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#TCS53: A Curse from Long Ago

"Laurent... Laurent... Laurent... please..." Halos maghingalo at gumapang ako para lang makalapit sa kanya. Kakaibang sakit ang pumihit sa puso at tyan ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin at iisipin. Para akong namatay rin sa nakita ko. Para akong mababaliw sa matinding sakit.

There was no sound. It was fully quiet when he dropped on the floor. I went to him, and embraced him. I couldn't even utter anything. Everything was just breaking my heart. Nothing could amount to the pain I was feeling in this moment.

I hugged him. Begged him. Cried to him. But he was coughing blood, trying to wipe my tears with his one last strength. The smile he had never left his lips. Mas nasasaktan ako sa nakitang 'yun.

"I love you, and our little one, please take care of him..."

He whispered near my ear, so weak, so soft, so gentle... like it was his dying wish. At nang banggitin n'ya 'yun, hindi ko na narinig ang paghinga n'ya. He just suddenly became heavier, and my world crumbled down to pieces.

"Laurentius!" I cried, and mourned.

I hugged his lifeless body, and I was shaking so bad from everything. I held his face. I caressed it. Like it was going to make him come back to me. Like it was going to take away all my pain. I kissed him repeatedly. Wanting him to wake up like he used to...

Pero... walang nangyari.

"Mga walanghiya kayo!" I bellowed in agony, fury, and pain.

Everyone was alarmed when even the whole sky darkened, but the moon remained seen, and stronger than before.

My sight felt like it blackened.

"Magbabayad kayo. Lahat ng ginawa n'yo may kapalit." Mariing saad ko at masama ang tingin kay Abelard. I saw him gulped with my seriousness. I never left his gaze. His knees slowly shook, and it felt like everyone's knees slowly weakened with my presence and anger.

Napasinghap ako at nahugot ang hininga. Pakiramdam ko may sumapi sa akin. Pakiramdam ko kakaibang galit ang sumiklab sa damdamin ko. The air become eerie and powerful. But only I was not affected by it.

I laughed evilly. "Are you happy? Are you satisfied? Is stealing Eviralle not enough?" I sharply gazed at Abelard. I could even see how cold sweats started to form, and on how his lips trembled. My dark—almost black empty abyss eyes reflected on his glance.

"Do you think you succeeded? Do you think no one witnessed every single thing your family have done?" Lahat nang nandito ay natahimik at kakaibang kilabot ang bumalot sa paligid.

I laughed at Abelard. He was slowly lowering himself, almost kneeling, afraid for his life.

"That night when you killed the innocent, when you shed the blood of the rightful owner, and when your greed became the sword of justice... someone was watching." Nakita kong napaluhod na 'to nang tuluyan at nanginginig ang mga kamay at katawan.

"The sun and the moon saw everything..." I whispered, but it was dead quiet that I knew they all heard it. "And one day... when they collide. You will be on your knees, paying for the sins, paying for the deaths, and paying for the tears that you owe."

"A sword will be pierced in you, by the hands of your own child, and your child would also be impaled by the sword that will be used against you."

His eyes widened, full of terror. I smiled at him lazily. I titled my head. "I swear this on the death of my beloved. The cursed will be placed upon you."

And with those last words... Abelard yelled and ran away for his life. And the ones whom he brought panicked with him.

Lahat nang natitirang mga nandito ay napatitig sa akin, at isang malakas na hampas ng hangin ang naramdaman naming lahat, at nag-iwas sila lahat ng tingin. Para akong biglang nawalan ng lakas matapos 'yun.

I looked at my Laurentius. My heart broke.

Natahimik ako habang lumuluha. Napayakap lang na sa kanya. Nakatulala. Hinehele s'ya. Para akong nawala sa katinuan. Gusto ko lang makasama na s'ya. Gusto ko na lang hawakan s'ya at h'wag nang pakawalan pa.

I hummed our favourite tune. Everyone who was with us... slowly hummed with me.

They all slowly knelt down.

I cried more. I cried. And I cried.

"Mahal na mahal kita..." I whispered on his bare ear.

The moon in the sky shinned more brightly. The wind blew. As if offering him some kind of lullaby with my hum. I was swaying him like a baby. Para akong nawalan ng lakas, nawalan ng daan, nawalan ng liwanag. Parang sa isang iglap hindi ko na alam paano magpapatuloy.

"B-Bakit?" I croaked painfully. The people continued humming the lullaby for him.

"Akala ko iintayin mo ako? Akala ko... akala ko... hindi mo ako iiwan?" Pumipiyok na tanong ko, habang yakap s'ya. But he was not answering. I stared at the emptiness. I lost it. I lost everything.

