chapter twenty-eight;
guiding light

—

EVIENNE'S POV

A LOT had happened in the past few days. The whole Elysia was busy. They were investigating about the Avalon. Kallisto was even summoned to the Shrine to make a statement of what he knew about it. I was also supposed to go, but since I was resting and trying to regain my health again, they didn't pressure me to do so.

After all, I was still a figure as to why we all survived that night just like Kallisto. Good thing they recognized our fight and efforts that night. So, when we were in the clear about not knowing who the enemies were, and just fought when we felt the presence of danger, they let us go.

They might still try to watch us in secret, but they wouldn't really get anything from us. And the Saint would undoubtedly make sure to tighten our protection, especially for me, who was a Celeste.

Hindi rin kami makaalis kaagad kahit dapat paalis na kami ngayong araw. The Saint wanted to have a huge celebration and banquet in the Elysia's main hall—or main palace that was in the Sanctuary.

Syempre matapos ang delubyo, gusto nilang ipakita sa lahat na maayos at aahon pa rin ang Elysia. Hindi nila pwedeng ipakita na malaki ang naging dagok sa kanila. Kahit pretense lang, kailangan hindi sila maging mahina sa mata ng mga ibang Kingdom at pati na rin ng kalaban.

The Saint also invited Kallisto and me to the main celebration. I heard that there would be a medal or a 'token' for what we'd done. Lihim naman ako humalakhak sa isip ko nang marinig ko ang balitang 'yon.

This happened in Fatebound. Dahil sa ginawa ni Juno no'n nakatanggap siya ng 'regalo' mula sa Saint. Well, she'd surely wish for it again and receive it like in the novel. But, for me, I have another thing in my mind that I'd want to receive.

Hehe, I could finally loot.

"Eve!" Muntik na akong mapatalon kung saan ako nakaupo nang marinig ang isang mahinang tawag mula sa isang cute na boses.

Nawala ako sa iniisip at saka tingnan si Willow at Yule na nasa harap ko. We were all sitting in my bed. And they were across me. Nasa harap naming tatlo ang mga crystal ball at mana na nakuha namin no'n sa laban sa Avalon.

"What are we gonna do with these crystal ball manas?" Willow asked innocently.

I smirked. Itatabi ko ang iba, pero syempre gagamitin ko ang iba. Sayang din kung hindi magagamit lahat 'yon, 'no. Pero 'yong iba dyan ireregalo ko kay King Dietrich at Prince Atlas. Syempre! Kailangan kong magpabango sa mga in-law ko!

I'd give one to the knights, too, they could use it to strengthen themselves. Then to Stepmother, too! For sure, it'd be the most helpful to her since she was a mage with a huge potential to be an archmage.

"Hmm, for now, let's keep it first." Ngumiti ako sa dalawang fox sa harap ko at saka ko kinuha ang maliit na dimension box na binigay ni Kallisto sa akin no'ng nakaraan at saka inilagay lahat do'n ng mana crystal balls.

"Aren't you gonna use one for yourself?" Willow asked curiously as I was putting it in the storage.

"I don't really need it..." I shrugged.

[Yes! I'm already strong! You don't need it!] masayang dagdag pa ni Aqua sa isip ko kaya naman napangiti kaagad ako.

"How about the two of you? Don't you want to go somewhere? I feel better now. I'll ask Kalli if we can go out," I suggested to them merrily. Willow's green eyes sparkled, and Yule's icy blue eyes twinkled. They were both so cute!

"And where do you plan on going?" I stiffened when I heard his voice!

Kaagad akong napatingin sa isang banda at nakita siya na nakahalukipkip sa may bandang terrace! Jusko! Akyat-bahay este akyat-palasyo pa nga! Mukhang imbis na sa pinto dumaan do'n sa terrace!

He walked toward us and sat beside me on the bed. I pouted at him. "Where did you go?" I asked curiously.

"The Saint."

"Wow, close na close na kayo ah," I told him, but he shook his head.

"He just asked about your condition and some things about the enemies." Well, that was obvious. Probably, about the upcoming celebration, too. And the compensation the Saint wanted to give for Kallisto's knights and people. They were one of the greatest help that night.

