Grizelda

Maingat kong binuksan ang pinto ng kwarto. Pero napakunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ko na hindi pala ito nakasara ng maayos. Hinayaan ko nalang at patuloy na lumabas.

Hindi ko sigurado kung anong oras na pero alam akong nasa madaling araw na. Pinlano ko talagang gumising nang ganitong oras para hanapin ang kwarto kung nasaan ang portal.

Actually, I think I didn't sleep. Buong gabi ko inisip ang mga nalaman ko at buong gabi ko inisip kung paano ko hahanapin ang mga portal. At naisipan ko na ngayon siya gawin.

Hindi ko pa pinapalabas si Lorella. Kapag nagkaroon ng hindi maganda doon ko siya papalabasin. I know she can help me with that. She's a fairy. She knows how to do magic.

Wala akong siguradong plano.

Ang plano ko lang ay alamin kung nasaan ang portal. I can't risk asking to professors, especially, the seniors. Alam kong magtataka sila kapag ginawa ko 'yon. Isa pa, I don't need their help.

Marahan lamang ang paggalaw at paglakad ko. Pinapakiramdaman ko rin ang paligid dahil baka mayroong makakita saakin o mayroon akong magalaw. Madilim ang paligid sapat lang ang maliliit na ilaw para makita ko ang dinadaanan ko.

I think to find that room is to look for a weird door or a unique door. Just like at the palace. The room where the Aetherius sword is.

Isa pa pala yan, kailangan kong alamin para saan ang espada na 'yon. It only says that it is made for the savior, which is me. I know it is not an ordinary sword. There is a reason and secret behind that sword. And that is the next I'm planning to know.

Nadaanan ko na lahat ng room. Classrooms, dining room, restroom, and the office pero wala akong makitang kakaiba na pinto kung saan pwede nakatago ang mga portal dito sa Academy.

Hindi kaya there is other building for that portals? Wala dito sa Academy? But no... I think it is inside the Academy, because this is their safe place. This is where all the special students staying and doing their trainings. Hindi naman nila pwedeng ilagay 'yon sa kung saang lugar dahil siguradong magiging delikado 'yon.

I'm running out of time. Maybe I will continue this tomorrow night. Time is fast here, that's why I need to do this plan faster. I still have days to continue—

My heart beats fast when I heard a sound. Pinakiramdaman ko ang paligid. Narito ako malapit office ng mga Professors. It is possible that they're awake now, that's why I don't do any sounds.

But I heard a different sound. I don't what that is, but it is like a wind. I looked at the plain wall when I heard a sound from there. Nanlaki ang mata ko na parang gumagalaw ito. Mabilis akong nagtago, my hearr is beating fast. Marahan akong sumilip nang may narinig akong bumukas.

It's the wall! It's a secret door! May bumukas sa wall at lumabas dito ang...

A knight?

He's a man wearing an armor. He's looks like in the mid 40's. I think he is one of the soldier here. I didn't make any sound hanggang sa umalis siya at kusang sumarado ang pinto na nasa pader.

Naghintay ako nang ilang minuto kung babalik pa 'yon pero wala na muling ingay ang nangyari. Dahan dahan akong naglakad palapit sa pader at inimbistegahan kung paano ito mabuksan. I think there is a secret button here to activate the door. Kinapa-kapa ko lamg ang pader hanggang sa may nakapa ako na kakaiba. Agad kong itinulak ito at tama nga ako. May bumukas na pinto, ngunit may ingay ito kaya sobra ang kaba ko. Sa sobrang kaba ko ay hindi ko na sinilip kung ano man ang nasa loob nito. Kahit madilim at mabilis ko itong tinahak.

May mga maliliit na ilaw ang nakalagay sa pader. May hagdan na pababa. Dahan dahan akong bumaba at pagbaba ko ay nakita ko na mayroong pinto. I'm sure that this is the portal room. I can feel it.

I took a deep breathe at mabilis na binuksan ang pinto. Napabuka ang bibig ko nang makita ko ang maraming portal na nakapalibot pabilog.

