Hi, good morning, crowns! I hope it won't be a confusing morning. Hehe.

⚠️ WARNING! Please read this chapter carefully. It has the majority of the answers to the previous questions about Silhoue & Alas, but not all. Other things will be revealed in the next upcoming chapters. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

Thank you so much for everything. And please do drop your comments, reactions, and yeah, queries. Help me! Hahahaha.

Sorry for all the errors. Sakit sa ulo. Haha.

Goodluck! 🤍

***

#TCS50: The Domain (Twisted Domain)

Kaagad akong pumunta sa likod ni Akakios at sinandal ang sariling likod sa kanya. I readied myself for the fight, and I counted how many they are. Four, which are my trainers, and another four in Akakios side. I simpered secretly, I knew the weaknesses and some mannerisms of my 'masters' in fights. This should be easy.

Everything was just so silent, and the only thing that I could hear was my breathing, and my heartbeat. Nagpapakiramdaman lang kaming lahat. Habang nanatiling nakatutok ang mga baril ng walong tao sa amin ni Akakios na nasa gitna.

"What's the plan?" I asked Akakios, not removing the gaze from the people around us. There was no way I could lessen my aura like before because Akakios is here. However, it is also in my advantage, because I don't what to battle them with my invisible self, I wanted a fair one, and this was the main goal of my training. To fight being seen. To fight with an aura that was powerful instead of lacking.

"There's no plan." I heard Akakios answered confidently. I suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline with his words. I never heard him so freaking assured, and vigorous. He'd always been kind and soft, but I gulped secretly feeling how he's changed.

Imbis na magsalita at makipagtitigan, mabilis akong kumilos at kinuha ang baril na dala-dala ko kanina galing sa kalaban na sumalubong sa akin. I saw how fast Tito Takashi's eyes shifted and followed the movement of my hand.

He fired the gun without hesitation, and I smirked, when Akakios expected that and grabbed me on the waist to put me up, and he dodge the bullet on his own. My jaw almost dropped on how good and accurate his moves are! Holy gosh! He was never like this before! What the heck happened when we were apart?

Kahit ang daming tanong sa utak ko, mas nag-focus na lang ako sa nangyayari sa harapan namin. I jumped, and did a backflip, and got the gun in my hand while in the air, and landed infront of Tita Misha. She was fast enough to duck the bullet I fired, and grabbed me on the wrist, wanting to punch me.

Mabilis kong nasalag 'yun at inikot ang katawan para makabwelo ng sipa, nahawakan n'ya kaagad ang ankle ko pero mabilis ko namang nakuha ang kutsilyong nasa gilid ng binti ko at mabilis na bumuwelo para saksakin s'ya. She backed away, and I felt Tito Takeshi suddenly pointed his gun at me.

Kaagad akong umiwas at mabilis na pinuntahan ulit si Tita Misha, at dali-dali s'yang inambangan ng magkakasunod na suntok at sipa. Nasalag n'ya ang ilan, pero karamihan ay tumatama sa kanya. Tito Takashi and Takeshi also joined me, and started to fight me with their combat skills instead of hiding behind the gun.

Halos hindi na masundan ng mga mata ko ang bilis ng mga kamay at paa nila sa salitan ng mga suntok, sipa, pati na rin mga combination. Natatamaan ako nang ilan pero hindi sapat para makaramdam ako ng sakit. Halos hindi ko na rin makilala kung sino ang sumusugod sa akin sa tindi ng laban.

I evaded one of the high kick they gave me, and I saw how Tita Misha had the gun pointing at me while at the back of Tito Takeshi. I smirked secretly, at mabilis na tumakbo papunta ro'n. She started firing the gun at me consecutively, I rolled on the floor, and proceeded in jumping high to dodge each bullet.

Halos sa pader na rin ako tumakbo sa sunod-sunod na bala na humahabol sa akin. When I was near her, Tito Takashi gazed at me dangerously, and also put up his gun directly on my face. I almost chuckled loudly.

I almost flew to jump the distance in between of us, at mabilis na tinadyakan ang baril n'ya pataas. Nagtagumpay naman ako at pumutok pa 'yung baril at mabuti na lang nakataas sa ceiling ang nguso no'n. I jumped high and got the gun on my hand. I immediately fired it at the two of them, but they were also fast enough to bolt out and escape each bullet.

Itinapon ko ang baril ng mawalan 'yun ng bala at naglakad papalapit sa kanilang tatlo, at mabilis silang sinalubong ng atake, halos itulak-tulak nila ako kaya kada tira at harap ko sa kanila ibang tao ang kaharap ko.

Tito Takeshi advanced in front of me to give me a roundhouse kick followed by an uppercut. I expected that combination, although I couldn't perfectly lunge at the kick, I was able to block his punch, and with all my force I grabbed his collar and put on my weight to my lower body, to pull him up on my back. Mabilis ko s'yang ibinabag sa sahig dahil do'n. I heard his little grunt.

However, I wasn't contented with it and I grabbed him again, almost throwing him to Tita Misha and Tito Takashi. Nang mapagtagumpayan ko 'yun, mabilis din silang nakatayo lahat habang tatawa-tawa.

"Dang, we really raised a monster." Iiling-iling na sabi ni Tito Takeshi at walang pasintabing sinugod ako nang sobrang lakas at bilis. Hindi ako nakailag, kaya't na-corner n'ya ako sa pader. I tried to trample on his feet, and carry his weight again, but he was fast enough to counter it. Inapaakan n'ya ang isang paa ko, at mabilis na nagpakawala ng suntok.

