Pinasok ko ang isang masukal na kagubatan kahit na hindi ko alam kung saan ito patungo. I've been walking all around this forest for almost an hour now yet there's no sign of exit. Nangangalay na rin ang mga paa ko kakalakad at walang laman ang tiyan ko buong araw. Seems like I'm going to faint any moment from now.

Pinagpatuloy ko ang paglalakad hanggang sa makarating ako sa harapan ng isang malaking pinto na mukhang pader at kinakalawang dahil sa luma. It was covered with spider's web and rust all over the place. There was something written on the signboard but I have to wipe it with my hands to make the letters clear.

'The Lost City of Zephyria: Pavea'

Ito na ba ang narinig kong lugar na hindi pagmamay-ari ng organisasyon? Am I welcome here?

Itutulak ko na sana ang pinto nang biglang umilaw ang kamay ko kaya agad ko itong binawi. Tiningnan ko ang kamay kong may seal na nakalagay. Why is it even here? Wala akong maalala na nagkaroon ako nito at basta na lang ako iniligtas mula sa mga nagtatangka sa buhay namin. I placed my palm on the door once again, embracing the light that shines upon touching it. Buong akala ko ay bubukas ito ngunit nagkakamali ako. Tumagos ang katawan ko sa pinto dahilan para masalampak ako sa lupa.

"Holy mother of Pavea! Who are you?"

Mabilis akong napatayo at pinagpagan ang sarili ko. "I apologize for trespassing in—"

"You're a Seraphim!" Napasinghap kaagad siya nang makita ang puting mata ko.

I did the same thing when I saw her purple eyes. "A-A Psyche Supervision."

Hindi ako makapaniwalang nakakita ako ng ibang clan ng colors sa lugar na ito. I've always believed that I am the only one who survived the tragedy. Meron pa pala.

"I'm Inei Gervana Soler, Inger. A Psyche Supervision who controls memories. Welcome to the City of Pavea, where unwanted creatures grouped altogether," she gave a short introduction.

"Khaleesi Yvra Ferra, Leera. A Seraphim, an angel magic user," I simply answered. "Bakit ka nandito? Akala ko ba pinatay lahat ng colors clan?"

She chuckled a bit. "Same questions goes to you. Nakaligtas lamang ako sa hindi malamang dahilan."

"A seal?"

"Paano mo nalaman? Mayroon ka rin ba?"

Itinaas ko ang kanang kamay ko at ipinakita sa kanya ang seal na mayroon ako. She did the same  thing and I didn't expect her to have the same seal as mine. Its in a circular form that represents the core essence of a clan. Though, its color depends on what clan do you belong. White is the color of my seal while hers is purple. Ibig sabihin kami na lang ang natitira sa clan kung saan kami nagmula.

"Matagal ka na ba rito? How do you live here?"

Sinenyasan niya akong sumunod nang magsimula siyang maglakad. "I was lost here three months ago when I had nowhere to go. Kailangan kong maki-belong sa mga nandito para mabuhay. You know? We couldn't leave freely outside. Gagawin ng tatlong organisasyon ang lahat para lang mawala ang clan natin."

"Who were the creatures living here?" I couldn't help but to ask for more information.

"Unicorns. They are known for their beauty, grace, and magical abilities. They are often associated with purity and healing." Tinuro niya ang mga ito na nagtitipon sa kabilang bahagi kung saan kailangan pang tawirin ang ilog bago makalapit sa kanila.

"Mababait ba sila?"

"Yes, super! May iba nga lang na mahirap din pakisamahan," nakibit balikat lang siya.

Dinala niya ako sa isang napakalawak na dagat. Kulay asul ito at maraming bula na galing sa tubig na para bang kumukulo kahit na malamig naman ito. Towering waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, their cascading waters creating rainbows that dance in the mist.

"There are sirens in this place. Kadalasan silang nagpapakita sa gabi dahil natutulog sila sa ilalim kapag may araw. They possess enchanting voices that lure sailors to their doom." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko no'ng muntik pa akong madulas papunta tubig. "Careful. They're aggressive when someone disturbs their sleep."

"Is it okay to talk to them at night? Gising na sila no'n 'di ba?" I curiously asked.

"Maybe you can, if they're on the mood. Madalas silang galit pero napapakiusapan naman."

Just how scary are the creatures living here? Ang pinagkaiba nga lang siguro 'pag nasa labas ako, hindi magdadalawang isang ang mga organisasyon na patayin ako. Besides, if any other creature sees me outside, they would report me to any of those organizations so they won't be involved and safe from getting killed.

"This huge cave is where manticores lived. They were the creatures with the body of a lion, the head of a human, and a tail that ends in a cluster of deadly spines. It is known for its strength, agility, and ability to shoot poisonous spines at its enemies."

Nakaharap kami ngayon sa isang napakalaking kweba at walang kahit ano na matatanaw sa loob dahil sa dilim. But then I was startled when an eye opened and followed by another until the dark place was filled with opened eyes. G-Gising silang lahat.

