Flame 37 - Shift of Attraction

Katherine and Krauser entered the visitors lounge and saw Duke Davis sitting on one the prisoner's cubicle. Only a glass separates them from the mage.

Duke Davis grinned once he saw the telepath. Krauser's former professor, the person responsible for the Dorell Forest massacre, the mage that dwelled inside Leeroy's body. Krauser shook his head at the sight of him.

"I can't believe I agreed to this," he said and throws the folder he was holding at the glass walls.

"Glad to see you again, Mr. Vaughaun."

"How's jail, old fart?" he replied and sat down in front of the glass. "You said you can help me. Talk now," inip na sabi nito sa matanda.

He bluffed but then raised his hands, both in handcuffs and got something out of his orange pants. Struggling to place it on the table, he stood up and showed it to them.

It was a crystal, about the size of a pointing finger, and it's glowing. It emits neon green light streaks. The old man smiled and sat down again, facing them.

"What's that?" Katherine asked.

"It's the Oracle Finder. I stole it from the Scatterella Coven a few years ago," he said.

Cohen eyed the mage. "You really deserve to rot in jail, old man," sabi nito tsaka napailing. "But what does it have to do with the portal," sabay tanong.

"You see, during the Coven War, 18 years ago, I was a Rooseveltian Mage. After we lost, they annialated all other creatures that sided the fallen coven. I successfully escaped by pronouncing my loyalty to the Scatterellas."

Katherine, Krauser and Cohen lend their ears and listen intently.

"Just before the declaration, the Oracle that time said that the Coven was still in danger. Lord Gifford was confident enough that the war was over so he assigned a mage to kill the Oracle so he can shut him up."

"And the mage was you?" Krauser concluded.

Duke nodded. "Before killing him, he handed the Oracle Finder to me. He said that because of his unwanted death, a new Oracle will rise but in the form of an immortal being, capable of protecting itself and putting an end to the whole threat. I killed the Oracle and ran away from the Coven. I hid and became a master thief and hired killer. It was an awful life, I got bored so I disguise myself as a Math professor, just to kill time." he raised his handcuffed hands and snapped his fingers.

The three of them stepped back when the old man transformed himself. He's been using the old man front as a disguise all along. He was not bald, his hair was neatly brushed up with blonde streaks. Some facial hairs and a pair of hazel eyes. A young mage hiding in an old man's body.

"My real name is Grant Devan and I'm not the only one trying to open up a portal that night at Dorell Forest. I was with someone," paglilinaw nito.

"Wait, you said you read a book and wanted to open up a portal, right?" Krauser said, recalling their fight before.

"Yeah, technically, I read about the Assaiah. But the book entails, na kailangan mo ang maraming human sacrifice to open it up in a different place. You see, you can always open the Assaiah anywhere, pero kapag binuksan mo ang Assaiah sa Sacred Portal at ginamit ang Seeker para buksan iyon, it will unlock the portal of the two realms and--"

"and... will join two worlds together..." Katherine said almost a whisper. Paulit ulit na naglalaro sa isip niya ang riddle na binigay sa kanya ng Cronus noon.

"Seek the light, seek the dark. The signs that will leave the world a mark."

"The Seeker... the seeker is the key to the destruction of the mortal world. Siya rin ang kasama ko noon sa Dorell Forest," Ani ng mage.

"Wait... you know who the Seeker is?" Krauser Vaughaun asked.

"He's a student in Larkworth just like all of you. He is Ludwig Harris and he is oddly fond of Opium Scatterella."

Katherine sighed and shook her head. "Well, that's great. He will never side with us now, I'm 100% sure. After Opium bullied the guy, why am I not surprised?"

"But this is a very important lead. Now we know they can open up the Assaiah any time they want," Krauser said.

"We have to stop them," sabi pa ni Katherine habang nakatingin kay Krauser.

"And you, Silver Flame..." turo ng mage sa babaeng butler na agad nagpalingon sa dalaga. Bakas kay Katherine ang matinding takot.

Takot na baka tama at pareho ang iniisip nila ng mage. Na baka tama ang mga susunod na sasabihin ng mage tungkol sa kanya...