I lowered myself when he did that, that was why I heard cracks on the wall. Damn, monstrous strength. It would have wrecked my face. I also punched him on the stomach, and immediately evaded his next attacks. Halos magpalitan kami nang walang tigil na suntok, nang bigla na lang akong may nakitang kutsilyo na lumilipad papunta sa direksyon namin.

I used my force to trample Tito Takeshi, and changed our positions. I also titled my head to the side, and the knife buried on the wall, beside Tito Takeshi's face. Kaagad n'ya akong itinulak at sinipa sa binti, kaya't napahiga ako sa sahig.

He was on top of me, and the blade of the knife, he got from the wall was almost on the tip of my nose. I pushed him real hard, and threw some kicks, and managed to change our positions. Halos magpagulong-gulong kaming dalawa habang may kutsilyo s'yang hawak.

Tita Misha also targeted me again with the gun from my peripheral vision, and I rolled over. Para maging pansalag ko si Tito Takeshi, kaso mabilis ang pangyayari at nakatayo si Tito Takeshi, at mula sa likod naman ay sinugod ako ni Tito Takashi.

I jumped high circling my leg, and I landed exactly on his neck, and I managed to have my weight on him, and I continued doing the backflip, for him to circle around the air first, before dropping hard on the floor.

"So fucking fast." I heard him murmured, and I got ready to fight the three of them again.

They circled around me, and I was in the middle. I lowered my body to prepare for a kick, and they all went to attack me altogether. "Aaah!" sumigaw pa silang lahat kaya naman pagak pa akong natawa. I hurriedly, grabbed one of them, I didn't even know who because everything was fast pace.

Pinansalag ko ang nahawakan ko kahit nanlaban s'ya sa akin. Nagtagumpay naman ako at ang natataaman ng mga atake ay s'ya. I pushed the person, and didn't waste any second to jump high and throw kicks fast and effectively, like I was walking in the air, and like I was punching Tito Takashi's face with my feet.

He grabbed my feet, but I landed on his shoulders, and tried to swirl around with my weight, so he'd kneel down on his knees while pain because I was strangling his neck with my legs. Mabilis din si Tita Misha para tulungan si Tito Takashi, pero hindi ako nagpaawat, at hinuli ang kamay n'ya kahit nasa ibabaw pa ako ni Tito Takashi, para ibalibag s'ya sa sahig.

"Agh!" she grunted, and I punched Tito Takashi's back.

Umalis ako sa posisyong 'yun at nakakita ng dalawang baril malapit sa table. Tinakbo ko ang distansyang 'yun at nagtagumpay naman akong makuha 'yun. I raised both guns, and didn't waste any second to fire it at everyone who crossed my vision, aside from Akakios who was dealing with five opponents.

I swirled quickly while firing the gun at a speed but with full accuracy. Halos humanap ng pagtataguan sina Tito Takashi, Tito Takeshi, at Tita Misha.

I was doing that, when suddenly Akakios run to me, and grabbed me by the waist. He almost threw me up in the air, and horizontally. I fired the guns, to his rivals, and they also tried to hide because of how precise every bullet was despite, almost being in the air.

Akakios went near me and we faced each other to nod. Hinawakan n'ya ang isang kamay ko na may baril, at saka ngumisi. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng nangyari, pero halos mapaluhod lahat ng kalaban sa matinding panginginig.

Ni isa walang nakakilos sa kinatatayuan at kakaiba ang takot sa kanilang mga mata. I looked at Akakios and gulped when his eyes were like blazing in black. Nagsimula na rin akong makaramdam ng kakaibang kaba.

The hair on the back of my neck stood tall with the eerie feeling. It was a baleful killing intent released. Everyone's expression was almost catching for breath and fear was evident on their faces. Like they were asking to be spared from death. Although, they weren't afraid of death, but the one who was controlling death.

Napalunok ako at napaiwas ng tingin. I was so sure that if Akakios wasn't holding me, I'd also be on my knees.

Mabilis akong tumulong at itinutok ang baril sa bawat isa sa kanila. Pero hindi ko 'yun pinaputok. Akakios grabbed my hand tightly.

"Go!" one person yelled, and everyone although with expressions and weakened knees started crowding together near us.

I heard Akakios's smirked and he lessened his aura on purpose so they could fight us. Kakaibang kaba at gumapang sa dibdib ko. It was like he was just playing with them. Hindi ko rin maitatanggi na para din naman akong naglalaro sa pakikipaglaban sa kanila. I could fire at them, and we'd totally win, when they were weakened, and afraid of Akakios, but I didn't.

Kagaya ng inaasahan, mabilis silang sumugod sa aming dalawa. We didn't move away from each other, instead we helped in fighting together. Nagugulat na nga lang din ako kapag biglang sasalagin ni Akakios ang isang tira na nakalaan dapat sa akin. Kaya naman hindi ko rin hinahayaan na mapahamak s'ya.

When he'd lower himself to dodge, I'd throw my legs and kick the one he was trying to evade. Halos hilahin ko rin s'ya kapag nakikita kong may patalim o bala na tatama sa kanya. Sa sobrang bilis ng laban, hindi ko na rin alam kung sino ang kaharap ko at natatamaan ng bawat atake ko.

It was like we were doing some kind of magic and dance. Everything was fluid, accurate, and intense. Pero hindi ko pa nararamdaman ang pagod at pagkaubos ng hangin. I was just really enjoying the battle with them.

Why? Because they were more than worthy to become an opponent.

Hindi nila kami hinahayaan manalo, at talagang may ibubuga silang lahat.

Akakios grabbed my waist, and spun me in the air. Kaya naman kinuha ko ang pagkakataong 'yun para magbigay ng malalakas at walang katumbas na mga sunod-sunod na sipa. May ilang napaatras at natumba dahil do'n.