"Will you be alright to attend the celebration tonight?" tanong niya sa akin, kaya naman tumango kaagad ako.

"You know that I'd been healed since day one, you just don't want me to go and be busy about all the investigations and such," kibit-balikat na sabi ko sa kanya, kaya naman kaagad siyang sumang-ayon.

"You already did a lot. Let Elysia and the Saint do the rest," he said, and I smiled! Kaya kay Kallisto ako, eh! Tama 'yan aking bebe! Dapat ako kakampihan mo at syempre dapat kukunsitihin mo ang katamaran ko!

"Hmm... so I'm not allowed to go out for today?" I questioned him, then glanced at Willow and Yule. They seemed like they wanted to go out since that night but couldn't since I couldn't go out, too.

Wow, biglang naging loyal 'yang dalawang 'yan, matapos ako slight ipagpalit kay Kalli!

"Not for today. Just stay in this mansion. Then we'll go out later tonight."

"What's the celebration for tonight?" pag-uusisa ko sa kanya. I purposely didn't really get involved in what was happening the last few days and focused on getting better. While trying to strengthen Aqua.

"They'll do some lantern wishes again and a night banquet. Then, tomorrow morning, we'll attend in the capital's podium to receive a 'token' from the Saint." Napatango-tango naman ako dahil do'n.

"Okay! Then, we'll just stay in this palace for the day, then maybe tomorrow afternoon we could tour around?"

"Yeah, we could do that."

Kaagad akong nakipag-apir kay Willow at Yule sa narinig kay Kallisto. Mukhang tuwang-tuwa naman 'yong dalawang beast kaya mabilis silang ngumiti. Willow jumped and went to my lap, and Yule went to Kallisto.

***

THERE was really nothing to do because Leah had already prepared the dress that I'd wear tonight, and it wasn't hectic. I saw the knights were training and having fun near the garden earlier, and Stepmother seemed like she was doing a lot of reporting and investigations from here to the Seventh Kingdom's King.

Kasama naman ni Dacher at Marlo si Arry na pumunta sa bayan ng Sanctuary para mamili ng pwedeng ipasalubong sa ibang owls na naiwan sa Seventh Kingdom. Kaya naman kami lang talaga ni Willow at Yule ang magkakasama ngayon.

Well, the quiet Kallisto was with us, too. We went for a garden lunch earlier. Ngayon hapon na kaya tambay lang kami. That was why I suggested touring around the palace.

Kaya naman napadpad kaming apat sa malaking kwarto. It was like a hall. It was wide. There was a huge open area with marbled floor. The chandelier in the ceiling was jaw-dropping. The tear-shaped crystals were sparkling, and the vases with flowers seemed to be taken care of really well.

"Wow..." I murmured in amazement while looking around the vast place. There was also a grand piano on one side.

Yule and Willow, who were in Kallisto and I's arms, quickly went down to admire the area.

Samantalang ako naman ay dumiretso papunta sa nakita kong piano. I actually didn't want to approach it, but at the same time, it made me curious. So, I just went there to satisfy my curiosity.

Naramdaman ko rin ang pagsunod ni Kallisto sa akin nang tahimik.

When I arrived in front of the piano, I gulped as I remembered the dream that I had. My hands shook a little, so I held them together. Aalis na sana ako sa harap no'n pero nagulat ako nang bigla akong lampasan ni Kallisto.

I was frozen. I just watched his back, and how he sat on the stool in front of the piano.

His move was so quiet and graceful... that my feet were just magnetized to him. Naglakad ako papalapit sa kanya nang hindi nag-iisip. Tila nakalimutan ang takot, nakalimutan ang bangungot.

When I stood near him, my lips quivered, but I still spoke.

"You know how to play?"

"Hmm..." he murmured gently while nodding.

"Really? Grabe, sobrang talented pala talaga ng asawa ko. Ano kayang 'di mo kaya gawin?"

"You guess," he retorted.

"Hindi mo kayang hindi sundin ang isang Evienne!" masayang sabi ko sa kanya. Napalingon naman siya sa akin at saka ako tinaasan ng kilay. I stuck my tongue at him, and he rolled his eyes.