"Wow..." That's all I can say. I didn't know that seeing many portals is way beautiful.

Tinignan ko ang mga portals. Bawat portal ay mayroong nakaukit na pangalan. I think this is the name of the magic worlds. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang makita ko ang pangalan na hinahanap ko.

"Academia..." Basa ko dito. Tinignan ko ang portal. This is the world I belong. My real home... My heart is beating fast while looking at the portal. This is it. I need to go there. I need to see my home. I need to see my family...

Hindi maalis ang tingin ko sa portal pero hindi rin ako makagalaw para pumasok dito.

I am not ready...

But I need to. Kung may gusto man akong makita, iyon ang kung saan ang mundo at kung nasaan ang pamilya ko. I've been wanting this. Wanting to meet all of them. And wanting to know why... Itinaas ko ang kamay ko, I want to know how it feels to be in this portal. The Academia portal.

Ngunit bago ko pa ito mahawakan ay biglang may humawak sa kamay ko at nagulat ako kung sino ito.

"Zelda." He said.

"K-killian?! What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" Balik niyang tanong saakin. Napaiwas naman ako ng tingin.

Inalis ko ang kamay niya sa paghawak saakin. I don't know if I need to pretend and lie or tell him that I need to go at Academia, but that is too risky. If I told him that he will just continuous questions and I'm not willing to answer all of them. It is supposed to be a secret.

"I knew it. You will go find the portal room this midnight." He said.

Napakunot ang noo ko doon. "What do you mean?" Tinignan niya ako.

"I will apologize first. I'm sorry. I heard the story. I heard it from the fairy, I was outside of your room..."

Napabuka ang bibig ko. He fucking heard it?! The he fucking know who I am?!

"Yes... I know that you are the savior. The twilight princess. It's not impossible. I can sense your strong aura. But I'm still in shock..." He said.

I don't know what to say...

"Did you heard it all of them?" Hindi ko siya tinitignan.

"Yes... I'm really sorry. Pumunta ako sa room mo para sana tulungan ka sa hindi mo natapos na storya sa history class, but I saw that you are talking to a fairy and I don't know... Dapat aalis na ako because I think it is personal story and private but I don't know I want to hear it... I'm...I'm really sorry."

Naalala ko na kanina na hindi nga nakasara ang pinto ng kwarto. I sigh. Well, I think even I keep it as a secret, they will still know it. Sineryoso ko ang mukha ko.

"Go tell them, I don't care. I'm going at Academia." I said while looking at the portal. I know they will be happy, tch. They can even celebrate it. Kitang kita ko kung paano ang saya ni Prof. Shane ng malaman nila na isa sa hinahanap ni si Kyzer. Fck people. They just want us to save their asses.

"I'll not tell them without your permission. It's you. It's your decision if you will accept your responsibilities."

"Responsibilities my ass. All I need is my home." I said.

"Remember that the enemy here is the one who took your family's world. And they're dangerous. You can't beat them alone."

"Dangerous?" I smirk. "I'll show them what dangerous really looks like." Papasok na sana ako sa portal pero pinilan nanaman ako. Fucking stupid. "Let me go. This is not your business."

"You don't know about magic, you don't know how to use it. You don't know how to fight. And you don't have a plan." Killian said. "You know the story already. The people in Academia became slaves to Astrid. Once you enter the world Academia, it is also possible that you will also possess by Astrid. And that is your end. You are in danger now, Grizelda. All the dark magic users are tracking you. If the people need your help, you also need our help. We will help you get the Academia back by defeating the two evils. But we need to work together."

Napatigil ako. He's right. I still don't know how to properly use magic. I only know street fights but I don't know how to fight with magic.

"That's why we're here in the Academy. To train. To have knowledge about magics. Also, you still need the four elemental users to use your true magic."

"What do you mean Elemental Users?" I asked.