I'd even jump on Akakios back or shoulders to change positions and to manage throwing strikes, and pounce on them. The smile painted on my lips didn't vanish when I was combatting with Akakios against all these people. It was just so entertaining.

Idagdag mo pa na parang sobrang tagal na naming magkasama ni Akakios pagdating sa labanan, dahil kahit hindi kami mag-usap parang alam na namin ang sinasabi at mga kasunod na atake ng isa't isa. Who wouldn't enjoy this kind of battle?

While we were fighting almost rhythmically, I noticed something on the floor we were standing in. My forehead knotted, and I lowered myself to almost sit on the floor, disguising it as an attack, and grabbed it.

It was like a stick with a button. I hid it at my back, and stopped the assail. Akakios also lowered his guard, and the people surrounding us was breathing heavily looking keenly at the two of us. I slowly pressed the button.

And a siren echoed in the room. Everyone tried to find its source confusingly.

"This whole place will blow up in a minute. What a way to end, huh?" Natatawang sambit no'ng lalaking may katandaan na pero ni hindi man lang kakikitaan ng pagod o galos sa mga nangyari. The loud siren continued, and in a blink of an eye that old man was out of sight.

I felt Akakios hands intertwined with mine, and he pulled me to find an escape. Gano'n din ang ginawa ng ilan. We run in different directions, and we heard some kind of countdown. Tumakbo kami ni Akakios sa isang bintana at nagkatinginan.

Natawa ako nang marahan.

I pulled a gun that was in my pocket, and fired it at the glass window. It cracked, and slowly shattered in front of us. Tatalon na sana ako nang akin, pero nagulat ako nang hilahin ako ni Akakios sa pulsuhan at halos hindi ko nasundan ang kilos n'ya.

All I knew was, I was on his arms. Being carried like a princess, and he smiled sincerely at me, and jumped with me on his embrace.

Saktong-saktong pagkatalon n'ya ay nakarinig kami ng malakas na pagsabog na nasundan pa ng mga kasunod na malalakas na pagsabog. We were both laughing softly, and when I gazed my eyes at the back, the whole place was slowly being eaten my black smoke and fire.

"Cover your nose, my chosen Empress. Poison's in the air." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I immediately did what he told me. The explosion wasn't even just an explosion. It was also filled with poisons! What the heck!

That was amazing!

Isang malakas na lang na impact ang naramdaman ko at nakitang lumanding kami sa ibabaw ng isang kotse.

I gritted my teeth and grimaced a little, because I heard how the car was damaged badly with our landing. I also gulped on how freaking strong Akakios is, that he didn't even flinch when we landed! Wow! I mean... I could jump, and land in whole piece too, on my own. But it was more satisfying with him.

"Bakit nadamay 'yung kotse ko?!"

Napatingin kaming dalawa ng sabay no'ng biglang may magsalita. At nando'n si Tito Takeshi na halos lumuhod at hindi makapaniwala sa nakitang sira ng kotse n'ya.

"Bagong bili ko 'yan, eh! Itong mga batang 'to! Lalandi lang kailangan mandamay ng bago, mamahalin, at magandang kotse?!" Everyone laughed with his remark. Even Isolde was shaking her head while giggling softly.

Pero nang makabawi binatukan si Tito Takeshi. "You should be thankful you are still alive." Binuksan pa nito ang isang lollipop sa kamay. Bumababa si Akakios habang nanatili ako sa karga n'ya sa kotse, at marahan akong ibinababa pagkatapos.

I smiled at everyone. Especially my trainers. They didn't even change a bit. Parang hindi kami magkakalaban kanina.

"Is it over?" I questioned everyone. Nagkatinginan silang lahat. Nanatili lang sa tabi ko si Akakios. One laugh covered the whole place. I looked at him, it was the old man. Or maybe it was really Gideon Vontridge?

He shook his head while laughing. "It isn't over yet." I became alert because of it. I looked and scanned if there were more enemies. But suddenly, they all gazed at us.

"On your knees."

Kakaibang takot, at gulat ang naramdaman ko nang marinig ko 'yun sa boses ng isang tao. The authority almost made me kneel down! It was like his aura suddenly lit bright orange, and blue with so much malevolent.

In one snap, everyone, the eight of our opponents, were on their one knee, bowing down, with so much respect.

"On your feet."

At halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko sa sobrang pagkamangha dahil sabay-sabay silang tumayo na para bang kapag hindi 'yun sabay-sabay, pwedeng kamatayan ang kaharapin nila. I gulped, and looked at Akakios.

I thought I'd find someone who looked so cruel, or someone glowing with an aura that was for someone so feared, respected, and rightful. However, my eyes almost sparkled in nostalgia, when I saw how he looked so embarrassed.

He had his one hand at the back of his head. Lips almost pouting. And eyes looking so innocent. Like he, himself, couldn't believe he could command people, noble people so easily, and simply.

"We are honoured to be in the presence of the Emperor and the Empress." Isolde bowed her head while announcing it. Then stood up properly.

Akakios shook his head slowly. "Let's go?" Mukhang hindi s'ya kumportable kaya naman, hinila na lang n'ya ako at naglakad kaming dalawa, nauuna sa kanila.

"What was that?" I asked skipping, and going in front of him, smiling widely, almost teasing him. "On your knees?" I laughed while mimicking his voice earlier. He chuckled, turning red in shyness with what happened.

"On your feet." Gaya ko ulit, at napailing-iling s'ya sa akin, habang tumatawa. I almost stopped circling and skipping around him like a child when I saw that smile. It was just so... pure, and genuine. Like there were a spark of stars, and flowers around him.

He's still my Aki...

