Grizelda

Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Nakatigil at nakatalikod parin ako sakanya. Alam kong nanjan parin siya at nakatingin saakin. Hindi ko inaasahan ang maririnig ko sakanya.

Hindi ko naman siya matandaan. Hindi ko rin alam na may ganun akong pangalan.

And yeah, I found it cringe, but...

It has a big impact for me. So I know it is something with my past. Hindi ko pa naman alam ang buong past ko. I just know the story but not my memories. But I feel that he is one of my past.

Hindi naman malabo 'yon dahil sa storya na nalaman ko ay nakasama namin sila Yvaine at Maverick sa ibang mundo, yun lang ang nalalaman ko at hindi ko na alam ang nangyari sa buhay ko kasama sila.

Isa pa na katanungan sa isip at ipinagtataka ko. Paano niya nalaman na ako ito? I mean, I know we're still a kid when we knew each other. We didn't see each other grew up. And I'm in my other look which is just a normal girl with a black hair, kaya nakakapagtaka na nalaman niya na ako ito, dahil karamihan sa mga nakakakita saakin at kilala ang Prinsesa ay hindi naman nila napapansin saakin.

Hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. Ilang minuto na rin na ganito ang puwesto namin. Alam kong naghihintay siya kung ano ang gagawin o sasabihin ko. Pero hindi ko naman malaman kung ano ang tamang gawin, kung magkukunwari akong hindi ko alam ang sinabi niya o hahayaan kong malaman na naririto na ako sa mundo nila.

Hanggang sa napagdesisyunan ko na magkunwari munang hindi alam ang sinabi niya. Sa tingin ko ay hindi muna pwede malaman kung sino ako dahil marami pa akong kailangan gawin bago ko sila harapin. I need to bring back my memories and check the portal at Academia.

Humarap ako sakanya at pinakita ko sakanya ang blankong mukha. Sinusubukan ko na huwag maglabas ng kung anong emosyon.

Kahit na kitang kita ko ang mukha niya na nakangiti saakin. What is wrong with the guys here? They always look happy. What the heck.

"I'm Zelda. Don't call me other names." I coldly said.

"Yeah. But you are also our Grizzy." He said.

I sigh. "I don't know who is she—" Naputol ang sinasabi ko nang magsalita siya ulit.

"You can't lie to me. My dragon sense ability is so strong to be lied to." Sabi niya. Napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. Dragon sense?

"I will not talk about it with anyone. I know you have your own ways. I'll support you with that. You are free to ask me for help also." He smiled to me. Lumapit siya saakin. I'm tall but he's slightly taller than me. He tapped my head. "Just don't take too long. We miss our Grizzy so much." Tinignan niya ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Tila ba parang naestatwa ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Walang gustong lumabas sa bibig ko.

Hindi ko rin alam ano ang dapat maramdaman sa huli niyang sinabi. After many years...

I felt something weird. New emotions.

Tinalikuran na niya ako at nagsimula nang lumakad. Tinignan ko lang ang likuran niya.

2 people know my real identity now.

And this is weird because they both picking a side with me. Well, I'm not sure about that one guy because Killian already earned my little trust.

I took a breathe. Ilang minuto rin pala akong nakatayo mag-isa. Ilang minuto na rin ang lumipas sa oras ng almusal namin. Siguradong nagsimula na sila kumain kaya hindi ko alam kung tutuloy pa ba ako sa dining room.

But in the end, I still continue walking towards the dining room. I'm also little hungry, that's why. Malapit na ako sa dining room at rinig ko rin ang mga boses nila. Alam ko kapag kulang o wala pa ang isa ay hindi mag-uumpisa na kumain, but I guess, they already started eating because who am I to be waited for. I'm just a cold hearted stubborn woman to them.

And It's not like I care. They can be close all they want, but I won't let myself attached to them. I'm just here to...

Well, yeah. I don't even know why I am still staying. Alam ko na ang kwento. Alam ko na kung sino ako.

But I don't why I can't live this place. Maybe I just want to meet my family and see where I should been grew up.

"Oh thanks God, she's here." Narinig ko ang boses ni Cristel. The mean one.

Hind ko napansin na nakapasok na pala ako sa dining room, and they are all staring at me.

Ugh. What now.

"Why did you took long? We're waiting for you to start our breakfast." Mrs. Nessa said.

