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The Seraphim Spell

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A BIRKIN handbag in the shade of caramel hung on Seraphim Louise Madrigal's left shoulder as she walked through the halls of Castillo High one, fine Monday morning.

Just like any other female student, she was donned in her uniform composed of the classic Castillian colors — vermillion red, which complemented the bright shade of red on her lips, and bone white, which matched her perfectly fair skin. The short, tight skirt that she wore displayed her long legs, and on top of her head were a pair of black Prada shades. 

Seraphim was an eye-catcher, and everyone in Castillo High knew that.

Habang naglalakad, maririnig ang iilang mga sipol mula sa mga kalalakihan na nakatingin sa dalaga.

With her tall, model-like figure and long, dark brown hair that curled at the end — almost every guy in her batch was pining for her. In fact, kahit ang mga eleventh and twelfth graders ay nahuhumaling sa kaniya.

People liked to call it the seraphim spell.

She was after all, the daughter of beauty queen Savannah Rodrigo and renowned model Stephen Madrigal, two well-known celebrities in the industry.

Glancing back at the group of boys checking her out, Seraphim gave them a wink.

Halos mahimatay ang isa sa kanila as the beautiful young lady chuckled. "Boys," Ngisi ng dalaga as she opened her locker. "Too easy to fool." 

Just as she had grabbed her books for her morning classes, a guy suddenly appeared, leaning on the locker next to hers.

"Morning, Sera." The guy greeted with a playful grin, using the nickname that most people used to call her.

Napatingin ang dalaga rito at hindi na nagulat nang makita si Jayson Lopez — ang ka-partner ni Seraphim na tenth-grade batch representative, as well as one of her most persistent suitors.

"Good morning, Jase." She grinned, calling him by his nickname as she shut her locker to a close.

"So, have you thought about our coffee date on Saturday night?" Tanong ng binata habang sinabayan ito papunta sa kaniyang classroom.

"Sorry but I can't." She shrugged. "Birthday ni dad sa Sabado. Maybe next time?"

"But you said that last wee—"

"Bye Jase!" The little vixen said loudly, strutting inside 10 – Fortitude and leaving a disappointed Jayson outside the doorway.

As she did, she immediately walked towards Rein and Ann who was standing by the teacher's table beside Tyra Galvino, the secretary of the class. The quiet, petite girl who had an angelic face, seemed to be showing the weekly class attendance to both of them.

Sera couldn't help but raise one delicately plucked eyebrow, surprised to see that both the president and vice-president of the class seemed to be rather civil to one another today.

"They must have been given a warning." Sera thought to herself nang naisip niya ang insidenteng nangyari nung nakaraang linggo.

As she came closer, she noticed Quinn and Jarrell nearby who seemed to be uneasy, and were awkwardly stealing glances at both Rein and Ann.

Suspicious. Sera told herself, smacking her lips.

As soon as she had reached the group, she slapped a hand on the table, earning their attention as all five heads looked up.

Jarrell snickered. He, like the other boys, was also caught up in the so-called seraphim spell — only except he expressed it by teasing Sera rather than running after her.

"Magandang umaga rin sa'yo, binibini." Ngisi nito.

Seraphim gave him a sarcastic smile before turning to Rein and the others. "President, I'm calling an officers only meeting." She said, emphasizing the word "only" and smiling cheekily at Jarrell who chuckled.

"Nakakalimutan mo atang treasurer ako." Jarrell pointed out victoriously, much to her annoyance. "You can't get rid of me that easily."

Napatingin naman ang lahat kay Quinn na itinaas ang kaniyang dalawang kamay na para bang ikukulong ito. "Ito na nga aalis na." He grinned. "I'll be at the back of the classroom if anyone needs me." Kibit-balikat nito bago umalis upang maiwan ang mga officers.

"What's up Madrigal?" Tanong ni Rein as Jarrell stood up from where he was seated to join the group surrounding the teacher's table.

"The student council is hosting a leadership training by Friday night." Sera announced, both of her palms planted firmly on the wooden table.

"As per the words of the council, all grade ten, eleven and twelve officers in each class are required to attend. Tayo daw ang magiging facilitators ng event to facilitate and train all non-officers from grade seven to nine that will be attending on Friday."