Maybe it wasn't the war he was supposed to run away from.

Maybe... it was really me. Maybe he really needed to run away from me because I would cause his death. And now... it happened.

Parang akong patay na rin, hindi maintindihan ang lahat-lahat. Yakap ko lang ang mahal ko, hanggang sa humina ang pag-iyak ko.

I heard Abelard's warriors instructed Bastien to confirm our marriage. But Bastien shook his head. Nagtatakha sila.

"He killed himself. Their ties are now free. If he was killed by the hands of other people, their ties wouldn't be severed. Because he'll still have the tie up to the afterlife. But, if he ended up dying through his own hands, it means he cut off the string..." paliwanag ni Bastien.

"And it means that the High Priestess is not tied to anyone. And she will remain as the High Priestess..."

Sigaw ng mga kawal ni Abelard ang narinig ko matapos sabihin 'yun ni Bastien. I couldn't even process anything. I was just staring at stillness.

I didn't know stillness was like this. Without you... Laurentius... everything became still.

It's stillness in me without you.

Hindi ko na alam ang mga kasunod na nangyari. Alam ko na lang humara lahat ng mga tao namin, para protektahan ako sa natitirang kalaban. Kaya wala silang nagawa kung hindi umalis. Kaagad nilang dinaluhan at ginamot si Lola.

Pero hindi sila makalapit sa akin at kay Laurentius.

Then suddenly... the sky dropped tears. Biglang umulan. At nagulat silang lahat na napatingin kay Laurentius. I also looked at his lifeless body. I stiffened, when it was slowly being cleaned by the pouring rain.

Then there was a glow in him that only I could see.

Mas lalo akong natigilan.

"de Castelian..." I whispered, and the sky thundered, like it was agreeing to my whisper.

Laurentius... is a de Castelian? Paano? Bakit? Paanong nangyari 'yun?

Natulala lang ako lalo. Hindi alam ang gagawin. Nagsalita na lang ang isang nakatatanda na kailangan kong umayos at magising sa bangungot. I looked at her in confusion.

Nightmare.

To make the nightmare stop. I needed to wake up. Because if not... I was sure the nightmare would become a reality soon enough.

I felt a slight pain on my stomach. Natigilan ako. That little pain felt like it woke me up from the nightmare. Laurentius last wish also echoed inside my ears.

"I love you, and our little one, please take care of him..."

I gathered, the remaining strength I have, and I commanded everyone. They took care of Lola. The Domain couldn't do anything but obey my words. I was still the High Priestess. Inayos ko ang katawan ni Laurentius.

I instructed them to bring it at home. Ako mismo ang nag-ayos ng bangkay. Hanggang sa lamay.

I placed many flowers around him. He loved them so much. I wanted him to take it with him. Kahit gusto kong sumama na lang sa kanya, hindi pwede. Paano ang anak namin? Hindi pwede 'yun. Sisiguraduhin kong lalaki s'ya kagaya ng ama n'ya.

And most of all... the child would be the hope of our future. The hope to bring back this land in order. A de Castelian. Our clan believed that this land was stolen by the Marquis from the de Castelian. And one day, mababawi 'to sa kamay ng mga sakim na Marquis.

The whole village mourned for the death of Laurentius.

I vanquished Bastien. Hindi ko s'ya mapapatawad sa ginawa n'ya. S'ya ang dahilan kung bakit nauwi sa gano'n ang lahat.

I tried to move on when days passed by, and nights cried. I tried so hard to live for our child. But it was just getting harder. I miss him every day. A different kind of loneliness. A different kind of longing because he wasn't going to return anymore.

Fortunately, Lola's getting better each day. Marami ring pinsala na tinama si Lola.

I also told the truth about me and Laurentius in our village. And I was willing to give up the title, but they still accepted me. They also mourned for my love. I continued to become the High Priestess. Ni hindi ko alam sa sarili ko kung napatawad ko ba ang nayon. Gusto ko na lang magpatuloy. Nakakapagod kasi ang lahat.

My Lola also guided me more. I tried to take little steps in order to get better for my child. No one in the Domain dared to come in our place. For the curse upon them shall befall once the right time arrives.

Everyone in the village was afraid of me, but they still didn't know about my pregnancy. And they shall never know. Lola would be with me in the mountains, in disguise of praying, but instead continuing the pregnancy.

And I'd return after birth. At sasabihin na nadampot namin ang kawawang bata sa bundok at papalakihin sa bayan namin.