Napatingin ako sakanila at sa lamesa. Puno parin ng mga pagkain at tila hindi pa nagagalaw.

Don't tell me... they wait for me to start the breakfast?

What.

I don't know how to feel. I don't how to act.

Why?

"Go to your seat na. So we can eat our breakfast." Maurice smiled at me.

They don't look annoyed. Why?

Iniwas ko ang tingin sakanila at pumunta sa pwesto ko. Why are they like this?

"You are always late, Zelda. I hope you can change that habit, so we can't be late for our breakfast." Mrs. Nessa said with a soft tone.

Nakatingin lang ako sa nakahanda na mga pagkain. Lahat sila ay gumalaw na para kumain. Why did they wait for me? Sigurado akong ang tagal kong nalate dahil sa nangyari kanina. Hindi ko naman akalain na hinihintay pala nila ako bago sila magsimula kumain.

Hindi ko alam ang dapat maramdaman.

Hindi ko na muna ito pinansin at nagsimula na rin kumain. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong mahiya o hayaan nalang sa ganitong inasal nila.

"I don't want to rush your breakfast but, we need to hurry because we have important visitors. Siguradong papunta na rin sila dito dahil nasa opisina na sila ni Prof. Shane. Make sure you greet them politely, okay? They are part of the royals and the one you surely want to meet." Mrs. Nessa happily said.

I'm sure that this is the guy I bumped to. Which is Blayze.

Bigla akong kinabahan. So he's not the only one who's here?

"Are they one of the Queen and King, Mrs. Nessa?" One  of my girl classmate asked.

"They are not Queen and King but they're soon to be. So make sure that you show respect to them." Mrs. Nessa answered. "And this is the only day that you can do whatever you want. You can go outside the Academy after we met the visitors. Enjoy the rest of the day, because starting tomorrow we need to get a serious training. We don't know when the war is coming but we are sure that it is near." She smiled but we can see the sadness in her eyes.

Yeah, ilang araw na ang lumipas wala pa namang nangyayari. It's not like I'm excited for the war but I really want to know what kind of war they are facing. Kapag pinag-uusapan nila ito ay parang takot na takot at nalulungkot sila. I mean, what is the point of collecting a saviors and training them if they are just going to be scared?

Maybe that's why they can't win wars.

Because they are afraid.

Natapos ang oras ng breakfast. Actually we still have time but because they have visitors we hurried our breakfast. Lahat kami ay inayos ang mga pinagkainan sa lamesa at inayos din ang mga upuan. Mrs. Nessa also told us that we should look presentable. Kaya inayos namin ang aming mga sarili at naupo ng maayos.

"They're here." Mrs. Nessa said to us. Rinig din naman namin ang yapak sa labas ng dining room at boses nila na nagku-kwentuhan.

"Mrs. Nessa!" Rinig namin lahat ang boses lalaki. Sigurado naman ako kung sino ito dahil kakarinig ko lang ng boses na 'to kanina.

"Blayze!" Bati rin ni Mrs. Nessa. Alam kong tumayo si Mrs. Nessa sa pagkakaupi para salabungin ang sinasabi nilang importante na bisita. Hindi ko pa nakikita kung sino pa ang mga kasama nito dahil nakatalikod ako sa may pinto ng Dining room. Hindi ko nalang sila pinansin pero nagsimula na mag-ingay ang ibang kaklase ko. Ang iba naman ay tahimik lang na nakatingin kung sino ang mga bisita.

"A-are you—"

"Oh I think I saw you!"

"Oh! You are the girl from the gallery wall at the palace!"

Napatingin ako sa babae kong kaklase sa sinabi niya. Napakunot ang noo ko. Pero mas lalo akong nagtaka sa sinabi ng isa.

"You are the savior."

Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Kinakabahan ako sa sinasabi nila dahil alam ko kung ano ang tinutukoy nila. Pero bakit nga ba ako kakabahan kung hindi naman sakin nila sinasabi yan? Nakatingin silang lahat sa mga bisitang nasa likod ko.

Napatingin ako kay Killian na nasa gilid ko lang, at nagulat ako na nakatingin pala siya saakin. Hindi ko sigurado ang pinaparating ng tingin niya pero parang gusto niyang sabihin na tignan ko kung sino ito.