Tawang panalo na sana ako pero bigla na lang niya akong hinila paupo sa tabi niya. Natahimik ako at napalunok nang mapaupo sa harap ng piano. I stiffened, I swear... I didn't want to sit here. I just didn't want to recall awful memories and my hands—my hands that were secretly shaking.

However, as I held my breath, Kallisto suddenly spoke, which woke me up from being afraid.

"Do you know how to play the piano?" he queried softly, and I glanced at him.

Do I? Do I not? I don't know...

"You... how do you know how to play it?" I shifted the topic instead. I also cleared my throat because I felt a lump stuck in there.

"My Mom taught me how." May maliit na ngiti ang kumawala sa labi niya dahil do'n. Pakiramdam ko nanlambot ang puso niya.

"Doesn't it bring you bad memories?" mahinang bulong ko. Somehow, if his mom taught him about playing this instrument, doesn't it hurt? He'd only recall memories of her, then miss her...

"I thought so before... but playing it does make me happy, as I remembered her smiling widely while teaching me." My heart melted with his delicate confession. Their familial relationship was really admirable for someone like me who didn't know a family's love.

Napangiti ako sa kanya dahil do'n, then he started pressing some keys gracefully. The sound it was creating... I thought it'd slowly torture my heart... so I braced myself for it, but... it didn't... instead, I felt soothed and comforted.

Like there was a blanket that finally enclosed me after being abandoned in a sharp and endless coldness.

"Did you ask your Mom to teach you how to play?" maingat na tanong ko sa kanya.

"No, she just taught me. Telling me that someday... I'd find a person that I'd play for." Halos umawang ang labi ko sa narinig sa kanya. Napakurap-kurap pa ako at muntikan nang hindi makahinga.

"Did you find that person?" Inangat niya ang tingin niya sa akin at itinigil niya ang pagtugtog.

"Did I find that person... or did that person find me?" he asked meaningfully.

Ngumiti siya matapos sabihin 'yon kaya sa huli napangiti rin. Parang nawala rin 'yong inaalala ko bigla. I already faced this before... so I shouldn't really back out now. Especially with Kallisto playing beside me.

Pinakinggan ko lang ang tinutugtog niya at napapanatag ang puso ko.

Since I woke up from the nightmare, Kallisto didn't pester nor question me about it. I thought he'd ask a lot. If it was a memory that I 'lost' or if I recalled the 'forgotten' past of this body. But he didn't... he just comforted me and let me rest. So I was really thankful.

Natahimik kaming dalawa saglit at pinakinggan lang 'yong tinutugtog ni Kallisto. When he stopped I looked at him. I wanted to tell him to play more because it was relaxing, and he was flawless.

Napatitig din ako ilang saglit kay Kallisto. Just looking at him made me feel light again. Nawala ang mga inaalala ko at masamang panaginip. Para akong nakalutang ulit sa ulap.

Matapos ang ilang sandali, napangiti ako nang mapaglaro bago magsalita.

"Nako, h'wag mo papakita 'yang talent mo sa iba ha!"

"Why?"

"Baka bigla kang maging sikat, 'tapos magkaro'n ako ng mga kaagaw, nako hindi pwede!"

"Seriously?"

"Hoy, seryoso ako ro'n. 'Yong mga tipo mo pa naman 'yong habulin! Lalo na mukha kang villain na hot!"

"You certainly know how to ruin the mood, ain't you?"

"Well, that's what you call talent!" proud na proud na sabi ko sa kanya. Napailing naman siya sa akin like he was quietly saying that he was so done with me. So I just laughed at him happily.

I also nudged him a little; that was why he looked at me with a knotted forehead. "What is it?" he asked.

"Ano ba'ng type mo?"

Bigla akong na curious sa type ni Kallisto. Well, if he didn't have the prejudice of being the 'cursed' and 'weakest' abyss, I was sure he'd be popular with the Celestes and ordinary girls and women. He was alluring.

Kaya naman kailangan ko na talagang mag-ingat! Jusko, kahit asawa na 'to, kapag may kumabit talaga! Sasabihin ko kay Yule na gawin silang yelo! Medyo overrated na kasi 'yong ipasunog, kaya ipayelo na lang natin! Para unique!

