#TCS101: Nameless Sun's Cry

It was such a long night. And the air was eerie around the South. Akakios finally had the chance to talk to the Saude. He told me that it was peculiar because the Saude didn't really talk; he just stared at him like reading his whole life and soul.

I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. But, at least, we were a step closer to our goal. However, that consolation wasn't comforting. All I felt the whole night was the image of a child pierced through by the arrow and how I was too late to save her.

I could have saved her; I was faster, I was stronger, if only I were a second earlier, she'd not be dead. Ang daming buhay na ang nasaksihan kong nawala, at madalas ako pa ang pumuputol sa hininga nila.

Seeing a child—an innocent child at that—still gave me a heavy feeling.

That was really when I realized how heavy what we were doing. It wasn't just for my grandparents to be free from the Domain. It wasn't just for the throne. It was life. Hundreds and thousands of lives... we were now holding all of it.

And the choices we were making... weren't going to be easy from now on.

Today...

I lost an innocent child. But... I protected another child and other people who were with us...

Nang mag-umaga tumulong kami ni Biblee sa lamay no'ng bata. It was so quiet. There were no reactions at all. Everyone was just mourning. Some people we weren't familiar with came, too. It was just like a scene from a movie.

A silence in the air before the glass broke, a stillness before the loud screams echoed.

Ni si Biblee na palaging madaldal sa mga tao rito, hindi makapagsalita. She knew that trying to comfort nor saying anything wouldn't help. All of a sudden, it felt like everyone was mute. And it gave me goosebumps.

Akakios was devastated with the news. He went again to Tinsel Saude to talk to him. He wasn't going to stand anymore after what happened to the storage and an innocent child. Those people from the Marquis were doing their usual things.

Sobrang sahol nila. Parang walang batang namatay. Parang wala silang kasalanan. Nagawa pa nilang magtawanan at mag-inuman sa bayan. They were continuing their lives and living it lavishly like they owned the place. It made me feel sick.

I wanted to turn everything upside down. How could they?! How could they?! I never thought I would ever feel helpless again; I never thought I'd feel these kinds of emotions because we were practically in the right direction to our plans.

If you see it in an expansive view, everything was on track. We should be celebratory about it. Pero bakit ganito? Ang hirap palang maging masaya kapag nakikita mo 'yong mga ganitong bagay. Kapag mismong mga mata mo ang nakakakita nang ganito.

I discovered the real meaning of why Akakios told us that even the lives of the so-called sacrifices should have been included and counted in this grand plan... because we were now experiencing it firsthand.

And I didn't like this feeling one bit. It felt like I was accountable for everything that was occurring.

It wasn't about just throwing your life for others. It wasn't just because you wanted to look suitable for people's eyes. And it wasn't because he was trying to play a hero.

He was aware that no matter what we do and what move we make, bloodshed would occur, but he was also trying to minimize the damage—trying to save me—us... from regrets that would haunt us forever.

He was also trying to make the people think, move, decide, and fight with all their might. Because sometimes, they didn't need to be saved, they needed to save themselves, too.

After a few days of silence and mourning, they buried the child.

"Tuloy pa ba 'yong pyesta?" tanong ni Biblee isang umaga habang kasama namin si Precious at Jessette. They were both starting to be their happy selves again. Naging sobrang tahimik din kasi nila nitong mga nakaraang araw.

"Oo, hindi pwedeng hindi matuloy 'yon." Biblee and I nodded because I thought they'd postpone it with what transpired but it looked like they were more determined to do it with the same reason why—because they lost an innocent child.

"Gustong-gusto no'ng batang 'yon ang pyesta, kaya naman para sa kanya, at sa buong Timog, gagawin namin 'yon. Pangako 'yon." Precious looked at the blazing sun in the sky that was not covered by any passing clouds. She reached out her hand and smiled melancholy.

"Isang araw... lalaya rin kami..." Jessette whispered gently. Biblee and I glanced at each other and we nodded. We would help them achieve that. The young ones should not experience what they were experiencing.

We continued helping for the festival. There was a festive air once again. And Akakios was going home happily because even though the Saude kept rejecting him, he was finally talking to him. Unlike before that, he'd only offer him silence.

The Saude couldn't deny that Akakios's words were going to make a change if it commenced, but he was still probably worried about his people. Their wants, and their views.

"I feel like the Saude wanted the plan, too," Akakios told me while we were making a big flower arc for the upcoming festival. Biblee and Akira were also doing one like us. We were in a huge covered court from the island's center part.

Nandito rin ang ibang mga taga-village, pero ang ilan naman nando'n sa pagdadausan ng pyesta. Sa may tutok at bandang bulubundukin daw ang celebration. In the church at the top of the hill, and the fields in there.

Because the South is composed of islands, it was really a good one. Biblee and I went there last week, and it was such a view. You'd see the richness of nature and how magnificent the South of Eviralle was, and it'd be more beautiful if only it were given its righteous funds and treatment.

"Really? If the Saude wanted the plan, then we are so near in convincing him!" masayang sabi ko naman at saka naglagay ng puting bulaklak sa arko. Akakios gave me an eye smile while he was fixing some leaves on the arc.

"I could see it in his eyes, he was also aching for a change, but I think something is stopping him..." he replied while staring in the air, then sighed. Napangiti naman ako kasi focus na focus s'ya sa pag-aayos ng arko.

"What do you think about the reason for his hesitation?" I questioned although I already knew the answer.

Akakios halted what he was doing and looked at the others who were working on their crafts. There was no Marquis people insight, nor they were around; people here already knew when they could move freely without them watching.

I traced Akakios's movements with my gaze and his eyes pointed out the people. "Them. The people." I beamed at him and nodded to agree.

"If the Saude is the only one who wants the change, it wouldn't really happen. Mostly if these people were hard-headed enough not to compromise. There would be no change, only a plan in vain. That's why I think... I should try to start persuading these people at the festival, too."

I raised my hand at him for a high-five and instead of doing it, I shrieked a little when I felt him pulled me inside his arms! Natumba tuloy kaming dalawa sa semento! I hit his chest light. "Akakios!" saway ko sa kanya.

"Just let me hug you; I need some energy to make sure the stubborn ones would finally hear my voice," he whispered while I chuckled.

"I think they are already starting to consider it, I think they always had that in them. It's just that they were always filled with fear. But when Jessette and Precious spoke during that tragedy, I saw it in their eyes... they wanted it as much as we do..." I told Akakios as I sniffed his scent a little. I scrunched my nose. Geez, he really smells like a baby.

Natahimik kami ulit saglit at bumalik sa ginagawa. Minsan patingin-tingin sa isa't isa, hanggang sa bigla na lang s'yang napatitig sa akin nang matagal. I flinched a little. Was there something on my face?

"May dumi ba?" tanong ko.

"Nah." Umiling s'ya sa akin.

"What are you thinking?"

He sighed and gleamed at me. He pulled me towards him, again. Natahimik saglit pero kalaunan nagsalita rin.

"I know, and I recognize that this process would be bloody and would be wrathful... Sooner or later, I'd be bound to make decisions..."

"Don't be too heavy on yourself..." I reminded him, and he nodded with a slight beam.

"But I'll try to choose paths that will have minimal damage. Those that would make more people survive..." he murmured near my ear.

Funny how he sounded so soft, but I knew him better. There was no one stronger than him in here. I, the evil Silhouette, who liked to play games, was even afraid of playing one with him.

Why? He'd win. Landslide. There was no doubt about that.

"Hey, Silhouette..." he called heartily. "I might go astray with the decisions I will make in the future. If ever... I make evil decisions, be my conscience. And if ever, I make too good and selfless decisions, be my greed."

I held my breath for a moment. "Then be the same for me..." sagot ko sa kanya. He gazed into my soul and bobbed his head.