Kaya ginawa ko ito. Tinignan ko kung sini ang mga bisita na pinag-iingayan nila.

Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong magulat o ano pa ang iba kong maramdaman. Siya yung babae na nakita ko sa ball. The woman who looks like me.

She have a silver hair and the two color of eyes.

"I can't believe that I can actually meet you now, Princess Kierstyn." Mrs. Nessa smiled to her. Humarap siya saamin. "She's the woman we're waiting for. Please treat her with full of respect."

Napatingin ako kay Blayze na nakatingin saakin. Kung alam niyang ako ang totoong hinihintay nila bakit niya kasama ang babae na 'to? Sigurado naman akong isa lang siyang nagpapanggap.

Yes, sigurado na ako. Sapat na ang mga nalaman ko para masigurado kung sino ako.

Using my name and my looks really boils my blood. I don't know. It's not right to use someone else's identity.

I need to know who is she. And why is she using my name.

Nagsitayuan na ang mga kaklase ko ay binati ang nagpapanggap na bilang ako. Masaya naman niya itong sinalubong. I can't believe that I'm looking at myself as fun and jolly. What the fuck. It makes me cringe.

Nanatili akong nakaupo dito at hinayaan sila na pagkaguluhan ang babae.

"Long time no see, Killian!" Rinig kong sabi ni Blayze at lumapit ito kay Killian. At dahil malapit lang si Killian ay naririto sila malapit saakin.

Now, I can't believe that the two guys who knows my real identity are friends. Great!

"Hey bro. Didn't know that you will be with the Princess..." Killian said. I know Killian is confused as I am.

"She also just surprised us. She introduced herself to Mother and Father. But the people here in Academy and the royals at the palace are the only one who knows that she's here. People in the village know nothing." Blayze said. Hindi ko alam kung nilalakasan niya ba talaga ang boses niya para marinig ko o talaga na ganun ang way ng pagsasalita niya. Tahimik pa rin akong nakaupo dito at umaakto na walang pakealam sa nangyayari. But deep inside, I reallg want to know who's that girl. Natatandaan ko pa rin naman na pumunta nga siya sa Hari at Reyna upang magpakilala.

Naalala ko din yung gabi na nakausap ko ang Reyna, which is Queen Yvaine. She said that she needs to make sure, how come that now she's sure that she's the one they're waiting for?

I sigh. Again, I don't know what to do.

But this is a great thing right? Now, I can't be pressured that they will notice that I am the real savior they're waiting because there is someone can do my responsibilities.

Siguro ay tama na munang hayaan ko muna siya hanggat hindi pa ako nakakapunta ng Academia. Hindi ko tatanggapin ang title na ibinigay nila saakin.

Marami pa akong kailangan ayusin at alamin bago ko harapin ang totoong ganap ko sa mundo na ito.

"Oh. Are you both gonna stay here? The war is near." Narinig kong tanong ni Killian.

"Sadly no. We're going back at the palace later. I just took Princess Kierstyn here to show the Academy. Mother is planning to train her here since she's still not used with her magic and abilities, but she's still the one who can decide." Sagot naman ni Blayze.

Hindi ko alam bakit ba ako nakikinig sakanila. Pero sa tingin ko naman alam nila na naririnig ko pero hindi nila pinapansin kasi sinasadya nila. I rolled my eyes. This situation is a pain in the ass.

I took a breathe. Tumayo na ako sa pagkakaupo at sinigurado muna na hindi ako napansin ng iba kong mga kaklase na aalis na ako. Mahirap na at baka may masabi pa. Halata din namang busy sila kausapin ang babae na nagpapanggap. Well, I don't really care. Enjoy this moment because when I finally come in my senses, I'll make sure you'll regret using my identity.

Maybe I should start planning now. I really need to go at the Academia. I'm sure that will help me with my memories. Lalo na ngayon na mas lumala ang sitwasyon dahil mayroong nagpapanggap. Siguradong kapag nagsabi ako ay hindi sila maniniwala dahil mayroon na silang pinapaniwalaan.

"Zelda."

"Grizzy."

Mabilis akong napatigil sa paglalakad at nilingon ang dalawang boses na tumawag saakin. Kinunutan ko sila ng noo. Anong problema ng dalawang lalaki na 'to?

