The spotlight is on as I slowly get out from the backstage. Natahimik silang lahat. Literally.

Hanggang nagsimula na akong maglakad sa platform wearing my disguise with a blank face. Unti-unti napuno ng bulungan ang buong paligid. Until the whole place was filled with boo’s.

Some were whistling and I can hear different harsh words everywhere. Nakita ko pang kumunot ang mukha at napailing ang mga judges. Of course, how can a face like this join a BEAUTY pageant?

May naririnig akong sumisigaw ng mga nakakasakit na salita. But I don't care. Patuloy lang ako sa pag rampa.

Paxton and I met at the center. He's topless as he ramped up the stage just like his fellow contestants. Ayoko nang mag describe pa kung gaano bumagay sa kanya ang porma niya ngayon. All I can say is he's more attractive compared to other male contestants.

"Don't mind them." bulong niya nang magkalapit kami.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at muli kaming humiwalay and went on opposite direction saka nag pose. Muli kaming naglakad at nagtagpo sa gitna ng extended platform na pang rampa.
              
               
           
            
                  
"Paano ka mabibilang sa top kung hindi mo tatanggalin 'yang disguise mo?" Paxton asked worriedly.

"The judges don't judge a contestant just by just looks. They also judged them base on their personality and how they can catch the audience attention."

"You think you can do that?"

I smirked, "Watch me."
                          
                   
             
                      
Muli kaming naglakad papunta sa mic na nakalaan sa amin upang magpakilala.

I went first, "Shea Alysia Valdemore representing, freshmen section 1!" I was a radio host during my grade school and middle school. Kaya marunong akong manipulahin ang boses ko at pagandahin ito.

I grinned when someone cheered pero mahina lang. At alam kong sa section namin galing 'yon. Guess they're supporting me after I helped them with their booth.

"Ren Paxton Montero representing, freshmen section 1!" he smiled then winked at the judges.
        
The place is suddenly filled with screams and shrieks as the campus hearthrob spoke. Mostly girls and girls at heart. Who wouldn't when there's an almost perfect man standing right in front of you. Kumbaga, para siyang inukit because of his almost perfect features.

Nag-exit na kami at sumunod ang iba pang contestants. Pagdating ko ng backstage ay sinalubong ako ni Eloiny at Trevor.

"Ang galing mong maglakad kanina Shea. At yung intro, boses pa lang kabog na silang lahat. Sure ka na hindi ka talaga nag rehearse?" salubong ni Eloiny.

I didn't answer her and went directly into the dressing room at umupo sa tapat ng salamin. I look at the make-up set and accessories displayed along the table.

"What's the next category?" I asked.

May kinuha siyang papel at binasa ito, "Uhh... base dito, casual attire ang susunod. Ito..." may kinuha siyang damit mula sa mga naka line-up na mga costumes, "Ito yung susuotin mo." she offered.

It's a shirt with cute prints on it and a skater skirt paired with converse shoes. Dali-dali na akong nag palit as Trevor offered to fix me.

"Use only nude eyeshadow Trev. And a pink lipstick. Don't you dare use the dark one." utos ko.

Mukhang nagulat naman siya maging ang ibang kasama ko sa dressing room. Of course, sino ba naman ako para utusan ang Alpha di ‘ba? Well, nag volunteer siya eh.

I waited for my turn at noong ako na, I confidently walked towards the catwalk ignoring the crowd. Naglakad ako na parang walang nanonood sa harap.

As usual, puro boo lang ang natatanggap ko while Paxton got all the cheer. I saw the Alpha sitting on the upper corner of the hall na may parang veranda. Mga VIP. But someone's missing.

Where's Kiyan?

Siguro hindi siya interesado sa mga ganitong event. Trevor's at the backstage but I'm still wondering why he volunteered to be my make up artist.

The casual wear, sports wear and school uniform category were done. As the pageant goes on, parang bumawas ang mga audience na lumalait sa 'kin. 

I smirked.

"So feeling maganda ka na niyan?" salubong sa 'kin ng isang contestant pag dating ko ng backstage. Kakatapos lang ng school uniform category.

Tumawa naman ang ibang mga contestants. Nasa kabilang side kasi ang boys.

She's contestant #3 at kanina ko pa nga siya napapansin na nakatingin sa 'kin at iniirapan ako.

Tumahimik lang ako at sinubukang umiwas pero hinaharangan niya ako.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kate. I'm looking for an alalay. Willing ka ba mag apply?" she gave me an evil grin trying to intimidate me.

Do I still have to deal with this people again? What if I order some demons to posses her body to teach her a lesson? Nah, that'll be bad.