"I needed to do that, Lolo will not let us go, without it." Napakamot s'ya sa tungki ng ilong n'ya, halos parang nagsusumbong sa akin na ayaw n'ya na gawin 'yun.

"Ikaw na lang gumawa no'n lagi ah?" Hindi ko na mapigilan hindi tumawa nang malakas sa sinabi n'ya sa akin. Bakit ba ang cute cute nito? Kainis! Gusto ko tuloy ilagay sa bulsa ko.

"Ayoko nga." I stuck my tongue out at him. He chuckled so gently. Napatigil tuloy ako sa paglalakad.

Para kasi talaga s'yang sobrang cute na bata. Bakit gano'n? Ito 'yung tunay na Akakios. Hindi 'yung nasa laban kanina.

Nabangga n'ya ako sa pagtigil ko. "Sorry." I cackled softly, s'ya pa talaga nag-sorry. I just held his hand, and a car stopped in front of us. May bumababa na lalaking naka-suit, at pinagbuksan kami ng pinto.

"Let's go?" Akakios mentioned with a contented smile. I nodded, and we both entered the car.

Nang makapasok do'n. Hindi n'ya binitawan ang kamay ko. At nang tingnan ko 'yun habang nagbyabyahe. Nagulat ko ng may singsing na 'yung isang daliri ko! I didn't even notice it! I flipped our hands, and I saw that he also has one!

My eyes flew wide open. "When did you put this?" Looking at the ring that was pure black. But it was shaped like a tiara. And his was shaped like a crown. It was so simple, yet so powerful looking. It fitted perfectly in both our finger.

"Earlier? When we were fighting together?" My lips formed a small 'o' because of his answer! How did he do that! Grabe!

"You don't like it?" Malungkot kaagad ang boses nito.

"No! I love it!" Pinisil ko ang pisngi n'ya at ngumiti.

"Kung nandito si Lolo, papagalitan ka no'n," he told me while chuckling. My forehead knotted in confusion.

"Bakit naman? Mas kakampi siguro sa akin 'yun. Aawayin ka namin," biro ko sa kanya habang tatawa-tawa. He threw his head back laughing gingerly. And my heart is so soft again. This baby. This cute baby. No one will ever harm him.

"Okay lang na kampi s'ya sa 'yo, para may isa pang magproproteka sa 'yo." He said those words so effortlessly. Like all he thought of for the time that passed was my security, safety, and well-being. I stared at him and slowly caressed his face.

"I miss you... so much." Natigilan s'ya sa sinabi ko. I smiled, because even his shock face screamed nothing but innocence.

He pulled me into a hug, and I couldn't help but return it so closely. We didn't speak and just stayed in each other's embrace, that was slowly taking away the sadness, and pain that we carried while we were apart.

"Was it hard?" I queried, still not allowing to break the embrace.

"As long as I know, I'll be able to be with you in the end, it doesn't matter how tough it gets." I bit my lower lip, and blinked several times to avoid shedding tears. His warmth, and softness, just really made me want to feel weak and it just touched my heart so much.

"Ikaw?" tanong n'ya sa napakagaang boses.

"Happy. Finally happy." He slowly tapped my back because of it.

Natahimik ulit kami at nang humiwalay sa yakap ay nagkwentuhan na lang sa mga araw na hindi kami magkasama. Kahit papaano sa bawat kwento ng hirap, saya, at pangungulila, parang napunan no'n 'yung puso naming sa wakas kumpleto na.

"I still have a lot of questions..." I murmured at him.

"Ako rin." Natigilan ako kasi akala ko s'ya ang makakasagot ng mga tanong ko. Pero mukhang hindi. Para tuloy akong nanghina. Kanino ko ba malalaman lahat ng kailan kong malaman? Kailan ba ako makakakuha ng mga sagot sa mga tanong ko?

"When are our questions gonna get answers? I'm tired of walking blindfolded because of some prophecy..." I whispered, and he was playing with my hands.

"Lolo told me we'll get answers once you arrive." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Seryoso?!" I shouted, and he shrugged, I pouted.

"Don't worry about that," sambit n'ya na para bang ang dali ng solusyon para do'n. Napakunot-noo naman ako, para kasing may iniisip s'ya eh.

"Huh?"

"I know... it's bad, but if you really want your questions to be answered, I can pull a bad card." I looked at him with full confusion. He removed his hands from mine, and he rested his palm on the top of my head.

"I can command them to answer all your questions, and my queries. They'd have no choice but to obey it." I gasped with what he stated. Right! We both have authority about this kind of narrative.

Alam ko rin na kaya masama ang tingin n'ya ro'n kasi ayaw n'yang umaabuso ng kapangyarihan at awtoridad, pero sa tingin ko mas maganda pa rin na malaman namin ang lahat. Dahil tungkol sa amin 'to. Dahil hindi basta-basta ang usaping 'to, lalong-lalo na dahil kinailangan nila kaming paglayuin at hasain ng husto.

I sighed, and remained silent. Nag-iisip habang nasa byahe. Nang matapos ang ilang saglit. Tumigil na ang sasakyan. Kaya naman napalingon ako kay Akakios. He just smiled at me, and the door of the car was opened by someone for us.

My jaw hanged open when I saw the huge mansion in front of us! It was like a castle! An old French castle! Sobrang laki at sinauna nang dating. Hinila ako ni Akakios, at dumaan kami sa may garden na may malaking bilog na fountain, bago tuluyang makaharap sa isang napakalaking double doors.

When we entered, I almost went back to the garden, because of the countless house helps, and butlers aligned to welcome us.

"His Highness, and Her Highness!" Nabato ako sa kinatatayuan dahil sa matinding gulat. Bakit may gano'n?! Nalilito akong napatingin kay Alas. Nakangiwi s'ya sa akin na para bang ayaw n'ya rin no'ng nangyari.