"But why are you saying this...?" kunot-noong tanong ko.

"You know the saddest thing in this plan?" he asked, instead.

"Hmm?"

"It's either you die a hero, or you live long enough to be the villain."

It gave me goosebumps. The hidden meaning of those words... I felt my heartache, I couldn't answer, and he only offered me a small smile.

But my eyes widened when he unexpectedly hugged me from the back to ease the tension!

"Kainggit sila bibiloves, ako rin dapat, dali!" Akakios and I automatically glimpsed at Biblee and Akira when we heard her voice. She was smirking mischievously while looking at the two of us, and Akira had that eyes that were teasing.

Akakios suddenly separated at me, like I was the one who initiated the skinship. Humagalpak kaagad ng tawa si Biblee, at iiling-iling na nakangiti si Akira. "Akakios!" I screamed at him a little, and he laughed, trying to cover his face and body from the flowers I had been throwing him.

"Hey, the flowers will get hurt..." Akakios pouted at me. Imbis na mainis, bigla na lang akong natawa!

Kainis, bakit ang cute? Parang s'ya pa 'yong iiyak kasi nasaktan 'yong pinakamamahal n'yang mga halaman.

"Plant tito at its finest!" Biblee teased Akakios laughingly.

"Mali, flower boy, dapat," Akira also joked while cackling.

"Apir!" I stood up joyfully and high-fived with the two, while Akakios threw his head back, laughing at us softly.

"Hey! Babalik na ang mga gwardya! Itago n'yo na!" mabilis na sabi ng mga namumuno. We all nodded, and everyone moved to hide the decorations that we were doing for the event.

Akakios also went to the other parts of the South to see how they were doing and help. He'd always done that, and we were doing that, too, but for now, our help was more needed in the community for the preparations.

There was something so weird after the death of the innocent child. Yes, the village became lively and they were like the same, but there was an atmosphere. Their gazes and even their simple daily living screamed something that we couldn't pinpoint.

Whenever we'd ask Jessette and the others, they'd only tell us that we were just overthinking, and it was still the same. But I swore, that made it more suspicious.

"Ang tagal na natin dito... kumusta na kaya sina Ate?" Biblee suddenly asked me a night before the event. I sighed and nodded. We were outside the house, sitting in a log. Just feeling the fresh breeze and watching the sparkling stars.

"They are fine, I am sure; I just hope we'll finally see the end to this step," I murmured quietly.

"I can feel it, kahit hindi ako si Madam Auring, basta alam ko ang ganda ko." I glanced at Biblee and she was serious with what she was saying, I couldn't help but prevent a chuckle. "They are already aware that they needed to step up against the Marquis; they will fight, in their own will."

"Sana nga," I retorted with what she stated.

"Hindi na sana 'yan, Ate! Ako pa! Malakas maka-feels 'to, tamo nga lakas no'ng pakiramdam ko na magiging kami ni Akira, eh!" I cackled with her strong confidence about it. Sabi n'ya eh, tunay naman na naging sila nga ni Akira.

"Then, let me trust your intuition," I joked around her.

"Solstice." We both looked back and saw Akira at the door entrance, who was holding a glass of milk. "Here." He walked towards us and sat beside Biblee before giving her the glass of glass. I beamed silently.

"Thank you!" Biblee told her boyfriend happily. She drank from the glass immediately.

"Is Alas still at the office of the South's leader?" Akira queried calmly. I nodded. He was a little late today, probably, because the day of the festival would be tomorrow. They might be dealing with more things today.

Akira wrapped his arms around Biblee, and she leaned on him. "I had a lot of realizations while staying here," he started while looking at the sky.

"Kung gaano mo ako gusto pakasalan, bibiloves?" hirit ni Biblee. Sabay kaming natawa ni Akira.

"Baliw," we chorused and Biblee pouted at us.

"Nah, I realized how lucky our upbringing was..." Natahimik si Biblee sa sinabi ni Akira. "We never worried about eating, what to wear, even drinking water. But here, they always do," malungkot na dagdag nito.

"I've taken things too lightly. I thought we are just here to do our tasks, but suddenly I feel connected with these people. I badly wanted to protect their smiles and their lives... I hoped that one day they'd be... free."

Biblee nodded to concede. "Sobra. Akala ko rin talaga madali lang sila kumbinsihin. Alam mo 'yon simpleng kembot dyan, simpleng power of words, here and there, pero iba pa rin pala talaga. Dapat may gawa, hindi lang puro salita."

I cackled at them because they were so right with what they were saying.

"I wouldn't mind taking this long journey, if the end would be worth it," I said to them as the wind brushed our skins.

"Let's see the end with them..." Biblee mentioned emotionally. And Akira and I looked at her. Yeah, we would, we would definitely would.

Hindi pa rin dumadating si Akakios kaya naman pumunta na kami sa loob. Biblee said her good night to Akira. Before I went inside my room and Biblee's, I saw Akira kissed Biblee's forehead and hugged her.

Humiga na rin ako sa kama at no'ng pumasok na si Biblee humiga na rin s'ya sa tabi ko.

The night was peaceful, and when the morning came. I felt a weird emotion inside of me. I felt restless, maybe because it was so weird with the Marquis's people around.

Aalis sila ngayong araw, at babalik bukas ng umaga. They were going to change the guards. And that meant that the festival was going to be tonight, too.

Naglinis muna ako nang sarili at no'ng matapos, dumiretso sa kusina. I saw Akakios with his back on me cooking our breakfast. I automatically smiled, and went to him to give him a back hug. "Morning..." I murmured, he chuckled and greeted me back.

"Morning, how's your sleep?"

"Okay lang. You? You stayed late last night. Is it the Saude?"

"Yeah, just for tonight's festive. I tried to convince him again, but he still said no. And all those interrogations about who I am to decide their fate."

I pouted. Why were the people in here so stubborn? Wait, I knew someone who were just as stubborn as them. "Mana yata lahat ng mga nandito sa Mama mo, Aki," I told him and he barked a soft laughter.

"Multuhin ka ni Mama, eh, sinisiraan mo s'ya sa anak n'ya," Akakios joked and I slapped his back lightly.

"Aw, Silhoue!" he acted hurt, while cooking. I rolled my eyes at him. As if.

He proceeded cooking while I helped him. "I also talked to Lolo yesterday; he told me that some Pasaways are worried about us, and they are doing well. They are helping a lot of people discreetly, and they are also training well and doing their other tasks."

"As they should," malamig na sagot ko.

"Not even praising them?" Akakios nudged on me a little.

"It's their responsibility, and doing that doesn't always need praise," I stated frankly, and Akakios cackled.

"Good morning!" Biblee's voice echoed and she was followed by Akira whose hair was dripping wet. "Morning," simpleng bati nito. We waved at them, and they automatically helped for breakfast.

The day went well; everyone was in a celebratory mode because there were no Marquis people around, and they were busy cooking a massive amount of foods and dishes for the little celebration. They were also preparing for what they needed to do for the festival.

Nawala lahat ng alalahanin ko panandalian. They were just so cute and joyous. They were really waiting for this event. It felt like this was their own way of showing rebellion and freedom. Yeah, although the spirit of their hope was flickering, it was still there. We just needed to fan it ablaze.

All-day long, all we did was laugh and prepare together. It was like the first time the village was so alive. Everyone was dancing funnily, and they were even joking around each other. The children's laughter was heaven to hear; they were playing around and singing.

"This is the first time I saw them so alive!" Biblee exclaimed. "And do you think it's because the of the festival? Because they are doing their culture and tradition?" she added, looking so amazed at how colourful and bright everyone was.

"Maybe," I answered while shrugging my shoulder.

"Tara, hija! Iindak mo!" one lola told Biblee, and Biblee danced with her happily. They all laughed because of the silly dance Biblee did.