"Hey guys, chill. Its me Inger and a newcomer. I'm just giving her a single tour." Hinatak na niya ako palayo ro'n. "Sometimes they're friendly but mostly they're not."

Sa mga pinakilala niya sa'kin, unicorns lang naman ang alam kong mabait. The rest? Oh hell nah. I'd rather stay silent.

"There are the muses, who are not creatures themselves but divine entities associated with their enchanting voices and creative influence. They are often portrayed as wise and mysterious beings, with a deep understanding of the human soul and the power of artistic expression. They may possess the ability to transport individuals to other realms or dimensions, allowing them to experience visions and insights that fuel their creative work." She gestured me not to create any noise as we walked to the enchanted forest.

Pinagmasdan ko silang mabuti. Ang mapuputing kutis nila at at makinis na mga balat. They were like half-invicible. Nakikita namin sila pero hindi talaga masyado, parang ghost lang o di kaya'y hangin.

"They seemed to like quiet places. Ayaw ba nila sa maingay?"

Tumango naman kaagad siya. "A sort of. Nawawala sila kapag nakarinig ng ingay, kumbaga magtatago. But what makes me adore them is that they give paradise to this place. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit ganito kaganda ang lugar kahit na nakakatakot siyang tingnan sa labas."

I agree. My first impression before stepping in this place is that its scary and creepy. Ngunit kabaliktaran naman pala dahil di hamak na mas maganda ito kaysa sa labas. Baka mas maging komportable ako na manatili muna rito pansamantala.

"Are they the only creatures living here?" Nilibot ko ang paningin sa buong lugar na nilalakaran namin.

She shook her head off. "Na-uh. Harapan pa lang 'to ng Pavea, Leera. They were the creatures guarding outside the real place of Pavea. Ngayon, dadalhin kita sa mismong lugar kung saan ako nakatira, kung saan ang mga kagaya kong may kapangyarihan ay namamalagi."

"May ibang nakaligtas ba sa clan ng colors maliban sa 'ting dalawa?"

Parang biglang nabuhayan ang loob kong naghihintay sa sagot niya. It may sound impossible but maybe.. just maybe.. my family were alive. Si mommy, daddy, at kuya Logan.

Umiling ulit siya, dahilan para mawalan ako ng pag-asa. "I was even surprised that there's someone, I mean you, survived the killings of the white clan. You're the only survivor just like me and the others."

"Others? Who?" Naghihintay ako sa sunod niyang sasabihin.

Hindi niya ako sinagot hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang pader. Wala akong kahit na anong makita mula rito, pintuan man o kahit lagusan. Tiningnan niya ulit ako bago humarap sa pader at nagulat sa sumunod niyang ginawa. Tumagos siya mula rito. Just like what happened to me outside and made me find myself inside this place.

Namangha ako sa nakita noong sinundan ko siya papasok. Pavea is a land of enchantment, where nature flourishes in its most vibrant and awe-inspiring forms. As I step into this place, I was greeted by lush, emerald-green meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. The meadows are adorned with an array of colorful flowers, their petals glistening with dewdrops that reflect the sunlight. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, creating a symphony of fragrances that invigorates the senses.

We encountered majestic forests teeming with life. Towering trees, their branches adorned with vibrant foliage, create a canopy that filters the sunlight, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. It is a place where dreams come to life, where the beauty of nature and the magic of the fantastical combine to create an experience. It is a paradise that nourishes the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to set foot within its borders.

"Nando'n sa unahan ang mga nakatira rito. They were called mages. Mga tao rin silang may supernatural powers. 'Yon nga lang, normal pa rin silang nagta-trabaho para mamuhay," sambit niya pa.

Nakita ko ang napakalaking syudad sa baba. Kung anong ganda rito sa taas ay gano'n rin doon. Nakikita rin dito ang mga tinatawag na mages na palakad lakad sa buong lugar.

"Tinatanggap naman nila ang nakakapasok sa Pavea dahil pili lang naman ang pinapapasok ng lagusan. If you're not qualified, then you'll be kicked out," dagdag niya pa.

"You did not answer my question. Who were the others? Ang sabi mo may iba pang colors maliban sa'tin," hindi na ako nakapagtimpi pa at nagtanong na.

She smiled at me. "Yeah, but from other clans, not ours. There were three survivors from other colors before us. And I guess you're the last one."

Hinatak niya na naman ang braso ko pababa ng syudad. She interacted with other mages whenever she encountered one. Masasabi kong palakaibigan siya dahil marami rami sa kanila ang nakakakilala sa kanya. Madali siyang kaibiganin ng kahit na sino, kagaya ng pagiging malapit niya sa'kin kahit na hindi naman kami lubos na magkakilala.

"They're here!" She faced those three guys in front of us. "May ipapakilala ako sa inyo, another survivor from the last clan of colors."

"I think they're not as kind as you," bulong ko sa kanya.