"Hmm, the villain kind..." he said with a little smirk on his face.

Kung kanina siya ang nakakunot ang noo, ngayon ako naman!

Wow, ha! Dahil ba sinabihan ko siya na hot na villain ang image niya gaganti na siya sa akin? Tsk! Nako! Masyado siyang napapaghalataan na gusto niya ako! Wait... ako nga ba? Ang bait ko kaya! Pero sige, sasakay ako sa trip niya!

"Alam mo ba no'ng minsan may nang-aasar sa akin kaya tinumba ko!" I told him proudly, and he was looking at me, almost laughing.

"I change my mind; I like kind, considerate, and helpful ones."

"Pero syempre tinayo ko rin kaagad!"

Mabilis na pag-iiba ko ng sagot ko sa kanya, kasi naman! Biglang ibahin ba naman ang preference! Pa'no magiging ako 'yon, 'di ba? Eh, matigas kaya ulo ko!

Okay na 'yong una, eh! Daya nito!

Habang nagrereklamo ako sa utak ko, bigla kong narinig 'yong mahinang tawa niya kaya naman napalingon ako sa kanya. I saw him laughing softly, throwing his head back a little, with squinted eyes.

Napalunok ako kasi hindi naman ako aware na kapag pala tumatawa pwede na gawing parang pang-commercial! 'Yong may pabulaklak at mga sparkle-sparkle! Ako kasi kapag natawa kulang na lang lagyan ng background ng pang witch na may kinukulam, eh!

Pinalo ko siya sa braso nang slight dahil sa pagtawa niya sa akin!

And he just grabbed my hand as he tried to stop himself from cackling.

"Silly. Why did you even ask?" he said while shaking his head.

"Wala, 'di ba pwedeng curious lang?"

"Really? Didn't you ask so that you could make yourself my ideal type?"

"Hoy!" Hinampas ko siya ulit sa braso. "Kapal mo, ha!" dagdag ko pa sa kanya.

Tinawanan niya lang ulit ako pagkatapos nagsimula siya ulit tumugtog sa piano. My heart would always sting just looking at or remembering the piano and the memories it brought. However, right now, it was at... peace, unlike what I expected.

It seemed like the bad memories were being covered by this... moment.

He played the piano and then looked at me from time to time.

After a little while, he took my hands and tried to teach me how to play a little. As I was enjoying it, I followed his lead.

It was really a fleeting and superficial moment, but I knew in my heart it'd be forever there.

***

THE night spread its wings magnificently in the sky like it was protecting Elysia as it dreams for their brighter tomorrow.

It felt like the time rewound before the disaster fell. Kallisto and I were beside each other while holding our lanterns. The breeze was cool and comforting, and the lights in the city were lighting the whole capital.

This time... there was a magical feeling of happiness, lightness, and hope in the air. It was so solemn and immaculate. The silence was overpowering, but it didn't feel burdensome. Instead, it was like the feeling when snowflakes touched your palms.

There was a silent prayer that the Saint led. He was shining impeccably after the mass that was held. His figure was really a symbol of peace and tranquillity for the people's doubts, fears, and helplessness.

He was their light.

The eyes of the people who almost lost their colours were brighter now. All the gathered people were probably hoping to replace the dreadful night that happened to this magical evenfall.

Mas marami ring tao ngayon kaysa dati. Napansin ko rin sa bandang gilid na 'yong ibang mga kasama ni Juno sa village na matatanda at kabataan nandito na rin, hindi lang 'yong mga bata.

The Third Kingdom's people were all present, too. A lot of them were guarding and were patrolling the city's vicinity. The Seventh Kingdom's knights were also doing the same as them.

There was nothing wrong with being more careful now.

Pinili rin ng Saint na huwag na sa port mag-celebrate ngayon, kaya nandito kami sa mismong gitna ng kapital. We were in the city largest open market space. There was a massive fountain in the middle and a huge stage in front.

The Saint was on the podium with the Shrine's officials.

"Tonight... I thank all of the people who attended our celebration after the almost tragedy that happened on the night of our Lantern Festival."