"But maybe because they are free and there are no Marquis people nor eyes watching them," bulong ko sa sarili habang inaayos ang mga pagkain na dadalhin mamaya.

The children were playing some kind of games, and they were wearing flower crowns; it was so heartwarming to see. Akira and Akakios went ahead to help the men in the South to prepare for the huge celebration.

Akakios might be late in the festival later, I knew he would accompany Tinsel Saude, and according to the people, Tinsel would often arrive during the middle of the celebration because he was making sure that no one would ruin it. They were still wary of the Marquis; they couldn't let their guards down.

THEN the time finally came!

Biblee and I were dressed in cream dresses that were up to our knees. However, the back part of my dress was up to my ankle. Biblee was so pretty in that simple dress. She looked like a fairy. I braided her hair to make her look prettier.

"Wow, thank you, Ate!" masayang sabi ni Biblee matapos tingnan ang sarili sa salamin. She hugged me and I hugged her back. I also braided my hair with Biblee's little help. Then we both went out of the room.

Napanganga yata kaming dalawa no'ng makita si Akakios at Akira.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Akakios; I thought he was going with Tinsel Saude later.

"Nah, just dropping by to make sure I give this to you." Then he held my hand and suddenly tied a flower around my right wrist.

"They say that you should give this to your lover during this festival, to make sure you'd be together for a lifetime. I couldn't miss this chance," he told me in a heartfelt voice. And I smiled at him, but his eyes were so focused on fixing the flower that he tied to my wrist.

"Enjoy the night, Silhouette." Pagkatapos hinila n'ya ako papalapit sa kanya para yakapin. "You look so beautiful..." he whispered in my ear. I hugged him back.

"I love you..."

"I love you, too," he retorted, and we both smiled at each other.

Akira, on the other hand, also tied the flower around Biblee's wrist without saying anything. Biblee was so red and was staring at Akira intently, like she was memorizing his face.

"Teka, ba't wala kang speech?! Si Alas may pa-speech!" Biglang imik ni Biblee no'ng matapos itali 'yon ni Akira at marahang ibaba ang kamay n'ya.

"Binigyan ka na nga, magde-demand ka pa?" sagot ni Akira at sinamaan ng tingin si Biblee.

"Wow, napipilitan ka?!" Biblee's mouth hanged open, and we laughed at her. Akira shook his head while laughing.

"What speech, now?" Irap n'ya kay Biblee.

"Kung gaano mo ako kamahal, gano'n!" masayang-masayang suggest ni Biblee, habang nakayakap lang si Akakios sa akin mula sa likod habang pinapanood lang namin sila. I was caressing Akakios, hand on my tummy.

"Then... I don't need a speech," Akira said with shrugging his shoulders.

"What?! Tamad ka lang magsalita! O baka gusto mo ako na rin gumawa ng speech mo? Ay nako, dapat may advance notice ako sa kasal natin ha? Willing naman ako gumawa ng kodiko, para sa wedding speech mo, para naman maiyak si Tatay lalo at ma-touch, 'tapos 'di n'ya alam sarili n'yang anak gumawa no'ng speech, wahahaha—!"

My eyes flew wide open, and I automatically removed Akakios' hug to cover his eyes with what just happened!

"Silhoue!" Akakios laughed at me while I was covering his eyes with my palm, and I was sneaking at Akira and Biblee with an evil grin.

"Aki!" asar na sigaw ko no'ng bigla n'ya ring tinakpan ang mata ko!

Paano kasi biglang hinalikan ni Akira si Biblee sa labi habang nagdadaldal si Biblee, kaya ayon, natahimik 'yong isa. And damn, Akira didn't mind that we were around, and he even held Biblee's small back to get her closer to his body.

"Kulit!" Akakios told me when he finally caught my hand trying to cover his vision and how he laughed at Biblee, who looked flustered, and Akira, who was just grinning after that freaking long and soft kiss!

"I told you, I don't need a speech; I'd rather make you speechless," Akira told Biblee, then wiped her lower lip using his thumb.

Napalunok naman ako do'n. Ibang klase pala talaga 'to si Akira! Akala ko chismis lang ni Luna 'yong sinasabi n'yang whipped 'to kay Biblee! Jusko! Sabi ko nga, kay Luna lang talaga ako maniniwala. 'Yon ang pinaka-legit source.

Si Justice kasi kapag nangchichismis, sa kanya nagiging pabor 'yong storya.

"Kung nandito si Cleon, nakasigaw na 'yon ng ay por—" My instinct kicked in and I covered Akakios's mouth because of what he was saying! My gosh! Kailangan ko na talaga 'tong ilayo sa Pasaways!

I tapped his lips lightly. "What? What? What?" panghahamon ko sa kanya, kaya naman bigla silang nagkatawanang tatlo sa akin.

"Why are you inggit?" Akakios laughed at me. "You can just tell me, Silhouette," he teased me and I felt like blood rushed to my face. My gosh!

"Nako, bibiloves, nahihiya yata si Ate, tara bibigyan natin ng privacy!" tawang-tawang sabi ni Biblee kaya sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin.

Biblee, instead of giving us the privacy she teased about, suddenly went closer to me and whispered. "Paano mo hindi natitiis halikan 'yan si Alas, Ate? Eh, jusko! Titigan mo lang, kaakit-akit na kaagad ang mukha!"

Mabilis ko s'yang nabatukan dahil do'n. "Biblee, Biblee, Biblee!" I pinched her cheeks and she was laughing at me while I was doing that. Akira also cackled but soon took Biblee away from me. I smirked mischievously at him, but he shook his head while rolling his eyes.

"What now, Miracle?" Akira asked me.

"Wala sabi ko saan mo nakukuha ang lakas ng loob mo," I kidded and Akakios suddenly grabbed my wrist to pull me closer to him.

"Really? Don't worry, if you want something like what Solstice experiences, then I'll be glad to teach Alas more." Akira barked a laughter, and I threw him a glare. He just waved at me and pulled Biblee with him.

Lumabas silang dalawa habang tumatawa. Akala ko hanggang do'n lang pero biglang bumalik si Akira habang nakahawak pa rin sa kamay ni Biblee.

"Hey, Alas, you might want to make her speechless, too—" Muntik ko nang mabato ng sapatos si Akira sa pinagsasabi n'ya kay Akakios! Geez! I heard the laughter of those two as they went back outside.

"Geez, Akira's like Biblee na rin, nahawa na s'ya sa kalokohan no'ng maliit na 'yon!" reklamo ko habang naka-pout.

"Geez, my Silhoue's like me na rin—a little conyo, huh? And you are not the one to talk about heights," Akakios mimicked me, and I glared at him and tried to punch him on the chest but he caught my other wrist effortlessly.

"Sama ka kasi nang sama sa trio! Conyo ka na rin! At saka ano?! Ano'ng sabi mo tungkol sa height ko?! Tss! Despite this height, I command the whole gang, and I... am... still... the... moon..." Hindi ko na maituloy 'yon sinasabi ko no'ng napalunok ako.

He freaking traced his thumb on my lower lip while I was saying that! Sino'ng hindi babagal magsalita?! Sino'ng hindi matatahimik?!

Then Biblee's words echoed. Damn, how really did I managed to resist kissing him from just staring at his face?! His freaking godly face!

"Can't believe that I am currently holding my whole life, right now..." he murmured while his breathing was ragged.

I closed my eyes as I slowly circled my hand around his nape. I heard his sounding smirk before claiming my lips gently. Para akong matutunaw sa ginawa n'ya. It was just so sincere and passionate. I tip-toed because of our height difference.

Halos habulin ko ang hininga ko no'ng pakawalan n'ya ako. I opened my eyes and met his gaze.

"Be careful, okay?" I nodded at him, and I felt him gave me another peck on the lips.