He smiled to them, and we walked together to the living room.

There, we saw all the eight people earlier. "Your Highnesses, you should both fix yourself first..." Mahinang sabi ni Isolde sa amin. Tapos may lumapit na babaeng nakauniporme sa akin. Napatingin ako kay Akakios, at tumango lang 'to sa akin.

Humiwalay ako sa kanya, at sumama ro'n sa babae. Pagkatapos no'n dinala n'ya ako sa isang napakalaking kwarto. It was almost like a huge event hall! The old style ruffled bed with see-through curtains, the massive windows, and the closet were all in gold and full of vintage richness!

Iginaya ako no'ng babae sa isang pinto at do'n ko nakita ang isang bathtub at may mga rose petals pa! What the heck?! Bakit may ganito?! The girl almost wanted to wash me! Buti na lang napigilan ko at sinabing ako na lang ang bahala sa lahat.

If I hadn't told her it was an order, she wouldn't leave me alone.

Parang mas nanghina pa ako sa bagay na 'yun kaysa sa mga nangyari kanina. I played with the bubbles while inside the tub, and cleaned myself thoroughly. Nag-isip isip din ako habang nando'n, at nang matapos, dumiretso ako sa closet para pumili ng ibang damit.

Grabe naman kasi 'yung hinanda nila. Parang pupunta lang ng ball. Hindi naman kailangan no'n. Kumuha na lang ako ng isang sky blue dress that was simple and the length was above my knees. Sinuot ko 'yun at inayos ang buhok ko.

I wore the crown hairpin that was given to me, and I smiled seeing the ring on my finger. Habang ginagawa ko 'yun may kumatok kaya naman tumakbo ako ro'n kahit nagsusuklay pa rin. I opened the door, and it feels like a burst of flowers and sunshine welcomed me.

"Hi?" He smiled at me. I pressed my lips together, preventing a smile. "Can I come inside?" Maingat na tanong nito. I nodded and opened the door wider for him. Tapos inagaw n'ya 'yung suklay na hawak ko.

He pulled me to the vanity table, and made me face the mirror. "Aki..." I called, but he only chuckled. He slowly brushed my hair, and he was so careful in doing that. Cute.

"Thank you," bulong ko.

"Wala 'yun," he answered.

Nang matapos n'yang suklayin at ayusin ang hairpin sa buhok ko. Hinawakan n'ya ang isang kamay ko at lumabas kami sa kwarto para dumiretso sa isang lugar.

I was in awe when we entered a place that was like an old library or archive place. The walls were full of bookshelves, and there was even a movable or sliding ladder to grab the books at the higher places. It was so cool, and magnificent.

Naglakad kaming dalawa papunta sa mas loob ng lugar. At nang lumiko sa isang archway, do'n ko nakita ang mga tao kanina. Sa pinakadulong upuan na pang-isahan, nando'n ang matandang lalaki.

Sabay-sabay na tumayo ang lahat sa presensya namin ni Aki. Aki made me sit down on the side just beside the other end of the table. He pulled the chair for me, and when I was seated, everyone bowed at my direction. Ngumiti lang ako sa kanila.

Tapos si Akakios naman umupo sa kabilang dulo ng table, at saka ngumiti sa mga nandito. Everyone sat down after he settled down.

"Gideon Vontridge," mentioned the old man at the other end.

"Takashi Ishido," sabi naman ni Tito. "Takeshi Ishido," pakilala rin ng kakambal nito.

"Misha Fallworth," ngumiti ako kay Tita. Tapos ibinaling ang paningin sa kasunod. "Isolde Rivamonte."

Nagpakilala rin ang natitirang tatlo na s'yang tumulong sa pagsasanay ni Akakios. I just smiled and bowed a little with their strong presence. Nang matapos ang pagpapakilala, natahimik ang lahat, parang nag-aantay ng sasabihin namin.

"I have an idea why you called all of us..." imik ni Master Gideon nang masinsinan.

Akakios sighed heavily. "Answers. We need answers." Maikling sambit nito at nagkatinginan ang lahat. Tila nag-uusap usap ang mga mata sa sinabi ni Akakios. Hanggang sa lahat sila tumingin kay Master Gideon. Na para bang nandito ang huling sagot.

"Was that an order?" Matapang na tanong nito, pati ang mga mata sobrang kakikitaan mo ng tibay. Hahanga ka na lang kasi ramdam na ramdam mo 'yung awtoridad at pagiging experienced nito sa lahat ng labanan at iba pang bagay.

"Yes..." We chorused in unison, after gazing at each other.

Master Gideon, bowed his head as a show of respect. He smiled quietly.

"Then I shall hear your heed, His Highness, and Her Highness." Kakaibang kaba ang dumaloy sa dugo ko, pero mas nangibabaw ang liwanag at pagkawala ng alalahanin dahil sa wakas, masasagot na ang mga katanungan namin.

Nilingon ako ni Akakios, para bang hinahayaan na ako ang magtanong kahit alam kong may mga tanong din s'ya. I smiled at him, and he held my hand under the table.

"Do you know my Mother—Princess Light Smith-Evans—Master Gideon?" I asked carefully. He bowed in my presence as a sign of utmost respect. Then he looked at my face, then heaved a sigh. He slowly nodded.

"I know your mother, but she doesn't know me personally, she only knows me through the information she gathered. And I know her more than she knows." Napatango ako sa sagot nito.

"Bakit ka po hinahanap ni Momo? Bakit po kailangan n'ya ang buhay n'yo?" Naguguluhang tanong ko. I saw how he prevented a smile with my straightforward queries. Unang mga tanong pa lang pero gano'n na.

