dad's an actor the Mafia paid to fool the police. Didn't quite fool me, though. Now why don't you boys go wash your hands and your face and I'll prepare the dining table."

A few minutes of culture shock later and we're all sitting at the dining table, eating pizza, chicken, and potatoes. Futhark once glanced at me seriously, mouthing, "Wala silang kanin." and I felt like somebody slapped my Asian cheek. We used mashed potatoes as an alternative.

"You think Jule will visit?" Elise asked.

I thought the question was for anybody to answer so I said, "Baka po bumalik na s'ya sa hotel."

"Hindi pa s'ya kumakain simula kaninang tanghali," Futhark worriedly said. "Actually, simula pala kahapon. Ah hindi, ginawan ko pala s'ya ng sandwich kaninang madaling araw dahil alam kong napagod s'ya no'ng gabi."

Elise leaned closer to Cole, "I thought Jule's dating the Psychiatrist in Sposa?"

Cole shrugged.

"Oh, no, Mum," I said, suppressing my laughter. "That ship has hit an iceberg and your son's jumping from lifeboat to lifeboat."

Elise nodded, convinced. A second later, she inched closer to Futhark and asked, "Now which lifeboat number are you?"

Futhark was flustered. "H-Hindi ko po jowa ang anak n'yo! M-May crush po ako sa San Lorenzo at babae po s'ya! 'Di ba, Edward? Si Alice?"

"Huh, hindi ba panakip butas lang si Alice?" I said. Laglag ka sa 'kin ngayon.

"Lae! Sabihin mo kay Tita Elisa na hindi ko jowa si Joyeuse!"

"But you two keep whispering secrets at each other's ears," Laevateinn said, stuffing his cheeks with apple pizza.

Elise laughed and hit Futhark's shoulder. "I'm just messin' with ya. I know you deserve someone better."

I snorted. Futhark frowned, though.

"Well, Ma," Cole called for Elise's attention. He crumpled the tissue papers he's used. "Speaking of relationships, I 'ave somet'ing ta tell ya."

"What is it Cole?" Elise asked, taking a bite of her pizza.

"Anna and I are planning to get married."

Elise dropped her pizza. Futhark and I didn't know how to react, should we clap and congratulate him? I knew we ought to, but Elise's reaction made us hesitate.

"Nah before ya get angry," Cole raised his hands, "remember we 'ave guests, right. Ya can't yell at me in front of 'em." Then he smirked.

Elise slammed her hand on the table. "I knew this whole dinner with Jule's friends was a set-up! You don't even like your brother that much so why would you even bring his friends home for dinner?"

We turned to Cole wide-eyed.

So he has planned this all along! We should have realised that he's also an Uresonderry! I can't believe we were used like monkeys.

You don't even like your brother that much.

So Cole Rey did bear a grudge towards Joyeuse for shooting him?

"What did Anna's father say?" Elise asked.

"Her daddy said no," Cole replied with a casual shrug.

"You can't marry Anna."

"It's her father who said no, but I'm not marrying her father. Anna said yes."

"You are not marrying Anna or anyone, Cole Rey."

"But Ma, we love each ot'er and I've saved enough tae support a family of four!"

"Four what?!"

"T-Two people and, eh, two Alaskan malamutes, ma'am."

"No, you're not marrying."

"Will ye settle fer a German Shepherd and a-a kitten?"

"Go to your room."

"But Ma—"

"I said go to your room!"

Cole Rey scowled, yet still stood up politely, cleaning up his place in the table. If I were him I would have thrown a tantrum or something. Hindi yata uso sa mga Uresonderry ang pagdadabog. Nag-uumapaw sa manners ang pamilya nila.

"I am extremely furious wit' ya, mother," Cole said, respectfully.

Elise nodded. "Anger acknowledged."

"I will be playing my guitar very loudly while ya sleep, ta show ye my rebellion."

"No, you may not."

"I will run away wit' Anna."