"Let's go," I mentioned and he nodded.

Magkahawak-kamay kaming lumabas ng bahay, at mukhang nag-aasaran lang si Akira at Biblee sa labas. Akira was smiling just looking at Biblee though. It was heartwarming to see.

"Oh, andyan na! Ang bilis naman!" Biblee exclaimed. "Akala ko aabutin ng syam-syam eh!" loko pa nito. I rolled my eyes at her jokingly.

"Akira, please take care of Silhouette," Akakios told Akira gently.

"Rest assured," Akira retorted.

"Thank you."

Akakios removed my hand from him, and I walked towards the other two. Akakios and me both waved at each other, and we finally went separate ways because he still needed to go back to the Saude's leader. It won't matter, we'd still meet him later.

Naglakad kami nina Biblee at Akira papunta sa pagdadausan ng festival. We also saw other people who were moving their way to the place. Jessette and Precious were already there; they were part of the ones who would dance.

The people greeted us, and they were all delighted. They have different flowers on their hair or flower crowns. Mapapangiti ka na lang kasi ang ganda-ganda at ang sigla-sigla ng lahat. We also rode a horse with a carriage, because it was a little far from here.

Nagkukwentuhan lang kami nina Akira, at Biblee habang nakasakay ro'n.

At first, they told us that there would be a silent prayer. Then they would offer a song of praise. Pagkatapos no'n saka sasayaw 'yong mga lalaki, 'tapos mga babae. After that performance, the Tinsel Saude would probably arrive with Akakios.

Then it would be a good celebration after. They would eat and have fun in there. Usually, couples would dance around, too, like a cotillion. It was such a simple but rich tradition to them, and they were treasuring it—especially the dances.

"Excited na ako!" Biblee said with a huge bunny smile.

"Palagi ka namang excited," Akira retorted while chortling.

"Sabay, may point ka nga naman Akira." Nakipag-apir ako kay Akira matapos no'n kaya naman nag-pout kaagad si Biblee.

"Nako, bibiloves, hwag mo na tuturuan si Alas ha?" Nagkatawanan namin kami lalo dahil do'n.

Hindi rin nagtagal nakarating din kami sa lugar kung saan gaganapin ang pyesta. Punong-puno na kaagad ng mga ilaw at mga makukulay na bagay ro'n. Napanganga kami ni Biblee dahil sa ganda no'n.

The church made of stones was shining because of the small beads-like lights that were colour white. There were also different lights around the area that was glowing in white-orange, and there were different arcs of flowers that we made a few days ago.

There were even lamps around, and in one of the fields, there were a lot of tables with different foods and people talking, laughing, and conversing happily. The children were on the other side of the field, and they were running merrily and playing with each other.

Sa harap ng simbahan, may kulay puting tela o parang banig. There were glasses of candles around the outline, making it glow in square. It was huge. It was like a stage!

"Hi!" Biblee and I were so delighted to see Jessette and Precious. We were astonished at how they looked so pretty! Their fair complexion, their plum lips, and their round eyes were in a shade of the lightest brown.

"Hello!" masayang bati ni Biblee. "Dito kayo sasayaw?!"

"Oo, mga Ate! Ang ganda 'di ba?!" masayang sabi ni Precious. They were both wearing cream dresses, and they have veils on their heads with flowers around them. It was so beautiful! They looked like fairies—or more like young goddesses!

"Tara do'n! Magsisimula na rin 'to!" aya sa amin ni Jessette at sumang-ayon naman kami.

The people greeted us warmly and in the most welcoming way. They were hugging and complimenting us. Akira also joined the other men in place, and they were helping with the people who brought fruits and other things.

They were placing the alays in the table on the side of the 'stage' that we saw earlier.

It was already so fun, and we were having the time of our lives. Halos nagkakasayawan na ang lahat at ang mga bata ay nagtatawanan. It was so different! Para silang ibang tao, ibang nayon! Sobrang layo nila ro'n sa araw-araw naming nakikita at nakikisalamuha.

They were just so... alive right now.

I saw Akira glancing and smiling at Biblee, who was dancing with the children in a circle. I didn't know why but those two glimmered so brightly in the crowd like they could find each other so easily. I couldn't help but smile.

While Biblee was playing around, I helped the others around, and I talked to them, too, laughing our hearts out. It was so fun. I felt like I was really part of them.

If Akakios's mother and father were seeing this? I felt like their hearts would be proud and at ease.

Sobrang dami no'ng nandito. I couldn't believe it! There were more than hundreds of people who were celebrating with us! Wow! They were really looking forward to this! Halos hindi na mapawi ang ngiti ko sa labi.

Ilang saglit lang biglang tumunog ang kampana mula sa simbahan. Everyone's noises died down. They all went to the front of the stage and around it. They gathered quietly, and the three of us stood afar from them, just watching them on the sidelines.

One person announced that they would now start the prayer.

Sobrang tahimik ng lahat. Parang walang tao sa lugar. They were closing their eyes and they were praying devotedly. I was in awe watching how solemn and powerful they looked. You knew that they were connected to each other in heart and mind.

It was a long prayer, and it was so heartwarming. They gave thanks, praise, and said sorry. Their voices were so one and full of emotion. Kikilabutan ka rin dahil sa nasasaksihan.

After that long solemn prayer, they all started to cheer.

Pagkatapos nagkaro'n ulit ng isa pang kalembang. As if on cue, they all started singing a hymn. I felt goosebumps all over my body while they sang cheerfully. Although the lyrics was so sad. It was the first time I heard that song. It had such a powerful impact in my heart.

After that, heart-melting and powerful song. They started to clap and cheer around.

"Woah!" Biblee exclaimed.

"They really prepared for this," Akira added while cackling.

"Sinabi n'yo pa." I couldn't help but agree.

Some were now playing instruments, and the men who were participating in the dance started to go to the stage. It was such a good dance. Mapapaindak ka rin sa tunog nito. They have masks that looked joyful with all the smiling and silly faces.

Kapag bumibilis ang tugtog, bumibilis din ang sayaw, pagkatapos kapag bumabagal 'to, bumabagal din sila.

A patterned clapping also started because the audience was enjoying the performance. We couldn't help but join, too! Ang saya-saya lang, hindi mapawi ang ngiti sa labi ng lahat nang nandito.

"Hala! Ang galing!" Biblee exclaimed when we saw how someone jumped and did a backflip in the middle. "Kaya mo 'yon bibiloves?" Biblee teased Akira, who was at her back, also enjoying the celebration.

"That's easy," Akira retorted, and we chuckled jovially.

Everyone was either dancing along or clapping. There were peals of laughter, too. It took almost five more minutes before it was finally done.

"Aw! Bitin!" sabay na sabi namin ni Biblee kaya nagkatawanan kami.

"Encoreee!" Biblee shouted gleefully.

"Woooo!" the crowd cheered, too.

Pero umalis pa rin sila sa stage, at biglang nag-iba ang tunog ng musika. It was suddenly a slow music that was enticing. Then the girls hit the stage.

"Woah!" I exclaimed; their movements were so fluid and flexible! They were dancing in a slow instrumental, but it was so satisfying to watch! Talagang tititigan mo ang bawat galaw nila.

Even the tip of their finger seemed like dancing in a flow. It was so magical! And when the song slowly became intense and fast, their movements followed! And they were so in synch!

"Hala! Dancerist pala 'tong sina Precious at Jessette! Ilalaban ko 'to kina Pierce at Thorn!" Halakhak ni Biblee.

"Isusumbong kita kay Gabby at Katniss," I retorted laughingly.

"Ay, nanlalaglag!"

We laughed at each other and clapped with the music and cheered for them!

Tumatalon-talon pa kami ni Biblee kasi sobrang daming tao, minsan hindi na namin makita. Natatawa na lang si Akira sa likod namin sa ginagawa namin.