"They are your guide. Water, Air, Fire and Earth. You can control all of them but only if you have good terms with the owners. One of them is Kyzer, the water elemental. The rest, we don't know who are them. That's why you need the help of Yvaine and Maverick. They are the ones who can help you. If you don't want to tell other people, just tell to Yvaine and Maverick. You can trust them."

I took a deep breathe. This is getting serious. I don't have a plan to team up with this annoying man. But I don't have a choice.

"I need first who can help me with my memories. My stupid mother did something when I was a child." I said at naunang lumakad para bumalik sa room. Pero napahinto kami nang may narinig kaming ingay. It's the sound of the wall. Shit. Someone is here.

"Every morning. Someone must look at the portals. We're not both allowed here." Killian said to me.

"Then what are we going to do?" I asked. My heart is beating fast. If they found us here, they will ask questions and I don't have a choice to tell the truth.

"Don't worry, just stay still. I will not let them see you. Just stand where you are and don't move."

Napakunot ang noo ko sakanya. "What?! Are you insane?"

"Don't move. I put magic on you." He said.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto at bumulaga dito ang lumabas na knight kanina. He looks intimidating. His body is full of armor suit. Nakakunot noong nakatingin ito kay Killian.

He can't see me?

Umayos ng tayo si Killian at seryosong hinarap ang knight. "Captain Wystan." He said.

"Killian. What are you doing here?" His voice is so deep. I can feel my body is shaking. What the fuck.

"I saw a fairy earlier and followed her. Hindi ko alam na napunta na pala ako rito. I apologize for my actions." Sabi ni Killian at yumuko. The fuck he said? Tinignan ko ang Knight. He don't believed him. Tinignan nito ang paligid, lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang mapatingin siya kung nasaan ako. Shit. Mas pinigilan kong hindi gumalaw.

Nawala ang kaba ko nang ibinalik na niya ang tingin kay Killian.

"Let's go. We have class later." Sabi ng Knight at naunang lumakad. Binigyan pa ako ng tingin ni Killian bago siya sumunod.

Napahinga naman ako nang maluwag. Nang marinig ko na nakalabas na sila ay agad na akong gumalaw. Tinignan ko ang Portal ng Academia bago lumabas ng room.

I'll be back.

"Fuckshit." I whispered. Idinilat ko ang mga mata ko. Narinig ko nanaman ang nakakarindi nilang morning bell.

I think it's already 7 am since the bell rang. Fuck. I only slept for like 1 hour. Ugh. I hate mornings. Narinig ko na ang mga yapak at tunog sa labas. Kumikilos na sila.

I sigh. Why the fuck I accept this kind of routine...

Just like yesterday, girl's shower room is so noisy as fuck. I'm really irritated because of them, why don't they just do their thing without being loud??

Hinayaan ko ulit sila at hinintay na makalabas. Hindi katulad kahapon parang mas tumagal ang pagkilos nila. Ugh. Pagtapos nila at nasiguradong kong lumabas na sila ay agad ko namang inayos ang sarili ko at pumunta sa locker. Tinignan ko ang nakalagay na schedule doon.

Our subject this morning is Self Defense. I smirk. Aside from history class this subject is what I'm excited about. I really love fights and I can say that I'm good at it.

Tinignan ko ang nakalagay sa locker na uniform. This is different from yesterday. I think this is the uniform we need to wear for self defense class. And I can say that I like this uniform than yesterday's uniform. Agad ko itong kinuha at isinuot. Kaya pala ang tagal ng mga 'yon dahil hindi siya ganun kadali isuot.

After a few minutes, I finished my uniform with the belt. I looked at the locker mirror. I look like in the fantasy.

What will be their reaction when they saw me with my real look? I mean, the white hair and the different eye colors. Matagal na rin nang makita ko na ganun ang itsura ko. I always wear this black hair and contact lenses. Hindi ako madalas tumingin sa salamin kapag ang totoong itsura ko.

I also remembered my father's eye to our history class. It is also different. Maybe that's why my eyes are also like this. Too bad, I didn't get a chance to see his eyes and asked how it feels like...

Tinanggal ko sa utak ko ang mga ito at lumabas na ng shower room. There is no time for drama.