I didn't want that plan. Pero ano'ng magagawa ko? Kapag nangyari na, gagawa ako ng mas magandang paraan. Sasabihin ko na lang ang totoo. At kung mapapalayas ako, aalis na lang ako kasama ang anak.

Nakakapagod na rin kasi lahat eh. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin at kung paano mananatiling buhay. Parang sa unang pagkakataon, gusto ko na lang mangyari 'yung nakatakda. I was a High Priestess now... when would death consume me?

But how about my child?

I sighed heavily. I'll live. I'll continue to live for him.

Ilang buwan din ang lumipas matapos ang lahat. Papunta kami ni Lola sa bundok ngayon. I could feel someone following us, but I knew it wasn't an enemy. Maybe more of an ally. Paniguradong magpapakita rin 'yun sa amin, kapag nakalayo na kami sa bayan.

Lola and I travelled inside the carriage. My stomach's almost noticeable now, kaya kailangan na namin magtago at maghanda sa panganganak.

When we arrived there, the one who was following us, didn't show himself. He just continued keeping us safe. Sa gubat at bahay na 'yun, at least, maayos ako. At least, nakakahinga ako sa lahat nang pasan ko.

Ilang buwan kaming nando'n ni Lola. Hanggang dumating ang araw kung saan natapos ang lahat-lahat.

Umalis si Lola para pumunta ng bayan, dahil alam n'yang anumang araw sa susunod na linggo maari na akong manganak. Kaya naman hinayaan ko s'ya. Nasa liblib naman kaming lugar at walang nakasunod o nakakita sa amin.

I was just looking at the sky that day. It was bright. The sun was ablaze.

And I felt a sudden surge of pain in my stomach. I was about to go inside the house, because it wasn't good to stay outside, when I heard numerous footsteps. Para maraming tao na tumatakbo pati na rin mga kabayo.

Kumabog nang husto ang puso ko. At nagtago, sa dulong parte. Nakarinig ako na tumigil sa harap ng bahay na tinutuluyan namin ang napakaraming tao o mga kawal, base sa mga boses nila. I gulped, and I turned pale and cold.

I prayed not to be seen. But it was too late. One of the heads, commanded to search around the area, and to search the house. I heard all kinds of noises. Halos ibaliktad nila ang buong bahay habang nagtatago ako, pero nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla na lang akong makita ng isang kawal.

He smirked, and went directly to me. I was about to protest, but he put a gun on my head. I gulped and had no choice but to come with him. I bit my lower lip because of the unbelievable pain, I was slowly feeling in my stomach. Not yet... please. Halos magmakaawa na ako sa lahat lahat sa matinding kaba at takot.

Halos ihagis ako ng lalaki sa lupa na maraming tuyong dahon sa harap ng head guard. I looked at him while trembling. I wanted to fight, I wanted to use my skills. But, how could I? When all I wanted was to protect my child right now.

The guard yelled loudly, calling all his other members. And then someone arrived that was being carried by a carriage. I gulped when I saw the symbol outside of it. The Domain.

And there... someone stepped out. I wasn't surprised to see who. It was always him that made my life miserable. It was no other than Abelard.

Naglakad 'to ng taas noo papalapit sa akin. He lowered himself to be on my level, and grabbed my chin and jaw hardly. I could see full anger in his eyes. Then it slowly became full of danger, and the spark of wanting someone he couldn't have.

He caressed my face delicately, and it gave me goosebumps. Napaatras ako at kakaibang takot ang gumapang sa dibdib ko. Kaso isang malakas na sampal ang natanggap ko sa paglayo. I held my cheek, and it stung so bad.

"High Priestess? You could have avoided that path, only if you chose to be my Empress." Then he grabbed my jaw aggressively, I almost winced because of how strong he was holding it, it almost felt crashing.

I smirked at him and looked at his eyes. "I'd rather die." Natatawang sambit ko punong-puno ng tapang.

Nanlaki ang mga mata n'ya at nakaramdam na naman ako ng isang malakas na sampal sa sinabi nito. I scoffed, and laughed sarcastically. "Why are you here? Afraid of the curse? I heard and saw in my vision that you killed your newborn son."

Kitang-kita ko kung paanong nagtiim ang mga bagang n'ya sa sinabi ko. Napangisi lang ako lalo. He was so afraid of the words I uttered that night that. And the result? I saw the vision of him killing his supposed to be heir. He was frantic and terrified of it.

I bet he'd kill all his sons because it. To escape his death.

"Hindi matutuloy ang sinasabi mo! Papatayin ko lahat nang magmamana ng trono ko!" He laughed like a mad man. I smiled sadly.