"That guy who wears eyeglasses has blue eyes and holds a book everytime you see him. May pagka-tahimik siya pero mabait naman." Turo niya sa isang lalaking tumingin lang sagkit tapos itunuon ulit ang atensyon sa librong binabasa niya. "He's Lardon Sy Weinert, often called as Lars. And survivor sa clan ng Arc of Time. He can do time travel."

Tumango lang ako para makapagpatuloy siya. "Yang lalaki naman na nakahiga sa sofa, nakapikit lang ang mata niyan pero hindi talaga natutulog. He's sometimes annoying and quite funny. He's the yellow-eyed guy, Seygar Tamour Von, just Seymour. The remaining heir of Sky's Roar and Flash. Specifically, a thunder and lightning user."

"And this guy who seemed to hate everything, is the remaining of Infernal Conjurers. A demon magic user." Nakangiti pa rin si Inger kahit na parang wala namang pakialam 'yong lalaking pinapakilala niya. "I don't have any specific description about him. He's unpredictable. He's Prix Alphard Morigann, the black-eyed first survivor of all the colors clan," pagpapakilala niya pa.

They did not even glanced on us and just continue doing their own business. Wala rin namang kaso sa'kin kung wala silang pakialam dahil baka ganyan lang talaga sila. Everyone has their own characteristics. We came from a cruel world who's chasing after colors to kill them. It might be the side effect of being the only survivor in each clan.

"Can you take me somewhere refreshing? I need to clear up my mind first," mahinang sabi ko sa kanya.

It seems like they don't care either. What's the point of introducing myself too? Hindi rin naman ako sanay ipakilala ang sarili ko lalo na kung hindi naman tinatanong. I'm a bit secretive if its a private matter, even my own name.

"Unfair naman siguro kung hindi mo muna ipapakilala ang sarili mo bago ka umalis. Kilala mo kami pero hindi ka namin kilala," biglang sabi no'ng Seymour.

Nakatalikod ako pero hindi ko na ulit sila hinarap, aalis na rin naman ako. "Khaleesi Yvra Ferran, just Leera, from the white clan. A Seraphim. An angel magic user."

Tumango lang 'yong Seymour habang wala pa ring pakialam 'yong dalawa kaya tuluyan na kaming umalis ni Inger. She told me a lot of things about this place. How they make for a living, how they maintained peace and order in this place without unfair treatment, and how far is the freedom they got.

May pinuntahan kaming isang malaking lugar na may mga nagta-trabaho sa loob at walang pakialam sa kung sino ang naglalabas pasok. There were portraits in the wall, moving as if they were living creatures. Nasisiyahan akong pagmasdan silang magpalipat lipat ng portrait, bagay na kaya nilang gawin. There were also flying papers everywhere and seems like has its own destination. Kusa silang lumilipad at lumalapit sa mga mages para may isulat o pirmahan doon. Kahit na ang mga libro na hinahagis sa ere ay parang may sariling utak at alam kung saang shelf siya pupuwesto.

"Hello? Miss Ophelia? I have some request," sigaw ni Inger sa counter na wala namang tao.

"Miss Soler, ano ba 'yon? Hindi ba't halos araw-araw kang may request sa akin?" tila may panunudyong sambit nito at biglang nagpakita galing sa pader.

She can camouflage in any thing. Kahit saan, kayang makisama ng katawan niya.

Binigyan siya ng masuyong ngiti ni Inger. "I found someone who just entered Pavea while I was guarding the main entrance. She turns out to be the survivor from the last clan. Can she stay here?"

"Kung nakapasok siya ay patunay na 'yon na maaari siyang manatili rito. This is a place of chosen ones. Where is she going to stay?" Miss Ophelia glanced at me and smiled. "What's your name, by the way? I forgot to ask."

Ilang beses ko na ba sinabi ang pangalan ko sa araw na ito? I will be saying this for the last time today.

"Khaleesi Yvra Ferran, a Seraphim. But you can call me Leera for short."

"My house isn't that big but she can still fit in. Pwede bang do'n nalang siya?" pakiusap pa ni Inger. "My neighbors were those guys who doesn't even know the word chill. Masyadong tahimik si Lars at malamig din makitungo si Prix, samantalang si Seymour ang hilig lang ay mang-inis. I can't stand them alone!"

She's complaing about those guys he introduced to me earlier. Her friends who happens to act like.. a stranger. Siya lang naman ang babae sa kanilang apat. Well, even though I'm here, its not as if we're gonna be close too. Hindi naman ako palasalita dahil matagal tagal na rin simula nang may makausap ako.

I was alone for.. 2 and half years I guess? Palipat-lipat lang din naman ako ng lugar.

"Sure. Ililista ko ang pangalan niya sa libro at ilalagay ko ang pangalan niya sa pangangalaga mo. She's staying in your house, after all."

Dinala niya ako sa bahay niya pagkatapos no'n at parang bumalik lang din kami sa lugar kung sa'n niya ako pinakilala sa tatlo. They were our neighbors. Do I have to interact with them too?

"Magbihis ka muna. Marami pa tayong pag-uusapan pagkatapos."