But then—I suddenly froze on my feet.

"Akira. Biblee." Nakita ko kung paano nakuha ni Akira at Biblee ang ibig sabihin ko.

They felt it, too.

They felt that strange feeling in the air. I felt goosebumps all over my body, as my heart beat doubled.

Mabilis kaming umalis sa kinatatayuan namin. Sinuyod ng mga mata ko ang buong lugar. I saw children that were playing on the side without the adults. Akira and Biblee carried all of them and put them in the middle where adults could see them.

There was no enemy in sight, but I knew something was wrong.

The freaking pressure in the air was so palpable that it alerted all my senses!

There was a freaking killing intent in the air!

It was a smell of bloodlust!

I searched for the vast place, not minding the people that I was bumping against. I lowered my aura that I turned invisible in the eyes of people. I saw Biblee passed by me, looking for the source of that killing intent, but she didn't notice that I was around, too.

Mabilis akong pumasok sa simbahan. There was no one inside. I sped up and search every nook and cranny. There was nothing. I went up and watched the whole place that was so bright and celebrating for their festival.

There was no one! Isang lingon ko lang sa paligid alam ko na kung may kalaban o wala. Pero ni wala akong mahagip ngayon! Then why was there a tremendous pressure if there wasn't anyone suspicious?!

I went out of the church, and it was so easy to pass by because I was nimble and invisible. No one noticed me at all. But I showed my presence when I saw Biblee and Akira talking on one side.

"Ate Mira!"

"Miracle!"

They both exclaimed. I shook my head at them.

"There is no one suspicious. I searched at the tables, too," Akira mentioned while shaking his head.

"Same here; I managed to put the children and elderly in the crowd, though," Biblee informed me. I nodded at them.

"Make sure to protect the people. I will try to search again. Damn, the intent is not disappearing. It's getting stronger." My jaw clenched automatically, and Biblee hugged herself because of the sudden goosebumps.

We quickly split up, and I tried to hunt for the enemy around. I calmed myself down and closed my eyes while I lowered my aura so I could be invisible again. I also alerted myself while breathing gently. I analyzed where the intent was coming from.

Then suddenly, I felt it strongly on the crowd.

Hindi ako nag-aksaya ng oras at mabilis na pumunta sa pinanggagalingan no'n. My eyes widened when I ended up in front of the men with masks who danced earlier. I counted them but it was still the same number!

I went around them, without them even noticing me. They were all wearing different masks and I could remember all of it from earlier. Mas pinagmasdan ko pa sila habang naglalakad. The killing intent was so decisive in here!

Then I stopped when I saw a hand. A hand that had a cut...

I didn't hesitate and immediately grabbed that man's hand. The mask that faced me shouted a shocked expression. And I took that mask out of his head. And his eyes widened with what I did. Namutla ang mukha n'ya dahil hindi n'ya akalain na may tao sa harap n'ya.

The ones who were around us were so confused. They only started noticing me because of what I did, but soon their eyes faded from me, and they stared at the one I was holding.

"Sino ka?!" sigaw ng isang lalaki. "Nasaan si Gil?!"

Damn. I cursed inside my head. That was why I grabbed this man! I knew Gil was the owner of this mask, but the hand that I saw wasn't his, and it even had a cut! Gil... fuck... where was Gil?!

Walang alinlangan kong sinakal ang lalaki at nagulat ako no'ng may kutsilyo ito, at mabilis na tingangkang isaksak sa akin 'yon. I quickly caught it before it cut through my face, but he was so powerful!

Damn, Domain!

I kicked him in the stomach, causing me to be invisible from the eyes of the crowd, and they all looked at him. Damn, I just couldn't kill this man with all the people watching us! There were even children around!

The men removed their masks, and they went near him. "Sino ka?!" sigaw nila. The guy suddenly grabbed something from his pocket. But the one who was holding him suddenly pushed him to the crowd! Hindi ko nagawa ang dapat kong gawin!

"H'wag!" asar na sigaw ko! Mabilis akong tumakbo papunta ro'n sa lalaki at nagawa ko 'yon ng walang kahirap-hirap dahil walang nakakapansin sa akin.

"Darn!" matigas na mura ko!

I managed to throw a knife to the hand of the guy and it pierced through his palm causing him to drop the whistle he was holding! But I was a second too late, because he managed to blew a loud howl from that little thing!

I stopped on my track when that thing happened so fast because of the feeling that I got.

It was like my heart went out of my chest to suddenly beat a loud thug causing an alarm in my system!

Because of how I attacked that man, people screeched around in shock. Then the man laughed hysterically.

"Fuck you, bastards!" he screamed so loudly. "Tonight, you will all burn in hell!"

Kakaibang kilabot ang bumalot sa akin dahil sa lakas at tindi nang pagkakasigaw n'ya no'n. I gritted my teeth and stayed invisible in the crowd that was so confused with everything that was happening.

I took the knife that was on his hand, and everyone gasped because they saw me a little because of what I did. But then, they started to whisper to each other as my presence faded again naturally. I stabbed that guy's mouth before he could mutter anything again. Some blood splattered on my hand and dress.

When I finished doing that, I stood up and walked away from that dead guy.

Napasigaw ang lahat ng makita nila ang lalaki. Pero tinanggal ko ang pagiging mahina ng awra ko. I showed myself to them with eyes staring at them blankly.

"If you want to live tonight... you will hide... and you will fight. And that should be commenced in... three..." Everyone was so shocked, and they didn't know what to do, but with just one glare, they all started to move around according to what I said.

"Two..." I felt the enormous killing intent in the air that was more apparent to the people than earlier.

Medyo nagkagulo dahil sa naramdaman nila ang takot na 'yon. Nakita ko sa Akira at Biblee na kumikilos para tulungan ang mga tao, lalong-lalo na ang mga bata at mga nakakatanda. They were doing their best, although people were starting to panic.

I also toned down again so I could find the enemies around.

"One..." I whispered the last number for the countdown, and my eyes widened with the next thing that ensued.

Natigilan ako nang sobra at halos hindi makapaniwala.

Fire.

Arrows.

Arrows on fire.

Everyone was shouting and in despair when those arrows landed on the soil, at the church, at the lights, and at the crowd.

Hindi lang isang arrow 'yon. Napakarami no'n! At lahat 'yon umaapoy!

Parang bumagal ang lahat habang kumakabog nang husto ang puso ko habang nakikita kung paano tumatakbo, nagkakagulo at umaapoy ang lahat dahil sa pangyayari! It was deafening to hear their cries and shrieks!

Pinilig ko ang ulo ko at mabilis na nag-isip ng paraan.

I wanted to instruct everyone to go to the church, but the church itself was starting to be eaten by fire. I couldn't think of any plan. But I wanted to save people!

Mabilis akong tumakbo at kinuha ang mga batang nag-iiyakan. I put them in the safest place out of the commotion, and some adults went to them to carry them out. Then I suddenly remembered Gil, Precious and Jessette.

I quickly scanned around and saw Jessette on the stage with fire everywhere. She was crying while hugging Precious. The other girls around her were also trying to escape and pushing others just to flee from the fire.

I ran towards them to save them while everyone was frantic for their lives. When I was near them, I turned myself visible.

"Jessette! Precious!" I yelled to them. They lifted their heads. The fire was so intense already!

"I'm gonna get you out of there, okay?!" I told them, and they both cried, nodding their heads. Then they stood up while hugging each other.

I went to the other side because there was no way to cross the fire on the front. Habang tumatakbo ako ro'n kita ko ang pagsunod ng tingin nilang dalawa sa akin. I smiled at them trying to reassure them.