"Trying so hard to escape you fate?" I queried sarcastically. "No, you are not going to escape it, you are just going to fasten the process of your own death." I gritted my teeth while saying it powerfully.

Then a sword was near my neck. I felt a little sting because it cut a little of my skin. Lumayo ako sa blade no'n at tiningnan s'ya ng masama. I needed to get out of here. His eyes weren't pleased with everything about me.

He lusted and he wanted me as a possession. But I knew, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me because of the curse. He'd definitely chose a path that would benefit him, even sacrificing everything in between. That was how selfish they were. The Marquis.

I closed my eyes tightly, a flash of what happened to Laurentius because of him made me shed tears. One day, they would end. Maybe not in my hands, but I'd make sure of it.

"You can kill me, but you will never have me." I told him as I slowly stood up, holding my stomach.

Mas nagalit s'ya sa sinabi ko, at naramdaman kong wala n'yang pag-aalinlangan n'yang tatapusin ang buhay ko. Tanggap ko na matagal na. Pero hindi pwede. I grabbed the blade of the sword. His eyes widened, blood slowly dropped.

Kinuha ko ang espadang 'yun nang pwersahan at mabilis. Nakita ko kung paanong nanlaki ang mga mata nang magawa ko 'yun at itutok sa mukha n'ya. Lahat ng mga gwardyang kasama ay nagtaas ng mga patalim at armas nila sa akin.

The tension rose in the air. "I have nothing to lose," I told them with seething determination and anger.

"I will not hesitate to kill your Prince," banta ko pa. Kaya naman nakita kong nagkatinginan ang lahat sa kanila. I could feel their tension. And I grabbed that opportunity.

I took their precious Prince in my arms to take him as my hostage. Nanginginig ang duwag na prinsipe at nagmamakaawa na h'wag silang kikilos. Diniinan ko ang pagkakalagay ng patalim sa may leeg n'ya. Hinayaan kong maramdaman n'yang hindi ako nagbibiro sa ginagawa ko.

I walked back, and a path was automatically made for me. Halos kaladkarin ko si Aberlard para makalayo sa mga kawal n'ya. When I was far enough and no one was daring to come near us, I stabbed Abelard's leg, and arm. I pushed him back and run to save the life of my child.

"Ahhh! Habulin n'yo!" sigaw ng prinsipe, pero malayo na ako sa kanila. At mas binilisan pa ang pagtakbo habang hawak-hawak ang espadang nakuha ko.

I ran as fast as I could, and I felt an strong ache in my abdomen. Para akong papatayin sa sakit no'n pero hindi ako pwedeng tumigil, baka maabutan nila ako.

Habang nangyayari 'yun, at halos hindi ko na alam kung gaano ako katagal o kalayo sa pagtakbo, halos madapa na rin ako sa mga baging, ugat at mga dahon na nagkalat sa lupa. I was heaving and crying trying to escape them.

I was almost out of breath, when I bumped in to someone. I almost rolled over the cliff because of it, but that someone caught my hand. I looked at her, almost begging.

"Tulong... parang awa mo na." She looked at me confusingly. Hindi maintindihan ang salita ko.

I looked back from those who were chasing me. Then I was supposed to run away again when she held my hand, and slowly guided me to another part of the forest. Like she knew that we wouldn't get caught in her path.

Iyak ako nang iyak habang tumatakas kaming dalawa. Sobrang tagal at layo rin ng nilakbay namin, dumaan kami sa may mas malalim na gubat, at lawa, at tiniis ko lahat ng sakit at matinding hapdi sa buong katawan ko. Hanggang makarating kami sa isang lugar.

A place that looked so magical. It was still in the forest and nature, but there was a river, and a cave. She guided me to enter there. Then she smiled at me.

"Thank you..." I whispered, when she carefully sat me down on the corner.

"Shh," she hushed, and she put down some vines from entrance of the cave. To make sure no one would find us.

She sat across me after. We were silent. Hinihingal ako at napahawak sa tyan ko sa matinding sakit. She looked alarmed. Especially when I shouted because of the intense pain.

"You are... about to give birth," she murmured. I cried.

Hindi ko na alam ang mga nangyari. Basta ang alam ko na lang, bigla s'yang kumilos nang mabilis at dali-dali akong inilipat para humiga sa inihanda n'yang mga tela at mga dahon. I had no more strength because of the pain so I just followed.

I was heaving up and down, and I was grunting of pain. It was unbelievable.