Parehas sila napatingin sa isa't isa dahil sa pagtawag sa pangalan ko, kaya ako naman ang napataas ang kilay sakanila.

"I thought you're going out?"

"I thought you're going with the Princess?"

Sabay sila ulit na nagsalita. Tinignan ko lang silang dalawa, mukhang pareho silang nagsinungaling sa isa't isa. Napailing nalang ako. Ano bang kailangan ng dalawa 'to.

Tinignan nila ako. "What?" I irritated asked.

Tila parang natauhan si Killian at nilingon ulit si Blayze. "Wait, what did you just call her? Did you know each other?" He asked.

"Well, I think you know her true identity too?" Sabi ni Blayze. Napatawa ito. "Wow, My dragon sense is really getting stronger." He said.

Naiirita ako sakanila. Hindi ko sila maintindihan. Tinalikuran ko na silang dalawa pero nagsalita nanaman itong dragon dragon na 'to.

"I know you are confused about the fake princess. Don't worry, we are working with it. She just come out of nowhere and claiming that she's the savior of this town. She really know something and we need to investigate about that. The King and Queen know about this too. Do what you need to do, we're going to take care of what mess she'll do." Blayze explained.

I sigh. They are really pushing me that I'll do something, but in reality I really don't have a plan.

I don't have a plan accepting the title "savior"

I don't have a plan become their ally.

And I don't have a plan protecting them.

I'm just.

I'm just me. My plan is to die but what the fuck is they talking about....

But in the end. We are here to some spot in the Academy where nobody else is coming. Killian said that this is a safe place for people to talk privately, wala daw masyado na pumupunta dito dahil sa tago ito at bilang lang sakanila ang nakakaalam.

Nandito kaming tatlo at pinag-uusapan ang nangyari nitong mga nakaraang araw. Ineexplain kay Blayze kung ano ba talaga ang gusto kong gawin, which is ang pumunta sa Academia gamit ang portal. Hindi ko alam bakit napunta kami sa ganito at pumayag ako na maging kampi sila sa sitwasyon na ito. Inexplain din ni Killian kung paano niya nalaman ang totoong identity ko.

Kung hindi ka naman chismoso, tsk.

Natawa si Blayze sa kinuwento ni Killian kung paano nito nalaman. I can tell that they are good friends. Well, they both look friendly and flirt!

"We don't have much time. If that's what you want. I'll help you go to the portal of Academia. We'll doing it this evening before we leave. This is the only chance." Blayze said. Nagulat naman ako sa sinabi nito. Ngayon agad? Fuck. Bigla akong kinabahan. Akala ko ba ready na akong harapin ito pero bakit biglang gusto kong umatras?

"Just promise me that nothing bad will happen to you. This is also a hard decision for me, Griz. I'm taking a risk. Hindi basta basta ang mundong Academia lalo na sa panahon ngayon. Hindi ito katulad ng dating Academia. Hindi ka pa rin pamilyar doon at walang kasiguraduhan kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga dating naninirahan sa Academia." Blayze said.

"I can come with her." Killian said. Hihindi na sana ako pero naunahan ako ni Blayze.

"No. It's more dangerous if you come. Isa pa, kailangan ka ni Griz para mas ligtas siyang makabalik dito at makapasok sa portal papunta muli dito sa Academy. I'll give her weeks, kapag umabot sa saktong deadline ay kailangan na pumasok ulit si Griz sa portal at susunduin mo siya sa portal room. Kapag walang tumulong sakanya mula dito sa loob ng academy, may possible na hindi na siya makakaya na makabalik pa."

What are they talking about? I'm not planning to comeback here. My only plan is to come at Academia, I didn't say I want to comeback here once I enter that world.

But of course, I didn't say that. They look serious talking about that.

Tumingin ulit saakin si Blayze. "Please, do what you need to do at Academia and come back here. You're not safe anywhere especially when you are alone." He said.

I'm what?

I was alone for years.

Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong matawa sa sinasabi niya.

"It's now settled. We need to get back now. For sure ay mahahalata nila na wala tayo." Even if he looks friendly, I can say that he have maturity, that's what royal blood do. "This is it. We're doing this tonight. It's good thing that I came right?" He smiled at me.

Hindi ko na ito pinansin at naunang bumalik kung nasaan ang mga kaklase namin. I'm nervous but... this is the time I can go back where my home is...