"Cole, I could easily track you down, and I don't even need to be a detective to do so. Your tour schedules are all over the internet."

I imagined Elise climbing up the stage in the middle of SZ12's concert, dragging Cole Rey home by the ear.

"I see we've reached an impasse," Cole said stepping closer to Elise. "What dae ya propose Anna an' I doe tae change yer mind?"

"Get her father to say yes," Elise replied, her voice clipped.

"Well deyn, consider it don'." Cole dipped his head down and went up to his room.

Why are they so posh?! I've imagined the Irish people would be into beer, potatoes, and singing!

Futhark kicked my foot. I got what that meant: Bilisan mo nang kumain.

Laevateinn made a smaller box from the pizza box's lid and passed it around. Kaya pala tahimik, may pinagkakaabalahan. "Your chicken bones. For Fenrir," he said.

"What breed of dog is Fenrir?"

Laevateinn's mouth was ajar; he probably didn't know what breed of dog Fenrir is.

"He's a Canis Lupus," Laevateinn answered.

"That's a wolf, sweetheart. Is your Fenrir a real wolf?"

"Familiaris," Laevateinn added.

"Are you sure?"

"He's a wolfdog... from Iceland."

"From Iceland, I see."

"Mum, Laevateinn is only asking for bones," Laevateinn said.

"And bones you will get, sweetheart."

We heard someone causing a racket in the living room. The three of us boys immediately stood and ran to the source of the sound to check.

There our eyes landed on Joyeuse, who's on the floor, holding a kitty cat up away from him. He saw us judging him and I simply had to take a picture with my mouth wide open. The camera shutter was so loud in the silence of the room upon our discovery.

Joyeuse cleared his throat and threw the cat away. Laevateinn caught the cat and nuzzled its orange fur.

Joyeuse stood and fixed his shirt. "Zweihänder wanted us to be back at the hotel before 9 pm," he said.

Elise marched to the living room, glaring at Joyeuse. "Not even a hi to your mummy, huh? Nothing?"

"I was going to say hi." Joyeuse brushed cat fur from his shoulder. "Bloody cat greeted me first," he muttered. He coughed and put his hands behind him, then he smiled smugly at us. "So has Cole Rey told you he's marrying the mute girl?"

"Hala, pipi si Anna?" Futhark gasped. Then he quickly covered his mouth because he remembered his place in the universe—a peasant before queen Jule Lewis.

"Yes, Futhark," Joyeuse confirmed, sternly. "Now let's wrap things up. Hello, Mum, these are my friends: Dave, Kiel, and Siegfried. Lads, this is Elise, my mum. Now, you're officially acquainted to each other. Boys, let's go back to the hotel."

"Acceptable. Okay, goodbye, son." Elise nodded down at Joyeuse and Joyeuse, like Cole Rey, dipped his head down in respect.

Ang weird ng pamilya nila. Partida, nakilala ko na ang pamilya ni Lae.

"Bye po, Tita Elise," Futhark said, smiling. For some reasons, nagmano pa s'ya. Our Filipino asses got one point.

"Paalam po, Tita Elise," I said. No way I'm gonna take her hand.

Laevateinn gave her a big hug.

"Laevateinn, love, that cat is ours."

Laevateinn puffed his cheeks and released the cat he stuffed inside his shirt.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

We walked the way back to the hotel.

"So, Lewis," I said. "What's up with introducing us as Dave, Kiel, and Siegfried?"

Joyeuse shrugged, "Why, isn't that your real name, Casedale?"

Futhark chuckled.

"Ya got something to say, Alf?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He grinned and nodded. "Casedale."

I scoffed, remembering my discovery this afternoon. I might be the only one, among the three of us, who actually knows Laevateinn's full name.

"Alam ko rin ang full name ni Lae, Ed," Futhark said. "Sinabi n'ya sa 'kin dahil nagpatulong s'yang mag-fill-out ng forms."

"You have to stop reading my mind, dude," I told him.

