#TCS91: I Promise You

Miracle Silhouette's POV

No one was really speaking the moment we went out of that place. I tasked the Crowns to take care of it, and they were left in there. At the same time, the rest of us travelled to the main building of the Empire.

We separated going to the vehicles, Gabby went to the triplets, and I stayed with Isolde and Akakios. My heart felt a little heavy, and I was a little bothered because of the unexpected thing that happened to Layla.

It only meant one thing. A warning for us. It looked like there was really something deeper behind the Senses, and the fake Mortem. I sighed heavily, and I looked at Akakios, who was holding my hand, his forehead was creased.

"It's not your fault." Akakios and I simultaneously looked at Isolde, who mentioned those words. Akakios nodded and smiled at her a little.

"Now that the Senses are done, we are going to the next step. The Domain." I felt the sensation of electricity jolting in my skin. The tension in the air became palpable, and when I looked at Akakios, I saw how serious his expression was.

We didn't have time to dwell on things that didn't go with our plan, we needed to look ahead, and deal with more things. Akakios pulled me closer to him, and I felt him kissed my forehead, Isolde rolled her eyes at us, we both chuckled.

"What are you planning now?" tanong ni Isolde sa amin. She crossed her legs, and looked us with a curious expression.

"I am planning on the clean-up for the whole Empire University for a while, then mourn for those students that were lost in this. After that... we can do a victory party for all the students. They deserve it," I mentioned with a shrug.

"Okay," kibit-balikat na imik ni Isolde.

"You also need to rest, Silhouette." Napatingin ako kay Akakios no'ng sabihin n'ya 'yon. "You had been doing so many things on your own, let me handle those..." malumanay na dugtong nito.

"You also have a lot!" I told him with a pout. Kung meron mang mas maraming ginagawa sa aming dalawa siguradong si Akakios 'yon at hindi ako. I was mostly aiding him, and I was sure Master Gideon was giving him hefty tasks for him to deal on his own.

"You both deserve a rest." We both looked at Isolde when she spoke of that so seriously. "After everything... go rest with your gang, let us handle some things for you," she added calmly and smiled at us.

I felt more at ease because of that. "Thank you," sabay na sabi namin ni Akakios sa kanya sa magaan at masayang paraan. I suddenly felt like a burden on my shoulders was lifted even though it would only be for a short amount of time.

Hindi nagtagal nakarating kami sa building. Mukhang nauna na ang mga Pasaway sa loob kaya naman pumunta na rin kami ro'n. Sumunod sa amin si Isolde at nang makapasok kami ro'n tahimik pa ang buong lugar.

Tita Annicka and Tito Skyler welcomed us. They immediately bowed down at the sight of Akakios. Napalingon ako kay Akakios, nahihiya 'tong nakangiti, sobrang awkward sa kanya na kailangan bang magbigay galang nina Tita sa kanya.

"Hello po," bati ko sa kanila.

"Oh, it's quiet," Isolde mentioned looking at the whole surrounding. There were no traces of the Pasaways at all.

"They are all bathing and cleaning themselves," mahinang paliwanag ni Tita Annicka. Isolde and I nodded, that must be why. We walked to enter the living room, and we sat on the sofa, I sighed and rested my head and back on the sofa.

Akakios sat down next to me. Isolde went to the kitchen. While Tita Annicka and Tito Skyler sat across us.

"How are you?" Tito Skyler asked in a mellow tone. I sat up straightly and smiled at him.

"A little tired po. Kayo po? How's the preparation of the original Improbus?" sagot ko sa kanya. Napabuntonghininga s'ya na tila ba ramdam n'ya rin 'yong pagod, kasi ngayon talaga nagsi-sink-in sa kanila na hindi basta-basta kalaban ang Domain.

"You should rest, we'll handle things for the two of you while we are in here," Tita Annicka remarked with a soft smile on her face. Pakiramdam ko gumaan ang loob ko dahil do'n. She looked heavenly.

"Are... Theon, Cleon, and Art doing well in the trainings?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Tita Annicka.

"Yes po. Medyo nahihirapan sila minsan, pero nagagawa naman pong higitan ang sarili nila," Akakios answered with a bright beam. I saw how Tita Annicka's expression became lighter because of Akakios's beam and the news she got.

"Don't go easy on them." Tito Skyler smirked. "Challenge them more, especially that stubborn Theon."

"Zeus ha!" banta ni Tita Annicka sa asawa. Natawa naman si Tito Skyler sa kanya, pagkatapos bigla s'yang niyakap ni Tito sa baiwang. Napangiti ako kasi sobrang ramdam na ramdam mo pa rin 'yong pagmamahal nila sa isa't isa.

We were talking about the Morbelque siblings when Akakios suddenly excused himself. He went somewhere, and when he came back, I couldn't help but smile because of what he had brought. He offered it to Tita Annicka politely.

"Hala, thank you!" she clamored because of the first-aid kit that Akakios gave her.

Ngumiti si Akakios at itinuro ang pisngi at putok na labi ni Tito Skyler sa gilid, bago umupo ulit sa tabi ko. I couldn't help but snicker softly. Sobrang bait talaga nito. I rested my head on his shoulder while gleaming and inhaling his scent. Amoy baby powder talaga 'to.

"Tss! Ayan, nasuntok ka tuloy no'ng panganay mo!" saway ni Tita Annicka kay Tito Skyler.

"Tss." Irap ni Tito Skyler kay Tita Annicka. "Aw!" reklamo nito no'ng sinadyang diinan ni Tita Annicka 'yong paggagamot n'ya kay Tito Skyler. Ang sama tuloy ng tingin ng huli sa asawa n'ya, pero walang masabi kasi bigla na lang s'yang titingnan ni Tita Annicka nang nagbabanta.

"Kanino ba nagmana 'yong si Theon, tss," iiling-iling na sambit ni Tito Skyler.

"Sa 'yo po." Akakios and I chorused, and Tita Annicka chortled loudly at her husband, who automatically pouted with our retort.

"Hindi kaya. Hindi naman ako torpe," nakangusong sambit nito, at lalong natawa si Tita Annicka. Akakios and I were also chuckling because Tito Skyler looked so tamed with Tita Annicka's glares and reactions.

"Wow! Sa 'yo pa nang galing 'yan, ha!" Tita Annicka giggled while tending Tito Skyler's lips, and after that she clapped her hands and fixed the first aid kit.

"I confessed to you early..." Tito Skyler cooed at Tita Annicka lovingly.

"'Yon na pala 'yong early sa 'yo?" loko ni Tita Annicka sa kanya. "Nako, kaya manang-mana 'yang anak mo sa 'yo eh. Suplado, tahimik, matigas ang ulo, mabagal, confused na tao, ano pa ba hmm?"

"Tss!" Tito Skyler's expression darkened at Tita Annicka, but the latter was just cracking up at him.

"I want... that..." Natigilan ako sa pagtawa at panonood kay Tita Annicka at Tito Skyler sa mahinang bulong sa akin ni Akakios. Napatingin ako sa kanya nang kunot-noo. He smiled at me peacefully.

"Just a simple life with the one you love and treasure... without any complications. I just wanted that... is it a selfish wish?" he confided silently near my ear. I smiled sadly; I couldn't even think of anything to respond.

I had been wishing that my whole life. To stop the pain, the burden, the challenges that were coming in our paths. But no matter how much we ran away, it kept chasing us... and maybe after facing it... that was only when we could get our simple wish.

"We'll have that... someday..." I told him with a smile on my face.

"Hello, mga junakis kong mga dyosa at dyos ang feautures dahil manang-mana sa akin!" The four of us looked at the one who suddenly declared those words. We all tittered, looking at Tita Alyx, who was spreading her arms but with no one to welcome her.

"Walang tao, epic fail ka talaga Fortaleza," tatawa-tawang imik naman ni Tita Shana at saka biglang binatukan si Tita Alyx na natulala kasi walang sumalubong sa kanya.

"Hoy, Sy na ako hindi na ako Fortaleza!" reklamo ni Tita Alyx kay Tita Shana.