"Before answering that question. Let me... explain about where I am from..." Napatingin ako kay Akakios. Nakita kong kunot-noo 'to at tahimik na nakikinig. Then, I nodded at Master Gideon to give him permission. He knew things better than me.

"I am from the land of Eviralle, and the city within that land, Aquilla. It was a proud country and a prosperous one." Lahat kami nakikinig at tahimik sa kanya-kanyang upuan habang nakatitig kay Master Gideon. "It was a land full of aspirations, and richness. It was governed by the ones called the Domain."

"It is like a monarchy of the kingdoms. But it was called Domain in that country. The Domain had always been powerful and was led by a certain family called de Castelian with noble beliefs, and they attended the people of the land with nothing but greatness." Nanatili akong nakikinig sa kanya.

"In history, and even in my grandfather's stories, many tried to conquer Eviralle, but our country always win in defending it. Why? People trust the Domain's de Castelian and the Domain always provided good results. Maraming nagsasanay bilang magaling na mandirigma sa bansa. At napakalalakas ng mga 'to." Tumango ako nang marahan sa sinasabi n'ya.

"Our family, the Vontridge, were a family of warriors." Nakangiting sambit nito.

So, in the country called Eviralle, the ones who rule are the Domain and the Domain's Emperor came from the family of the de Castelian. And they have great warriors, and noble history.

"My family always go to the battles in our land. Naging napakalakas ng ama ko at naging pride s'ya ng pamilya namin. Nabiyayaan at naging Heneral ang ama ko, tinitingala s'ya nang lahat ng mga mandirigma." I was in awe because of their family, the Vontridge family.

His father's generation must be like my great grandfather, Leonard Smith, based on Master Gideon's age right now. For sure, Master Gideon's age is similar from my grandparents, Nadine and Bernard Smith, as well as Philip and Nathalie Evans.

"Lahat ng labang pinamumuuan n'ya, umuuwi s'yang panalo. Lahat ng mga kasama n'ya saksi sa lahat ng nagawa at gyera n'ya. Wala s'yang iniiwan sa mga kasamahan. At hinirang s'ya biglang pinakamataas na mandirigma ng Domain at pinaka-pinagkakatiwalaan na guwardya ng Emperor."

Master Gideon's father's achievements and powers are admirable.

"He trained me to become the next highest general and guard, kahit sobrang bata ko pa no'n, because that was his goal," dugtong pa nito.

"The royal family or the de Castelian of the Domain, had always been great. However, their greatness had always been envied by those lower than them." Pakiramdam ko kinilabutan ako. Parang alam ko na ang kahahantungan ng sinasabi n'yang kwento.

"Ayon sa kwento ng ama ko, sa mga panahon ng gyera, kahit nananalo lagi ang Domain sa mga labas na bansa na kalaban, kapag nagsimula ang isang pagtataksil at karebeldehan sa loob, asahan mong matutumba 'to kahit ano'ng tibay." I glanced at Akakios and saw full seriousness in his eyes. He was so against about the idea of betrayal and cruelty for power.

"The high and noble Domain crumbled down because of the Highest Official's family known as the Marquis. They aimed for the throne of the de Castelian Emperor." Napasinghap ako sa sinabi nito.

"The de Castelian's family was the founder of the land, and the Domain. They are the royals, and the highest. That's the history," paliwanag nito sa amin.

"Pinalabas ng mga kasamahan ng highest official—the Marquis—na ang Royal Emperor ay masama. Binulag nila ang lahat ng mga tao sa kasinungalingan." Napabuntonghininga si Master Gideon.

"Nagtagumpay sila. Nagsimulang tingnan ng mga mamamayan ang Domain at ang mga de Castelian biglang mga masasama at mga demonyo. Pinatalsik nila ang pamilyang walang ginawa kung hindi bigyan sila kabutihan." Hindi ko alam ang iispin sa naririnig. My heart ached for the poor family.

"Paano nagawa ng mga Marquis ang bagay na 'yun—ang pagtataksil at pagrerebelde—nang napakadali?" Hindi mapigilang tanong ko.

"Ang pamilya ng Empress o ang asawa ng Emperor, ay nagtaksil at kinalaban din sila. Kinampihan nila ang mga Marquis. 'Yun ang dahilan ng pagkaguho ng lahat." Simpleng sagot nito sa akin kaya naman napatango ako sa sinabi n'ya.

"The Domain right now is still consisting of the family of the Tyrant Marquis that was the former Highest Official." I saw how Akakios's jaw clenched, because of how unjust it is for the former royal family and how cruel the Marquises are.

"The past Emperor was assassinated by  the Tyrant... or not?" Master Gideon paused a little and I waited for him to continue.

"Yeah, the Emperor managed to escape with my father, and me. Because my father was the Emperor's most trusted general and guard. We managed to escape with the de Castelian being safe, and without the Marquis finding out." Ngumisi si Master Gideon.

"The other people who supported the Emperor and their families was tortured to death." Nanghihinang kwento nito.

"Ibig sabihin wala na 'yung dating Domain na may magandang pamamahala at pamilya, dahil sa Highest Official, mga Marquis at mga rebeldeng kakampi nito?" paninigurado ko at tumango si Master Gideon.

"They wiped out the whole clan of the previous Emperor. Only one survived with us." Para akong nanlumo sa nalaman.

"Our family's loyal to the Emperor and the de Castelian's family." I heard proudness in his voice. I smiled a little.

"Vontridge members were also assassinated that night the whole family of the Emperor was tortured to death. Tatlo lang kaming nakatakas, ang ama ko, ang Emperor at ako." Napasinghap ako sa napagtanto.