Hindi man nakakaiyak 'yong sinabi ng Saint, ramdam ko kaagad ang emosyon sa mga taong nandito ngayon sa lugar. All of them almost didn't see the daylight. And it happened recently. Wounds that were fresh would hurt if touched.

"I debated whether to put up another celebration like this or not as it may still be dangerous..." May ilang napatango sa narinig nila at isa na ako ro'n. Pero mukhang handa ang buong Elysia ngayon.

The Saint put up a holy shield tonight. It might take a toll on his body, but he didn't mind.

"But... the Elysia I know wouldn't bow down to a threat. And I didn't want the Lantern Festival to be a reminder of such tragedy. So tonight, thank you for joining me to replace a horrendous memory with hope."

Everyone agreed to the Saint's words. And I felt Willow nod while sitting on my shoulder. Napalingon ako saglit at nakitang pumapalakpak nang tahimik si Yule na nakaupo rin sa balikat ni Kallisto.

When I looked at Yule, my eyes automatically drifted to Kallisto.

I saw his side profile, and he was looking blankly at the Saint. The wind swept his midnight hair a little, and I smiled lightly before looking back in front. My heart melted just by being here tonight.

I really survived... and I was really still here with Kallisto.

May mga sinabi pa ang Saint sa panibagong kakaharapin na pagsubok ng Elysia pero halos hindi ko na nakinig 'yon dahil hindi ko maiwasan hindi mapatingin sa paligid.

The three owls, Dacher, Arry, and Marlo were excitedly holding their lanterns. They were talking and laughing at each other. Marlo wasn't really showing his emotions openly, unlike Arry and Dacher, but his eyes were smiling happily.

It was nice to see these teenagers finally acting like their age. I put such a burden on them, and I'd be forever sorry. But being just sorry wouldn't do anything, so as long as they were Kallisto's people, I'd treat them better.

Lincoln and Stepmother, who were beside Kallisto, were both looking disciplined as always. Instead of celebrating with us, they seemed to be guarding Kallisto and me better. It was funny how those two looked like mother and son who kept worrying about their family.

I hoped that one day, I could finally be more on friendly terms with them.

Nakita ko rin ang mga representative ng Kingdoms. They were all on a higher podium or the terraces of some establishments. Some looked annoyed to be here, but some were happy while listening to the Saint.

The Celestes near the podium where the Saint was were all standing properly like princesses. They were all wholeheartedly listening to the Saint. And each of them was really giving off such a noble aura.

At nang tingnan ko ang isang gilid ko, nakita ko si Juno at Azazel na magkatabi. They were both holding their lanterns with the children.

Juno was smiling at the children, who seemed to have forgotten about the dire night from before and laughed while playing with each other. Azazel, the man he was, was looking at Juno with eyes full of admiration.

Sobrang gaan at sarap sa puso na makita silang gano'n. Sobrang saya ko para sa kanila. Nako, sa susunod na araw talaga i-invite ko si Juno para sumama sa gala namin ni Kallisto! Naks, double date 'yan?

Sana pumayag silang dalawa ni Azazel! Kasi kapag hindi isusumpa ko sila, joke! Pero sa bait ni Juno, paniguradong papayag 'yon. Na-excite tuloy ako nang wala sa oras kaya't napangiti nang malawak at sakto namang napalingon si Juno kung nasaan ako.

When her greenish-blue eyes met my sapphire orbs, she automatically smiled and bowed her head, so I did the same. Azazel also followed Juno's vision and found me, so I waved my hands at them. Azazel cackled and waved, too.

Kulang na lang magtatalon ako kasi nagawa kong mag-fangirl kay Juno at Azazel.

Ano kayo! 'Yong mga characters ko, pinapansin ako! Jusko! Tama talaga ako na kayo ang pinalaki ko nang tama! Yayakapin ko talaga 'yang dalawang 'yan bago kami bumalik ng Seventh Kingdom kasi mami-miss ko sila!

Hmm, pa'no kaya kung sabihin ko na sumama na lang sila sa akin?