She helped me, and I couldn't follow what she was doing. She rolled a small piece of cloth and asked me to put it on my mouth and just clenched on it. I followed. Para akong mababaliw sa sakit, samantalang ang dami n'yang ginagawa para tulungan ako.

She positioned herself and helped me in positioning to give birth.

I held her hand. I was heaving, and she only smiled. I felt so safe when she did that, and I moaned in the unbearable pain I felt all over my body.

"Aaaah!" Hindi ko alam kung nakailang ire, at sigaw ko. May sinasabi s'ya sa akin pero hindi ko naman maintindihan. Kaya naman nagpatuloy ako sa ginawa. Hanggang sa pakiramdam ko mamatay na ako sa sakit at mawawalan ng malay.

I was losing all my strength, because of the pain.

Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal na tinutulugan at gaano katagal ang sakit na 'yun. Umiiyak ako at hindi alam ang gagawin. Mas naiyak ako dahil kung nasa tabi ko sana si Laurentius mas magiging madali ang lahat.

Mawawalan na yata ako ng buhay, pero para akong hinugutan ng hininga nang makarinig ako ng isang iyak.

May mga ginawa pa 'yung babae, pero hindi ko maintindihan dahil nanlalabo ang mga paningin ko. Hanggang sa inabot n'ya sa akin ang umiiyak na sanggol, kasabay ang malakas na tunog ng ulan sa labas ng kweba.

Kahit wala na akong lakas, nang marinig ang iyak ng anak, pakiramdam ko nawala lahat ng sakit. Tanging tahimik lang na pag-iyak ang nagawa ko. At ang hagkan ang maliit na bata, ay nagtanggal sa lahat ng pait, sakit, at walang katapusang lungkot sa puso ko.

"Mahal kita..." I whispered, and the baby cried more.

I held my child delicately, but I really had no strength, and my eyes slowly closed as everything became pitch black.

NANG imulat ko ang mga mata ko. Mas maayos na ang pakiramdam ko kahit papaano. At napatingin ako sa sarili. Nakita ko kung paanong mas maayos na ang hitsura ko. Pagkatapos napalingon ako sa isang banda.

Nakita ko ang babae habang karga-karga ang isang sanggol. Nang mapansin n'yang gising na ako. She smiled at me, and she gave me the baby. I sat and accepted it. I felt a little pain, but it was better than before.

"I searched for some food earlier, it was raining so hard but the sun was high, and I heard there was even a meteor fall earlier," she informed me, and gave me some fruits. I smiled weakly, and bowed a little.

"Thank you..."

"No worries," she spoke softly, smiling at my child.

"The child's a boy." I touched the sleeping baby's face. I smiled. It reminded me of how soft and pure his father was. I was sure he was going to grow up like him. Sana lahat makuha n'ya sa ama. H'wag na sa akin. Hindi naman ako mabuti, hindi naman ako malakas, hindi naman ako magandang impluwensya sa kanya.

"Have you decided for the name?" I looked at the girl who was smiling at me.

I nodded weakly. I kissed the forehead of my child. Tears streamed down from my eyes. The woman looked alarmed because of it, but still silently watched me.

"Akakios..." I whispered and the child smiled. My heart grew in happiness. Gusto ng anak namin ni Laurentius ang napili n'yang pangalan para dito.

"Akakios? So unique. What does it mean?" The woman asked curiously.

"Pure, not evil, just like his father, Laurentius," sagot ko rito pero hindi ko maalis ang tingin ko sa natutulog na anak. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam at sobrang nabuo ulit ako. Para lahat ng pira-pirasong pangyayari at pagkatao ko nabuo dahil sa kanya.

"Akakios Laurentius..." murmured the woman, and I could feel her smiling. I glanced at her, and her warm gaze.

"Akakios Laurentius de Castelian." The child smiled more while sleeping. More tears shed from my eyes because of happiness. The child was sleeping peacefully, and smiling. I hoped your father's visiting you from your dream...

I spent the next hours admiring and being happy with my child. Nagising 'to at nag-iyak. Hindi namin alam paano papatahanin, pero nang makakita ng bulaklak, tumigil. Just like his father... I carrassed his small cheek. He smiled lovingly.

"Thank you..." sambit ko sa babae.

"If it weren't for you, Akakios wouldn't be born unscathed." Ngumiti ang babae sa akin.

"Why are you here? At the forest?" I asked quietly, swaying my child.

"Ah, I was travelling around Eviralle. I heard my grandmother was from here." I could only nod. Eviralle's really a wonderful place. Full of history, richness, and old heritage. It wasn't that modern compared to other countries, but it has its own charm, and I'd always be proud on how our history wasn't erased as time passed.

