WEIRD ENCOUNTERS

IVY REIGN CARSON'S POINT OF VIEW

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"Nakakainis!" I said in a furious tone while clenching my teeth. Pawis na tumatagaktak mula sa aking noo at mukhang bumabalot na ito sa aking t-shirt. I blew my bangs upward at unti-unti nang nawawala ang temporary dye nito.

I should buy new clothes and make-up later. I should dye my hair permanently.

Nagpapatuloy pa rin ako sa pag-ba-bike habang tumitingin sa Google Maps ng aking phone. Hindi na ako nagtanong pa sa mga tao rito sa lokasyon ng lake

Eh paano nga ba? Na-ba-badtrip na ako at nawawalan na ng pasensya sa mga nangyari kanina.

Makalipas ng ilang minuto, nakarating na ako sa entrance ng aking destinasyon. This is known for the "Soul of Azalez City." Sabi ng mga taga-rito, napakalaki ng lawang ito. Kaya, ito'y sumisimbolo ng kaluluwa ng siyudad na ito. Sikat din ito dahil kada gabi, maraming mga artista o mga sikat pang tao ang bumibisita for guesting.

Avalez Serene Lake, its name. Ganda diba? Mala dyosa ang pangalan pati ang view, parang ako.

I smirked 'cause of my thoughts.

I parked the bike that is exclusively only for bikes. As I enter and excitedly to see the lake, some staff immediately stopped me.

I examine the place for a while, wala pa masyadong tao ang bumibisita rito sa ngayong oras. This is also a good idea for me because I don't like interaction so much. I want to spend more quality time for myself.

"Ma'am, entrance fee po," they said in a serious tone while scanning me from head to toe.

There's no smile formed on their faces. But, I understand them because they're so tired of doing their job every day. Whole hours, minutes, seconds, and even milliseconds. It felt like an eternity.

"How much?" I replied and asked, trying to smile.

"700 pesos po ma'am for adults and 550 pesos for kids. It includes an unlimited buffet, tour guide, and live band," they said in a sleepy-like timbre while holding huge brochures in both of their hands.

Mamahalin nga ang presyo! But I bet maganda ang mga services dito.

I nodded after my deep presumptions. Then, I quickly find my wallet in my pocket and am interested to pay the fee. But, my heart suddenly thumps fast. Cold sweats start to pour through my body. I checked also the other pocket of my short, wala talaga.

Tangina, heto na naman tayo.

Smiling awkwardly at the staffs, dahan-dahan akong lumayo sa kanila. Not until I accidentally bumped again into someone.

"Get lost loser," an expensive-looking girl said in front of me. Together with her friends, they giggled.

I looked at them intensely. And guess what?

It's the devil in the flesh, with her grotesque minions! It's HerMajesty again!

HerMajesty wears her signature black facemask. She and her friends wearing also their extravagant Gucci sunglasses and didn't notice that I'm the one they messed up earlier. It's evening already yet they still wear sunglasses. Ugh, fashion.

I noticed they have VIP IDs, the staff's souls reborn as they see them coming. They welcome them with open arms.

Nais ko mang sundan si HerMajesty ngunit naalala ko ulit ang aking wallet. I ran towards the bike that I rented and checked if my wallet was there, pero wala talaga! Nag-ikot-ikot din ako rito sa malapit na street but I failed to find it.

I'm starting freaking out. "What in the f?! Saan naba 'yon?!" na-pa-panic kong sabi.

Trying my best finding it, but I'm starting to feel hopeless. Umupo lamang ako sa isang flat na bato malapit sa parking lot. All I can do is sit down and bow my head because of the upset that I am feeling right now.

Half an hour later, the environment's aura is slowly concealed by the darkness. Lots of people are starting to appear and can't wait to visit the place. The Avalez Serene Lake staff starts to open its outdoor string lights. The band starts to play "Fix You" by Coldplay. I can hear the audience's claps and screams, probably their first song request for this night.

The song made me feel sorrow even more as I understand its melody. Not until a dark silhouette covers me.

"Miss, I think this is yours," a familiar voice called me, holding my wallet

"Thank goodness I found you," medyo hingal na hingal pa ito.

I'm unsure at first but I slowly glance at him. Ikaw na naman?!

Weird, why he's always following me? "Ikaw na naman? Kanina ka pa ha!" I said in a displeased mood.

I grabbed my wallet swiftly. "Please, just please! Stop following me!"