I took some water that I saw from the side and tried splashing it on the fire that was enclosing the two of them. Napaubo-ubo na rin ako sa laki ng apoy. There were a lot of candles, lights and flammable around because of the festival, that was why the fire was spreading so fast.

While I was doing my utmost best to save them and those who were around me, another round of arrows with fire flew from the sky to land here.

I was about to cross the fire, separating Jessette and me. But time suddenly slowed down from my eyes, and it stopped when I saw the devastating thing that happened next.

"Jessette!" I roared loudly.

"Precious!" I cried frantically.

The arrow... one arrow pierced through Jesette's heart while it was on fire. I saw how she looked at me with those eyes that were screaming help and how she slowly fell to her demise.

Precious, on the other hand, was so traumatized with what happened to her sibling, and she slowly knelt down with hands on her mouth. She started crying hysterically, but another arrow flew... and it penetrated on her back...

It set her on fire; her agonizing scream was deafening.

"Jessette! Precious!" I wailed their names out. I tried my best to save them. I was crying, trying to save Precious, but she pushed me because she was being engulfed by fire.

"Please..." I saw Precious mouthed. "Avenge us..."

And with her last words... she burned alive, and numerous arrows also landed on her again.

I was crying so hard, but I still saved those whom I could. Hindi ako makapaniwala na ang daming mga bangkay sa lugar na bigla na lang bumabagsak.

The arrows were nonstop, and the fire was growing. Biblee and Akira were both trying to save people. And prepared myself to attack those who were at fault for this crime. I gathered everything that could be helpful in trying to kill them. I got guns and knives on me, but I also picked up some arrows.

I ran towards the field that had tall grasses. That was where it was coming from.

But my eyes widened with the next thing that happened. There was a cry of attack from another part of the place! There were guards from the Marquis that was in the uniform, and they have spears and guns on them!

Mabilis nilang pinaputok ang mga baril at isa-isang bumagsak ang mga tao sa paligid. Bata. Matanda. Babae. Lalaki. Walang pinipili. Lahat namamatay habang sumisigaw at takot. Biblee and Akira fought them off.

And I stopped on my track from going to the ones who were setting the place on fire. I needed to save and help them here! Mabilis akong bumalik.

Itinago muli ang sarili. It was easy to approach enemies and kill them off because they wouldn't see me. I fought, and got their long guns, then fired them towards them. Inubos ko ang bala. Nakatindig lang ako. I was in an open field, but no one knew where the bullets were coming from because they couldn't see me.

They tried searching for me who was decreasing their numbers so fast, but I changed my position so they wouldn't know where I was coming from and it would cause confusion. Biblee and Akira managed to get more long guns and spears and also attacked the enemies.

I also did that, while trying to save people who were being assaulted by them.

Napakarami no'ng mga umaatake sa amin ngayon, pero hindi ko hinayaan na may mamatay pa. I was fast, and I was invisible. It made a huge difference. Although they overpowered and outnumbered us, they were dealing with a different enemy.

Halos sira na ang dress ko at napakadumi ko na, pero hindi ako tumigil sa pakikipaglaban. I went near them and would kick one on the stomach and the other on the face. I attacked them non-stop, and they were so troubled from where the attack was coming.

Biblee and Akira were gunning them down non-stop from afar. But I was fighting at them in close range. I jumped and took a gun out from an adversary, and punched him in the face, and threw a knife on his forehead before he landed on his back lifelessly.

There were children I was trying to save while fighting, and I managed to put them hidden from the thick table so the enemies wouldn't see them. Then I proceeded in going forward again, defeating each one.

Most were so strong that a punch and a kick wouldn't knock them down. Some were nimble that was why you couldn't just take them down in one bullet. It was on a different scale. If it were our regular enemies—in one bullet, you could kill three to five people. But here, you need an average of three bullets just to kill one.

What a force. Damn.

It was only Akira, Biblee, me, and other men and women from the South that fought. Some of them held guns for the first time, but they got a hang of it easily. The young ones that Akira, Biblee, and I trained were also fighting with us.

Marami man ang kalaban na dumadating hindi kami nagpatalo. Wala kang ibang maririnig kung hindi putok ng baril, sigaw, at ang pag-aapoy ng paligid. It was chaos. And there were a lot of dead people on the ground. It was bloody.

Halos ilang oras din kami nakikipaglaban, at no'ng halos lilima na lang ang natira sa pwersa nila saka ko lang napansin na wala nang mga palasong may apoy ang tumira sa lugar na 'to matapos 'yong pagtatangka kong pagpunta ro'n.

"Four," I counted down with an enemy being down from my bullets.

"Three," I said when Biblee accurately gunned down one man on his forehead.

"Two." Akira was the one who fired that to the enemy. They tried to fight us, too, but they couldn't do it because I went near the last one, without him noticing at all.

And without hesitation I fired my gun on his temple.

Tumayo ako at napahinga nang malalim matapos no'n. I ran fast towards where I left some children earlier, and I was relieved that they were safe but were all hugging each other and crying. They didn't notice me, but when I showed them my presence and scrunched down to hug them, they all cried and embraced me.

"Tulong po..."

"Save us..."

"Mama... Papa..."

Napatingin ako sa kalangitan na napakadilim at halos walang bituin. I threw the long gun that was near me and hugged the children. I tried to calm all of them. There were seven of them. I held hands with them to walk towards Akira, and Biblee.

Akira was instructing those from the South to save those who were injured and to gather the dead bodies in one place. He also told some to get some hose or any kind of water source because the church was still burning in a colossal fire, and the land and tables, and other parts of the place were even exploding in the flame.

"Miracle..." Akira mentioned when he saw me.

I smiled with teary eyes. And I looked at the children that I saved.

I felt a lump on my throat. Fuck... what if I didn't manage to save these kids like Jessette and Precious? Para akong nanghina dahil do'n.

Mabilis tumakbo si Akira sa akin at inalalayan ako. He removed the dirty cream coat that he was wearing and put it around me.

Biblee also went to me—she was in better condition than me. She was crying, and Akira automatically went to her, then hugged her tightly. "Damn... I was so worried about you..." Akira murmured.

Biblee cried inside his arms. "Si... Jessette... at si Precious..." she bawled and I didn't have the heart to hear it.

I put the children together with the women who were injured but were in better condition. I helped in doing the first aid. Parang sinasaksak ang puso ko kada makakakita ng bangkay. Their eyes were open... it was full of fear and anger.

Some people who managed to escape the fire of tragedy, slowly came back up. They were all crying trying to find their loved ones. They were devastated, and they were angry. Ang dami no'ng bumalik... I wanted to be in awe of how much still survive and how they still returned here, but it gave me heartaches instead.

They all gathered around us who were treating the injured. And they helped without saying anything. Some gathered the dead bodies, and they informed the loved ones about the tragedy that befall upon them.

They were crying, but they tried to damp down and extinguish the fire that was still spreading around. The teamwork automatically flowed in them. You didn't need to instruct them; they just knew what to do... like it had happened before.

And that honestly broke me more.

Everything was just destroyed. The church that was full of lights and grandeur earlier was nothing but on fire and was almost collapsing. The table filled with food was all over the place, some were broken to the core, and some were burned to ashes.

The grass was on fire in some parts. And there were bodies all around, lifeless.

Napapikit ako at saka pumunta sa lugar kung saan ko huling nakita si Jessette at Precious. I saw their bodies... inaayos 'yon no'ng ilang lalaki. Wala nang mga pana sa katawan, pero halos sunog 'yon at ang damit nila puro bahid ng dugo.

Masuka-suka ako sa nakita. Hindi makapaniwala.

I saw one arrow beside me and I held it. I slowly knelt down emotionlessly looking at them.

They were smiling, dancing, and having the time of their lives earlier... they were alive... but... how come they were suddenly like this right now? In a blink of an eye... in a blink of an eye... they were dead.