"Ang ingay talaga." The smile plastered on my face couldn't be wiped because Tita Lian also entered.

"Oo nga naman Shana. Sy na si baby loves ko, ano. Gwapo-gwapo ng apelyido ko hindi mo pa isasama! Hello mga bulilit na manang-mana sa kagwapuhan ko!" Tito Thon announced but was surprised to only see us.

"Tabi, tabi, pahara-hara," loko ni Tito JJ kay Tito Thon. Binangga n'ya si Tito Thon, at hinabol si Tita Shana na nauuna nang maglakad.

"Ano na, Thon, aping-api ka na naman!" tawang-tawang sabi ni Tito Tim kay Tito Thon. Bigla n'yang hinila si Tita Lian pabalik sa kanya no'ng maglalakad na sana si Tita papunta sa amin.

"Alam mo ikaw talaga 'yong bunso hindi si Liam," iiling-iling na sambit ni Tita Lian kay Tito Tim.

"Damulag ka pala eh!" biglang hirit ni Tito Thon at Tito JJ kay Tito Tim.

"Wow, nagsalita 'yong mga palamunin ni Shana at Alyx!" ganti ni Tito Tim sa kanila. Natatawa kami ni Akakios sa kanila habang napapailing. Ang kulit pa rin nila, sobrang gaan sa pakiramdam at saka nakakatuwa na ganito pa rin sila.

"Foul ka Pards!" sigaw ni Tito JJ at Tito Thon kay Tito Tim.

"Aminado!" Tita Alyx laughed at them. "Hoy, Thon-Thon! May paeksena si Tim sa entrance nila ni Lian, hindi tayo papatalo! Bumalik ka dito dali!" Like an obedient husband, Tito Thon really went back to Tita Alyx.

"Mga pakulo n'yong hindi na nalaos!" Tita Shana told them laughingly. She and Tito JJ sat on the sofa near Tito Skyler and Tita Annicka. Nakipag-apir si Tito JJ kay Tito Sky. Pagkatapos nagbeso si Tita Shana at Tita Annicka.

Gano'n din ang ginawa nina Tita Lian at Tito Tim pagkaupo nila sa sofa malapit sa amin ni Akakios.

They all bowed their heads to Akakios, and Akakios just smiled shyly at them. "Hello po, kumusta na po?" bati n'ya sa mga 'to.

"We're doing great!" they exclaimed at him.

"Hoy, people! Harap dito dali! Eeksena kaming pinakagwapo at pinakamaganda!" biglang extra ni Tito Thon-Thon. Hindi pa man sila nagsisimula ni Tita Alyx, natatawa na ako sa kanila. They uplifted the mood effortlessly.

"Thon-Thon! Ang kamay!" Tita Alyx declared and Tito Thon suddenly angled his arms out. I knotted my forehead while laughing, pati sina Tita Lian natatawa na lang sa kanila, habang napapailing si Tito Skyler.

"Salo!" I laughed loudly because Tita Alyx suddenly jumped to Tito Thon para magpabuhat na parang prinsesa.

"Woooh! Walang tatalo sa entrance ng mga extra!" tawang-tawang palakpak ni Tito Tim-Tim sa kanila.

"Mga siraulo!" Tita Shana guffawed at them, especially when they toured at the living room posing there and here. While Tito Thon was still carrying Tita Alyx on his arms. They looked so comedic. Halos manakit ang tyan ko katatawa sa mga kalokohan nila.

"Asan ang mga junakis ha! Hindi nila makikita ang bonggang entrance namin!" reklamo ni Tita Alyx sa amin, pagkatapos nakarating din sila sa may mga sofa. Akala ko bababa na si Tita Alyx sa pagkakakarga kay Tito Thon-Thon, pero bigla s'yang nagsalita no'ng uupo na sana sila.

"H'wag mo ako ibababa! I-tour mo ulit ako kapag nandyan na sila!" request pa ni Tita Alyx.

"Kawawa ka na Pards Thon!" loko ni Tito JJ habang pumapalakpak sa kanila.

"Ginusto mo 'yan!" alaska pa ni Tita Shana sa nakasimangot at nagpapaawang si Tito Thon-Thon. Tawa tuloy nila ang pumalibot sa buong lugar. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam at sa puso. I missed this so much.

"Dyosa kong asawa, umupo na tayo, kawawa na ang magagandang muscles ko," naka-pout na sambit ni Tito Thon sa asawa.

"Kaya nga, para kayong sira Alyx. Bibigyan n'yo pa ng ideya mga batang makukulit na 'yon," iiling-iling na sabi ni Tita Lian.

"Kakabahan si Akira sa pinaggagagawa mo Alyx," tawa ni Tito JJ.

"Disipolo mo pa naman si Biblee. Kapag nakakuha 'yon ng ideya. Patay na!" tawang-tawa sabi naman ni Tito Tim sa kanila. Humalakhak naman si Tita Alyx sa pagkakakarga kay Tito Thon.

"Ano, Shana, papahirapan ko na ba ang ang supladitong panganay mo?" Tita Alyx teased while wiggling her brows.

"Alam mo, kakausapin ko na talaga si Gabby para bigyan ng pangmalakasang prank si Pierce." A small smirk painted on Tita Shana's lips and Tito JJ cracked up loudly because of the remark from his wife.

Namutla naman si Tita Alyx. "Hoy! Madaya ka, Shana! Huli na nga magkaka-love life mga baby boy ko!"

"Huling love life man, baka mauna sa simbahan 'yan!" laughed Tito Thon.

"True! Speed pa naman mga Evans. Mga tipong wala nang girlfriend-boyfriend, diretso kasal na! Nagtitipid yata!" masayang dagdag ni Tita Alyx.

"Sinong speed?" biglang napalingon ang lahat sa biglang nagtanong no'n.

"Ikaw!" sabay-sabay na sigaw nilang lahat sa kapapasok lang na si Dada. He shrugged his shoulders with his arms opened looking at them because of the answer.

"Eh?" Momo entered and looked confused to why everyone was laughing at Dada's reaction.

"Oh, bakit nakaganyan kayo Pards Thon?" tanong ni Dada habang nakatingin kasi hindi pa rin talaga nakakababa si Tita Alyx sa pagkakakarga.

"Hindi na tinatanong 'yan. Si Alyx na naman may pakulo nyan," Momo mentioned as she walked to us, she kissed my cheeks, and bowed her head a little at Akakios. Nakipagbeso rin si Momo kay Akakios, kaya ang naman sobrang laki ng ngiti ni Akakios.

Pakiramdam ko talaga minsan si Akakios ang anak ni Momo, eh. Ang saya rin kasi ni Momo kapag nakikita si Akakios. She even sat down beside him. Sino ba naman kasing hindi matutuwa at gagaan ang pakiramdam kapag nakangiti si Akakios?

"Light!" tawag ni Dada kay Momo.

"Hindi ako mawawala sa paningin mo," Momo told Dada. "Hindi ka pa ngalay, Thon-Thon?" cackled Momo looking at the two.

"Pagod na nga Incess, pagsabihan mo nga 'to," sumbong ni Tito Thon kay Momo. Nabatukan naman s'ya ni Tita Alyx dahil do'n.

"Sige, upo na tayo. Do'n tayo sa harap ni Alas ha! Masarap pagmasdan ang gwapong mukha nyan!" tawa ni Tita Alyx, kaya naman mukhang hiyang-hiya si Akakios sa kanila. Tito Thon followed what Tita Alyx told him. Nakaupo rin silang dalawa, sa wakas.

"Under," Tito Skyler remarked at Tito Thon.

"Nagsalita!" sabay-sabay na sagot nila kay Tito Skyler. Kaya naman nagkaro'n ulit ng tawanan dahil do'n.

"Alas, alam mo ba dapat talaga pinaglihi ko sa 'yo 'yong bunso ko, eh. Grabe ang genes! Pahingi! Ikokontrata ko ka kaagad 'yong magiging anak n'yo ha, para sa magiging anak ng mga junakis ko!" masayang sabi ni Tita Alyx.