The Domain and the other cities and provinces must be more modern compared to our village. Our village was like this, like the time hadn't passed at all because we kept all our histories, and all our culture. Ito na lang naman yatang lugar namin ang walang bahid ng kasalukuyan. Ang ibang lugar sa Eviralle, paniguradong katulad na ng ibang bansa.

"This place here in Eviralle's so rich. I thought I travelled back in time. It was like I was seeing my grandmother's time in this place the most. Other parts of Eviralle were mostly modern. But this land, I liked it better." I only smiled at her. It was true. Kami ang napag-iwanan, pero kami rin ang nanatiling makapagyarihan sa lugar na 'to.

"Thank you," I said, she chuckled.

"Where's the father of the child?" she asked cautiously. I shook my head lightly.

"I'm sorry." Then she bowed down.

"Who are the ones chasing you?" tanong nito sa akin.

"The ones who wants me dead," I answered straightforwardly, her eyes widened a fraction. I chuckled. Now that Akakios's safe, I'd only wish for his safety.

Natahimik kaming dalawa. Hindi alam ang kasunod na sasabihin.

"I'm Agnyska Saude," pakilala ko sa kanya. Nakita ko ang payapa at mahinahong ngiti n'ya.

"I'm Princess."

"You are a princess?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ko. Natawa s'ya at iniling ang ulo.

"No. I mean, I'm Princess Light Smith. That's my name." Napatango-tango naman ako. "I like your name. Agnyska. Unique," she added, and I nodded at her.

We stayed together for a few days. She helped me regained my strength. Nakakatuwa na napakabait n'yang tao kahit taga ibang bansa. Napakamatulungin, at napakabuti ng puso n'ya. Dahil sa mga tulong at ginawa n'ya para sa amin ni Akakios, tanging kaligtasan n'ya lang ang hiniling ko.

I danced at the river to solemnly pray for her. I blessed her with all my power. She'd be safe. She'd always be safe from all the harm. And one day... the heaviness, and all the sadness in her heart would be filled with joy.

"I promise you, Princess... one day I'll return all your kindness. I'll protect your family," bulong ko nang taimtim na hiling bago tuluyang magdasal.

Bumalik si Princess habang dala-dala ang ilan pang gulay at prutas na maari naming makain. Nangaso rin s'ya para makakain ako ng pagkain at mas lumakas matapos ang panganganak. S'ya rin minsan ang nag-aalaga kay Akakios.

"Your son's always so peaceful. He's so adorable and handsome." Isang araw, sambit nito, habang buhat-buhat ang anak ko.

I chuckled at her. "Just like his father."

Nilaro n'ya ang bata. At nang makatulog, marahang inilapag sa parang kama na gawa sa dahon at ilang bulaklak. Lumapit ako sa kanya at hinawakan s'ya sa mga kamay.

"You'll always be protected. And the family you are going to create one day... will be blessed by my will..." Marahang sambit ko sa kanya. I saw sincerity, and almost teary eyes in her. She smiled at me, and hugged me.

"Thank you..."

Nang yakapin n'ya ako. May nakita ako.

I saw the moon.

When we broke the hug, I caressed her hands delicately. "One day, the moon will be one with you. And the sun..." I looked at my sleeping child. "Will protect the moon for me." Halatang naguluhan s'ya sa sinabi ko pero nginitian ko lang s'ya.

That afternoon, she took her things because she needed to travel out of the country again. To fight all those people who fooled her. I smiled at her back. I hoped one day she'd learn the word forgiveness, and let go of all the things holding her down.

Nag-ayos din ako para sa anak ko. Magpapakalayo na lang ba kami? Pero paano ang buong angkan? I smiled sadly. I'd face them. I was getting tired of running away. Defying my fate? Running away wasn't going to be the only choice. I could face it head on, and defy it with everything that I have.

When the night fell, I felt someone following me while I was walking with my son wrapped in my arms.

"Lumabas ka na, alam kong matagal ka nang sumusunod sa akin." Tumigil ako at sinabi ang mga salitang 'yun. Dahil do'n, bigla s'yang lumabas at nagpakita sa akin. He knelt down in front of me. I looked at him.

"Sino ka?"

Hindi 'to nagsalita at tumayo para ipakita ang mukha. I was confused at first, but then... the resemblance from the highest general and the most trusted guard of the de Castelian was evident on his features... hindi mapagkakaila ang bagay na 'yun.

"I'm Gideon, from the family of the greatest warriors, Vontridge." Magalang napakilala nito.

"Bakit mo ako sinusundan?" tanong ko.