"Hindi ako mind reader... Kakaiba lang kasi 'yung ngiti mo tapos sumulyap ka pa kay Lae. Parang may gusto kang ipagyabang."

"Hindi ako magyayabang! I'm the Great Edward Dace. That means I'm great at being modest, too."

"Sucks that you had to exchange your height for greatness, Casedale," Laevateinn said.

"Sucks that you uhh, you had to..." Na-focus ako sa fact na alam ko ang middle name ni Lae na nawalan ako ng bala para sa isang witty comeback. "At least hindi alam ni drama queen ang buong pangalan ni Lae!"

"I know his full name," Joyeuse said, concentrating on the pavement. "Saw his ID last August."

"Ibig sabihin ako lang ang hindi na-orient sa middle name ni Lae?! Bakit ako lagi ang huli sa balita?"

"That's bad news for a Mass Communications student, Casedale," Laevateinn said.

"Well you're bad news for—for uhhh..." I frowned. "I hate you, Niall."

"Right back at ya, Casedale."

I decided to be the bigger person and keep quiet the whole walkaton. The entire CC was waiting for us in room 413. They were eating dinner.

"Hi, kain kayo," Ichaival said.

"Bumili ako ng cake!" Zweihänder said. "Futhark, Lae, mabait ba sila?"

"Why would you even buy cake before you got Futhark's report?" Joyeuse asked.

Zweihänder shrugged, waving his chopsticks around. "Para kapag salbahe kayo, kakainin ko 'yong cake sa harap n'yo tapos iinggitin ko kayo."

"We don't even like cake," I said.

"Edward, 'wag mo nang lokohin ang sarili mo."

I stared at him. "Matutulog na nga lang ako."

16. September.
Thursday, 7:00 a.m.
Windsor Hotel.

UMAGANG-UMAGA, puñeta.

Nagising ako nang talunan ni Zweihänder ang kama. Isusumpa kita mamaya sa unang grottong madaraanan ko.

"HAROLD!" bulyaw ni Ichaival, na sa kasamaang-palad ay ang kahati ko sa kama. Nagtalukbong s'ya ng kumot. Halos hindi ako nakatulog kagabi dahil nag-aalala ako na malikot akong matulog at baka magising o masipa ko si Ichaival.

"May exhibit sa baba!" Zweihänder pulled the covers away and shook Ichaival's shoulders. "Tapos, tapos Val! Tingnan mo!" Zweihänder tilted his head to show his hairdo. "Tinirintas ni Macey buhok ko!"

"Good for you." Ichaival faked a smile and continued sleeping.

"Bababa ako roon sa exhibit tapos malay mo may magandang artista pala sa baba tapos makikita n'ya ako tapos—"

"Greeeeat!" sigaw ni Ichaival sa isang ipit na boses. "Tapos magpapatirintas s'ya ng buhok sa 'yo."

"Ichaivaaaal, samahan mo ako!"

Sinipa ni Ichaival palayo si Zweihänder. "'Wag kang maingay, natutulog pa sina Edward at Joyeuse! Napagalitan na nga tayo kahapon sa seminar dahil sa 'yo!"

"Bakit ako na naman?" Zweihänder protested. "Ako na lang lagi. Pati pagpatay kay Bonifacio, ako na!"

"IKAW ANG TUMALON SA EIC NG SLU KAYA KAYO NAKABASAG!" Ichaival snapped.

Zweihander covered his mouth. "'Wag kang maingay, natutulog pa sina Edward at Joyeuse!"

"Oh how I wish I am," we heard Joyeuse groan from the other bed. "Excalibur snored like a natural disaster!" He sat up and glared at the still-sleeping Excalibur.

"Gising na rin ako," I said, sitting up. "Pwede po bang si Futhark na lang ang katabi ko mamaya?"

"No, I call dibs on Futhark, he doesn't make a sound when he sleeps," Joyeuse said. "And he doesn't move at all. It's like sleeping with a bolster pillow that gives you food and coffee and smells like Downy."