I left him alone in the parking lot, staring at me downheartedly.

"Ma'am and sir, here's my entrance fee payment," I said excitedly holding a 700 pesos money bill. They gave me an ID and finally, I went inside. Even though it's night, the lake's view is breathtaking. The full moon reflects and the swans freely roam around the surface.

Unexpectedly I see the boy again. "Bakit mo 'ko sinusundan ha?" I pouted and crossed my arms.

"Miss, nandito ako dahil family dinner namin, okay? Please lang, tigil-tigilan mo na rin ang pagka-arrogate mo," medyo pagalit na niyang sabi.

Oh no, sumusobra na yata ako.

I softened my face. "Oh, by the way, salama-" I didn't continue what I'll say to him as he left me, walking away on the way to their modern hut that his family rented.

Huminga na lamang ako ng malalim. I must talk and apologize to him later.

"Welcome to the Avalez Serene Lake everyone! I'm your tour guide for tonight," a girl at my age happily greeted us. My presence came back to reality.

Lumapit ang mga ilang tao sa amin at mukhang excited na para sa tour.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. First on the list of our astonishing tour, of course, the Avalez Serene Lake, also known as the "Soul of Azalez City," she said with feelings and body language.

Staring at the tour guide, some people are not paying attention and kept on taking pictures for their social media.

The girl's expression is slowly changing as most of the visitors didn't listen to her, well except for me, I love learning new and exciting stuff. "Ah, of course, I bet no one knows yet the legend of this lake!" she added.

My eyes brightens as I heard those words. "Please tell us!" I said with enthusiasm. Her smile appears again, and people's presence finally came back.

'Thank you' she whispered through the air.

I winked. You're welcome, sissy.

"According to the legend, written by Mrs. Del Mar. Centuries ago, hindi pa Avalez ang name ng lake na ito. It's first named "The Heart of Arice" then "The Death Lake" because it was cursed by a wicked lady. It is because the lady was betrayed by the most trusted and important people in her life, this made her realize that both empires can't live together. Hence, that's why the lady doesn't want success, growth, love, and happiness," she said.

"There's this rule to her Tenebrous Empire that all the dark creatures, citizens with black magic, or having dark vigor must stay away from the Light Empire. Any residents containing powers and abilities from the Light Empire must be used for the better and blessed by their hierophant. While those people born and blessed with darkness must spend their lives forever under the Tenebrous Empire."

I was shocked and different emotions are striking me

She continues. "When the lake was not yet cursed it brought unending source of livelihood to all the natives, to the whole islands, and to the Light Empire. Kaya, noong nawala ang lawa, maraming mamamayan ang namatay. Nawalan ng hanapbuhay, nawalan ng pag-asa ang mga tao, gayundin ang kauna-unahang namuno ng light empire."

Starting to feel the pain, I tried not to let it show.

"Not until the first war starts between Light and Tenebrous Empire. The bad news is it is said that the empress and emperor's first daughter died. The shadow woman wearing a shadow cloak decided to fight and bring the wicked lady down. The shadow woman broke the rules and can't take the inequality anymore. Not all the people like her having dark powers means it's naturally a bad thing, can cause catastrophe, and have bad intentions," she continues.

"I agree with you, kailangan lang talaga ng may makaintindi sa kanila. If I'm the Empress of either of the empires, I'll fight for what's right, welcome those people with dark magic, and be friends with them," I replied.

"As you said, not all the people of that kind are purely evil. It's so sad that some were being forced by the tenebrous empire's laws, no freedom, and against the will of the people," I added.

She nodded. Pansin ko rin na dalawa nalang kami nag-uusap at ang mga tao ay busy na busy sa pag-se-selfie at panonood ng live band.

I wonder where's HerMajesty and her brats?

"Mukhang tayo nalang dalawa magchi-chismis sis," natatawang sabi ng tour guide.

"It's alright, take your time," I said and smiled at her. I give her the spotlight to share more.

She exhaled. "Galit na galit ang wicked lady noong nalaman niyang tinaksil din siya ng kapwa niyang taga tenebrous empire. Well, the shadow woman doesn't have any choice but to fight what is righteous. When the ruler of the other empire was getting weak same as the shadow woman, the wicked lady is about to get their soul and sacrifice it to their lord. As the hierophant saw what happened, she helped and granted her wish which is she gave 2 powerful gems,"

"Then those gems gave the shadow woman great powers and it beat the wicked lady,"

"All the souls were saved including hers, also this lake. If the shadow woman didn't save them, their souls would probably sacrifice to the tenebrous empire's lord," she said.