I'm packing some clothes that I can use. Good thing I have a backpack here. Killian is waiting for me, he also grab some foods that I can eat and some emergency tools, and weapons. Yeah, I can say that Killian really help me out.

We're going now where we will meet Blayze, which is at the portal room. We decided that we straight up at the Portal room so no one can notice. Killian used a short invincibility to us so we can safely arrived at the portal.

Habang papunta kami ay sobra na ang kaba ko at mas lalong lumalala ito habang papalapit kami. Kinakabahan ako dahil baka mahuli ulit kami pero mas nagpapakaba saakin ang pagpasok ko sa portal ng Academia.

I'm nervous but I can say that I'm also excited. What can I say? It's my home.

"Zel." Napakunot ang noo ko sa tinawag saakin ni Killian. Great! Another cringer nickname.

"Stop calling me names." I said. Pero napahinto ako nang maalala ko ang tinatawag niya saakin. He called me Zelda earlier, and now a nickname. Wow. He's not calling me milady now.

"Make sure you come back please. I'll wait for you outside the portal." He said.

I don't know what to say. That's not in my plan.

"I don't belong here, Killian." I seriously said. Since it's not my plan to comeback here. Maybe I should talk to him. He really became a great person to me. He helps and trying his best to be friends with me.

I really owe him. For real.

"I knew it. You're not planning to comeback." He said. I can hear the pain in his voice. Why is he like this? It's not like we have something... "You are belong here. You are welcome here. You are one of our family." He said smiling. "I'll still wait for you at the portal when the deadline comes."

Hindi na ako sumagot.

Ilang minuto na tahimik ay biglang may tunog kaming narinig mula sa secret door ng portal. Kinabahan ulit ako kahit kay Killian ay ramdam ko ang kaba nito. What if hindi ito si Blayze at isa nanaman ito sa Teacher's office? What if it is Captain Wystan?

Pero nawala ang kaba ko nang makita namin sa liwanag si Blayze. Pero nagulat ako kung sino ang kasama nito.

"Kyzer?" Sabay naming sabi ni Killian.

"Blayze, what is the meaning of this?" I asked.

"He's your ally, Griz. He's one of the people in Academia. You need to help each other to find your family."

"Let's go back at our home." Kyzer said.

Yeah, I remember at History class. He's the son of my parent's friends. The Ice and Water.

Hindi ko alam ano ang mangyayari dito once na makapasok na kami sa Academia. Siguradong maraming magtataka at hahanapin kami. But that's not my problem now. I need to focus on what I'll do at Academia.

May ginawang ritwal si Blayze sa portal. Sabi niya ay ginawan niya ito ng spell kung saan pwedeng bumukas ang portal sa loob ng Academia sa specific na araw. At sa araw na iyon pwede kaming pumasok ng portal upang makabalik dito.

"Please, be careful. I believed on you two. I hope you find your families and protect yourselves." Blayze said to us.

Please, enough with the cringe messages.

Humarap ako sa portal. This is the time. I've been waiting for this day.

"You are the man, Kyzer. I hope you can protect Grizzy. Because that's what the people in Academia do." Blayze said to Kyzer.

I rolled my eyes. Damn. I don't need protection.

"Be careful, Griz. I'll wait." Tumingin ako kay Killian. I can see sadness in his eyes. Oh come on! We just know each other.

I genuinely smiled to him. I think he deserves it. "Thank you." I said.

Inayos ko ang mga gamit ko, pati rin si Kyzer. Hindi ko alam ano ang mangyayari saamin once na makapasok na kami. But this is a good thing na may kasama ako. And he have a strong magic. Maybe we can fight the enemy that's waiting for us.

"Go now. The time is ticking. We will see you soon, again." Blayze said.

Thanks, Blayze. But I don't plan to comeback.

Huminga ako nang malalim at nagsimula nang lumakad sa portal. Pumikit ako nang may kakaiba akong maramdaman, ramdam ko rin na sumunod si Kyzer, at nang makapasok at mahigop na kami ng portal ay hindi ko na muli alam ang nangyari at hinayaan ang sarili na tangayin nito....

So this is what the portal to Academia feels like.

It feels like home...

***

I really can't give dates when to update. I'm really busy talaga :(( I hope you understand. Thank you so much! And keep safe ^^