Zweihänder gave Ichaival a meaningful look. "Isauli na natin ang mga bata sa nanay nila," he said.

Ichaival shrugged at us. "Kaya lang naman namin kayo pinaghiwalay ay dahil baka mag-away-away kayo."

"Hindi na po kami mag-aaway kahit kailan," I said.

"I will do my best to shut my mouth even when they keep saying something stupid," Joyeuse added. "Or even if they look stupid."

"Wow thanks." I bowed sarcastically to Joyeuse.

"I know," he replied, the sarcasm just bouncing off the wall. "I just wish you'd stop being so stupid so I wouldn't have to control myself."

"I'm not stupid, you arrogant cu—"

"Edward," Ichaival said, firmly. I instantly pursed my lips. Perkele, magkatunog sila ni Futhark.

I pointed at Joyeuse. "He called me stupid!"

"And you were about to call me a lady part," Joyeuse said, crossing his arms.

"I wasn't! I was going to describe him! Arrogant cu... cucumber!"

Joyeuse's eyelids drooped. "That's lame, mushroom."

Zweihänder raised his hand and told Ichaival, "Oh! Oh! I'm broccoli!"

Ichaival gave him a disgusted look. "Bakit broccoli?"

"Pinakaunang gulay na pumasok sa isip ko. Anywaaaay, I'm going to the exhibit. Byeee, Val!" Zweihänder skipped across the room and did a pirouette before slamming the door behind him.

Ichaival facepalmed, sighing. "Kailangan ko nang maligo para ma-babysit ko na ang mokong na 'yon."

Someone knocked and opened the door, poking his head in. It was Futhark. "Hi, good morning," bati n'ya. "Gising na ba 'yong dalawa?"

"Futhark, sa 'yo raw tatabi mga anak mo mamayang gabi," Ichaival said, getting up and stretching.

"Kapag kasama namin ang CC, anak silang lahat ni Zweihänder," Futhark replied with a grin.

"Futhark, magpapakabait na ako," I told him. "Susunduin ko sampung utos mo."

"Oh darn it, I'm going to book a room of my own," Joyeuse said, walking to the bathroom while scratching his head.

Oh I can do that too.

"Sasamahan ko si Zwei sa exhibit," Futhark said. "Sunod kayo?"

"Yep," I told him.

"'Wag mong hahayaang ma-excite o matuwa masyado si Zwei, Futhark," bilin ni Ichaival. "'Yong puso n'ya."

"Okay." Futhark smiled at us and left.

I stood and yawned.

Ichaival went to his backpack to grab a clean change of clothes. I stared at him, since I had nothing else to do. Nasa bathroom pa si drama queen at hindi naman ako makakapag-toothbrush. Plus, nakapila nang kasunod si Ichaival.

"Ichaival?" I called.

"Hmm?"

"Magkaano-ano kayo ni Futhark?"

He blinked before he chuckled softly. "No'ng nagka-usap kami, nalaman namin na magpinsan pala kami! Haha. What a small world."

"Pinsan? Wow. Magkapatid ang magulang n'yo or...?"

"Magkapatid ang magulang namin, si Charity Gomez, nanay ni Futhark, saka ang tatay ko, si uh, Annar Gomez." He raised his shoulders.

"Oh, ibig sabihin kilala mo ang nanay ni Fu?"

Umiling s'ya. "Hindi pa kami nag-uusap at hindi ko pa s'ya nakikita."

"Pero kung magkapatid—ohh. Ang... ang sabi mo kahapon kay Mistletoe inampon ka ng mga Coronado?"

"Mm-hmm. Malapit daw 'yong tatay ko sa mga Coronado. Huling bisita ni Tita Marcial sa dati naming bahay, nakita n'yang natutulog ako sa ano... sa, malapit sa nakabitin na katawan ni papa."