Nakalagay sa schedule na sa gym ang self defense class. I never imagine that this little academy have a gym on the inside. Pero we need first to eat our breakfast.

Breakfast together. Again. Tch.

Napatigil ako sa paglakad nang makasalubong ko si Killian. He smiled when he saw me like never happened earlier. Nakasuot din siya ng uniform namin ngayon.

Naalala ko tuloy. He knows. He know me. He know the story.

"Hi milady." He said with a smiling face. He still greet me like how we first met. Hindi nagbago ang pakitungo niya kahit alam niyang ako ang hinahanap nilang savior or should I say the Twilight Goddess.

What a fucking cringe title name.

Anyways, what is he doing here? It's is breakfast time. Everyone should be in the dining room. Yeah, I'm late again.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at naglakad na uli pero may sinabi siya.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone, just be careful." He said.

I rolled my eyes at hindi pa rin siya pinansin. I think pupunta siya sa office ni Prof. Shane. I'm not bothered that he knows. I also don't care if he tell to anyone. It is not really a big deal for me.

And be careful? Ha. What does he think of me? A fucking weak? Nah.

I don't need their wisdom words or caring words. I can handle myself. I sigh. Okay but he really helped me earlier. But that doesn't mean that I owe him. He did that by himself.

Nakarating na ako sa dining room at agad na naupo sa kung saan din ang pwesto ko kahapon.

"Talk about always being late. We can't eat if we are not complete." Sabi ni Cristel. Here she go again. Parang ang laki ng problema palagi.

"Cristel." Saway ni Mrs. Nessa.

"Killian is also late. Where is he?"

"We will start our breakfast without him. Prof. Shane asked for Killian. They have a serious meeting." Mrs. Nessa said.

Is it about earlier? I didn't know that seniors are not also allowed in that room. Ano kaya ang possibleng mangyari kay Killian? Siguradong sinabi ito ng Knight.

The hell. Is it my fault?

Bakit ba kasi ang hilig sumulpot ng lalaking 'yon? He is just putting himself in danger. And now it is going to be my fault. Damn that annoying man.

"You should eat many. Your class is Self defense. You need full energy." Mrs. Nessa.

They are talking. I'm not listening to them. Ang isip ko ay kung ano ang mangyayari kay Killian, sa sumulpot na knight kanina ay talagang seryoso ang mukha nito. Damn. Do I need to save him?

Nah. For sure nothing bad will happen to him. He is one of the savior and a senior. He also carrying a strong magic. It is impossible that they will kick him out. Just like what I'm saying. They want saviors to protect them. Psh.

"I hope you are all getting know now. You should treat each other like a family and of course, help each other." Sabi ni Mrs. Nessa habang nag aayos kami para sa papasukan naming klase.

I'm not sure about that.

She smiled to all of us. "Just please. Having each other's back is important. Love and friendship will strengthen your ability to fight the enemies. Trust me."

I simply rolled my eyes. She really is a soft hearted person and I'm sure that thing will weaken her. Hinayaan ko sila at lumabas na ng dining room.

Naglakad na ako at sinubukang hanapin ang gym. Merong mga nakapaskil sa pader na directions kaya madali ko lang itong nasundan.

Nakarating na ako sa gym. Pinagmasdan ko ito. It's not that big but it has a big space that we can do fights. It looks like just a normal gym class. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang makita ko ang Knight.

What is his name again? Oh!

Killian called him "Captain Wystan"

He really looks intimidating especially when he looked at me. Napansin ko napakunot ang noo niya.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"New student." I simply said. Pinilit kong hindi mahalata na kinakabahan ako.

"Where is the others?"

"At the dining room."

Pinasdan niya pa ako ng tingin bago tumalikod saakin at inayos niya ang mga gamit dito sa gym. Napatingin ako sa mga inaayos niya. Swords.

Oh fuck? Don't tell me our self defense class is swordmarnship??

Shit.

I thought It will be a normal fight. Like fist fight. What the fuck.

I got excited for nothing.