"Sasali ba tayo sa games and events?" Tyra inquired, speaking so softly that they almost didn't hear her.

"Yep." Sera nodded. "We'll be assigned to a team of non-officers. Pero sa Friday pa natin malalaman kung anong team tayo."

"Is there anything that we should bring?" Ann interjected, her back against the white board.

"Just the usual camping necessities. Clothes, water bottle, a sleeping bag — you name it." Sera replied, eyeing both Ann and Rein suspiciously. Hindi sanay ang dalaga na makitang magkatabi ang dalawang magkaribal na parang wala lang.

With a shrug, she then moved on to talk about the other reminders for the event. She had other important matters to attend to than wondering what was going on between the two rivals who she wasn't exactly close with.

By the time the meeting had adjourned, their adviser had entered the room and classes for the day had begun.

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"I don't know about you pero 'di pa rin ako sanay na nakikita kayong nag-uusap ni Ann." Komento ni Jarrell habang isinasaksak ang kaniyang mga kagamitan sa loob ng kaniyang duffel bag.

The days in the week have passed by quickly with everyone busy around the campus, and soon enough, it was already Friday afternoon.

Both friends were finalizing their packing for the leadership training that they were going to attend later.  Habang nag-eempake ang dalawa ay masayang nanonood ng action movie si Quinn sa sala ng kanilang kwarto.

"Well Jarrell," Rein huffed, rolling his camping bag. "Masanay ka na. Besides, it's not like we're suddenly friends. Trabaho lang 'to."

"Trabaho my ass." Jarrell muttered bago binato yung isang maduming t-shirt niya kay Quinn. "Hoy Quinston, ba't ba kasi 'di ka officer? Ayokong mag-third wheel mamaya. Samahan mo 'ko!"

Quinn, who was annoyed by the disruption, scoffed before throwing back the shirt to Jarrell. "No thanks. Ayoko ng responsibility."

Jarrell grumbled at natawa na lamang si Rein.

"Relax." Rein grinned, patting Jarrell's back. "You have Sera to annoy."

By the time the two had said goodbye to Quinn who joked that he would trash their room, the two had arrived at the meeting place for the leadership camp — kung saan marami nang estudyante ang naroon.

Ann, Sera and Tyra were also already there, impatiently waiting for the two boys. Despite being a Friday, Ann had canceled her jujutsu lessons just so she could attend the leadership training. 

"Ba't ang tagal niyo? Dinaig pa namin kayo." Sera, who was in a sheer white top and tight faded jeans, asked, crossing her arms as she saw the bags that they carried. Jarrell let out a low whistle when he caught sight of Sera. Kahit na nasa simpleng damit lamang ito ay angat pa rin ang kagandahan ng dalaga.

"Buti nalang nandiyan si crush." Bulong ni Jarrell, at agad na siniko ni Rein ang kaibigan habang tumatawa.

Ann scoffed, watching the two horsing around as they drew nearer. "Baka nambabae pa." She said out loud, to which Rein tutted.

"Careful, Lobris." Rein said, clicking his tongue as soon as they had come near the girls.

"Or what?"

"Or else."

"And they're back to arguing." Sera remarked as Jarrell threw his bag next to their things.

"Bakit, inggit ka?" Ngisi nito at napairap lamang ang dalaga bago naglakad papalayo upang puntahan ang iba pang student council officers. Tyra on the other hand just gave a small smile. Unlike the others, mahinhin lamang kasi ito at hindi palasalita. She much rather liked to spend her time alone.

As more and more attendees arrived for the event, the sun was already setting, bathing the campus in warm colors. The school grounds buzzed with excitement as the senior officers ran around the place, preparing for the event whilst the junior non-officers chatted excitedly amongst their selves.

The officers of 10 – Fortitude were part of the group of facilitators running around to ensure everything was going as planned. Currently, their task was to gather firewood from the nearby forest that sat next to the school. Ito kasi ang gagamitin mamaya para sa malaking bonfire.

"Hay nako. Buti pa si Quinston, naka-aircon." Bulong ni Jarrell habang bitbit nila ang mga kahoy. Kasabay niya ngayon si Tyra na hindi nagsasalita, habang naiwan sa likod ang kaniyang kaibigan na naglalakad kasabay si Ann.

