this is a pretty long one, sori hehe.

-chapter thirty-nine-

THIRD PERSON

"The story's a quest?"

Theo nodded at Finn's query. The melody courted their ears, only a wordless tune.

"It's possible. Isa rin sa mga elements ng game ang quest, dahil dito madalas nagre-revolve ang story. Since the cities are designed to show certain aspects of the game, and this fairytale is such a strange piece, then we can assume as such." paliwanag ni Theo.

Inisip ni Finn iyon ng ilang sandali. It makes sense. They've already got their weapons, finished completing levels, guilds, and even tried a monster boss. Magic and other attributes such as intellect was also tested. A quest is a function that never escapes a game.

Ngunit ang unang akala ni Finn ay quest na ang mismong city. The twenty-six cities that they have to finish is a quest they need to complete.

But then, side quests also exist.

"But... The whole story's a quest? Or only this part?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Theo. "Siguro. Kasi dito naman tayo nailagay, unless we're actually on the first part of the story where they were just turned. Were they hostile?"

Blankong tinitigan ni Finn si Theo sa tinanong nito. Paano niya naman malalaman ang sagot diyan kung hindi niya ito nabasa o nakitang mangyari?

"Kung gano'n nga, then we need to find Belle, right?"

Finn blinked, unsure of what to answer.

"O ang rose petals?"

"Rose petals?"

Theo nodded. "Kung marami pa, the beginning of the story. Kung hindi, we're in a moment before the siege."

Theo looked at her expectantly, na parang hinihintay kung sasang-ayon siya o hindi. However, it all sounds strange to Finn. She knows nothing about the fairytale story, just that it's between a witch, a princely beast, and a village girl. A story that revolves around humbleness and fairness, one that also shows how a monster does not need claws or fangs or horns, for even a human skin is enough to spread evil deeds.

"Theo, I'll follow you." mahinang tugon ni Finn at umiling. "'di ko alam 'yan."

Theo chuckled. "Oo nga pala. Pumunta na lang tayo sa chambers ng beast. If my memory serves me right, the rose is there."

"Outside?"

"Ng castle? No. This room? Yes."

Finn glanced at his eyepatch again, worry starting to cloud her face. Theo sighed mentally. Siguro nga ay kahit anong sabihin niya, hindi nito mawawala ang pagaalala ni Finn sa kaniya.

The concern is alright, but the blaming is not. If Theo could turn back time, he will do the same thing again.

"Finn, I fight with my hands. Not my eyes." he joked.

Iniwas ni Finn ang tingin. Kahit na kamay ang ginagamit sa laban, importante pa rin ang mata.

Theo's jokes are really dry and unamusing, Finn thought.

"Gusto mo na ba talagang umalis ngayon? Pwede natin 'tong mapagpaliban. Take a few hours rest." Theo said, stopping Finn from standing.

"You?"

Itinuro ni Theo ang sarili. "Ako?"

Finn nodded.

"Okay lang naman ako. It doesn't hurt any more. If you're certain that we leave, then we will."

"Mm. Let's."

Dumiretso si Finn sa pintuan, announcing that they have to go now. Theo followed her with a slight smile in his lips, in order to hide the dulling ache in his eye. It was a pain earlier, lalo na nang plano niyang linisin ang sugat. That vine was a menace, and he's fortunate enough to only encounter one.

Kahit ano pang sabihin ng iba, Theo is contented with his decision. Unless he could get rid of the vines before it attacked, then he couldn't be any happier. It hurts like hell, but he couldn't bring himself to imagine what would happen if he didn't push Finn away.

Sa sobrang pagod ng katawan niya kanina, her head would be the one pierced.

Theo watched as Finn stopped walking to glance at him, head tilting instinctively. Muli na nitong itinali ang buhok sa twin buns, dahil hindi raw siya sanay lumaban na hindi nakatali ang buhok. Theo couldn't find himself to argue.

Maliban sa sobrang adorable ng twin buns niya, it's a gift to see her take it off. The way her hair loosely curls because it was tied for hours, and how it accentuates the flush in her cheeks after battle.

"Theo?"

Napakurap-kurap si Theo sa babaeng nasa harap. Hindi niya napansin na hindi na pala siya gumagalaw.