"And to you know, for more strengths or powers. And worst, ruling the whole world."

"Oh, that's why this lake represents the soul of this city!" I replied and jumping a bit due to happiness.

"You're right!" she quickly replied.

Suddenly, the tone of her voice turns serious "But, I don't know kung legend pa 'yon. The one gem was lost except for this one. May lumapit kasi sa aming weird na babae last year, " the tour guide's said. I followed her until we both reached a place that is covered with ivies and mosses. She half the thick curtains of ivies, revealing a beautiful medium-sized red gem protected by laser light security and thick layers of unbreakable glass. A ruby!

"She gave this to us, it looks identical sa official legend book ng Azalea City Historian Library," I looked at it but then a heavy red light covers my eyes and I suddenly feel dizzy. I can feel that the ruby contains magic.

"Woo, I feel weird," I said holding my head and keeping my body balanced, feeling like I'm under the gem's spell.

"Oh no, here water. Upo muna tayo rito sa bench," she said, giving me a glass of water.

I drink the water with all my heart's content. She comforted me. "I don't know but the gems were around 10, I hope the owner or the historian finally finds it."

"I hope so," I said, holding the glass of water.

"Oh, but what if, nandito 'yong shadow woman? Lurking by those tall trees. What if hindi talaga namatay ang unang anak nila?" the tour guide's question made me a bit shocked.

"I think that's impossible, it's only a legend diba?" I answered it.

"I know, but it's giving me weird vibes. What if nga lang," we laughed not until a man wearing a tuxedo approaches us.

"Ikaw Ms. Zamora! Are you still doing your job? Kaya ayaw ko talaga tumanggap ng mga teenagers dito. Kinukulit mo na naman customers natin," naiinis niyang sabi.

"I'm so sorry boss, it won't happen again," she said and stands up. She arranged her tour guide blouse, removing its wrinkles.

"One more warning, Ms. Zamora, or you'll be fir-"

"Sir, I'm so sorry, it won't happen again. Alam mo namang kailangan ko 'tong trabaho para mapagaling ang lola ko," nagmamakaawa niyang sabi.

My heart was pierced as I saw how her boss treated her. I need to help Ms. Zamora.

"Oh shut up and back to work," suway ng kaniyang boss at agad na umalis upang i-welcome ang mga guests.

"You know what he's weirder," I whispered to her. I burst a laugh and so she did.

"I need to get back to work ma'am, salamat po," she bowed then she left me.

Biglang lumapit ang boss niya ulit sa akin."Ma'am, pagpasensyahan mo na 'tong tour guide namin. Everytime nalang siyang gan'yan."

"No, it's alright. You should hire people like her. You know, don't judge the book by its cover," I said to him with confidence. Nag-face palm nalamang siya at kaagad naman akong umalis sa aking kinauupuan.

Nang lumapit na ako sa mga modern hunts for rent, I saw the weird boy happily eating with his family, well, a complete one.

I wish I can feel this kind of bonding, I miss my mom.

Nang naabot kona ang West side ng Avalez Lake, I saw an expensive-looking huge modern hut. A lot of people occupy there. I saw a large poster for tonight's guesting. Oh, guess what? It's HerMajesty again. May pa-guest-guest kapang nalalaman eh no?

Watching them from afar, a middle school girl suddenly approaches me.

"Hi ate, alam mo bang saang hut po ito?" she said and showed me the photo of the hut. She's giving me cool vibes. The girl's outfit is so cool too, we have the same taste in fashion. A high neck knitted tank top, black cargo pants, and Air Force 1 shoes. These types of clothing I usually wear, except nga lang, naka-disguise ako ngayon.

Akala niya siguro staff ako ng lake na ito, pagbigyan na nga.

The hut looks so familiar. Teka kay ano 'to ah... "Ah! Hatid kita doon," I replied to her then she smiled.

After 10 minutes, we reached the hut. It was rented by the Salvacion family.

"Hello and good evening to all! I'm sorry mom, dad, bro, and everyone because I'm late!" the young girl said to them.

"Thanks to ate," she stares at me, trying to get my name. "What's your name ate?"

"Ah, it's E-ember," nauutal kong sabi.