"You are the last Silver Flame, right?" he chuckled. "The moment I saw you during our fight, I knew something like this will happen."

Krauser can't butt in with their stare contest. Kahit si Cohen nakaabang nalang sa sasabihin ng dalawa sa isa't isa.

"Don't... don't tell me..." pakiusap ng dalaga.

"You're not just a myth and there's a reason why fate brought you in New Wellington," the mage stood up and smirked. "You are the only one that can close down the Assaiah, Silver Flame."

D-4 Before full moon

Olivia Scatterella just got out of her first class today. Her friends were busy chatting online and decided to hang out at the Cafeteria.

Kagabi pa tuliro ang dalaga matapos malaman ang mga plano ng Coven para sa Full Moon. Hindi siya magkamayaw sa pag-iisip.

"Via, are you going to eat?" Deronna asked.

"No, I'm full," tanggi nito saka siya bumalik sa pag-iisip. She tried to scan everyone eating at the Cafeteria. She can't help but get anxious knowing that a few days from now, life will never be as normal as it is.

"Hi Stan!" nagulat siya ng narinig niyang binati ng mga kaibigan niya si Stan. Umupo ito sa tabi niya na may dalang tray na puno ng pagkain.

"Hi girls, good morning Lady Via," he greeted.

"What gives?" masungit nitong tanong sa dala niyang mga pagkain.

"Zirco is busy today but he advised me to look after you here. It's time for lunch," sabi nito.

Marahang tinulak ni Olivia ang tray palayo. "I said, I'm full," she coldly said and stood up.

"Wait, Lady Via," agad sumunod sa kanya si Stan. Natigilan lang si Olivia ng makita si Opium Scatterella na naglalakad sa hallway. Agad namang naalarma si Stan. "Zirco particularly ordered me to restrain you from talking to the traitor, Lady Via. Please," pakiusap nito.

"I'm not going to talk to him, Stan. Leave me alone." She walked out of the Cafeteria but Stan followed him everywhere until it was time for her next class.

"What's up with the Guild today? They seemed too strict upon guarding you," Chantelle whispered while their professor is busy writing on the whiteboard.

Olivia shrugged and rested her chin on her palm. Sumilip ito sa labas ng room at nakita doon si Stan na nakatayo. Mariin niyang hinawakan ang pen na kanyang gamit sa pagsusulat ng notes.

She needs to find a way to talk to her brother. She needs to know a few things at alam niyang ang kanyang kapatid lang ang makakasagot nito.

Before the class ended, Olivia texted Jade Ravinch to meet up with her after class sa girl's rest room. The witch replied and agreed.

"Lady Via, dito po ang next class ninyo--"

"Sorry, Stan, but can I go to the bathroom first?" she acted as if like she's about to pee.

"S-Sure..." agad namang hinayaang makaakyat ng 2nd floor ni Stan ang dalaga. Dali-dali itong pumunta sa girl's restroom at inantay si Jade.

"Miss Olivia?" she heard her kaya agad niyang pinagbuksan ng pinto si Jade at saka nito nilock.

"Jade! Please do me a little favor!"

"F-Favor?" gulat na tanong nito.

"Make me invisible!" she exclaimed. Natameme naman ang witch sa sinabi ni Olivia pero agad ding nakabawi.

"Invisible? But why?"

"I just need to get away from Stan. I need to meet someone."

Jade's face calmed down and smiled. She sighed and nodded. She stood in front of Olivia and drew a witchcraft symbol in the air. Olivia just watched as the witch casts the spell she requested.

"I think that will do!" Jade said. Olivia looked at her hands and it is slowly disappearing.

"Wow!!! It worked!!!" she happily said but just as she was about to show it to the witch, tuluyan na siyang naglaho sa paningin nito.

"Lady Via, that spell will last about two to three hours max. Make sure to finish all the things you need to do within that time," she said.

"Okay!" paalis na sana si Olivia when Jade stopped her.

"C-Can I have a little favor too, Lady Via?" she said not knowing where to look since she can't see her anymore.

Natigilan ang bampira at humarap sa witch. "Favor? What favor?"