"Ibig sabihin, hindi alam ng Domain na buhay ka pa po?" I asked, he shook his head lightly. Naguluhan ako bigla.

"They didn't know before... kaya na-train pa ako ng ama ko. Pero nitong mga nakaraang taon, nalaman nila ang tungkol sa akin, they started hunting me down, too." Nagtayuan ang balahibo ko sa braso sa narinig.

"Why...?" Akakios whispered with full of worry.

"Because I am the son of the Vontridge who knew about the truth. The truth of the Marquis' lies and rebellion, the truth about what really happened to the de Castelian," sagot ni Master Gideon. Napatango si Aki sa kanya, parang nanghihina.

"How about the Emperor?" Akakios asked again.

"The Emperor separated from us the night we escaped. Hindi namin alam saan pumunta. Wala na rin kaming nagawa." Malungkot na sabi nito. "Marahil nanatili sa mga bundok at mga tagong pook ng Eviralle."

The information that he was saying was making me confused, yet making things clearer than before.

"Dahil may angking lakas at galing dahil sa ama, naglakbay-lakbay ako nang solo para mas lumakas. In my every journey, I met people who became my disciples, and people." Napatingin ako kay Isolde nang pagkakataong 'yun.

"I was saved by Master Gideon and trained under him," mentioned Isolde proudly. Gano'n din ang tatlo pang nag-train kay Aki. Samantalang sina Tito Takeshi, Tito Takashi, at Tita Misha, ay nakilala si Master Gideon sa labanan at naging disciple rin sila nito.

"Pero bakit po kayo hinahanap ni Momo? Bakit kailangan n'ya ang buhay n'yo?" tanong ko rito sa napaka-seryosong paraan. He isn't bad at all, not a villian either.

"Dahil sa Domain." Naguluhan ako sa sagot n'ya.

"Huh?"

"Your Mother needed me because the Domain ordered her to either capture me alive and bring me back to the Domain, or bring my head to them." I gulped in nervousness because of his answer.

"I was a threat to the Domain because my Father left me with the evidence and truth against the Marquis. Ibinigay sa kanya 'yun ng Emperor dati." I was frozen on my seat because of what I've heard. I felt Akakios' hand on me tightened.

"Why? Why would Momo side with the Marquis and follow their evil deeds? Instead of teaming up with you?" Gulong-gulong tanong ko.

"They have your grandmother and grandfather from both sides. They have Nathalie, Philip, Nadine and Bernard in the Domain as hostages. To make your Mother and your Father obey everything they say..."

Muntik na akong malaglag sa kinauupuan. Muntik na akong mawalan ng hininga.

Kakaibang panginginig ng mga kamay ang naramdaman ko. Parang kulang na lang mabawian akong buhay sa naririnig ko.

"Hindi..." Umiiling na tanggi ko. "Nakikita ko sina Lola at Lolo simula pagkabata," I stated firmly. Didn't want to accept the truth.

"Yes, you see them. That was because every mission given to your Mother and Father have a prize when they succeed on it. And the prize that the Domain gives them is a short time with your grandparents." Nanghihinang paliwanag ni Master Gideon.

"Pero bakit gagawin ng Domain 'yun?! Pwede itakas nina Dada sina Lola!" I yelled frustratedly. Halos mapahilamos sa mukha. Napatayo na rin sa matinding pag-agos ng emosyon.

"No. Dahil kayong magkakapatid ang gagalawin ng Domain sa oras na mangyari 'yun. At sinadya ng Domain na 'yun ang maging kapalit ng mga panalong misyon nila, para maipakita ang taglay na kapangyarihan nila sa mga magulang mo. It is their way of showing that they hold your Mother and Father's neck." Mahabang paliwanag n'ya.

"Your father and mother couldn't fight them on their own without risking the safety of everyone precious to them, including your friends' families. Ano ba kasing laban nila sa buong bansa ng Eviralle, lalong-lalo na dahil bansa 'to ng mga magagaling na warrior at assassins?"

Natahimik ang lahat matapos sabihin 'yun ni Master Gideon. Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung matinding tensyon sa paligid.

'Yung tipong wala na halos humihinga sa mga nalalaman nila.

Napaupo ako at napatungo. Naramdaman kong niyakap ako ni Akakios. I almost cried out of frustration with his touch. I was so glad he's beside me and I found a little comfort with his presence, despite all the things being revealed on my face.

They waited until I could process every information.

Nang kahit papaano kumalma, umayos ulit ako ng upo. At bumalik si Akakios sa kinauupuan.

"P-Pero..." Halos mautal ako. "Pero ano pong kinalaman namin sa Domain? Bakit kami nadamay sa Domain?" Nalilitong tanong ko.

"Sa tingin mo ba kami lang ang tumakas sa bansa namin noon? May mga matataas na opisyal at pamilya rin ang tumakas noon." Natatakot akong napatingin sa kanya. Nanlalamig ang mga kamay.

"Ang Lola ni Princess Light Smith, na asawa ni Leonard Smith, ay kasapi sa pamilyang nakakataas noon, parte s'ya ng pamilyang nagsisilbi sa dating Emperor. At parte rin ng ilan sa mga nakatakas." Napatayo ulit ako sa kinauupuan. Parang sumakit ang ulo ko sa nalaman.

"Your great grandmother hid so well. However, they eventually found out that she created a family, and turned out your family became too powerful. Empire. The Empire. And the Domain wanted the power you have. Your mother discovered everything about the Domain too late."

Para akong nawalan ng hininga sa nalalaman. That was why... that was why the topic about Momo's Lola had always been a taboo, and we didn't really know anything about her. The only story we knew was she died because of a weak heart. Lies. She probably died to protect her family. To protect my grandparents.