"Kaligtasan. Para siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng Emperor." Tapos tumigin 'to sa batang dala ko. I chuckled while shaking my head. Hindi na ako magtatakhang alam n'ya. They were the ones who escaped with the former Emperor.

I looked at his eyes, and saw a mighty spirit, an unbreakable one. That one day he would protect the sun with all of his life.

"Maari bang itanong, High Priestess, saan kayo pupunta ng batang de Castelian?"

"Sa bayan namin," sagot ko at nagsimulang maglakad. Kaagad s'yang umiling sa akin. Hindi matanggap ang sinabi ko. Gusto akong pigilan, pero hindi n'ya magawa. Natawa na lang ako at sumunod s'ya.

"Mapanganib."

"Kahit saan kami pumunta, mapanganib," sambit ko sa kanya. Hindi s'ya nakasagot.

"You'd be someone who protects and guides my child," pahayag ko. Napatango s'ya na para bang kahit hindi ko sabihin gagawin n'ya. Pinilig ko na lang ang ulo ko at naglakad at sumunod lang s'ya nang sumunod.

Tahimik kaming naglalakad nang ilang araw. Hanggang sa makarating sa syudad habang mataas na ang sikat ng buwan.

Madilim ang buong paligid at tanging mga apoy lang ng torches ang nasa lansangan. Nagtakha ako sa nadatnan. Our village had always been lively even at night. Ano'ng meron ngayon? I continued walking and Gideon was just somewhere in hiding but still guiding me and my son.

Akakios created a little sound, I swayed a little to hush him.

I went up to our place, and everything was just so quiet. No one was around. Mas lalo akong nagtakha.

I walked slowly, and carefully. The torches at the center of the place was circled. Naghanda ako sa maaring mangyari. Pero nagulat ako nang lumabas si Lola na duguaan. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napasinghap.

May lumabas kasunod ni Lola, at kakaibang galit ang naramdaman ko. It was Abelard! Tinadyakan nito si Lola at napahiga si Lola sa lupa habang duguaan, walang masabing salita, at tanging sigaw lang ng sakit ang nararamdaman.

I looked around, and people who were almost lifeless, and full of blood and torture went out of the house with Domain's warriors and guards threatening their lives. Tumakbo ako kay Lola habang dala-dala ang anak.

"Lola... ano'ng nangyari?" bulong ko rito. Hindi 'to makasagot sa tindi ng sinapit.

Akakios started to become uncomfortable. My heart was aching in pain.

"Lola..." tawag ko rito.

Pero halos hindi ako nakahinga sa sumunod na nangyari.

Lola's head... Lola's head... flew... and blood splattered on my face, and Akakios's cloth. My breathing became heavy and shallow. I looked at the body that dropped on the land, with blood flowing endlessly.

"Aaaahh!" I screamed in terror. Akakios started crying because of my shouts.

Lola. They beheaded Lola in front of me. Halos magwala ako at mabaliw sa matinding sakit na nadama at takot at pangamba. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Nayakap ko si Akakios nang sobrang higpit. Takot na takot para sa kaligtasan nito.

All those people who were bloody from our village was also stabbed or pierced or was shot with a gun. All of them dead before my eyes. I cried like a mad woman. The rain slowly poured down, going stronger and stronger.

I was losing everything... blood was everywhere...

Hindi ako makalaban. Hindi ko magawa. Wala na akong lakas.

Ihiniwalay nila si Akakios sa akin. Kinuha ni Abelard ang anak ko. Mas lalong lumakas ang iyak ko. Mabilis akong nagwala. Kumuha ng mga sandata at armas. Lahat ng kawal na lumaban sa akin, nauwing sawi. I didn't care if I couldn't dodge their spears, and swords.

I fought with my last strength while bawling. I fought for my son. Nakakuha ako ng baril at pinagbabaril ang lahat ng kawal na nagtangkang lumapit sa akin. Sinaksak ko rin ng patalim lahat ng nagtangkang hawakan ako.

I was bloody. My sight was almost red because of blood. I didn't care. I was in range. I shouted in torment. "Aaahh! Ibalik n'yo sa akin ang anak ko!" I yelled at them in fury. I couldn't even count how many dead bodies dropped because of coming near me.

I saw my son on Abelard's hand. My eyes widened, when he put him down on the land. And his sword. Nakatutok 'yun sa anak ko na para bang papatayin n'ya 'to sa matinding galit sa akin.

"Abelard!" sigaw ko na halos mapaos ako. Tumingin s'ya sa akin, at napakalaking ngisi ang ibinigay n'ya.