"I know you're meeting Opium Scatterella," panimula nito. Muntik pang masamid ang bampira dahil tama ang hinala ng witch. "My sister, I think she joined Opium. Can you hand this letter to him. Pakibigay kay Amethyst, galing sa akin." agad kinuha ni Olivia ang papel at lumutang ito sa ere. Nawala ito nang mailagay na niya sa bag.

"I'll hand it to him. Call it quits for helping me," she said.

Naluha naman ang witch at natawa. "Thanks, Lady Via." Agad umalis ang witch at nakabangga pa nito si Stan Berkley na naka-abang sa labas ng rest room.

"Jade? Teka, dito ba pumasok si Lady Via?" tanong ng Guild Leader.

"Huh? Ako lang ang tao sa loob. Galing akong third floor, nakasalubong ko siya pagbaba ko. Sabi niya wala daw tissue dito sa 2nd floor eh." pagsisinungaling ng witch.

Little did they know, nakalagpas na sa kanila ang invisible na si Olivia. She tip-toed herself and once na nakalayo siya, agad siyang nagtatakbo papunta sa kabilang building para makausap si Opium Scatterella.

Nakita naman niya agad ang binatang bampira na nakatayo sa corridor. She ran towards him pero natigilan lang ng makitang palapit rin sa kanya si Celestine Hubbert. Olivia saw how Opium looked at her, his eyes were gleaming. Halos maningkit ang mga ito sa sobrang pag-ngiti.

"You should've stayed home and rest," sabi ni Opium sabay bitbit agad ng mga dala nitong libro.

Nakapamewang lang si Olivia habang nakatayo malapit sa dalawa. Still invisible, she bluntly eavesdropped.

"Are you still feeling dizzy?" tanong ni Opium.

"No! I'm fine," nahihiyang sagot ni Celestine sabay hawak sa leeg nito. Noon ay nakita rin ni Olivia ang patch sa gilid ng leeg niya.

She fumed.

"I told you last night, hindi pwede pero mapilit ka."

"Opium naman, you were hungry and weak. You needed the blood and I have it. It's the least I can do for all your help in looking after my brother," Celestine said.

"I'm sorry, hindi ko na-control yung sarili ko, I--" hindi na natuloy ni Opium ang sasabihin ng lumapit na si Celestine and cupped his cheeks.

"No need to say sorry, Scatterella. I volunteered myself so you don't have to feel bad."

Opium did the same, even tug a few hairs to her ears and smiled. "You don't have to..." he said.

"If you need blood, I'm here. Feed on me. I don't care."

Unti-unting kumikirot ang puso ni Olivia sa mga naririnig nito. Opium never drunk blood and let that person lived. He never let any human lived... because if he did, that means he agreed to feed on it.

Nobody came close to her... until today.

Olivia was the only one that Opium feeds on before. He said no one comes close as to how sweet her blood is kaya naman he said he'll never find anyone na pupuwedeng maging blood source niya.

But this girl...

"Nabasa ko dati, vampires are quite delicate with blood kaya they have a hard time choosing a blood source and often ends up draining blood instead. But you did not do that, you kept me alive. Why?"

"You're special. You're an excemption and besides, your blood tastes good."

Celestine blushed and turned around.

"See you after class," naiilang nitong sabi tsaka tumakbo pero agad ding napatigil.

"Huh?" naguguluhang nakatingin si Opium sa kanya habang naglalakad ito pabalik sa kanya.

Without a word, she grabbed his collar and pull him for a kiss. Opium was caught off guard and was completely shook. Everyone walking were also shook. Even Olivia had to gasp because of shock.

Celestine pulled away from the kiss and pouted her lips at him. "I like you a lot. I'll eat lots of food so I can regenerate more blood. That way, I can feed you."

Opium chuckled and kissed her forehead. "You sure know how to work your way into things, huh?"

She gave a proud smirk. "I like to make things less complicated."

"I like how straight forward and honest you are, Hubbert."

Celestine let go of his collar and walked away from the vampire. All smiles and flustered.