"Upstairs." he said, clearing his throat. "His chamber's upstairs-"

Theo stopped when a thunderous sound echoed on the halls. He exchanged glances with Finn, who nodded at him, confirming his assumption that it might be the beast. They scrambled towards a corner, eyes trained on the direction where they heard the sound.

Ngunit hindi lumapit ang halimaw sa banda nila. They heard a howl of pain and the floor trembling at the heavy steps of the beast.

"Someone entered." bulong ni Finn. "They're fighting."

"Sa tingin ko nga rin."

Theo pulled Finn up and peeked through the corner, trying to see if they weren't really being attacked. Nang makitang maayos na ang lagay nila ay hinatak niya si Finn palabas.

"Let's use this as our chance to go up." suhestiyon ni Theo.

Finn nodded, agreeing on the plan. This is a good opportunity, but she's worried for that person who arrived. Will they be okay?

"Magaling siguro ang sunod na pumasok." ani Theo. "That pained howl came from the beast. He was hurt badly by the newcomer."

Naalala ni Finn ang mga taong naiwan doon. Oo nga pala, they were players known for their strength, wit, and abilities. They won't go down without a fight, of course.

"Mm."

Finn and Theo stayed hidden within the shadows of the corridor. Fortunately, the castle was dark enough to hide them and they won't really be noticed unless they make a sound. It's much easier for Finn who has no presence, but her body's still recovering.

Nang makaabot sa hagdanan ay natigilan ang dalawa. The beast was standing at the bottom of the stairs, snarling at his surroundings like a threat was hiding there. Nasa second floor naman si Finn at Theo, kung saan may daanan papunta sa hagdanan. They can go up safely, as long as the beast's attention is on something else.

Finn tried to move, but Theo's hand on her wrist stopped her. She eyed the other curiously.

"Don't strain yourself or you'll faint again." Theo warned and let her go.

Hindi na sumagot si Finn at tumakbo na lang sa may railings. She threw an exploding kunai on the wall below, just beside the beast. It exploded, blinding the monster's ears and eyes for a moment before it glanced at her direction, reading the direction of the kunai. Ngunit hindi nito nakita si Finn dahil bigla na lamang may umatake sa kaniya.

The beast was distracted by the newcomer. Finn and Theo used that to run up the stairs and hide before the beast could do anything.

Crashing glasses and sounds was heard from below as Theo opened the chamber door. Hindi nila alam kung sino ang bagong-dating na 'yon, but they did a good job in taking the beast's attention.

The door gave a light creak when opened. Cobwebs surrounded the ceilings of the room, giving the once-majestic bedroom an eerie atmosphere. The large windows were bared open, unafraid of any strange thief who would come in. The curtains danced along with the cold, nightly wind, humming in a sorrowful tune as it passed the glass of rose.

A glass of rose with no more than five petals left.

Finn turned to Theo. "This means...?"

"I have a feeling the siege's already done, Finn." sagot ni Theo.

Nasa may bintana siya at nakatingin sa labas kung saan sira na ang bubong. The garden was also destroyed while large scratches was evident on the roof tiles. This explains why the beast and the objects were really angry.

"The siege has ended but Belle didn't appear. Siguro'y hindi siya nakatakas sa pagkulong sa kaniya, o may nangyaring masama."

Finn frowned at Theo. "Died?"

"Maybe? I don't know. What should we do next? Maybe we just have to bring Belle back here." bumuntong-hininga si Theo. "Pero hindi naman natin alam kung saan siya."

Napatango si Finn do'n. The city description didn't entail details about Belle, her disappearance, nor her whereabouts. Pero hindi naman siguro pwedeng wala silang kahit anong clue dito. There would always be one, no matter how small-

Nanlaki ang mata niya nang maalala ang music box na naiwan nila sa kwartong pinanggalingan. The city description appeared there and there was the wordless song.

"Music box." Finn blurted out, making Theo look at her. "Clue."

He stared at her for a little while before it clicked in his head.

"The song!" Theo exclaimed. "Should we go back and play it again?"

"Mm."

Thankfully, the beast was probably preoccupied in the other end of the castle because they were able to come back safely. Kaagad na sinarado ni Theo ang pintuan sa takot na baka mga buhay na gamit naman ang aatake. Finn took the music box and played it again.

After four tries, nothing happened.

"Saan mo nakuha 'to?" Finn asked, raising the music box.

"Sa library. Bakit?"

Finn did not try to response verbally. Lumabas na lang siya ng kwarto, confidend that Theo would follow her and lead the way.