"Wow! Grabe kumontrata!" Tita Shana laughed and shook her head.

"Syempre!" proud na sabi ni Tita Alyx.

"Pwede naman dagdagan natin 'yong bunso natin, tas 'yon ang ipaglihi mo kay Alas," Tito Thon suggested mischievously.

"Alam mo may contest talaga kayo ng paramihan, eh! Hahabol ka talaga kay Pards Sky at Pards Gab ha?" Tito Tim cackled at Tito Thon.

"Weak ka lang! Naturingang playboy 'tas tatlo lang! Uwian na!" hirit ni Tita Alyx kay Tito Tim-Tim.

"Nanay oh, hinahamon ako! Gusto yatang sundan si Liam!" sumbong ni Tito Tim kay Tita Lian. Nabatukan tuloy s'ya dahil do'n.

"Si Biblee na lang alagaan mo, katumbas no'n limang bata." Tita Lian rolled her eyes at her husband, and we all laughed because of it.

"Kawawang Biblee," natatawang sabi ko naman, kaya lalo silang nagtawanan.

"Akira must be having a handful," tawa ni Tita Lian. Nakipag-apir naman si Tita Shana. "Ginusto n'ya 'yon." Akakios's laughter echoed because of their remarks; it was a blessing to hear.

"Hoy, Incess, kung makayakap ka sa braso ni Alas, parang aagawan mo pa si Miracle!" I automatically looked at Akakios' other side and saw Momo holding and hugging his arm with a smile on her face.

"Light, ako na lang yakapin mo!" reklamo ni Dada, at binuksan ang kamay n'ya para kay Momo. Momo hissed at Dada and rolled her eyes at him.

"Nakakasawa ka na, Gab, palagi kang nakayakap sa akin, h'wag kang madrama," Momo kidded while chuckling softly.

"Game over!" Tita Annicka yelled while giggling.

"Teka!" biglang sabat ni Tita Alyx. "Hoy, Incess! Baka masusundan na si Gabby kaya ka ganyan kay Alas?!" nag-aakusang dugtong pa nito. My eyes widened and looked at Momo and Dada in shock. Akakios was also gawking at them in surprise.

"Light?" Dada's eyes circles, my heartbeat doubled.

"Lakas!" sabay-sabay na imik ni Tito Tim, Tito Thon, at Tito JJ.

"Mga baliw! We are in a state of prewar, are you kidding?" Momo gazed at them while shaking her head and rolling her eyes. Natawa naman ako at si Akakios dahil do'n. Dada pouted like he wanted another child after Gabby.

"Hindi imposible! Walang pinipiling oras si Pards Gab!" tawa ni Tito Tim.

"Manahimik ka! Kaya nakatatlo ka lang eh!" Binato ni Dada si Tito Tim ng throw-pillow dahil do'n kaya naman mas lalo kaming nagkatawanan. Momo didn't remove her hands around Akakios, and I felt happy because Momo seemed so close to him.

I knew that Akakios looked at Momo like his mother, and Momo felt closer to him knowing that he was the child of Mama Agnyska whom she helped back then. And she was even the one who delivered Akakios to this world. My heart melted at that thought.

"Pero seryoso Alas," biglang sambit ni Tita Alyx sa gitna ng tawanan. "Palahi kami."

"Alyx naman, 'yong choice of words mo! Kapag narinig 'yan ni Master Gideon, patay ka!" Tita Annicka mentioned while cackling.

"Ano ba! Panalong-panalo na ako kapag gano'n! 'Tapos dapat 'yong magiging anak ni Thorn at Katniss ang magiging partner ng anak nina Miracle, para kabog na kabog!" Tita Alyx declared while clapping her hands, Tita Shana was shaking her head while laughing.

"Ang powerful no'n 'pagnagkataon! Rivamonte, Halleciaña, Servilla, Smith, Evans, Fortaleza, Sy, Saude, de Castelian! Oh, 'di ba, mga powerful na angkan at patak ng dugo sa magiging junakis nila! Wapak na wapak!" Tita Alyx exclaimed, Akakios was laughing at her with red ears.

"Kami talaga ang nagwagi. 'Yong Servilla, at Smith pa lang, talo ka na Gab, parehas nasa amin!" Tito Thon-Thon exclaimed proudly with a huge grin on his face, and his eyes disappearing because of it.

"'Tapos dapat 'yong isa sa mga Morbelque naman, oh 'di ba?! Wala nang papalag!" masayang dagdag pa ni Tita Alyx.

"Ayoko nga, malalahian kami ng mga baliw," Tito Skyler suddenly popped in.

Napanganga si Tita Alyx at Tito Thon sa narinig kaya naman bigla nilang binato ng unan si Tito Skyler. Nagkagulo tuloy dahil do'n kasi ang kukulit talaga nila. At sobrang saya lang. Halos sumakit na ang tyan ko sa katatawa.

"Annicka, 'yang asawa mo ilulubog ko na 'yan sa lupa! Kung royal blood si Alas, kami may ethereal blood from the gods and goddesses! Tatanggi pa 'yan, sa lagay na 'yan?!" Tita Alyx told Tita Annicka joyfully.

"Sana all ethereal blood!" tawa ni Tito JJ sa kanila.

"Che!" sabay na imik ng mag-asawang Sy.

The laughter and remarks from them didn't die down at all. And I loved how Akakios was also conversing effortlessly with them, like they had been together for a long time. My heart felt so soft... because this was... my family.

And now... they were Akakios's family, too.

"Alas, Miracle ha! Alam n'yo na ha, pakontrata na kami kaagad," Tita Alyx told us while wiggling eyebrows. Akakios and I were both cackling at her. "Proven and tested na ang 'yan sinasabi ko sa inyo!" dagdag pa nito.

"Hey, sorry! We are late!" We all looked at the source of the voice.

"Ayan, ang patunay ng proven at tested na kontrata para sa mga junakis!" Tito Thon-Thon laughed and pointed at Tita Tiara who just entered with two boxes on her hand.

"I'm sorry?" maarteng sabi nito kay Tito Thon-Thon habang nakataas ang isang kilay.

"Babe, you should have waited for me," Tito Kurt followed Tita Tiara who was carrying plastic bags on his both hands.

"I don't wait." Tita Tiara rolled her eyes at her husband. They all laughed at her reply.

"Alam na talaga kanino nagmana si Harper!" tawa ni Tita Annicka. Pagkatapos ay tumayo, kagaya ni Tita Lian, para tulugan si Tito Kurt at Tita Tiara sa mga dala nila. Mukhang bumili sila ng pagkain para sa lahat.

"What are you talking about earlier? Why am I the patunay?" nagtatakhang tanong ni Tita Tiara bago ilagay ang hawak na box ng cake sa center table sa may living room.

"Proven and tested daw na kapag kinontrata na kaagad magkakatuluyan talaga ang mga anak," Tita Shana answered while laughing and shaking her head at the conversation.

"I know right! It is effective!" Nagkatawanan tuloy ang lahat ng pumalakpak pa si Tita Tiara dahil do'n at tumango pa kay Momo.

"Apir!" Tita Alyx mentioned and high five-d with her.

"Wait... who's contracting this time?" excited na tanong pa nito at tumingin kay Momo. Natawa namang napailing-iling si Momo.

"The dyosaness me to Alas and Miracle!" Tita Alyx kidded joyfully.

"Bongga!" Slang na imik ni Tita Tiara, kaya naging resulta 'yon ng tawanan. Umupo si Tito Kurt sa pang-isahang upuan at hinila si Tita Tiara papunta sa kanya. Napaupo si Tita Tiara sa lap ni Tito Kurt at mukhang tuwang-tuwa pa 'to imbis na mahiya, proud pa talaga.

"That's going to be so fetch! My baby daughter got Law wrapped around her fingers!" she told everyone proudly.

"Should I do that again? I want a real royal blood!" Tita Tiara screeched in so much thrill.