A strong grip on my throat and heart made me feel so numb. Then a body was placed near them.

"G-Gil..." Nanginginig ang mga kamay kong napakuyon ng kamao. I broke the arrow in a snap. I couldn't believe that even Gil was... sa suot n'ya pa lang alam mo na kaagad na sinaksak 'to sa puso nang walang awa.

Gusto kong umiyak nang pagkakataong 'yon pero hindi ko magawa.

Did I even have the right to mourn for them?

While I was drowning in grief and agony... we heard horses. And I stood up from where I was and saw a group coming towards where we were. They had torches with them, so it was easy to see them from the dark field and tall grasses.

Mabilis kaming tumakbo papunta ro'n. Akira and Biblee joined me. We were ready to fight again.

But I didn't feel any perilous intent from them. Instead, I felt rage towards what happened tonight. Pinigilan ko si Biblee at Akira na handa na sanang bumaril.

I instructed those who were from the South, who also had their guns ready to deter. They halted without questioning.

Namilog ang mga mata ko no'ng makita ko kung sino ang mga 'yon.

"Our Lord, Tinsel Saude!" narinig kong sigaw ng ilang mga taga-Timog.

"Akakios..." bulong ko sa hangin nang matanaw ko s'yang nakasakay sa kabayo na mabilis tumatakbo papunta rito.

When he saw me, he jumped out of the horse, although it was running, and enclosed me in his embrace immediately. Natulala lang ako at niyakap din s'ya nang mahigpit. Para akong nakahinga nang maluwag dahil ligtas s'ya.

"You are safe..." he murmured and kissed my forehead.

"Where were you?" I asked him.

And he looked back to the crowd with him. Do'n namin nakita ang mga bihag nila. Nakatali ang mga taong 'yon. Higit trenta. Lahat may busal at walang kawala. Napapalibutan ng ilang mga kalalakihan na may mga mahahabang baril at handang pumatay kapag may kumawala sa kanila.

When the Lord Tinsel Saude jumped off of his horse, I saw horror in his eyes. With what he witnessed looking at the place.

Ang tapang n'yang tingnan at matindi ang karisma na dala. Ngunit sa pagkakataong 'yon, tanging lungkot at galit ang makikita mo. He was mad and he was in grief.

"Silhouette... The people..." Akakios mentioned, almost breathless, looking at the people whose bodies were around, the fire, the catastrophe...

We all went back to the place near the church, and the ones who were guarding all the captives guarded them tightly and brought them to one area where they could never escape. Kumuha rin ang ilang gamit ang isang taong kasama nilang magbabantay. Mukhang papalibutan nila ng apoy ang mga 'yon para hindi makatakas.

We followed Tinsel Saude. He went to his people. Iyak kaagad ng mga 'to ang maririnig mo nang makita nila ang pinuno.

Akakios unconsciously moved away from my grasps looking at the devastation. He couldn't believe his eyes that this happened without his watch. Although, they still did save us because they captured the ones who set us on fire.

He probably knew what was happening in here when he saw those people and captured them. Honestly, if he didn't catch those who were setting us on fire, the more death we would conceivably have.

Everyone gathered around Tinsel Saude, who was speechless and filled with abhor just looking at the attack's result.

Napatigil kami sa gilid nila Biblee. Akakios was following Tinsel and he saw the dead's bodies in on place. I saw the anguish in his eyes. Napakuyom 'to nang kamao at nagtangis ang mga bagang. He looked so wrathful.

Then his sight saw Jessette, Precious, and Gil... I saw how he stopped breathing and how his eyes shook and watered.

"What... is... this...?" he asked unbelievably almost out of breath.

"Lord Tinsel... ano'ng nangyari... akala ko ba walang mga tauhan ng Marquis?" Napatingin si Akakios no'ng may isang babae ang lumuhod sa lider nila, nanay ni Gil. Nawarak yata ang puso ko dahil do'n.

The Tinsel Saude couldn't utter anything. One of his guards spoke. "'Yon din ang alam namin, pero biglang may sumugod sa kapital, kaya't natagalan kami rito. Habang papunta rito... nahuli namin ang mga sundalong gumagamit ng apoy na palaso kaya't hinuli namin silang lahat."

"'Yong anak ko... 'Yong anak ko... si Gil... paano na si Gil?" iyak nito habang nakaluhod hindi matanggap ang nangyari.

Suddenly everyone spoke almost all at the same time; they were all asking Tinsel Saude for the lives of their loved ones. They were all mourning. I saw how Akakios was watching all of it in the middle. The heartbreak must be so unbearable.

I felt Biblee hugged me while I remained stoic. She started weeping like everyone. And I couldn't blame her nor anyone here. I could only want the Marquis's head. That would be the only payment for this.

"When... are we going to stop mourning?"

In the middle of all the cries, a silent voice echoed through everyone's ears. We all felt it.

The aura of rage.

The aura of power.

The aura that would make you kneel.

But he was suppressing it badly because it would only cause more fear. Nevertheless, he got everyone's attention unintentionally.

"Aren't you tired...?" he asked everyone with a pained expression.

Everyone went silent and listened to him. Even Tinsel Saude couldn't react and was only gaping at him.

"Ask yourselves, why are you crying, and why are you mourning right now!" he bellowed while shaking in sadness and anger. His eyes glowed in pain. His radiance was brighter than anyone in here.

"Why are we the ones to suffer... when the evil acts were done by them?!"

His voice thundered in everyone's ears like a grieving cry. Mas lalong nag-iyakan ang mga tao sa paligid. Some broke down on their knees, and people who were hearing him talk, I saw it in their eyes... the eyes of shame and eyes of regret.

"Aren't you tired? We are not suffering in the hands of enemies outside of this rotten country!"

"We are all suffering because of our own people! Because of the ones who are sitting at the palace that you are so afraid of!"

Natahimik ang lahat sa isinigaw sa kanila ni Akakios nang buong-buo. Not only his words were powerful, but the way he said it gave me chills and various emotions.

"What did they teach you? To call the high officials to punish those who harm you?!"

"Then who do you call to punish the high officials?!"

I couldn't move, and I felt like everyone was also feeling Akakios rage.

"It is the people that you call!"

Akakios pointed at everyone with shaking arms. His face was so red with all the pent-up emotions he was keeping, but it exploded with this tragedy.

"It is the people and the whole nation that you call when you punish all of them! It is the revolution that we should shout, and they should hear!"

His voice was howling so loudly... so intensely! It was just so deep and full, and you'd feel knocked out with everything he was saying. Damn. Damn. Damn.

"Do you think it will be easy to do as you say?!"

"Do you think it will be that fucking simple!?"

"If we do that... do you even know the consequence!?"

Halos hinihingal na sigaw ng isang tao at pumunta rin sa gitna kung nasaan si Akakios. Bigla kaming napatingin lahat sa biglang nagsalita. It was Tinsel. He looked at Akakios with stern eyes. Isang hakbang lang pero kakaibang tensyon na kaagad ang bumalot sa paligid. Tinsel had that strong pressure effect, you knew that he wasn't just someone.

"In these turbulent times... do you want to put our people in more danger with your scheme?!"

"You are going to put us in hell!"

Nanggigigil na saad ni Tinsel kay Akakios. He was also shaking because of the intensity of his retorts and tone of voice.

I looked around, and everyone bowed their heads down with Tinsel's words. I felt a lump on my throat, too. Just one mistake, and this was already the aftermath... I understood Tinsel's words entirely.

I thought Akakios would not be able to retort because I knew he realized what Tinsel told him. But he suddenly laughed sarcastically and glanced around the people.

"In these turbulent times, you say," he started with a laughing tone.

"Don't you know that even being alive in this dangerous time is already as dangerous as hell...?"