"Right! Thanks to ate Ember for helping me," masaya niyang sabi, then her parents also thanked me. Except for her brother, sipping the juice. Not until he stare at me, tumama ang tingin naming dalawa.

"You!" sabay ko turo sa kaniya.

Tinaas niya lamang ang kanang kilay niya while sipping the juice from the glass.

"Hijo, hija, magkakilala kayo? Are you two okay?" his mother interrupt.

"Hell no! Hindi kami magkakilala. And yes, I'm okay," the weird boy said.

Pa-epal.

Anyways, this is so awkward.

"Yo, yo, yo! Oras na po pala ng fan signing ni HerMajesty you know, the famous gamer?" palusot kong sabi, even though I hate HerMajesty.

"Sayang naman hija, we decided to invite you to eat with us. A way of thank you for helping our daughter and his sister," sabi ng kaniyang mama.

"No it's okay ma'am! Maliit na bagay hehe, I love helping people," sabi ko sabay pag-stretch ng aking braso.

"Weh di nga," the boy said in a low volume and chuckled, but I can still hear it.

Sarap mong batukan ng malakas!

I bid goodbye to them, except for their annoying and weird son! Bumalik ulit ako upang panoorin sila HerMajesty. I got myself a huge-sized cake pop from the unlimited buffet. As I'm enjoying eating it, sa hindi ko inaasahan, biglang lumabas si HerMajesty sa venue. No one knows that she escapes for a while, except for me. She wears a black hoodie that also covers her black dress, she didn't know that I can still see her even though it was night.

Perks of having sharp eyesight.

I follow her until she arrives at the familiar place. I hide in thick bushes. "What she's doing here? She needs the tour guide before she enters that place," a question that I asked myself.

As she enters the place, I also keep on following her. I prepare my phone to record just in case.

At...tama nga ang hinala ko. I press the record button to video her.

She's trying to steal the ruby! She's having a hard time stealing it because of the heavy securities.

"Tangina, ang hirap naman ng mission ni mom na ibinigay sa akin!" reklamo niyang sabi na aking narinig.

Her mom? Sinong ina ang ilalagay ang kaniyang anak sa pahamak?

Well, both of them are now too late.

Sabi nga rin sa kanta ni Taylor Swift na the last great american dynasty, "she had a marvelous time ruinin' everything." At iyon ang nararamdaman ko nagyon, I'll be the one to ruin HerMajesty's plan.

"Mukhang enjoy na enjoy ka diyan ah," natatawa kong sabi sa kaniya habang vi-ni-videohan ko siya at habang kinakain ang cake pop na bitbit ko hanggang naubos ito.

"Fuck, ikaw na naman?!" bigla siyang nagulat at naiinis niyang sabi. I can say that her plan is completely failed, and I can say she knows that I'm the one she's messing with for the second time on this day. Up until now.

"Don't you know who I am?!" galit na galit niyang tanong sa akin.

"Uhm, hindi eh. Sino ka nga ulit?" natatawa kong pabirong tanong sa kaniya.

She removed her mask. "Here, kilala mo na ba 'kong sino ako?!"

"Ay, of course, a wonderful coincidence isn't it, HerMajesty?" I said, laughing at her. I can feel the energy within me.

"It's a small world after all," I added.

She clench her teeth because of how furious she was then, her expression changed as she knows she doesn't know what to do next.

"Baka may ibang paraan pa? It's not what you think, dear," she switched her voice into a high-pitched and kawaii-like voice.

Iritang-irita na ako sa'yo. Style mong bulok na.

"It's not what you think? Excuse me? Kitang-kita na nga nanakawin mo 'yang gem!" namamatigas kong tugon sa kaniya, I still continue recording her.

"It's alright, you don't even have evidence," she laughed like crazy.

"Hoy, HerMajesty! Bulag ka ba? Ano 'tong hawak-hawak ko?" holding my cellphone tightly.

Her eyes widen, hindi siya makapaniwala. "Give me that!"

"Eh di, habulin mo ako! Hala ka, baka e-expose pa kita eh," I run as fast as I could, so she did. Maraming tao ang nakakita sa amin, lalo pa ang mga fans niya. The live band starts to perform "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift, lalo pa akong naganahang tumakbo.

"Hey, isn't she HerMajesty?"

"Guys! HerMajesty's face finally revealed!"

"Oo nga! She's so freaking gorgeous and hot!"