"Kalmahan mo, babe. Masyado kang tuwang-tuwa sa royal na 'yan, kaya 'yong anak mo, akala yata royal talaga s'ya," Tito Kurt mentioned while shaking his head, like it was a headache.

"Why! She should think of that! We are regally expensive!" Humarap si Tita Tiara sa asawa at pinalo ang braso nito. Nagkatawanan naman silang lahat.

Napahilot si Tito Kurt sa noo n'ya. "Alam mo bang umiyak at isang linggo akong hindi ako kinausap ni Harper no'ng nagtanong 'yon kung saang royal blood s'ya galing tapos ang sagot ko, wala ka namang royal blood."

"Gago ka, Kurt!" tawang-tawang sabi ni Tito JJ, Tito Tim-Tim, at Tito Thon-Thon.

"Sira ka talaga Kurt, binigla mo naman 'yong anak mong paniwalang-paniwala sa ina n'yang hibang!" Tita Alyx guffawed loudly.

"Hahahaha!" Everyone was laughing and Akakios and I were also drowning in happiness with them.

"Hindi ko naman kasi alam na naniwala. Nagsabi lang naman ako ng totoo, sa akin pa nagalit," iiling-iling at napapabuntonghininga na sambit ni Tito Kurt.

"That's why my baby Harper was so hurt back then! And why she called me a liar!" Sinabunutan ni Tita Tiara si Tito Kurt, kaya naman mas maging malakas ang tawanan dahil do'n. They were really so funny.

"Kaya nga grab the chance! Ayan na ang royal blood sa harap n'yo, oh!" turo ni Tita Alyx kay Akakios. Nahihiya namang napailing si Akakios. His ears were so red! And his cheeks, too! Sobrang cute talaga, ang sarap panggigilan!

"Me too, me too! I'm gonna do the contract again! I should give birth again to another child so the age gap with your first child will be awesome!" sabi sa amin ni Tita Tiara na sobrang determinado. Tito Kurt groaned because of his wife.

Pwede ba 'yon kung si Law at Harper? Oh, my gosh! Ano ba 'tong naiisip ko! Nahahawa na ako sa kanila! Nakakaloka!

"That would be so perfect! A direct descendant from me will have a royal one!" palakpak pa nito.

"You are all insane," iiling-iling na sabi ni Tita Lian.

"Kung makapagsabi 'tong si Tiara at Alyx, tanungin n'yo muna si Alas," mahinang tawa ni Tita Shana sa kanila.

Medyo natahimik ang lahat at tumingin sila sa amin ni Alas. I was just cackling because I knew they were just joking, and weren't that serious. We were still young after all. But looked like... Akakios didn't take it that way.

He gulped and smiled at them. Natigilan silang lahat at natahimik dahil focus na focus sa sasabihin ni Akakios sa kanila.

"I don't want to dictate anything to our child... they will have their own choice, and their own voice... I don't want to control them, but I will be there to guide them..." he mentioned with peaceful voice and smile.

Napanganga naman ang lahat kasi pakiramdam ko bigla silang nakakita ng liwanag sa sagot ni Akakios.

"Amen."

Sabay na sagot ni Tita Alyx at Tito Thon sa sinabi ni Akakios, kaya naman bigla ulit nagkatawanan nang malakas. I shook my head lightly while laughing because it was so funny because they even put their palms together. They were really the pillar of craziness!

"Where are their younger siblings?" tanong ko naman, kasi hindi sila kasama rito, kahit alam ko nandito rin sila sa Empire University, kasi hindi naman sila basta iniiwan ng mga magulang nila dahil na rin sa sitwasyon ngayon.

"They are with the Apocalypse with Cassy and Eugene. Just at the next building," Tita Lian answered with a small beam.

I nodded, it would be good that they weren't here for now.

"Will Tita Cassy and Tito Eugene join us now?" I further asked. Momo shook her head at me.

"No, they will stay with the younger ones, and they'll be here after." I nodded at my Momo's words.

"Where are the children?" Tita Tiara inquired because she hadn't seen the shadows of the Pasaways.

"Naliligo at nag-aayos," maikling sagot ni Tita Annicka.

"They will be hungry. Good thing we bought foods," nakangiting pahayag ni Tita Tiara, at tumango naman ang parents namin dahil do'n.

Nagkwentuhan kami saglit at na-hot seat pa kami ni Akakios dahil kami pa lang ang nandito. Nang hingi ng mga update sa mga nangyayari sa mga anak nila.

"They are all training well po," Akakios answered politely.

Tita Alyx looked intrigued. "Not that... the other updates," she mentioned wiggling her eyebrows. Natawa naman kami ni Akakios dahil do'n.

"Isa lang naman update kapag sa inyo, Alyx," natatawang imik ni Dada. "Mga nag-aalaga pa rin ng bata," nang-aasar at tuwang-tuwang dagdag pa nito.

"Mapang-atake ka talaga Pards Gab!" remarked Tito JJ while laughing.

"Wow, parang hindi nag-alaga 'yong anak n'ya!" sagot ni Dada kay Tito JJ. Kaya naman mas lalong nagkatawanan dahil do'n. Samantalang tahimik lang si Momo na tumatawa habang katabi si Akakios.

"How about you, Akakios? How are you?" she suddenly asked. Nagulat si Akakios at napatingin kay Momo na parang nahihiya.

"As long as you are all fine... I am beyond happy po," he told them with a genuine beam.

"Nako, sabihin mo lang, Alas. Alam naming masakit sa ulo si Miracle, idagdag mo pa mga kapatid nyan at ang buong barkada nila." Dada cackled at Akakios while saying it.

Akakios nodded with a smile on his face. "Yeah, Miracle's makulit po. Sobra." Hinampas ko nang magaan si Akakios sa braso dahil sa panlalaglag n'ya sa akin.

"Manang-mana kay Gab, eh," panloloko sa akin ni Momo. "Sumbong mo sa akin, Akakios, ako bahala sa 'yo," Momo continued.

"Momo naman eh! Ako kaya anak mo!" I joked around, and everyone laughed. Instead of being jealous, I was just so happy and at ease because I would really love if my Momo and Dada would cherish Akakios even more. Because... they were the only ones who could make him feel that... he could have parents, again.

"Ang tagal naman no'ng mga 'yon, baka nalunod na 'yon!" natatawang imik ni Tita Alyx.

"Nako, kay Hope kayo matakot na baka malunod kaiiyak!" Tito Tim-Tim jested while laughing.

"Marinig ka no'n!" Tita Lian cackled while clapping.

"Aping-api si Hopya sa inyong dalawa. Parang 'di kayo Nanay at Tatay, 'no?" Tito Thon-Thon quipped delightedly.

"Tanggap naman no'n," natatawang sagot ni Tito Tim-Tim at Tita Lian.

"'Yong isa iyakin, 'yong isa mapapagkamalan mong baliw kasi minsan tawang-tawa rin sa sarili n'ya," pangloloko ni Tito Kurt.

"I know right!" sang-ayon ni Tita Tiara sa asawa. Nagkatawanan na naman dahil do'n.

"Oh my gosh!" Our heads spontaneously turned our heads to the one who suddenly spoke.

"Intay naman pinakamamahal kong Luna—woah!" Natigil si Justice sa pagtakbo papunta kay Luna habang may nakapatong pang maliit na towel sa ulo at tinutuyo ang buhok n'ya no'ng makita n'yang punong-puno ang living room.

Bumababa si Luna at Justice sa hagdan at masayang kumaway sa aming lahat.

"Hala! Reunion ulit! Na-miss ko po kayo lahat!" maligayang bati ni Luna. At saka lumapit sa lahat para ibeso sila. The older generation were so happy to greet Luna back.

"Nako, kung hindi 'to nabingwit ni Justice, iwe-welcome ko 'to sa pamilyang Morbelque!" Tita Annicka laughed softly while hugging Luna.

"Hala, s'ya! Baka awayin ako ni Sloane at Amythee!" natatawang imik ni Luna.

"Sa true lang! Para may kakampi si Annicka na anghel!" Tita Alyx agreed while cackling.