Olivia clenched her jaws and painfully turned her heel away. Of all the things she has to see, yun pa talaga!

So the rumors were true, they really are dating! How disgusting! The hell I care anyway?

"Hey, Kath!" Olivia stopped when she heard Opium called someone. Napalingon tuloy siya not knowing Katherine Lovell is approaching.

It happened too fast. Katherine accidentally bumped Invisible Olivia, completely removing the casted spell on her and as well as hitting him hard enough for Olivia to got knocked down to the ground.

"Kath-- hey! Via???" Opium ran towards them and was confused to see his sister magically appeared.

"Oh gosh! Via! Sorry!" Katherine tried to help her get up pero hindi nito pinansin ni Olivia.

Once she got up, agad siyang nilapitan ng dalawa but she couldn't even look at them straight dahil sa kahihiyan. She was already thinking of a thousand reasons why she was there and why was she invisible.

"Via, anong--"

"Shut up! I suggest you forget what just happened!" sigaw nito sa kapatid.

"I think I should give the both of you some space," Katherine awkwardly walk away.

Naiwang tahimik ang dalawang magkapatid. Si Olivia, nakahalukipkip at ni hindi makatingin kay Opium. Opium sighed to break the ice.

"What are you doing? Roaming around, invisible?"

"None of your business."

"Well, why are you here? Your class should've started already?" she irritatedly look at Opium. How did this creep know her sched?

"I said none of--"

"Were you there long enough to see me and Celestine?" Opium asked.

"I--" Olivia cannot seem to find the right words to use. She felt her eyes burning so she turned around instead to hide it. "I-- I was looking for Jade Ravinch. She accidentally casted a spell on me," pagsisinungaling niya habang pinipigilang maiyak.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

"How are you? Wala na si Yohan sa Guild kaya wala na rin akong balita sa'yo."

Hands clenched, she chuckled. Tama siya ng hinala. He ordered Yohan to look after her, to spy on her and give reports. "You bothered with me beating your ass once I become the Coven Lord, dear brother?"

"No. Just worried about you getting hurt. I'm glad you can take care of yourself without me," he answered straight, but somehow, Olivia noticed the coldness of his tone.

She looked at him and somehow it crushed her. Opium looked at her, too, but with a different aura, a different feeling, unlike before. Yet, she was afraid to confirm it to herself. Wala na ang madalas na kabog ng dibdib na nararamdaman niya tuwing tumitingin kay Opium. His gaze was still on hers, but it wasn't that same affectionate gaze she saw before.

"I have to go," paalam niya sa kapatid. She took out the letter Jade Ravinch handed to her. "Pakibigay sa kasama ninyong witch," she said without even looking at him, not wanting to stay with him any longer. Her heart cannot stand it.

Opium smiled. "Alright. You take care, you and Oraion." He turned around and walked away but somehow, she remembered something and decided to call his attention again.

"Opium!"

He looked back. She walked towards him. Nang malapit na ito, she decided to ask something, something that's been bothering her since last night.

"Do you know anything about Cairopterans?"

Opium's eyes widen. Olivia immediately get that hint. May alam siya.

"Lady Via!" huli na nang marinig ni Olivia and tinig ni Stan mula sa likuran. Agad hinila ng marahas ni Stan si Olivia palayo.

Opium gritted his teeth at agad namula ang mata nito sa galit. Stan got a hold of himself and realized what he did kaya agad nitong binitiwan si Olivia.

"S-Sorry Lady Via," sabi nito at di makatingin kay Opium.

Opium slowly walked towards Stan. It send shivers down Stan's spine. Once he's beside him, Opium smiled and lean near his ear. "Do that one more time and I swear to God, I'll break your neck in half," nanggigigil nitong bulong kay Stan.

"T-Tara na Lady Via," agad pinalayo ni Stan si Via kay Opium. Olivia obliged, not wanting Opium to cause another havoc because of being overprotective. Lumingon pa si Olivia sa kapatid na nakatayo lang doon at pinapanuod silang maglakad palayo.

"Why are you to talking to the traitor? Zirco ordered me to stop you from doing so," tanong nito nang makalayo na sila.