I felt all the goosebumps in my body with what he asked Tinsel Saude. That softness in his question, but it made a thousand echoes of impact.

"Why, you might question. The answer is simple. Because you are the weak—because we are the weak!"

I shook with Akakios's answers and how he was conveying all his feelings to everyone—to the Saude. Pulang-pula na s'ya at halos nagtatangis ang mga bagang.

"I get that you are afraid and terrified by the strong ones, by the rich ones! Who wouldn't, right? The rich are so drunk in their privileged! They can do something evil or just one mistake but they still live!"

"And it is always the poor that suffers the casualties!"

"Don't speak like you know this country so much!" Dumagundong ang malakas na boses ni Tinsel sa sinagot ni Akakios.

"Don't speak like the elder's choice in the South is wrong! They are protecting us from the Marquis!" Tinsel bellowed with shaking hands and pointed out the elders.

Damn! The intensity of their exchange was insane!

"Then tell me what changed from their decisions!" Akakios shouted in so much rage.

His eyes were getting so red and dark.

"Tell me what was the result of that rule! Yes, some of you survived but there are more who died! Did you even live proudly?! No! You. did. not!"

Napaatras ang mga tao dahil sa tindi ng boses ni Akakios. I felt my eyes watering with how he was fighting for everyone in here, yet they couldn't see it. Tinsel was even viewing him as an enemy... It hurt me, and it was slowly breaking me...

"What you do for this nation isn't supposed to be only by the decree of the old! Because it is the young that perish!"

Kakaibang kilabot ang naramdaman ko nang isigaw 'yon ni Akakios habang itinuturo sina Jessette... sina Precious... sina Gil... na gustong lumaban, na gustong makalaya, pero huli na ang lahat para sa kanila...

Tinsel's eyes formed tears, he was heaving badly, and Akakios was breathing raggedly. Damang-dama ko 'yong emosyon nilang dalawa.

"End this suffering! Fight the Domain, stand up against them! You can never escape them if you are the ones choosing to be caged continually!" Akakios vociferated powerfully.

"That!"

"That is a crime!" The Tinsel yelled with so much emphasis!

"That is a grievous crime that will lead us to death!" malakas na sagot ni Tinsel habang nanginginig ang buong katawan.

Natahimik ang lahat sa sinigaw nito. Akakios even stopped what he was saying because Tinsel overpowered his voice. The tension rose more when Akakios lowered his head while shaking it lightly.

I shivered.

Everyone shuddered.

There was a long silence after that... no one dared to speak. Everything was so heavy.

But when Akakios slowly laughed and raised his head to look at Tinsel with a blank expression.

"Crime? Death?" he mocked laughingly.

"Those two don't have a connection! It is not the crime that decides whether you'll die or not!"

"It is your position in this rotten society—your hierarchy in this rotten country!"

He declared so vigorously while his whole upper body was shaking and how his veins in the face and neck looked like it was about to explode.

That showed his overwhelming emotions and how it was piercing through the hearts and minds of everyone.

"Because if crimes really do decide it... then why did these people die... instead of the sinful Marquis...?"

Nagsimulang umiyak ang lahat dahil sa mga sinabi ni Akakios. I slowly shed tears because of how everything he said pierced inside of my broken heart.

"It is not my sole decision to fight the Domain..." he trailed off then looked at everyone with those eyes that were bloodshot red.

"Choose. People of the South."

"Choose descendants of the Saude."

"Die without fighting... or die while fighting not just for you but for the children that would also live in this rotten land..."

"Either way... Either path... Bloodshed was the only constant thing..."

"It's in your hands now... the present and the future... I hoped you'll be able to bear the responsibility that comes with your decision..."

With that... Akakios finished what he was saying, and he went off from all of them.

Mabilis ko s'yang sinundan at naramdaman ko ang pagtingin ng lahat sa amin pati na rin ni Tinsel.

Kaagad kong hinawakan ang pulsuhan n'ya at pilit s'yang hinarap sa akin. He gritted his teeth badly, and shook his head while staring at me with reddened face, trying to stop himself from sobbing loudly.

He went closer to me, and he gently bowed his head to rest it on one of my shoulders. Without enclosing me in a hug, and just standing with a lowered head like that. I heard his heartbreaking weep. Napapikit na lang din ako nang mariin dahil do'n.

We stayed like that... and it was nothing but tragic.

"Akakios..." I whispered.

He raised his head to gaze at me. He still looked so pained.

"Tonight..." he murmured and glimpsed at the dead bodies... the place where the ones whom we treated as families and friends were laying.

"Tonight... I lost Jessette, Precious, and Gil..."

Umiiyak si Akakios habang sinasabi ang bagay na 'yon. Mas nagbagsakan ang mga luha ko. I bit my lower lip. I struggled to breathe...

"However... I gained them..."

Akakios continued and he glanced at the people who were looking at us with tears, but with something glowing in their eyes. Something that screamed decisions and changed.

"Please..." I started with a sob. "Don't blame yourself about their deaths. They weren't sacrifices, okay?"

He nodded. He was fully aware. He knew he wouldn't manage to save everyone. But he'd try to save those people that could and can be saved.

"I know... I'm fully aware. Instead, I'll push forward with them in my heart and mind. They weren't just casualties... they were the start of change, and the heroes..."

"That's right..." I consoled him and tried to fake a smile.

Yeah... heroes...

And you know the sad thing about heroes?

They die...

Because in this wicked world we were living in, in this disastrous world we were currently venturing, Akakios was aware that it wasn't going to be fair.

Because he once told me that the saddest thing in fighting the Domain and living in this world was...

You either die a hero... or you live long enough to be the villain.

And I was starting to feel afraid of how long we were going to endure this path. And on how we were going to change while we were taking this path.

Lost. Gain.

Choices. Consequences.

Neglect. Protect.

Step back. Move forward.

Something simple... huh? But right now... those simple words were starting to get heavy.

Kumawala sa marahang pagkakahawak ko si Akakios. His back was on me and he started to walk.

I thought he'd run away from the people who don't want change, but I saw him slowly carrying the lifeless child in his arms as he went to gather the other ones to make sure they'd be warm together.

Napaluhod ako habang nakikita ko s'yang ginagawa 'yon. He wasn't crying... but I covered my mouth and cried in his stead.

While he was bringing and mourning for all the children's bodies, the ladies, the men, and the elders... I heard him singing a song.

"The sun rises in the east fields of our land,
As the moon glows and sets in the west of our seas,
The wail of the pain echoes through the South mountains,
And the victory dawns on the North rocks and wind."

I felt goosebumps all over me when the sky suddenly offered tears while he was doing all that.

The people in the land suddenly started to make noise because the simple raindrops slowly turned to rain... slowly extinguishing the devastation.

"You, nameless sun and moon in the sky,
For who do you mournfully cry?
In the middle of this painful world,
Where do you go, and hide?"

I cried with the rain while I saw how lifeless Akakios was trying to save all those bodies and how he was closing the eyes of the dead that died unjustly. He continued singing in a voice that was just so... sad. The tone of that song gave me goosebumps and different feelings.

And while his sound was echoing, a figure brushed through me, and I saw how he went to Akakios.

"How do you know that song?!" Tinsel yelled at Akakios. Mabilis n'ya rin 'tong kinuwelyuhan. Kaya naman tumakbo ako ro'n para ilayo si Akakios sa kanya.

"Then may I ask you... how do you know the song that echoed during the death of Laurentius... And during the death of Agnyska?" he whispered lifelessly.

"How do you know the last song of Laurentius and Agnyska? How do you know the song that my mother offered to my father and to the South?"

Tinsel Saude's eyes widened and staggered back and fell to the grass. He looked at the sky and spread his arms on the sky as he yelled with the rain.

As he whispered the words...

"Agnyska... the sun... your sun is back on your land..."

***