"Ey, my Luna's only suited for our family!" Justice declared while kissing Tita Alyx's cheeks, and doing some kind of handshake with Tito Thon.

"Sa totoo lang! Luna's only suited for the Smith-Evans, puro dimunyo nando'n! Kailangan nila ng anghel!" biglang hirit ni Tito Thon-Thon, kaya naman biglang nagkatawanan ang lahat.

"Blessing talaga kami ni Alas, liwanag ng buhay ng mga Evans! Ay wait, si Pierce rin pala!" Luna exclaimed happily. "Oh, 'di ba? Napalibutan na sila ng mga anghel!"

"Couldn't protest to that," laughed Momo.

"I second the motion!" Dada raised his hand, and the dimple on his face showed. I couldn't help but be in awe with my Dada's handsomeness!

Tumayo tuloy ako sa kinauupuan at tumabi kay Dada. Akakios pouted at me, and wanted to follow me, but Momo didn't let him. Bigla tuloy natawa nang marahan ang lahat dahil sa cute na facial expression ni Akakios, pero mukhang masaya rin s'ya kasi ayaw s'ya pakawalan ni Momo.

Luna took a seat beside Akakios and Justice followed like a cute puppy.

"Para ka talagang si Pards Gab,  Justice!" Tito JJ commented.

"Syempre, Tito, lahing gwapo na speed pa!" proud na proud na sagot ni Justice.

"Kumusta pagsunod-sunod nito sa 'yo, Luna?" Momo teased.

"Gano'n pa rin Tita Incess, ako talaga magtataguyod sa amin," iiling-iling na sabi ni Luna. Justice pouted at her, and we all giggled at their cuteness.

"Justice mahiya ka naman, tulungan mo si Luna," pangloloko ni Dada sa pangalawa ng triplets.

"Hoy, ako na kaya nagbebenta ng mga picture kina Law, Rebel, Akira, at Theon!" protesta ni Justice kaya nabatukan s'ya ni Luna.

"Ang powerful din nito ni Luna eh, nababatukan lang 'yong tatlong abo!" tumatawang kumento ni Tita Annicka.

"Nako, Tita Nicka, hindi lang kaming triplets ang nasasapok n'yan," Justice declared while shaking his head.

"I'm a victim of that, too! Nakakatanggal ng ulo bumatok 'yan!" Napalingon kaming lahat sa bigla na lang nagsalita galing sa isang lugar.

"Saint!" Luna exclaimed while waving her hands at him. Ibinababa naman ni Justice ang pagkaway ni Luna at saka niyakap 'to. Saint laughed at them while shaking his head.

"Seloso!" pangloloko ni Katniss kay Justice at tumakbo papunta sa amin, parang may tinatakasan.

"Katie!" At ayon, lumabas ang tinatakasan ni Katniss, walang iba kung hindi ang kapatid ni si Kellon, na napapakamot na lang sa ulo dahil sa makulit na kapatid.

"Syempre, interesado 'yang playboy na 'yan sa Luna ko eh!" nakangusong imik ni Justice.

"Haba ng hair!" Tita Alyx mentioned laughingly.

"Who wouldn't take an interest in her?" Justice proudly told everyone, and I agreed. My Luna. She was beautiful inside and out. Who wouldn't love her?

"Don't worry, Just." Saint cackled at my brother. "I don't pursue someone committed, and... I am currently heartbroken with the nonstop rejection I am getting from one person." He smirked almost pouting.

Pagkatapos bigla kaming napatingin lahat sa kasunod na pumasok. "Uh?" nagtaka kaagad s'ya kung bakit lahat nakatingin sa kanya. "Hi?" she mentioned questioningly, we all cackled at her cute reaction.

"Hi, Nicasia! Pinapasabi nga pala ni Saint hello, basted pa rin ba?" pangloloko ni Justice.

"Woah, foul!" Saint replied while scratching the back of his head.

"Oh, really?" natatawang sambit ni Nicasia. "Hi, Saint, oo basted pa rin!" she waved her hands at him, and Saint's eyes widened as he groaned at her. Nicasia chuckled softly at him, and went to our parents to greet them.

"Woah! Hello!" masayang sambit ni Sloane na kapapasok lang din.

"Almost complete again, huh? Hello, powerful people," bati ni Yvo habang natatawa at lumapit sa mga magulang namin.

"Isa pa 'to, eh, napakagwapo! May girlfriend ka na?" dire-diretsing tanong ni Tita Alyx.

"Calm down, Alyx," loko ni Tita Tiara.

"I don't have a girlfriend right now, Ma'am, but I am open to it," ngisi ni Yvo.

"Ay wapak!" Palakpak ni Tita Alyx. Natawa naman nang marahan si Yvo dahil do'n.

"How are you, Sloane?" nakangiting pagtatanong ni Tita Annicka kay Sloane. Nahihiyang napangiti at bumati si Sloane.

"Tinatakot mo, Hera," Tito Skyler joked, and Sloane was flustered. But she suddenly smiled and greeted him.

"Hala ang gwapo mo talaga Tito Skyler! Pabati naman po dyan!" We all laughed because of the unpredictable remark from Sloane.

"Hi... Sloane, please take care of Cleon," Tito Skyler stated in a mellow tone, and Sloane's charismatic and chinky eyes widened with the unexpected reply she got. I saw how her ears redenned because of it. She was so cute and bewildered.

"Yes, I do—este yes, I will!" natatarantang imik ni Sloane sa pagkabigla. Nagkatawanan ang lahat dahil do'n, napa-face palm si Sloane dahil do'n.

Pagkatapos umupo ang Crowns sa isang banda kung saan sama-sama sila. They looked so composed but playful, too, around our parents. Magkatabi si Katniss at Kellon, tapos si Yvo, kasunod si Nicasia at si Saint. Si Caerus paniguradong nasa taas pa dahil hindi s'ya sumama sa Crowns at inutusan kong sumama sa Pasaways.

"Kalix," bati ni Tito Thon dito.

"Bakit po?" tanong Kellon habang nakasandal sa sofa, at nakaakbay sa kapatid.

"May girlfriend ka na?" Halos maubo si Kellon dahil sa diretsong tanong ni Tita Alyx.

"Hinay-hinay Alyx! 'Yan yata ang agenda mo ngayon, eh!" laughed Tita Shana.

"I don't have time for that," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Kalix.

"Daig pala 'to ni Katniss!" loko ni Tito Thon-Thon. Napaayos naman ng upo si Katniss dahil do'n, nagkatawanan kami nang marahan.

"Who knows what will happen, I am currently focusing on more important things than that," Kellon mentioned coolly, and everyone almost applauded at him because of his answer.

Ilang saglit biglang dumating si Sven. "Hello," tahimik na bati nito at dumiretso kay Tito Skyler at Tita Annicka.

He also sat on the one-person circular stool. "Oh, you should ask Sven, too, Alyx!" Tita Tiara suggested and Sven's forehead puckered.

"Do you have a girlfriend, young man?" ngisi ni Tita Alyx.

"None," maikling sagot nito.

"Napakaikli sumagot!" natatawang puna ni Tito JJ. They all cackled at him, and Sven just smiled slightly.

"Woah, almost complete, eh?" Isolde suddenly popped in, and she told us that she cooked a little. Then went out of the building to go to the Apocalypse and the younger ones.

We talked a little at each other. Our parents talked to the Crowns, and they also chit-chatted about random things. Luna and Justice were also on the fast talk from our parents. Natatawa ako sa kanila kasi kung ano-ano'ng tinatanong kay Luna.

"Woah!" exclaimed a voice, and we all looked up at the stairs, and saw Thorn. Katniss waved at him, and he smiled automatically.

"Baby boy!" Tumayo si Tita Alyx at sinalubong ang anak na sobrang gwapo na kaagad tingnan. Natawa si Thorn at mukhang nahiya gawa ni Tita, pero masaya n'ya 'tong niyakap. At nang makababa, yumakap din kay Tito Thon-Thon.

"Kumusta, Thorn?" tanong ni Tito Kurt.