"Sino kaya 'yang babae na hinahabol niya?"

"Omg, I can't believe she had a nerd friend!"

Hingal na hingal akong sumagot sa kanila. "Ang idol niyo, napakasinungaling!" then I continue running, holding my phone even more tightly.

"Akin na 'yan!" pinipilit niya pa ring kunin ang phone ko.

Lumapit ako sa lake. "Sige ka, baka ilaglag kita rito," I said to her as my voice trembles a little bit.

But too late, she grabbed my phone quickly from the mark. She's trying to open it to delete the video but thanks to my strong password.

"I guess, I don't have a choice then," she said, then she throw my precious phone into the lake and push me through.

I closed my eyes and expected that the lake will swallow me, but then the time turns to slow-mo. A lot of people are running toward us, including the weird boy. They move so slowly, everything is so slow!

But you know what's the weirdest? I see the shadow woman wearing her shadow cloak, together with a man holding a magical chain clock. I bet he's controlling the time that's why everything moves slowly.

I blink my eyes twice making sure everything is real, and I'm not wrong, they're really real! They both helped me, the shadow lady gave me my phone and lands my body perfectly on the ground. HerMajesty freezes, the funny part is that the woman pushed her to the lake.

Imbes ako 'yong mabasa ng tuluyan, si HerMajesty nalang pumalit sa akin.

I laughed and I thank both of them. I can't see the shadow woman's upper face, except for her delicate smile, because of the cloak she's wearing. I hope so soon. Then, they both disappeared. Bumalik ulit ang tamang takbo ng oras, HerMajesty's shocked as she falls instantly at the cold lake's water. She's soaking wet.

Pathetic isn't she?

Then a loud notification pops through my phone, the same as the others. An unknown person sent a video to all of our Facebook or social media accounts, it's HerMajestry trying to steal the red gem. Everyone can't believe what's happening, HerMajesty is exposed.

Pero hindi naman ako nag-send nito ah?

Roaming my eyes, I saw the shadow woman again, hidden through the tall trees, and then disappeared. Hindi kaya, siya nag-send non?

"OMG, she's so weird!"

"Anyare sa'yo, girl?"

"What a shame!"

Everyone murmurs as they saw the footage.

"Ano! Ang sarap kaya ng tubig!" sinungaling na sabi ni HerMajesty habang lumalangoy ito.

I just standing near the huts and holding my phone tightly. HerMajesty saw me and she quickly moved her body out of the lake water.

Biglang dumating ang Pamilyang Salvacion upang protektahan ako, they heard the news from the other huts.

"You! Ikaw ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng 'to!" lumapit siya sa akin.

Processing what happened, I just keep quiet. She's looking crazy, she's about to attack me.

"Wala na akong ibang nararamdaman kundi matinding galit sa'yong babae ka!"

Oh no, she's almost there.

"Don't you even touch her!" the weird boy commanded her.

"But babe?" mahinang sabi niya sa lalaki na tumulong sa akin kanina.

Babe raw? I watched the boy's face and he was disappointed with HerMajesty.

"Yeah right, if you touch her, ako mismo ang haharapin mo!" the weird boy's sister said to her then flexing her karate moves.

"Isa pa miss ha! Lagot ka rin sa akin!" sabi ng tour guide na kausap ko kanina sabay hawak ng walis.

Then my necklace glows even though I hid it beneath my shirt, letting out a sturdy dome. No one sees the dome except me and HerMajesty. Parang may third eye kaming dalawa, we can both see unexplained things. Unexpectedly, I lost my balance and I kneel on the ground.

HerMajesty is shocked and didn't even have a chance to fight me. "Girls come on," she said to her friends. They agree, hindi pa rin maalis-alis ang tingin ni HerMajesty sa akin. Some of her fans were disappointed with her, and some of her fans are still obsessed with her.

"Ember, are you okay?" the boy asked me in a sincere way habang niyugyog niya ang aking kanang braso.

I didn't reply to his question, I only inhale and exhale a couple of times and trying to calm myself down.

It is indeed a weird encounter.

Hindi na ito normal.

Hindi normal ang aking kuwintas.

Hindi rin ako titigilan ni HerMajesty

Kaya, ito lang ang masasabi ko...

Papunta palang ako sa exciting part ng aking buhay.

At handa ako sa kung ano man na mangyari.

She's Invincible: Quests For Truth by ScarletVidia