I ran as fast as I could, everyone who dared to come on my way couldn't even react and just dropped dead on the path.

Ipinakita sa akin ni Abelard kung paano n'yang sasaksakin ang anak ko kagaya ng sumpang ibinigay ko sa kanya. The rain and the sky roared more. The moon became more visible, even though with clouds.

Abelard almost pierced the sword to the heart of my child.

But I was able to throw myself in, and the sword pierced through my palm instead. Drops of blood dripped one by one to my child's chest. I smiled, and he was crying so hard. "Shh..." I tried to comfort him. Abelard slowly pulled back the sword.

"Aargh!" I grunted in pain.

But it didn't stop me. I grabbed my child, and I stood up with him in my arms.

I covered him with my whole body when I heard Abelard's signal to fire on me. Halos magsuka ako ng dugo ng may tumamang mga pana sa likod ko. Kada baon nito sa balat ko ay kakaibang sakit ang nadama ko.

Tears on continued to flowed down while I was being shot in the back with multiple arrows. One by one. Hindi ko na mabiglang kung gaano karami. Napaluhod na lang ako. Nanghihinang pinoprotektahan ang umiiyak na anak. Inilapag ko s'ya sa lupa katabi ko. I was side lying looking at him.

Umaagos ang dugo at ulan sa buong nayon.

"Mahal..." napaubo-ubo ako ng dugo, habang pinagmamasdan ang anak na patuloy sa pag-iyak. "Mahal na mahal kita..." I managed to finish and smiled at my child.

I was losing my breath; my eyes were staring to get blurry.

Hanggang sa bigla na lang may sumabog sa isang banda. Nagkagulo ang lahat. Pinagmasdan ko ang kalangitan. Ang pagpatak ng tubig ulan, na para bang umiiyak sa tinahak kong landas.

I smiled. It was cruel. But I was happy. With Laurentius. And with Akakios.

Bumabagal na ang paghinga ko. Parang nawawala na ang langit sa paningin ko.

Then someone walked near me. I saw his face. Abelard. A sword glistened with his dark eyes. I smiled at him weakly.

"Even in death, you won't have me or my son... and never my heart." Mariing sambit ko sa kanya habang lumuluha at umuubo.

I saw how the tip of the sword, slowly lowered... Abelard looked at me with so much pain.

And I saw one last prophecy in my vision.

"The one who was born when the sun ablaze with the sky's falling tears shall walk to the throne and wear the crown to reclaim his name. And the moment it happens, the current Domain shall crumble, and their reign will be put to an end..."

The sun. My child... please be safe...

Then the moon showed in my vision. The poor moon who would suffer with its crimson light for she witnessed thousands of deaths. An image flashed. Princess Light Smith. The one who would be carrying the moon. My heart was at peace, knowing that the moon fell into the right star.

"The one who was born when the moon shined and granted its brilliance with a crimson sky will be the one beside the sun. And her grace... will be the only one who can guide the sun to the throne. But be careful, for the moon can get burned, and the ones near her could face bloodshed and turn to ashes."

While I was looking at the sky with its falling tears, the moon seemed to glow brighter and my eyes shook. The moon doubled in my vision, as I coughed more blood. Sumakit ang ulo ko at tila may matinis akong tunog na narinig habang nakatitig sa langit.

And when I finished reciting those words, I saw Gideon slowly nearing to protect me. But I smiled sadly. For I know... this was my end.

The sword in Abelard's hands pierced through my heart.

I looked beside me and smiled for one last time. For one last time, I saw my child's cries for me and for his dead father.

"Be safe... my solace..."

Those were my last words, as the abyss slowly came to succumb my soul.

Nagkakagulo pa rin, at nakita kong may sumipa kay Abelard na kukunin sana ang anak ko. My child was carried by a familiar man. Tears streamed down in peace. My heart, although broken... became whole.

As I know, my son... would be safe in the hands of Gideon.

They slowly left my sight, and I was thankful for the last glimpse of my son being safe. I looked at the sky's tears. Finally... I could meet Laurentius again. The only thing that I would probably regret was not being there for my son for the rest of his life.

My eyes closed, as my life slowly... stopped. But I know someday... our legacy will be continued by the ones who were crowned. My only wish was for them to be safe... and for them to shine with nothing but kindness, pureness, and greatness.

And this is our tragic story... from long ago, as I breathed my one last breath, and saw my Laurentius' smile, offering his hand to me, and I accepted it with a smile and with heart at peace.

I'm sorry Akakios, your father and I left you behind so early... we are deeply and truly sorry, our son, but please... continue to shine.

***