"Mabuti po," magalang na sagot ni Thorn. Pagkatapos kinumusta ang mga magulang. I was happy because they looked like they missed each other.

"Wala na, hindi makakadiskarte ang anak ko, nakatingin na kaagad si Kalix!" tawa ni Tito Thon-Thon. Kellon shook his head while cackling because of it. Katniss also laughed with them, and Thorn went to sit on the carpet across Katniss's view.

"Oh my... angels..."

"Oh my... pickles..."

"Oh my... royals..."

We all cackled because we saw the trio going down the stairs looking at us in awe because of how full it was again. They went to their parents and hugged them all.

"I miss you, Papa, Mama!" sweet sa sabi ni Honoka sa mga magulang.

"Aw, baby pa rin namin 'yong baby ni Rebel," pangloloko ni Tito JJ sa anak. Namula si Honoka, pero natawa lang.

"Hello po!" masayang bati ni Art at nakipagbeso sa mga magulang namin. Tapos umupo sa may katabi ni Tita Annicka. A smile plastered on my face because Art seemed so happy and complete with everyone around.

"Mother, Father!" bati ni Harper sa mga magulang at nakipagbeso sa mga 'to. She also greeted everyone regally. She looked so contented now.

"How's everyone?" she asked them with a huge smile.

"Parang talk show host lang!" natatawang imik ni Tito Thon-Thon.

"A beautiful and elegant one at that, right, Tito?" masayang sagot pa ni Harper. Nagkatawanan pa ang lahat dahil do'n.

"Ito talagang anak mo Tiara, funny rin eh!" puna ni Tita Alyx.

"Funny na conyo pa, saan ka pa!" pangloloko ni Tito Kurt sa anak.

"Father!" reklamo ni Harper. "Kulang ka siguro ng kiss galing kay Mother!" Harper pouted.

"Nagtagalog!" Tito Kurt cackled, and Harper almost 'elegantly' batok him. Natawa na lang ako sa sariling naiisip dahil kina Harper.

"Sino'ng nagtagalog?" Saka lang kami napatingin sa kababa lang na si Law, habang tinutuyo ang buhok ng towel. Ngumiti kaagad si Law kay Harper dahil do'n.

"Si Harper!" sabay-sabay na sagot namin.

"Wow, himala 'yan!" Law exclaimed, and Harper went to him to punch him, but Law just enclosed her into a hug.

"Aw! Should I arrange the wedding date already?" Tita Tiara remarked.

"Speed!" they chorused.

"Manahimik kayo! Ako tututol!" sigaw ni Tito Kurt, kaya naman nagkatawanan ang lahat.

"Father!" protesta ni Harper. Pagkatapos ay lumapit kay Tito Kurt.

Pumunta naman si Law sa mga parents namin para batiin sila. At nag-handshake kay Dada at Akakios, bago halikan si Momo sa noo nito.

"May chocolate ako!" biglag sigaw ni Rebel habang pababa ng hagdan.

"Ano'ng klaseng bati 'yan?" natatawang sambit ko sa kapatid. Ngiting tagumpay naman si Rebel no'ng tumayo si Honoka at inilahad ang kamay sa kanya. Nagkatawanan kaming lahat dahil do'n, kaya naman pala, para makita si Honoka.

"Alam mo, anak, pakiramdam ko talaga hindi imposibleng ma-kidnap ka dahil sa chocolate," Tito JJ commented while massaging his forehead, looking so stressed because it.

"Mama si Papa, oh!" asar na imik ni Honoka habang naka-pout.

"Well, kampi ako kay Papa ngayon," natatawang sambit ni Tita Shana.

"Basta ako kampi kay Reign," biglang hirit ni Rebel kay Honoka, at hinalikan 'to sa noo.

"Bagay na bagay! 'Yong isa chocolate, 'yong isa langgam!" pangloloko ni Tita Alyx, kaya naman nagkatawanan kami lahat.

Rebel greeted everyone, and went to our parents. He did a handshake with Dada and Akakios, and also kissed Momo's forehead. Nakipag-fist bump naman s'ya sa akin, at umupo sa tabi ko, katapan si Honoka na nakaupo katabi ni Tito JJ.

"Hello po," bati ni Caerus na kababa lang. He went to Art and tousled her hair.

"Ang tapang na ni Caerus ngayon ah," loko ni Rebel. Nasapok ko s'ya dahil do'n.

"Syempre, approve na kay Tita Annicka at Tito Skyler eh!" Luna laughed mischievously.

"Nako, sinong hindi a-approve?" Tita Annicka joked, and Tito Skyler cackled. Namula naman kaagad ang mukha ni Caerus dahil do'n at si Art naman ang natatawa. Binati ni Caerus ang lahat, at nag-bow s'ya nang kaunti kay Akakios.

Then he went to sit on the carpet just below Art. Napangiti ako kasi tina-tap ni Tita Annicka ang ulo ni Caerus, at napapakagat labi si Caerus para magpigil ng ngiti. They looked so lovely and cute.

"Woah, naligo lang ako, akala ko may nagkagebunshin teknik na!" Napatingin kami lahat sa hagdan at nando'n si Cleon na napahawak pa sa dibdib n'ya dahil sa nakita n'ya. Ang dami kasi talaga namin.

"Itago n'yo na si Sloane!" natatawang asar ni Justice kay Cleon.

"Hoy, madaya kayo!" reklamo ni Cleon, at saka nagmamadaling bumababa para hanapin si Sloane. Imbis na yakap ang matanggap, batok ang nakuha n'ya dahil do'n.

"Grabe ka naman, sabi ko nga ba, nahanginan ka lang talaga kaya ka sweet nitong nakaraan eh!" nakangusong imik ni Cleon.

"Nandyan ang parents mo, bumati ka muna," Sloane cackled at him. Pinatakan ni Cleon ng halik si Sloane sa ibabaw ng ulo nito, bago pumunta sa mga magulang namin para batiin sila. Natawa naman kasi may pasaway-saway pa si Cleon para lang bumati.

"Wooooh!" pagsakay pa ni Tita Alyx kay Cleon.

Habang nagsasayaw ang baliw na si Cleon, bumababa na si Theon na napanganga rin dahil sa dami nang nandito sa salas ngayon.

"Hey, you are all here..." he mentioned.

"Hindi kapatid, they are all ober der," Cleon jested laughingly.

"Baliw," iiling-iling na imik ni Theon.

Theon kissed Tita Annicka's forehead, and he looked at Tito Skyler hesitantly but gave him a fist bump. Imbis na umupo pagkatapos batiin ang mga magulang namin nanatiling nakatayo si Theon mukhang may inaabangan.

Si Cleon naman umupo sa may carpet kung saan nakaupo si Sloane.

"Hala! Ang dami! Nanay, Tatay!" masayang sumulpot si Hope at mabilis na nagtatakbo pababa para puntahan ang parents n'ya. Nagkatawanan naman kami lahat dahil do'n.

"Dahan-dahan! Malaglag ka dyan!" saway ni Tita Lian kay Hope na tuwang-tuwa at excited na pumunta sa mga magulang n'ya. At kung magdidilang anghel ka nga naman! Muntik nang malaglag si Hope, mabuti na lang nakaabang sa kanya si Theon kaya nasalo n'ya.

"Woah, oh my! Sorry!" she exclaimed nervously, when she landed on Theon's arm.

"Be careful," Theon murmured at her.

"Gusto pa yatang tumambling, Hope!" biro ni Tito Tim-Tim sa anak n'ya.

Hope stood up properly, and Theon held her hand, and they both went to Tita Lian and Tito Tim. Binitawan ni Theon si Hope no'ng yakapin nito ang magulang. "I miss you, Tatay!" Hope told him.

"I miss you so much, Nanay!" dagdag pa nito.

Hope happily sat down with her parents, and Theon went to the side just near her. Napangiti ako kasi nakita ko kung paano sila nagkamustahan at mukhang kahit papaano nawala lahat ng bigat sa dibdib nila dahil do'n.

"Asan si Biblee?" tanong ni Tito Tim kay Hope. "May inaabangan," natatawang sagot nito.