Ay, wait, 'di nga pala pwede 'yon! Baka sumama talaga si Ariadne kapag naging bongga ang friendship namin! Kawawa naman si Azazel, magkakaro'n ng long distance fiancé at relationship!

It's a no-no! Baka masisi pa ako ng readers na kaya walang development ang leads ay gawa ko!

Jusko, ayoko nga maging villain 'di ba? Pero, ito ako leaning na naman maging villain! Kaya hindi pwede!

"Hey, why aren't you listening?" Muntik na akong mapatalon sa kinatatayuan ko nang marinig si Kallisto.

"Bakit? May naglilista ba ng 'not listening'? Wow, daig pa elementary na noisy at standing lang nililista?" kunot-noo at seryosong tanong ko kay Kallisto.

He rolled his eyes at me and shook his head. Muntik pa akong matawa kasi sabay nilang ginawa ni Yule 'yon! Hoy, bakit ang cute no'n?! Bakit walang video rito, e 'di sana na-record ko na 'yon!

"Once again..." Napatingin ako sa una nang marinig magsalita ang Saint no'n.

"Let's offer our prayers and wishes with the lanterns."

My heartbeat started to fasten its pace. I felt so happy.

"Graces and glory for Elysia!" the Saint declared and released his lanterns, and the others followed.

But I didn't... instead, I closed my eyes while holding my lantern tightly. Instead of speaking my wish, I only thought of it solemnly.

And after that, I opened my eyes and gazed at the side to see Kallisto. Napalunok ako saglit nang makita ang mga mata niya. I froze. His eyes stared at mine deeply. I wasn't really aware... but when he glimpsed at me, I realized that I was on edge.

Like I was falling... and those eyes somehow always catch and would always willingly descend with me.

"The lanterns are so beautiful..." I uttered absentmindedly.

No, the lanterns would compare to your ethereal, wondrous violet eyes...

It was a hidden thought that I kept inside my heart and mind.

"Do you know...?" Kallisto started as he held my hand that was holding my lantern. "The last time I attended the Lantern Festival was when I was with my Mom." My heart almost stopped beating with his sudden words.

"And when she released our lantern that time... she didn't utter a wish."

I kept mum. I felt like I should have just stayed quiet and let him speak. Everyone started to vanish from my sight. All I could see was him.

"But still... let me ask you, what did you wish for?" mahinang bulong ni Kallisto sa akin.

"Graces and glory... for Kallisto Artem St. Auclain..." I murmured with sincerity, and he chuckled softly. That pleasant sound reached my ears, and instead of leaving through the other ear, it meandered the path slowly to my heart.

I thought he'd react to my wish, sarcastically saying that I copied his from before. But... he didn't...

"And when I was admiring the lanterns that were like the stars in the sky, my Mom told me..."

Hindi ako makapagsalita at halos hindi na rin huminga sa naririnig sa kanya.

"Lantern Festival is celebrated not because it is beautiful..."

"It was a symbol of light and path. A guiding light... for the ones who were lost to find their way home... may it be from wars, from almost death, or from being in the dark for so long..."

Goosebumps.

I felt goosebumps all over my skin.

"So instead of wishing, she just told me that one day... I'll be like the lantern."

He carefully caressed my hands with his, and with the overwhelming emotions rising in my chest, I almost teared up, but I blinked to prevent it. The starlight in his eyes just shined brighter than before.

"Someday... I'll guide someone back home..."

"Kalli..." I whispered his name, and he smiled at me.

"So... just like before, graces and glory to Evienne Soleil St. Auclain..."

And we both looked at our lanterns as we slowly let them go for them to float and be carried by the wind.

"Because... you are my lantern."

While looking at our lanterns I heard him say that in a whisper. Napatulala ako sa kanya at tinitigan siya at nakita kong nakatingin lang siya sa pinakawalan naming lantern.

Napangiti na lang ako habang pinagmamasdan siya, at hinawakan nang mas mahigpit ang kamay niya.

Tonight, with the stars and the lanterns... I got to enjoy and know the real meaning of the Lantern Festival with Kallisto beside me.

I was his lantern, he said. Little did he know, he also became one the moment he gazed at me with those sincere starlit eyes.

—

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