"Ang kapal talaga ng mukha mong sumali dito no? Ganyan ka na ba ka desperada kay Ren at pati pwesto ni Alzena inagaw mo? My ghad I can't believe this. Can't you see yourself? You look like a shit in a well-polished marble floor. Ang panget mo na nga, malandi ka pa. Do you think you'll please the judges just by your personality and how you walk? Remember this contestant number shit, this is a BEAUTY pageant. You don't belong here." mahina pero madiin niyang sabi. Sa amin lahat ang atensyon ng mga tao dito at mukhang tuwang-tuwa pa silang ginaganito ako.

"Hoy hoy ano 'to?" biglang dating ni Eloiny. Tinaasan niya naman ng kilay ang kasama ko. "So you're trying to intimidate me? Baka gusto mong lumutang nalang buong buhay mo? Insecure ka? Dapat lang. Don't you dare mess up with our contestant. Hindi mo siya kilala." sabi ni Eloiny.

"At kayo..." she pointed towards the people who are watching, "Get a life and mind your own business. Mga etchosera!"

She dragged me along the isle and guided me to the dressing room. Doon naman naghihintay si Trevor.

Umupo ulit ako sa harap ng salamin at sinimulan na ni Trevor na ayusan ako, "You okay girl? Nasaktan ka ba?" tanong niya.

"Hindi naman." sagot ko.

Lumapit si Eloiny na may dalang damit. "Nakakastress yung kanina ha. My gosh. Talent portion na. You ready?"

Tumango naman ako.

Muli akong nagpalit. Simple lang ang suot ko dahil kakanta lang naman ako. A white sando tucked into my jeans and covered with an unbuttoned checkered polo.  Pants naman ang pang baba paired with a brown boots. After how many years, ngayon lang ulit ako nakapagsuot ng hindi baduy.

"Ano pagkatapos ng talent portion?" I asked.

Eloiny once again get her list from her pocket, "Intermission number tapos main categories na."

"What's the main categories?"

Tumawa naman siya, "Alam mo ikaw lang talaga ang contestant na walang alam kung ano ang mga categories sa sinasalihan niya hahaha! By the way, ang main categories ay first, evening gown, then armor attire based on what power and abilities you have. Tapos Q and A then exhibition of powers and abilities na. Pagandahan na 'to ng bonggang bongga." she explained.

Hmm... This will be exciting.
   
   
  
       
Dug dug dug...
   
   
  
Bigla akong napatigil. May kakaiba dito. Parang may pumitik sa loob ko and my heart starts to beat faster than normal. Same situation when I sense a demon in the area. I enhanced my danger-sensing ability.

Meron akong nararamdamang kakaiba pero faint lang. Nararamdaman din kaya ni Kiyan 'to?

"Hoy contestant number six na panget! Ano tutunganga ka na lang dyan? Sabagay kahit anong gawin mo di ka parin naman makakasali sa top." sigaw sa 'kin ng baklang organizer.

Napairap nalang ako at nagsimulang maghanda. Nakita kong lumapit na ang kanya-kanyang partner ng bawat candidates.

Where's Paxton?

"Sorry I'm late."

Boses niya pa lang kilala ko na. I looked at him at may hawak-hawak siyang gitara. 'Yan siguro ang dahilan kung bakit nalate siya. His clothes are simple pero ang lakas ng dating. Magaling lang talaga siya magdala.

"We need to rehearse." biglang sabi niya.

Oo nga pala, hindi pa pala kami nakakapag-rehearse.

"No need." I said.

"If you don't want to rehearse, just tell me the repetition of the song."

Sinabi ko naman sa kanya. We waited for our turn but I'm still observing the surroundings. Wala namang kakaiba except what I felt before.

"Shea..."

My brows furrowed when someone called my name. Those chilling voice, it's very familiar. And that strong aura that like binding me to someone, mukhang kilala ko na kung sino 'to.

"Kiyan..."

He's talking to me through telepathy. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit niya ako kinakausap ngayon. I still remember kung anong ginawa niya sa familiar ko. Dahil ba sa nilumpo ng familiar ko ang familiar niya? Kaya nagawa niya yun kay Paxton?

He chuckled. Man, that voice, mukhang wala sa itsura niya ang tumawa. But he just did in my mind. Literally. My heart began to race.

"How did you know?" he asked.

"I just know. Ano pong kailangan niyo?"

As the Pro Alpha and being the strongest in the academy, he must be respected. Kahit opposite ko pa siya.

"Nothing. I just want to tell you that you're great up there."

Ah okay? Why is he talking to me like this? We're not even close yet. And the number of our converastions before can be counted by fingers.

"Okay?" I responded not sure if that was actually the right response for a King.