Ilang saglit pa nakita namin si Pierce na bumababa habang may ngiti sa labi. Bago pa s'ya makababa sa hagdan biglang sumulpot ang makulit na si Gabby. Imbis na sumigaw para tawagin si Pierce—

"Oh... my... gosh..." I murmured in shock, when Gabby jumped to Pierce!

"Gabby!" sabay-sabay na sigaw ni Law, Justice, Rebel, Dada, at Momo kay Gabby, lalo na no'ng muntik nang ma-out of balance si Pierce! Mabuti na lang napahawak 'to sa railings kaya hindi sila nalaglag ni Gabby.

My held my chest because of nervousness. "Nababawasan talaga ako ng buhay sa mga prank n'yang kapatid mong 'yan," Dada whispered in surprise. Automatiko akong napangiti dahil sa narinig. I cackled at Dada, and he chuckled at me, too.

"You should be careful," Pierce told Gabby as he continued to piggy back her.

"Eh, I trust you," tawa ni Gabby, napapikit na napapabuntonghininga si Pierce dahil do'n.

"Dada, Momo!" masayang bati ni Gabby at mabilis na umalis sa pagkakakarga kay Pierce at saka mabilis na pumunta sa parents namin. She excitedly hugged them, and greeted the others.

"Hello po," Pierce greeted everyone courteously.

Masaya naman s'yang niyakap kaagad ni Tita Alyx at saka ni Tito Thon. Pierce looked at Momo and Dada shyly, too.

"Tinakot mo yata si Pierce, Dada," I joked around, and Dada put his arms around me.

"Si Pierce yata ang natakot sa mga pakulo ni Gabby." Nagkatawanan kami parehas dahil do'n.

"Momo, I wanna sit beside you," naka-pout na sabi ni Gabby. Tatayo sana si Akakios para magpaubaya pero hindi s'ya hinayaan ni Momo.

"Aw, Alas is so cute, I'll sit beside Pierce na lang," Gabby mentioned, napakamot naman si Akakios sa ulo n'ya dahil do'n. Momo cackled, and moved a little so Gabby could sit beside her, too. Lumiwanag ang mukha ni Gabby.

Momo clung her other arm to the youngest, and leaned her head on Akakios. Kita ko ang ngiti ni Akakios dahil sa simpleng ginawa ni Momo. Ang simpleng bagay no'n pero ang saya kaagad ni Akakios. My heart was just melting.

"Your Momo loves Akakios like her own child..." bulong ni Dada sa akin at hinalikan ako sa tutok ng ulo ko.

"Please... love him... please make him feel that you could be his parents, too..." pakiusap ko kay Dada nang malumanay at humihiling.

"We will..." Dada whispered wholeheartedly.

"Bibiloves naman!" We all looked at each other and we knew who was going down with that noise.

We all looked at them, and Biblee's eyes widened the moment she saw all of us. "Wow! Bongga!" she screeched in surprise. And she ran to Akira who looked annoyed, with his hands pocketed on both sides.

Akira smiled the moment he saw Tita Shana. Then he looked at Biblee with a knotted forehead when she clung her arm to him. Nasa gitna na sila ng hagdan pababa nang sabay, at mukhang tuwang-tuwa si Biblee sa akto nila.

"Tentenenen~ tententenen~" she hummed a song that was like a wedding march while they were going down the stairs, and she held the side of her pajama to make it look like it was a dress, and she was smiling widely.

May pakumpas-kumpas pa s'ya ng isang kamay na parang nagmumuwestra na palakpakan silang 'bagong kasal'. I couldn't help but chuckle because of her confidence. Wala talagang tatalo sa mga kalokohan no'n.

Akira snapped his head at her direction with a hiss, and removed her arms to go down faster than her. I saw how his expression looked like he was biting the inside of his cheeks while shaking his head at Biblee.

"Hoy, Akira! Runaway groom ka na nyan?!" sigaw ni Biblee.

"Lahat talaga ng groom tatakbo palayo sa 'yo!" natatawang hirit ni Cleon.

"Foul! Sloane, h'wag kang mag-I-I do dyan ha!" banta ni Biblee.

"Naka-I do na si Slo kanina no'ng sinabihan ni Tito Skyler!" panlalaglag ni Luna.

"Wow, Slo! Tara na sang simbahan mo ba gusto?" biglang sabi ni Cleon, bago tumayo at hinawakan ang kamay ni Slo. Tinadyakan naman s'ya ni Slo, kaya napaupo ulit s'ya. Natatawa naman at napapailing si Tito Skyler sa nakikita. Nag-thumbs up pasi Tita Annicka kay Slo sa ginawa nito.

"Wow speed!" Biblee shouted in shock. "Sandali naman bibiloves!" Tumakbo si Biblee papunta kay Akira, at si Akira naman kaagad nakipag-fist bump kay Tito JJ, at kaagad na niyakap si Tita Shana.

"Miss you, Mama," Akira mentioned in a quiet voice.

"Hello, father-in-law! Hello, mother-in-law!" Biblee greeted in confidence.

"Ayan ang tunay na speed!" natatawang sambit naman ni Sloane.

"H'wag mo akong ilaglag, Slo ha!" Biblee retorted, and we all guffawed.

"Hoy, kami ang batiin mong bata ka!" Tito Tim told Biblee, and Biblee laughed shyly, the moment she saw her parents.

"Ay, nandyan pala kayo, Nanay, Tatay. Wait lang dada-moves lang 'yong magtataguyod ng pamilyang Yoon!" masayang dagdag nito. At mabilis nakipagbeso-beso kay Tita Shana, at nakipag-apir kay Tito JJ.

"Tara do'n kina Nanay, dapat batiin mo sila ng Hello, mader and pader, kukunin ko na po kamay ng anak n'yo. Gano'n ha?" Biblee coached in a joking manner. Akira rolled his eyes at her, and sighed while shaking his head.

Nagkakatawanan naman ang mga parents namin sa biruang nagaganap. Ganyan naman sila, madalas nakikitawa, pero kapag seryosong bagay naman kahit tungkol pa sa love life, maasahan mong gagampanan nila ang pagbibilin sa amin. They trust us, but at the same time, they would also be there to remind us about different things in life.

"Mahiya ka naman, Snow," natatawang sambit ni Tita Lian sa anak.

"Nanay, osige po, mahihiya na ako, teka bibilang lang po ako ng tatlo. One, two, three. Ano ba 'yan, nakakahiya nga po!" Napatakip pa ng mukha si Biblee, loka-loka talaga 'yon kahit kailangan. Kaya naman nagkatawanan kami.

"Tito, Tita," maikling bati ni Akira at ngumiti sa dalawa.

"Ang weak mo naman bibiloves!" loko ni Biblee.

"Lumaki pa ulo mo, mahirap na," Akira told her while shaking his head.

"Tatay, Nanay, I miss you! Ganito kalaki! Ganito ka-miss!" biro ni Biblee at ipinakita ang laki ng bilog gamit ang kamay n'ya. Bago niyakap sina Tita Lian.

Akira gave respect to Akakios, and went to sit near Tita Shana after greeting everyone. Biblee also did the same, and just sat near Tito Tim and Tita Lian.

"Gutom na kayo?" tanong ni Dada sa kanila. Tumango ang lahat.

"Let's go eat first," Momo told them, and we all obeyed. The Crowns also went with us to the kitchen. Dinala rin nila ang mga pagkain na dinala ni Tito Kurt at Tita Tiara. It was loud and chaotic because of everyone's little squabbles and jokes.

I clung my arms at Dada, and Momo was walking with Akakios. I smiled at their backs, they were talking to each other, and Akakios would throw his head back while chuckling at Momo, and Momo would show a cute smile with her eyes.

Akakios was the one who needed to sit down first before we could. Nasa upuan n'ya si Akakios, at nasa kabilang gilid ang Crowns. They were seated by order, and on my side, were my siblings. 'Tapos ang mga pasaways sa magkabilang side.