He did.

The library was located in the bottom part of the house. It was so wide that it probably occupied half of the floor. The grandiose doors opened up at their presence, welcoming both of them into a room of gold. The tables in the center had large gaps, making a slight circled clearing in the center. Tall shelves littered on both sides, thousand of books enticing them to take a peek on the pages.

The whole castle was dark and gloomy that the library became it's exact contrast. Rays of sunlight filtered through the golden curtains, showing the beautiful world outside in spite of the danger in the other side of the door. A chandelier hung in the center of the library, adding to the royal elegance of the place.

It almost felt like they stepped into another world.

Inilibot ni Theo ang tingin sa paligid, barely able to contain the amazement in his face. Finn was behind him, looking pleased at the place. Dumako ang tingin nila sa gitna ng library kung saan may isang librong nakabukas.

"Let's check it out?" Theo suggested even though Finn was already walking towards it.

They were both surprised when the tables and chairs moved to the side once they sat down. May isang maliit na bilog sa ilalim ng libro. Finn curiously placed the music box there, noticing that it was the perfect size.

Theo glanced at the book, reading the words written. Umangat ang kilay niya nang mapagtanto kung ano ito.

"Lyrics?" he wondered out loud.

The music box played again, as if understanding his words. Finn's eyes landed on the book and she recognized it instantly. Even if she wasn't able to watch, the song was so often played that it's carved deep on her mind.

Huminto ang kanta at muling tumunog. Kumunot ang noo ng dalawa dito, lalo na nang magliwanag ang libro.

"Do we need to sing it?" Theo asked incredulously. He stilled when he felt Finn's eyes on him. "Hindi ako kakanta, unless gusto mong may masirang salamin dito."

Finn blinked, looking at the book again. Ayaw niya rin, but what if a clue will appear? Not just a small one, but something really useful.

The music box stopped and played again, text glowing on the book. Finn inhaled deeply, biting her lower lip in reluctance.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Tale as old as time."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The room hummed back at Finn, pleased. Sinulyapan niya si Theo pero mukhang natulala sandali ang lalaki. When he came back to his senses, he nodded at Finn and swallowed deeply.

"Ituloy mo." he managed. "It's... reacting."

𝅘𝅥𝅮"True as it can be."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The room hummed back again, and now the pages are showing something. A series of memory from someone and retelling them about what happened in here.

It wasn't just a clue. It was a story retold.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Barely even friends."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Back at the maze, Caspian stood outside the portal, awaiting its next refresh. Hindi niya maiwasang magalala sa kalagayan ni Finn. She was on the verge of fainting a while ago, and now she's probably being tormented on the next city. He hopes it wasn't as challenging as these. Sana'y kagaya lang nito ang Metropolis o Magus City kung saan pwedeng magpahinga.

Caspian can't help but shook his head. He never imagined he'll be capable of worrying over someone who was a stranger just a week ago.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Then somebody bends."𝅘𝅥𝅮

But Caspian can't allow a heart as pure as hers be tainted by something dark. Maybe it was the comforting silence or the blinding smile, but Caspian has never been glad that he offered to teach Finn.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Unexpectedly."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Even if it won't be something more, Caspian treasures what they currently have.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Just a little change."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Oliver watched the portal behind Caspian. Naiintindihan niya ang pagaalala ng pinsan dahil ilang araw ding naging magkasama ang dalawa. Finn was probably one of the rare people who could make Caspian talk. Kaya hinihiling niya rin na maging maayos ito.

Partly because of his cousin, and partly because of the brave and selfless girl that Oliver met. He was interested because of Marcella's anger at first, ngunit hindi niya inakalang gano'n si Finn.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Small to say the least."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Kairo stared at the portal before dipping his hand in, the air immediately sucking him inside. He stepped into another dimension, feet landing on a stone floor and eyes looking around dimly-lit corridors.

Kairo chuckled to himself, seeing as where he stands now. His previous friends would be devastated to know Kairo could feel emotions, even worry at that. Kahit nga siya ay gulat din.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Both a little scared... Neither one prepared."𝅘𝅥𝅮

It's such a surprise that Kairo can't feel the anxiety clawing on his veins. The feeling was throbbing, for it was new and unsure and it makes him vulnerable. It erases the brutal image he was set on for years.