Both of them were talking in hushed voices.

Jarrell grumbled, wondering how long the pair was going to keep their secret plan going.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Ann muttered under her breath as they walked, the late afternoon breeze passing them by.

"We're in an event, Lobris. It's inevitable that we'll talk." Sambit pabalik ni Rein. "Besides, everyone's busy. Hindi na nila mapapansin na nag-uusap tayo."

Ann frowned and nodded towards Tyra and Jarrell who was at a great distance before them. "And what about them? Won't they be suspicious?" She muttered. "Besides, I don't trust Seraphim."

"Jarrell already knows, Tyra isn't popular so know would believe her if she starts a rumor, and as for Madrigal..." Rein said, his voice trailing off.

"What?"

"Jarrell will distract her." Rein grinned.

Ann pursed her lips, though she knew her rival had a point. Soon after, they then returned back to the central grounds, placing the wood that they had gathered in one corner. Ngunit bago pa ituloy ni Ann ang kanilang diskusyon patungkol sa kanilang novel ay bumalik na si Sera nang may dalang bagong anunsyo, much to Ann's annoyance.

Despite them being dormmates, she didn't trust Sera at all and disliked the idea of her being around them.

"We're instructed to go to our posts now." She announced, and Ann noticed that her long hair was now tied up in a high ponytail. "Except for you Tyra. Pinapa-stay lahat ng mga secretaries. May ipapagawa ata si professor Damoste sa inyo."

"Sure. I'll just be here." Mahinhin na sabi ni Tyra, a hand on her other arm as Sera faced the others once more.

"Let's go. Our station is by the science building."

The others nodded and followed her until they've reached the front of a large building with a fancy arch that read "scientia nihil aliud est quam veritatis imago". This was a Latin phrase by Sir Francis Bacon,  a renowned researcher in the field of scientific methodology that meant, "science is but an image of the truth".

Pagabi na ang langit as they settled down, the campus growing darker as the sky's dark shades of blue turned into pitch black.

"Anong gagawin dito? Maghihintay lang?" Yamot na sabi ni Jarrell at agad na umupo sa hagdanan papasok ng Science building.

"Yep. The juniors are being instructed right now." Sera responded as she rubbed her arms together, trying to warm herself up.

Rein on the other hand, signaled to Jarrell, nodding towards Sera with a knowing look. Sa una ay hindi maintindihan nito ang ibig sabihin ng kaibigan, not until he withdrew a small notebook from his pocket, waving it.

Pota. Sabi ni Jarrell sa sarili. Gagawin pa akong distraction ng mga 'to.

He then jumped up from where he sat before inching close to Sera who seemed busy texting someone on her phone.

Rein on the other hand, turned to Ann and opened the notebook. It was a new, third journal that he acquired after losing his past two journals. "So far we've only agreed on one thing only — mystery ang magiging genre ng novel natin." He frowned. "Which, in fact, isn't much progress. We're way behind now and we still need to talk about our main characters." He said in a low tone.

Ngunit kahit hinaan pa nito ang kaniyang boses ay napalingon agad so Sera, glancing over her shoulder in suspicion as she eyed them like a hawk.

"Kailan pa sila naging civ—" Sera scoffed, but Jarrell immediately cut her sentence at agad na hinarangan ang view ng dalaga.

"Binalaan na kasi sila ni professor Zaldiga." Mabilis na sagot ni Jarrell at agad na inakbayan si Sera. This immediately shifted Sera's attention from Rein and Ann to Jarrell.

"At saka ano, pinaguusapan rin nila yung group project sa history." Jarrell shrugged bago ngumisi. "Ikaw binibini, kamusta ka?"

Sera scowled and removed his hand around her. "I'm fine thanks for asking." Sarkastiko nitong sabi. "At saka anong pinagsasabi mo? Kagrupo ko si Rein sa history and I know for a fact that Ann isn't a member of our group."

"Ah ganun ba?" Jarrell laughed nervously, scratching his head. "Ah basta. Usually academics lang naman 'yang pinag-uusapan ng dalawa."

Sera frowned, not buying it. Sakto naman na napasigaw si Ann.

"That won't be appropriate!" Biglang ngiwi nito at napatingin sila sa dalawa na mukhang hindi nanaman nagkakasundo.