It looked like Isolde prepared the dinning beforehand because there were a separate table and chairs for our parents to eat. Nakahanda na rin ang mga niluto ni Isolde at ilang mga dalang pagkain. Everyone was so happy and loud while we were eating. I couldn't help but feel contented with it.

Hindi ko maiwasan humiling... sana ganito lagi... sana ganito na lang kami. Walang kinakaharap na madilim at madugong kinabukasan.

We ate while telling jokes, and things. We pretended like nothing heavy happened ealier. We enjoyed this moment of happiness, and I was okay with it. They needed to breathe after what happened earlier.

When we finished eating, we went back to the living room, and it was suddenly quiet and tensed.

Especially when our parents were gathered on one side, and we were sitting either on the sofas or on the carpet. The playful and light atmosphere from them was suddenly gone, and they were watching us with worried and sorry eyes.

"You must have questions for us..." mahinang bulong ni Momo na s'yang biglang nagbigay ng tensyon sa amin. Akakios who was sitting beside me just hugged me for a comfort.

Walang nagtangkang magsalita dahil do'n. Nagkaro'n ng katahimikan. Mahaba. At kada paglipas ng oras, ang pagiging mahirap huminga. I glanced at my parents, and they looked so strong and solemn. My heart would forever want to protect them.

I love them so much. No one would harm and hurt them anymore. No one.

"Is... it... true?" Saint's voice was the one that broke the silence. "Did you really suffer because of... them?" nahihirapang tanong nito kina Momo at Dada. He couldn't even look at them, he was bowing his head.

Momo heaved a sigh, and Dada held her hand. Then they both nodded. Napaamang si Saint nang makita ang kumpirmasyon sa tanong n'ya. Kita ko sa mga mata ng mga Pasaway ang hirap dahil do'n.

Luna hugged Justice because of it. Luna knew all of those... but she knew it would still be hurtful for my brother. For everyone of us.

"Why...? Why... did you do it to them?" mahihirapang tanong ni Saint habang nakatingin sa iba. Napatungo sila kay Saint, at nakita kong pinigilan nila ang mga luha nila dahil do'n.

"There... would be no excuse for that," mahina at basag ang tinig na sagot ni Tito Skyler. "I am going to be forever sorry, and forever going to pay for my sin because of what I did... Palagi kong pagsisisihan ang ginawa ko..." nakatungong dugtong nito.

Tita Annicka hugged Tito Skyler. "I'm sorry... I know it will never be enough, but I am going to offer our lives just to make sure Princess and Gab will never face such circumstances again. I'm sorry we couldn't even help you after what happened to Miracle and Amythee..." he added while shedding tears.

"Our disappearance will never be your fault. It was our choice..." Momo answered as Dada hugged and kissed her forehead.

Kahit tumango silang lahat sa sinabi ni Dada at Momo, alam ko sa sarili kong hindi pa rin nila napapatawad ang mga sarili nila dahil sa nangyari sa amin, kahit wala silang kasalanan. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit pinili ni Dada at Momo maglaho na lang. Kasi... kung hindi... baka pati ang mga pasaway wala na ring kabataan na maranasan. Mas nakakabasag ng puso 'yon.

It was okay. It was okay that they were happy and carefree during those days, and it was more than everything that they had each other, that they had everyone.

It was fine. Why? Because we had... Luna. And Luna would be forever enough for the triplets, Gabby and I.

"Is it really true..." Harper's voice almost broke, and Law held her hand and caressed it. Nakatitig si Harper sa ama n'ya. "Is it true... that you hurt Tita Princess back then, Father?" mahinang tanong nito.

I could see how teary her eyes were but she was looking up to prevent shedding it.

Tito Kurt closed his eyes momentarily with a light sigh, before nodding at his daughter. "Yeah... I inflicted pain on Riyah... because I was in pain, too. It was never going to be justified, and I am always forever regretful for everything..."

Niyakap ni Law si Harper nang magpatakan ang luha nito dahil do'n. Tita Tiara hugged Tito Kurt who was so hurt looking at his daughter who was crying because of him. It must be so heartbreaking for a parent to cause that pain to his precious child.

"I was foolish, I could only think of the pain I am feeling because that is the only thing keeping me alive, and I projected all that rage to an innocent person... I was so clouded..." patuloy ni Tito Kurt habang nakatungo at basag ang boses.

"I'm sorry, Riyah... I'm sorry... Nate..." Tito Kurt apologized with a whole heart.

"I'm sorry... Tita Princess, Tito Nate..." Harper also apologized while bowing her head. "T-Thank you for forgiving my... father..." she stammered with full of emotions. Nakita ko ang pagdaan ng sakit sa mga mata ni Momo dahil do'n.

"H-Harper..." Tito Kurt mentioned with tears. "I'm sorry for failing you..."

"No... father... I'm sorry for judging you... I didn't know you are in pain, too. I didn't know you lost someone, too." Lumapit si Harper kay Tito Kurt at hinayaan ito ni Law. Niyakap ni Harper si Tito Kurt na umiiyak at hindi makatayo.

Tito Kurt hugged his daughter's waist and cried, and Tita Tiara joined them. I could see sparkly tears flowing down her cheeks.

"How... can you forgive someone who caused you... pain, Tita?" Nilingon ni Harper ang mga magulang ko at punong-puno nang emosyong tinanong 'yon.

"To finally free that pain... forgiving means being free from that... that was why I could do it... I don't want to cause pain, and to keep hurting..." taos-pusong sagot ni Momo. And I felt a flood of emotios inside my heart.

"Your Momo's so... strong..." bulong ni Akakios sa akin, at hindi ko alam pero bigla na lang akong nagulat no'ng may pumatak na tubig mula sa mga mata ko. It was like Akakios's simple words tugged something in my heart.

Harper removed the hug from Tito Kurt, and she hugged my Momo to ask for forgiveness and to thank her again. Napaiyak ang mag-asawa dahil sa pagpapakumbaba at tunay na emosyon na ipinakita ng anak nilang si Harper.

I saw how Law smiled peacefully watching that... his eyes weren't hurt nor teary. He was just happy and relieved with everything.

After that Harper went to Law, and Law opened his arms for her, and he hugged her tightly. To comfort the fragile and hurt Harper. And I knew, Harper felt happy that she could hug Law and forgive her parent.

If there was something so overpowering that it could hold you close, and it could keep the pieces that were already broken... I think it would be forgiveness, and love.

I looked at my parents. My parents who suffered so much during our childhood. And my parents... who faced more heartbreaks before we could even arrive in this world. If not me... would would protect them?

"Silhoue..." Napalingon ako kay Akakios nang banggitin n'ya 'yon.

"I promise you..." Sunod-sunod ang patak ng butil ng luha ko dahil sa boses ni Akakios. It was so pure, sincere, soft, and it would just reach your heart. It had the impact of a blissful yet tragic promise and dream.

"I'll protect them. I'll make sure that they will be safe. I'll make sure that at the end of the day... you'll see their smiles..."

Natutop ko ang bibig dahil sa hampas sa puso ko nang mga sinabi n'ya. It was a greater emotion than when he told me he'd protect me. That... promise made my heart whole, it made my soul at peace, and my worries, gone.

Why? Because my parents deserved it. After everything that they'd been through... I could only wish for them to be safe, and to finally achieve their simple dream and hope.

Kahit hindi na matupad 'yong pangarap ko, kahit hindi ko na makuha ang minimithi ko... basta masaya at wala na sa kahit anong lungkot at panganib sa mga magulang ko... matatahimik na ang lahat-lahat sa akin.

The past made them drenched in pain... I hoped that the future would finally bathe them with the bliss that they truly deserve.

And now that I am the moon, and Akakios is the sun... we would make sure it would happen.

Please... little star in the sky... please... Tita Gloom... guide us. Keep us safe, for the path ahead... would be brutal. Because as the moon and the sun come close to the sky in their glow... many would try to cover them.

The Sun. The Moon. The smell... of death. And the cruel twist of fate... all of these were approaching so near. I could only wish... for my heart to be ready and for them to be safe.

***