Ichaival laughed under his breath. "Mabuti na lang at hinanap daw ako ni Zwei dahil hindi nila alam kung ilang araw nang patay ang tatay ko."

Now that took a dark turn. I can't believe Ichaival had to experience that. Parang bumaligtad ang sikmura ko mula sa pakikinig ng kwento n'ya.

"I'm sorry for your loss," I said.

"That's okay, mabait ang mga Coronado at masaya ako sa buhay ko ngayon." He beamed.

I'll try to avoid talking about his father's suicide.

"Kinausap po ba ni Ma'am Marcial 'yong nanay ni Futhark? 'Di ba magkapatid sila or something?"

Ichaival shrugged. "Ang sabi sa 'kin ay nasa mental hospital si Tita Charity."

"Hala."

Alam naming nasa ospital ang mama ni Fu pero wala s'yang binanggit na sa mental hospital naka-admit ang mama n'ya.

"Oi," Joyeuse called. Ang bilis naman n'yang nakapaghilamos at bihis. Perkele, siguradong nagwisik-wisik lang ang hayop na 'to. Palibhasa maputi s'yang nilalang at hindi nagmumukhang batang kalye kahit anong tagaktak ng pawis n'ya.

"My turn," sabi ni Ichaival at tumayo na. Sinigawan n'ya muna si Excalibur, "Excal, oy! Gising na, mag-aagahan na!"

Napabangon si Excalibur at pupungas-pungas na lumingon-lingon sa paligid.

Kinuha ni Joyeuse ang phone n'ya sa bedside drawer at naglakad papunta sa pinto.

"Jo, pupunta ka sa exhibit?" tanong ko.

"Yes," he replied, surprisingly. Akala ko mamimilosopo pa s'ya.

"I-text mo sa 'kin kung nasaan. Teka, may battery pa ba ang phone ko..." I grabbed my phone from under the pillow and checked. I had one unread message from Futhark that read: Lobby.

"Oh," I said. "No need to text me the venue." I gently shook my phone. "Our resident mind reader said it's at the lobby."

"Alright." Joyeuse left for the exhibit.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

Joyeuse did not leave for the exhibit.

Kaya pala ang bait ng pagkakasagot n'ya ng 'yes' ay dahil nagsisinungaling s'ya. Hindi ko akalaing isang buwan na kaming magkakilala ay hindi pa rin ako sanay sa pagsisinungaling n'ya.

Kasama ko na ngayon sina Futhark at Zweihänder. Kanina pa kami patingin-tingin sa mga paintings. Wala akong naintindihan at kung may quiz mamaya ay ang maisasagot ko lang ay:

Kulay blue.

May squiggle sa gitna na kulay red.

"Anong ibig sabihin nitong may kulay blue na dots sa gilid?" I asked Futhark.

Zweihänder chuckled. "Hindi naman kailangan may meaning ang art." Then he stroked his chin sophisticatedly. "Sometimes, you just have to appreciate it."

"Appreciate the art, okay." I focused at one artwork. It has Venetian blue strokes at the bottom, then golden streaks at the top, with light stars sprinkled mostly at the right part.

I usually have a wider vocabulary for landscapes and dreamscapes but boy... this painting wasn't just it.

"I really don't get this one," I admitted, pointing at said painting.

"That's a song," Joyeuse said from behind.

We all turned, unsure whether to be surprised by his appearance or his knowledge of the artwork.

"What song?" Futhark asked. "Nand'yan ka pala."

"Neon Signs. It's actually written over there, Edward Dace." Joyeuse pointed at the small label below the painting.

"Could be anything"—I shrugged—"not just a song."

"That's Anna dela Cruz's work. She said it's a song."

Futhark furrowed his brows. "Is it SZ12's Neon Signs? Si Anna ba na girlfriend ni Cole Rey ang gumawa nito?"

Joyeuse stepped back and put his hand on the shoulder of this simple yet elegant-looking old fashioned girl standing behind us. Her brunette hair was in a Cinderella bun and her hazel eyes twinkled. She smiled brightly, waving her hands at us. She started hand-signing.