Muli na naman siyang tumawa. Is this even real or am I hallucinating because of my uneasiness awhile ago? He's not the type of guy who smiles often.

"Remember our deal. If you lose here, you'll be mine."

I mentally dropped my jaw.

"What?"

"I mean you'll be part of us. The Alpha."

Oh.

"I thought our deal is about the duel? Not the pageant?"

"But it's still a contest. If you lose here, you still have a chance to defeat me through a match."

Napangiti ako. He's really challenging me. And its fun.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Malapit na tayo. Be ready." sabi ni Paxton habang nakasilip sa stage.

Binalik ko ang aking atensyon kay Kiyan and I can feel that he's still there.

"I'll be watching Shea."
  
      
 
--
 
  
  
Both the guitar and the mic are ready. The cheer subsided as I stand in front of the mic. Paxton is sitting into a stool beside me with his guitar.

Huminga ako ng malalim as I held the microphone. Paxton looked at me as I signaled him to start.
   
   
  
🎤Now playing: Demons 🎤
By Imagine Dragons covered by Boyce Avenue

He started singing the first part as I concentrated my gaze on the floor.
   
   
🎵When the days are cold
And the cards all fold
And the saints we see are all made of gold.🎵
   
   
It's my turn and look upon the audience. Some were disgusted and some were just watching.
  
   
🎵When your dreams they fail
And the ones we hail
Are the worst of all
And the blood runs dale.🎵
   
   
This song is for all of you who is blinded. This is for the people who only uses their eyes and head in looking a person. It's in human nature to judge a person by its looks. They lack emotions, they are selfish, they are cruel. Humans judge easily, not minding what may be the outcome of their selfishness.
     
   
🎵I wanna hide the truth
I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside
There's nowhere we can hide.🎵
  
   
And that is where I get all my powers. Darkness is stronger when humans are filled with negativity and other worldly emotions. That's when darkness starts to swallow them as they can no longer see the light.
     
     
 
🎵No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is My Kingdom, come
This is My Kingdom, come.🎵
   
   
When they can no longer see the light, when all they see are pleasures and other worldly emotions, that's where I welcome them to my kingdom. Where all the source of my powers came from.
   
   
🎵When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes it's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide.🎵
     
  
It's my turn as I searched for Cein in the audience. Agad ko naman siyang nakita who seemed shock while she watches me sing. So as the Alpha who are listening. Kiyan caught my eye at nakatingin rin siya sa 'kin. I hope this verse reach them.
   
   
🎵Don't get too close
It's dark inside
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide.🎵
   
    
When humans already noticed that they were totally swallowed by darkness, that's the time when they seek light. That's the time when the Light and Creation do their part to save those dying souls from me.

That's why darkness exist; for the humans to strengthen their faith towards the light. If they don't, then they will be very much welcome in my kingdom. Funny as it seems, but they are scared. They are scared to suffer their own sins.

Natapos na kaming kumanta. The audience are in total silence right after we finished the last verse. Tumayo na si Paxton at sabay kaming nag bow.

We were about to take our exit nang biglang dumagundong ang buong coliseum ng palakpak at sigawan. Three of the judges gave us a standing ovation, so as half of the audience.

I secretly smiled, "It reached them."

For once in my life, I felt belonged. Again.
   
    
    
    
--
   
   
  
"W-wow. That was really awesome. Wala akong masabi. Hands down for the both of you. Ren ang ganda pala ng boses mo hehe." salubong sa amin ni Eloiny as we reached the backstage. Hinawi pa niya ang kanyang buhok habang nakatingin kay Paxton.

"Thanks." Paxton replied.

"OMG shet di pa nga ako nakakarecover sa kanta niyo dumagdag pa itong si fafa Ren! My crush noticed me huhuhu." bulong niya sa 'kin habang niyuyugyog ako.

"Hi Shea, Ren. I love your song. I'm so touched that I even cried. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero naiiyak ako." sabi ng isa sa mga kandidatang kasama namin dito.

She's contestant number 1 kasama si contestant number 4 at 9. They greeted us with a warm smile.

Ngayon lang ulit ako nakaramdam ng ganito. Someone appreciated me in behalf of what I am.

"Thank you. You're also great back there." Paxton said.

Parang namula naman ang mukha ng number 1 or is it just the blush on? Well whatever. I can't blame them. My familiar is so friendly towards others except me.

Hindi ko na napigilang hindi sumagot, "It's only an appetizer. The main course shall be served soon." I said.
   
Nagsimula na ang intermission number. All of us in the backstage were busy preparing for the main categories. The evening gown competition is on.

"Eloiny where's the gown?" I asked.

"Waaaahh Shea 'wag ka na lang kaya muna sumali sa evening gown category? Ayokong makita kitang mapahiya dun." she begged.