I thought I will be able to fight again like I do in mortal world like street fights.

Bakit hindi ko naisip na possibleng sword ang gagamitin namin or ang abilities namin? Ugh. This is getting annoying.

I sigh.

Narinig ko na rin ang mga kaklase ko na pumasok ng Gym. Napakunot ang noo ko nang makita ko ang mga seniors na nakaayos ang tayo at seryosong nakatingin sa knight.

"Captain Wystan." Sabay sabay na sabi ng mga seniors. Ang ibang new comers ay mukhang nagtataka din sa nangyayari. Ganito rin ang ginawa ni Killian kanina sa loob ng portal room nang makita niya ang Knight.

"Take a seat." Sabi nito.

Lahat naman kami sumunod kung saan niya kami pinapapwesto.

"Allow me to introduce myself for the new students. I am Wystan. I am the knight of Enchantia. I'm always in charge when there is war and also handle the othee soldiers. I'm here to protect the people in this town. I'm also here to teach and guide your Self Defense. I'll teach you how to use a sword, and other weapons that we can use in a war. There is only reminder in my class. I don't need weaklings. All of you must be brave and strong while in my class." He said in a serious tone. "Now, Pick your desired weapon and I'll teach you how to properly use it." Isang hawi lang ng kamay nito ay nagsi-angatan ang mga weapons sa itaas namin. Nakalutang ito sa harap namin.

Marami ito. Iba't ibang klase na mga weapons pang digmaan. Ang iba ay parang ngayon ko lang nakita. Napansin ko na isa isa na silang pumili ng weapon nila.

Tinignan ko ang mga ito. This is interesting. Hindi pa ako nakakahawak ng mga ganitong swords. Napakunot ang noo ko sa isa. It looks weird.

Dalawa ang blade nito at ang hawakan niya ay nasa gitna. Hinawakan ko ito at napatingin naman saakin ang mga kaklase ko.

"What?" I asked.

"That's a dangerous sword. It can kill you." Sabi ng isa na sa pagkakaalala ko ay Nicholas ang pangalan.

"Interesting. That's a double bladed katana. Are you sure with that?" Captain Wystan asked me.

"Yeah." I simply said. Tinignan ko ang hawak ko na sword. It really looks dangerous. Siguradong matalim dalawang blade nito. Kaya siguro nasabi nilang delikado ito dahil maaaring saakin ko magamit ang isang blade.

I smirk. They are stupid if they did that.

"Now that you already chose your own weapon. I will teach you the for now the basic on how to use your weapon properly—" Naputol ang sinasabi ni Captain Wystan nang may pumasok. It's Killian. I rolled my eyes. This man really know how to ruin a moment.

"Good morning." He greeted everyone happily. "Sorry I'm late, Captain." Dagdag pa nito.

Tinignan ko si Captain Wystan. Nakatingin siyang seryoso kay Killian, ganun din naman ang tingin ni Killian sakanya.

I don't know. It looks like there is something happened between them.

Oh.

Is it about earlier? I really can feel the aura between them. Para bang may alitan sakanila na hindi mo malaman kung ano. Pero mukhang ako lang naman ang nakakapansin dahil mukhang hindi naman na-bother ang mga kasama namin.

"Before I teach you the basic. I will show you how you should fight in the war..." Sabi muli ni Captain Wystan. "Killian, do you want to volunteer?"

"What?"

"Oh."

"Geez. Here we go again."

Biglang nag-ingay ang mga kaklase namin. Napakunot ang noo ko.

Don't tell me they will fight?

"I would love to." Killian said at kinuha ang isang sword na nakaangat.

Napataas ang isang kilay ko. Oh. So what will happened next? Sa mukha ng mga seniors ay parang nangyari na rin ito dati. Now, it is getting exciting.

A sword fight between a Knight and a Senior Student? Hmm. Let's see how strong this playboy is.

***
I'll update when I have free time. So just be patient. I'm not a full time wattpad writer. Thank you <3 Stay safe!!

This is their Self Defense uniform btw