"See? Nag-aaway na sila. They're fine and normal." Jarrell grinned, putting an arm around Sera's shoulder again, much to her annoyance.

At that moment, Kuya Tino, one of Castillo High's trusty guards passed them by, holding a flashlight in his hand, and a dog leash on the other. Kasama ng matanda ang kaniyang watch dog na si Gustav, isang malaking German Shepherd. "Magandang gabi Castillians, okay lang ba kayo diyan?" The guard greeted the four by tipping his cap, while Gustav wagged his tail and let out a cheerful bark.

"Uy, Kuya Tino! Gustav!" Kaway ni Jarrell habang nakaakbay pa rin kay Sera na naiirita na. 

"Kuya pwede mo bang ikulong 'tong peste sa tabi ko." Sera scowled as Rein and Ann also greeted the friendly guard.

Natawa lamang ang matanda. "Bakit? Mabait naman 'yan si Jarrell. Lagi akong binibigyan niyan ng banana cue tuwing Martes." Ngiti nito, dahilan para kindatan ni Jarrell si Sera na napairap.

"O siya, mauuna na ako at magra-rounds pa kami. Enjoy kayo sa overnight niyo." Paalam ng gwardiya, and the four then waved him and his black and brown dog a goodbye.

As the minutes passed by with Rein and Ann discussing their novel and Jarrell constantly distracting Sera, the whole campus was now enveloped in darkness. Tanging ang buwan at mga spotlight sa loob ng academe ang nagbibigay-liwanag rito.

"I really think that the protagonist should be a girl. Some type of femme fatale." Ann insisted in a low tone, folding her arms across her her chest.

"That would be interesting for the female judges, but definitely boring for the male panel." Rein snorted, glancing at his watch to see that it was already seven in the evening. Matagal-tagal na rin pala silang naghihintay sa labas ng science building.

"Take the Sherlock Holmes books for example. The classic is still well-received by both male and female readers up until now."

It was Ann's time to let out a scoff. "I'd say the same for Nancy Drew but you wouldn't listen to me because you're a boy with internal toxic masculinity."

Rein guffawed. "Fine." He said, throwing up his hands. "Let's make the protagonist a female one." Sambit nito bago binigyan ang dalaga ng isang misteryosong ngiti.

"On only one condition though. She should be hot." Ngisi nito at napairap ang dalaga.

"What, as hot as her?" Ann asked, her tone dripping in sarcasm as she nodded towards Sera who was still being distracted by Jarrell.

Rein's lips curved into a playful smirk, suddenly feeling flirty. "Wait, you think Madrigal's my type?"

"A casanova like you would go for a girl like her." Ann said dryly making Rein chuckle.

"Nah, I'd rather she'd go out with Jarrell than me." He grinned before leaning forward until his eyes leveled Ann's.

"Bakit, nagseselos ka ba kay Sera?" Bulong ng binata, using Sera's nickname that irritated Ann and made her scoff.

"Why?" Ann asked in a taunting tone. This time, it was her turn to smirk. "Gusto mo ba ako magselos?"

"What if I sa—"

"Wait." She said sharply, cutting him as she placed a finger on her lips. Dahil sa lakas ng kaniyang boses ay napalingon rin si Jarrell at Sera na kanina pa nagba-bardagulan.

Ann squinted her eyes, looking far into the distance.

"Anong meron?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Sera habang humakbang ang tatlo papalapit kay Ann. Agad nilang sinundan ang tingin ng dalaga.

Across to where they were standing was the walkway that led to one of the campus gates. Sa unang tingin ay walang makikita rito dahil sa kadiliman. Not until a few moments later where small, beam of light could be seen shining across the bushes surround it — as if someone was holding a flashlight whilst walking.

"Sino 'yan?" Bulong ni Jarrell as they watched closely.

After a few seconds, they then make shape of a guard's figure at agad na namatay ang ilaw.

"What time is it?" Ann asked quietly, eyebrows furrowed as her mind moved like clockwork.

Rein glanced at his watch before responding. "7:03 p.m. Why?"

"Hindi ba't nilampasan na tayo ni Kuya Tino kaninang 6:30?" Ann frowned, her eyes still fixated on the dark pathway.