"She said you're the first people who actually took time to stare at her work," Joyeuse said. "And yes, Edward Dace, I know ASL. I'm actually surprised that you, the self-proclaimed god of languages, don't know a universal language."

I sneered at him. "Use ASL to beg for mercy when we sacrifice you to the people of Saturn."

Zweihänder waved back to Anna. "Hi! Hi! Ang ganda ng gawa mo!"

I turned to Joyeuse, waiting for him to sign what Zweihänder said.

Joyeuse stared at me. "She's not deaf. She's mute because of an injury."

"Close kayo?" I asked.

"Of course, she's my brother's dearest friend."

Anna started signing again. I really should study sign language.

"Anong sinasabi n'ya?" Futhark asked.

"Sinabi ba n'yang gwapo raw ako?" Zweihänder asked. "Nakita ba n'ya ang tirintas ko?"

"Whoa there, Elsa," Joyeuse said. "Anna's thanking you for appreciating her artwork."

"But I don't understand it," I said without thinking.

Anna's mouth gaped. I thought she'll be mad but she grinned excitedly and hopped in front of her artwork, pointing and signing. Her crystal bracelets jangled.

"She said this artwork is all the colours and shapes she saw when she listened to Neon Signs. She has synaesthesia," Joyeuse, our ASL monkey, translated.

We were astonished, we couldn't utter a word.

"So what's that synthesiser?" Zweihänder asked.

"Synaesthesia, idiot," Joyeuse said. "It means she can "see" music and sounds."

"Nadaanan namin 'yan sa isang lesson noong first year kami," Futhark said. "Can I talk to you later for more information...?"

"Knock it off Futhark, she's not a test subject."

There was a crowd forming within the exhibit so I tugged Futhark's sleeve. "Bumalik na tayo, ang dami nang tao."

They nodded in agreement.

Zweihänder shook Anna's hands. "Kapag nagkita ulit tayo, kakantahan kita!"

Anna nodded gladly.

Joyeuse flicked Zweihänder's ear. "If I hadn't made it clear: she's my brother's girlfriend."

"I know! Pero gusto kong malaman kung anong itsura ng boses ko para sa isang taong may synthesis!"

Bakit tunog sakit na ngayon?

"I'm sure your voice looks like an unprecedented death ray of bright, glaring colours," Joyeuse said, squinting at Zweihänder.

"Bye, Anna!" Futhark said. "Good luck sa exhibit!"

Anna energetically waved her hands as we said our goodbyes. Along the way back to our room, a girl approached Joyeuse, shaking his hand.

"Oh my God, oh my God," the girl chanted, squealing and spazzing.

Joyeuse looked down at her and grimaced in disdain.

The rejection and obvious disgust did not stop the girl from fangirling at Joyeuse. Hindi lang sa mga senior citizen sikat na sikat si drama queen.

"Are you Cole Rey Uresonderry's kapatid?!" the girl managed to ask in a high-pitch voice. She jumped up and down in excitement. "Oh my God, halaaaa, ang gwapo mo rin."

"Talaga, ang pagmumukhang 'yan?" I muttered.

"Oh my god, kamukha mo si Cole Reeey," the girl cried. "Oh my God."

"You keep calling to your god and I'll make sure you meet him," Joyeuse said.

"Oh my God, 'yong accent!"

"Ahaha, sorry pero may klase pa kami kaya mauna na kami, ha?" Futhark said, pulling Joyeuse away from the girl and from the crowd.

We successfully made our way back to our room without having to talk to another human person. It felt like an achievement, especially since Joyeuse and Futhark were attracting lots of admiring stares.

One of these days, magbebenta ako ng mga picture nila.

We entered the room relieved and slightly feeling funny, until Ichaival arrived, holding folders and papers, and he asked:

"Nasa'n si Zwei?"

Perkele, nag-chicken run sa Pampanga.