"Nakasalubong ko lang siya sa hallway. Don't make it a big deal, Stan. If you really want to stop me from bumping in to him all the time, transfer me to a different school," mataray nitong sagot tsaka naglakad na palayo.

Stan shook his head at agad nagtype ng report upang isend kay Zirco na noo'y nasa isang meeting kasama ang Coven Lord.

"Who texted?" tanong ni Lord Gifford sa kanya.

"Stan. He found Olivia talking to Opium."

Lord Gifford chuckled as he stared at the Upstate Map, putting pins on every territory they have. "That low-life traitor probably joined the secret alliance that's been pestering us."

"Lord, we have nothing to worry about. It's only a few more days at masasagawa na nating ang mga plano natin sa Assaiah."

"Kumusta si Olivia nang masabi mo ang plano? Pumayag ba siyang tumulong?"

He poured wine on both glasses and handed one to Gifford. "She's still half-hearted about it, but she'll realize what she's about to miss, soon."

The Coven Lord gulped the wine and laughed. "This is why I need you to replace Opium, Hudges. I cannot possibly give my throne to a woman."

Zirco bowed and refill his glass with wine. He silently joined the Coven Lord drinking his wine as they continue to plan.

Opium was restless the whole day. Hindi niya maialis sa isip niya ang tanong ng kanyang kapatid ng magkausap sila kanina.

"Do you know anything about Cairopterans?"

Nang matapos ang klase niya ay agad itong kumaripas ng takbo papunta sa room ni Celestine.

Nakaramdam naman ng magkakasunod na siko si Celestine mula sa kanyang mga kaibigan habang nag-aayos ito ng mga gamit.

"Andyan na sundo mo, Hubbert!" sabay irit.

Napatingin naman siya sa labas at nakita niya nga si Opium doon, ngunit tila iba ang itsura niya. Nagmamadali siyang lumabas at nilapitan agad ang binatang bampira.

"May nangyari ba?" she asked.

"Nothing. Let's fetch Cedrick? Tara?" he didn't even wait for her to reply. He dragged her until they reached the pre-school.

Cedrick and Celestine are both confused with how Opium is acting. Mas nagtaka pa sila ng i-lock agad ni Opium ang pinto at bintana nang makarating sila sa bahay.

"Can you take the day off? Until after full moon?" sabi ni Opium sa dalaga.

Celestine looked around to see if her brother is still in his room, changing his clothes. "What's up with you?" she whispered. "You're making us uncomfortable, lalo na si Ced," dagdag pa nito.

"I just don't want the two of you to get involved," sagot ng bampira.

"Get involved with what? I know you're doing something against your Coven, Scatterella. Kaya ka wala tuwing gabi and all those reports sa TV at dyaryo about a pressing war with the Scatterellas through a secret alliance. I'm sure you're apart of that," she said still looking around to see if nakalabas na ang kapatid niya.

"Look, Celestine... it's better kung wala kayong nalalaman para hindi kayo madamay."

"Ate! Kuya Opium!" narinig nila ang pagtawag ni Cedrick nang makalabas ito ng kwarto. Agad siyang dumiretcho sa kusina kung saan sila nandoon at tumingin sa kanila habang nakataas ang mga kilay. "Now both of you are acting weird. Kanina si Kuya Opium lang," he said.

Opium shrugged and carried Cedrick. "You are smart for your age. Dapat siguro 'wag ka na munang pumasok sa school?" he asked.

"Opium..." Celestine called him out and gave him a warning glare.

"Are you saying I'm allowed to skip school?" the child beamed his eyes at Opium.

"Until after full moon, ano? Deal?" Opium offered his pinky finger na agad namang sinagot ni Cedrick para sa isang pinky promise deal.

"Yey! Oh, narinig mo yun, Ate ah?"

Celestine facepalmed and shook her head. Wala naman na siyang magagawa. A pinky promise is binded by words that is strong enough to withstand any doubts coming from her.

Pinanuod niya lang sila habang karga pa rin ng bampira ang kapatid niya papunta sa sala. Makaraan ang ilang oras, nakatulog din si Cedrick at nagpaalam na si Opium para umalis.