"Well, yeah." Sera answered impatiently, ticking Ann off. "They were doing their nightly rounds. Sinabi niya kanina."

"I know." Ann said dryly. "I've been here in Castillo High long enough to know that they do their rounds at exactly 6:30 p.m. on the dot — usually until 6:45. Pero lampas seven na. They don't usually do a second batch of rounds until 9 p.m."

Ann's eyes seemed faraway now. "It just seems odd..." She muttered, her voice trailing off.

"Relaaax." Jarrell yawned, stretching his arms. "Masyado niyong inooverthink ang mga bagay-bagay. Baka si principal Lilia lang 'yan, packing up for the night. Or may na-late lang na guard sa pagra-rou—"

"Guys."

Agad na napatalon ang apat sa gulat, with Jarrell letting out a shriek that was a pitch higher than the ladies. Nakahinga lamang sila ng maluwag nang makitang si Tyra lamang ito.

"What the hell Tyra, you scared the shit out of us." Sera grumbled, fixing her hair.

"Sorry." Tyra said meekly, fiddling her thumbs. "Sinundo ko lang kayo kasi pinapatawag na daw lahat ng facilitators sa mainstay. Magsta-start na yung event."

The four, who was still a little shaky, nodded. Bilang isang grupo, they then returned to the center grounds where everyone was gathered. Habang naglalakad sila papalapit ay maririnig na naghe-head count na ang mga twelfth graders.

"Fortitude officers!" Dylan Rivera, a senior twelfth grader with dark, curly hair called, waving his arms at them. "Team C kayo."

He then pointed to a group of freshman non-officers who looked at them shyly.

"Team C, these are the officers of 10 – Fortitude who will be facilitating you for tonight. You'll be in good hands." Dylan grinned before leaving them with the kids.

"Hi kiddos. Tawagin niyo ako sa pangalan na kuya pogi." Masiglang bati ni Jarrell, to which the kids giggled. He then pointed at Sera who raised an eyebrow at him.

"Siya naman si ate ganda sungit." He grinned, and the kids broke into a fit of laughter.

"Very funny Marquez." Sera said bluntly before waving to the group and properly introducing herself.

Isa-isang nagpakilala na rin sina Rein, Ann at Tyra sa mga bata who seemed to have immediately grown fond of them. But despite this, hindi pa rin makalimutan ni Ann ang kaniyang nakita kanina.

"Facilitators, please take note that you must have ten kids on your team." Sir Gino Damoste, a short, stout man who was the head advisor of the student council as well as a friend of Jarrell's dad, yelled through his megaphone in a booming voice. He then proceeded to check the status of each team.

"Complete na kayo Team C?" Tanong ng propesor nang narating na niya ang kanilang grupo. Agad na nag-thumbs up ang mga ito.

This final headcount then went on until the professor had reached Team F, the last group of trainees.

"Alright, so ang hindi nalang kumpleto ay ang Team E." He noted, informing everyone as he scribbled on his checklist. "Hintayin nalang natin sila makumpleto and we'll start in exactly five minutes."

But five minutes soon came and the facilitators of Team E anxiously reported that Ria Vendeya, the one ninth grader that they were waiting for, still had not returned from the girls' comfort room.

Professor Damoste frowned and checked his watch. "We're behind schedule now. Sunduin niyo na siya sa C.R. and make sure she's alright." He said, ordering two of the female facilitators in Team E.

"Maybe the poor girl has her period." Sera said with a frown whilst Tyra was called by a senior, and Jarrell chatted with the kids on their team.

Rein and Ann, who had heard Sera's remark, watched the two facilitators head towards the girls' comfort room.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Ann murmured, still thinking about the suspicious light they had seen earlier.

"So do I." Rein agreed in a dark tone, a sinking feeling of doom in his chest. He then shoved his hands in his pockets — a habit that he was fond of doing whenever he felt uneasy with something he couldn't quite comprehend, or when he was contemplating in his own deep thoughts.

Right now, it was the former.

And because Rein's hunches were always usually correct due to his extraordinary gift, he was not at all surprised when the two facilitators returned with worried looks on their faces — and with no Ria Vendeya along with them.

---

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"Dangerous Woman" by Ariana Grande is Sera's theme song.