"How was great grand-lola found?" I queried while Akakios slowly guided me to sit down again.

"Your Lolo Leonard was a Smith who was part of the Empire. And I'm telling you he did great and noble things. But when he started to get involve in child trafficking and human trafficking that was connected to the Domain. That was when the Domain found out about his wife." I remembered something like this... 'Yung nag-alaga kay Momo no'ng nawalan s'ya ng alaala.

Her Tita Sab... was almost a victim of this.

"Because of the Empire, the Domain couldn't touch your family for a long time. Sila na rin ang umiwas para hindi magkaro'n ng gulo... kaya tahimik ang pamilya n'yo tungkol dito. Walang ibang nakaalam." Mas nagiging maliwanag na sa akin ang lahat.

"Pero bakit bigla na lang nasali na naman kami sa gulo? We are still part of the Empire," sambit ko sa kanya.

He shook his head.  "Admit it or not, the Empire weakened when your Mother destroyed it, and rebuilt it. They took an interest on your family again." Para akong nanghina. Parang domino lahat. Damay kung damay, walang takas.

"They really didn't want to mess with your family, however, they were cornered." I remained mum, listening to all of it.

"A powerful prophecy was revealed. The end of the Tyrant's reign and family." Nangilabot ako ng husto. Nagkatingnan kami ni Alas.

"Prophecy?" I asked in confusion. Akakios almost stood up because like me he was getting so lost with all of these information we were discovering.

"Yes, a prophecy that would end the Tyrant and bring back the order and the rightful family in the Domain." Kakaibang kabog sa puso ko ang biglang naramdaman. Parang mawawalan ako ng hininga sa matinding tensyon.

"Based on the information of those who are loyal to the Emperor de Castelian. Their linage continued, nagkaanak ang Emperor dati at nagkaro'n ng apo," Master Gideon explained.

"At ang apo n'ya ay pinangalanang Laurentius. Laurentius is the same age as Princess Light Smith, at nagkaro'n din 'to ng pamilya sa Eviralle. Ngunit, walang ideya si Laurentius kung ano'ng dugo ang dumadaloy sa kanya." I was heaving up and down, trying to understand everything.

"I went back to Eviralle for Laurentius. And there I met the young lad. A courageous warrior. Even though he was supposed to be the current Emperor." Hindi ko alam pero napatingin ako kay Akakios.

"And while I was there... a prophecy was revealed," dugtong ni Master Gideon.

"The one who was born when the sun was ablaze with the sky's falling tears shall walk to the throne and wear the crown. And the moment it happens the Marquis' current Emperor will have his one last breath and their reign will be put to an end."

Napatitig ang lahat kay Akakios nang pagkakataong 'yun.

Parang umakyat ang libo-libong kuryente sa akin.

"Aki..." I whispered.

"The one who was born when the moon shined and granted its brilliance with a crimson sky will be one beside the sun." Nanlamig ako sa kinauupuan ko at parang nanginig ang buong kalamnan ko nang tumingin silang lahat sa akin.

"The moon will guide the sun to its throne safely, and the Domain built by the Tyrant shall collapse with its evil grace."

"Silhoue..." Akakios looked at me with teary eyes.

We held each other's hand tighter.

"H-How did you know po that I'm the sun? How sure are you po Lolo?" Umiiling na tanong ni Akakios. Parang ayaw tanggapin ang bigat na ipinatong sa aming dalawa.

"How about me? Why am I the moon?" I almost begged for the answer.

Humarap sa akin si Master Gideon.

"Your mother once helped someone important—she helped a High Priestess from death. And the High Priestess had the chance to glance at the future. And when I say future. It means you. The moment you were born the moon turned crimson. And I saw it with my own eyes..."

Titig na titig sa akin si Master Gideon nang sabihin ang bagay na 'yun. Kakaibang kilabot ang naramdaman ko.

Napahugot ako ng hininga at nanghihinang napasandal sa kinauupuan.

"You are the sun, Akakios Laurentius... because you are from the bloodline of the de Castelian Emperor."

Nabitawan ni Akakios ang kamay ko at kitang-kita ko kung paano umawang ang labi n'ya at napatindig sa kinauupuan at tumulo ang isang luha sa mga mata n'ya.

"You are the son of the warrior named Laurentius, who didn't have any idea that he was from the royal bloodline of the de Castelian." He gasped, almost breathless. His Lolo slowly stood up.

Samantalang nanginginig ang mga kamay ko sa matinding gulat.

"My mother? Who's my mother?" He managed to ask.

"Your mother... the purest of them all. The most powerful woman of them all aside from the Empress... the High Priestess." Halos matumba si Akakios sa kinatatayuan nang sabihin 'yun ng Lolo n'ya.

Napatayo na rin ako sa matinding gulat at para akong sinilaban ng buhay sa mga naririnig.

"And yes... it was the same High Priestess that Princess Light Smith saved—without knowing how high the person she saved... and without her knowing that she saved the one who will carry the sun, and she also has no idea that one day she will also be carrying the moon."

Tumayo silang lahat sa aming dalawa. At lumapit ako kay Akakios na halos nanghihina sa mga nalaman. I enclosed him into a hug.

We both looked at the people in front of us, and they all slowly knelt.

And that was when it dawned on me... how Akakios... was a real royal blood. And on how I became the moon.

***

26.27

The story behind Alas' parents, and how Light met them, and about Silhoue will be revealed through the next chapters! Hindi ko na maidugtong kasi for sure mas lalo lang kayo maguguluhan HAHAHA.

Anyways, if may questions please ask me. I'd try to explain more.

Thanks for reading! Have a good day! 🤍