"You need blood?" tanong ng dalaga.

Opium looked back and smirked. "It's not supposed to be a daily basis, Celestine. Mukhang napapasarap ka yata?"

"N-No! I'm just worried! You'll head out to fight again," nauutal nitong sagot at tsaka umiwas ng tingin.

"I'll be fine," nilapitan siya ng bampira at saka niyakap. He playfully kissed her hair too before pulling away. "I should be the one worrying here for your safety. Lalo pa't nalaman kong may interes ang Coven sa mga Cairopterans. Kailangan naming kumilos at malaman ang mga plano ng Coven para sa mga katulad ni Cedrick."

"I know we are going to be fine. We have you. Nothing can go wrong," she said and kissed him. It wasn't supposed to be a long, deep kiss but Opium held on to her face and kiss her back. It wasn't harsh, it was more endearing, actually. Too endearing for Celestine that she felt her knees slowly starts to wobble. It was a first kiss, she almost did not realize it.

They both pulled away slowly, panting. Opium smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Call me if something happens," huling bilin nito.

"Take care, mag-iingat ka. Stay alive," sagot ng dalaga.

Opium nodded and walked out of the house with a smile on his face. The blood rushing through his body was all jumpy and hyped. A new blood flowing through him, a new attraction.

"What? Katherine?" Opium exclaimed when Krauser explained to him what the mage told them about the Assaiah. "Anong plano mo, Vaughaun? Throw her to the portal so she can stop it?"

"No, Einstein. I was just explaining it to you. Try to comprehend everything first. Sheesh!" Krauser frustratedly replied.

Napaupo naman sila Annielyn at Amethyst nang marinig ang plano ng Scatterella coven sa Assaiah. Tila nanlumo sila na ano mang oras, maaaring mawasak ang buong New Wellington kapag nagtagumpay silang mabuksan iyon.

"I should've killed that brat Seeker para hindi na tayo namomroblema!"

"Yeah right, if you did not bully the guy in the first place, he could've sided with us, not with your Dad." giit ng werewolf na si Leeroy.

Aamba pa sana ng suntok si Opium ng harangan na siya ni Astrid. "Seriously guys? 'Wag na tayong magsisihan dito. Nakatadhana na ang mga ito at naaayon sa mga propesiya kaya wala tayong magagawa. Talagang noon pa man ay nasabi na ito ng Oracle."

Huminahon naman ang dalawa. Katherine sighed and stood up. "We have 4 days before the full moon to train and get more information about the Assaiah and the Coven's plan. Shall I start with the individual tasks?"

All of them nodded.

"Yohan, Cohen and Amethyst will be in-charge of sneaking in the Coven's territories to get more information. Yohan knows the way around, Cohen can give easy access inside and Amethyst can help in securing the information and evidence." Katherine handed a folder to them.

"Annielyn and Leeroy will guard the secured territories. Astrid will also stay here to provide medical needs if ever anyone is hurt." She instructed.

Astrid nodded.

"Krauser, Opium and I will look for the Immortal Oracle," panapos ng Silver Flame. She showed the green crystal glowing. "The Oracle can help us and be our guide in fighting the vampires and according to Grant, the Oracle is most likely in danger so we need to find it."

Opium stood up and looked at everyone in the cabin. "I just want to tell you all how I'm grateful for all your help. My Dad is such a douche for doing this, for being so evil and ruthless. He already slaughtered many clans and packs and I for one will not allow this to happen anymore."

Katherine pats his back and smiled. "This is mainly my fight too so thank you for being there and leading us, Opium."

Krauser smiled and stood up as well. "I think this meeting is adjourned. Let's get to work!"

All of them nodded and left the cabin.

Not far from it, the man riding his horse, surrounded with crows, watched the group. Hiding through his hood, a slight grin formed on his lips.

"Let's see if you can really lead your small group to a successful fight... or more probably lead them all to their death beds."

***

I'm on a mission to bring Silver Butler at least in the top #100 in the Fantasy genre rankings. Help me spread the word! 

Also, might need a few comments. Hahahaha. Thanks for reading!