"Just give it to me. Ako nang bahala."

"Pero—”

I stared at her at mukhang nagets niya rin naman ang ibig kong sabihin. She handed to me the ripped and torn gown. Pwede pa siyang masuot, pero halatang sira na talaga.

A black long metallic prom dress with sleeves pero punit na ang isang sleeve at ang isa naman ay gutay-gutay. The gown was supposed to be a floor-length but half of it's parts were totally ripped off.

It was supposed to be a boat-neck gown pero napunit nga ang isang part na nagco-connect sa shoulders leaving it asymmetric. I look like Cinderella whose gown was ripped by her step sisters. But too bad, Cinderella is beautiful at pangit ako.

The dress is enough to cover my body. While I was wearing it, may biglang nahulog na papel. Pinulot ko ito at binasa.
  
  
"Like your new dress? I made it so you should be thankful.
Ps: Pinaghirapan ko yan.
  
  
-From the wife of Ren"
   
 
She don't need to write a letter because I already knew that she did it. That Alzena. But I should thank her for the effort in writing.

"Shea naman ehh. 'Wag mo nang ituloy 'to." paulit-ulit na sabi ni Eloiny sa 'kin.

"I have to. There's no choice."

"Pero mapapahiya ka lang!"

"I'm already used to it. Don't worry."

She looked at me na parang maiiyak na naman siya. Ako naman ang rarampa at hindi siya so why is she crying?

"Shea naman ehhh..." she’s almost crying.

Lumapit ako sa tenga niya at bumulong, "When it's my turn, I don't want you to worry or what. Just sit here and watch me in the monitor."

She stopped at nagtatakang tumingin sa ‘kin, "What do you mean?"

I grinned, "Just watch."

I concentrated as I called her, "Seraphina..."

"Yes, your highness. Everything's ready."
   
    
  
--
  
   
 
Everything's ready as I lined up with the rest of the candidates. Lahat ng atensyon nila nakatuon sa 'kin.

"Oh. Hindi pa tapos ang pageant ah. Maglilinis ka na ba ng stage? Where's your broom?" muli na namang sabi sa 'kin ni contestant number 3. I forgot her name.

"Rarampa ka? Sa mukhang 'yan? Ay oo nga pala, ganyan na pala mukha mo simula kanina hahaha!"

I remain silence habang hinihintay ko nalang na matapos ang intermission number.

"Why are your clothes like that? Ganon na ba talaga ka tasteless ang fashion mo? You look like a rag." sabi ng kasama ni number 3.

"Yeah. Hindi manlang nahiya, kadiri. At akalain mo, si Sir Trevor pa ang ginawa niyang make up artist? Isipin mo kung gano kakapal na ang mukha nito?"

"Maybe deeper than the core of the earth? Hahaha! Pero seriously, nag match sila. Pangit na sirang damit at pangit na sirang mukha. Hahaha!"

Napailing nalang ako sa isip ko.

"AND NOW LET US WATCH OUR TWELVE BEAUTIFUL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AS THEY CONQUER THE STAGE WITH THEIR FORMAL ATTIRE!" announced by the emcee.

Tinawanan muna nila ako bago sila bumaling sa harapan as they waited for their turn. This is it. The time has come.
      
      
 
Dug dug dug dug dug dug...
  
    
   
Muli akong napatigil nang may pumitik ulit sa loob ko at biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. This is bad. My instincts are telling me that something's wrong.

I immediately contacted Seraphina.

"Yes?" she answered.

"Is something wrong down there?"

"Wala naman. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing."

So it's not related to demons? Pero parang may mali eh. But the school was already surrounded by a Holy Spell. Wala nang makakapasok na intruder.

"CONTESTANT NUMBER 6!"

Hindi ko namalayan na ako na pala. My heart thump as I slowly stepped out from the back. The spotlight hits me as I saw a glimpse of light from above.

He's watching me.

Nagtatawanan silang lahat. The whole place was filled with laughter and insults.

Muli kaming nagtagpo ni Paxton sa gitna.

"Good luck, my lady." he whispered bago kami muling mag hiwalay.

As we headed in front, mas lumakas pa ang tibok ng puso ko. I am filled with thrill and excitement.

Go on people, hate me, insult me with everything you've got. Because this will be the last time that you'll do this to me.

Tumigil kami ni Paxton sa extended platform malapit sa mga judges at audience.

I closed my eyes. As my soul went into another dimension.

And there I saw my Master whom everyone feared. I bowed down in front of her.

"It's nice to see you, My Disciple." she greeted.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

And so here I am, standing in front of the Goddess. The Goddess of Darkness and Destruction.
  
   
👑👑👑