Totoo namang nakakatakot ang bagong nararamdaman dahil kahit si Oliver ay pruweba doon. Not just because it was strange and risky, but also because he was never used to it. It feels like stepping on a dangerous territory, where the heart is at stake.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Beauty and the Beast."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Finn watched as the pages flipped, displaying array of memories in front of them. It was all necessary for the quest to be completed.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Ever just the same. Ever a surprise."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Sa kabilang banda ng maze ay nakikipaglaban pa rin si Gavin. The serpents they encountered were all vicious and unwilling to let them cross. Kahit na hindi niya alam kung anong klaseng laro ang pinasukan niya at kung anong mangyayari, he only had one goal in mind.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Ever as before and ever just as sure-"

Kagaya noong bata pa lang siya. Hanggang sa pagtanda.

"-As the sun will rise."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The promise he made to Finn's parents will always be engraved in his mind. Kaya binalewala niya ang mga sugat at ang pagkawalang alam sa laro. Gavin would arrive at Finn's side no matter what happens.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Ever just the same."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Sebastian hurried his steps, mentally mapping the whole maze. Sumama siya sa mga pwedeng makatulong sa laban at ginawa ang lahat para rin makaalis kung siya'y nag-iisa lang. It was a battle of life and death after all, and he's determined to survive.

All to return to the fond memories of four people chasing each other at the beach.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Ever a surprise."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Renée can't help but facepalm whenever Sapphire and Depore fight each other, but she is thankful for their presence. Lalo na't talagang tinutulungan nila siya at hindi iniiwanan.

Hindi siya marunong sa mga ganitong laro, ngunit mabuti na lang din at sumunod siya sa kanila. If she wasn't, she'd be worried sick now waiting for Finn to come back with her life uncertain. Nor for the two boys who decided following her was a smart move.

Wala siyang planong mamatay dito at ayaw niya ring mangyari iyon sa kanila. Ngunit hindi niya gustong umupo lang sa labas at maghintay.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Ever as before. Ever just as sure-"

Marcella watched as the ape pounded his scarred chest, roaring and glaring at him. She kept her sword dagger pointed up, confident and unafraid.

She is a queen. No matter how this ape would exert his dominance and show his power, she will reign over him.

As Marcella will to any other.

"-As the sun will rise."𝅘𝅥𝅮

For a queen would never bow down to her subjects and will wear stubbornness as a crown. Maybe she really is competitive and prideful.

Marcella walked here as a queen, so she will never leave with her crown crooked sideways.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Tale as old time."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Theo watched in awe as Finn sang, eyes fixed on the book below her. Siguro nga'y mali ang hindi pansinin ang mga imaheng lumalabas sa harap niya, but can anyone blame him for being enchanted?

I mean, alam naman niya ang buong storya.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Tune as old as song~"𝅘𝅥𝅮

It was insane. How a dark castle would be serenaded with a gentle and sweet voice, words smoothly pouring out of Finn's mouth lacing harmonies and melodies that makes a grown man speechless. It was like melting honey; soft and coaxing anyone who hears to sleep.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Bittersweet and strange. Finding you can change."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Theo remembered how they first met. The irritation buzzing off his body because she stole his weapon and pulled him in danger. A girl who never talks but could match his pace in battle.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Learning you were wrong."𝅘𝅥𝅮

He never would have thought that annoyance is another word for interest.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Certain as the sun."𝅘𝅥𝅮 Theo unexpectedly blurted out, too engaged in listening.

Finn didn't notice it for she continued singing, 𝅘𝅥𝅮"Certain as the sun. Rising in the east."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Unbeknownst to them, a person was frozen in the doorway. Narinig niyang may kumakanta kaya dinala siya ng paa doon. Ngunit bigla siyang natigilan nang makita kung sino iyon, lalo na nang mas marinig niya ang boses nito.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Tale as old as time."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The person took a step closer, almost in a daze.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Song as old as rhyme."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The curtains blew and the library grew brighter, leaves from the open window entering the room, as if the wind was trying to give gifts.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Beauty and the Beast."𝅘𝅥𝅮

The pages continued to flip, showing how the castle was attacked and Belle was thrown into a dungeon, far away from her beloved's arms. How the beast and the objects fell in a murderous rage at the human's sudden attack.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Tale as old as time. Song as old as rhyme."𝅘𝅥𝅮

Finn took a deep breathe, eyeing the final line. Inangat niya ang tingin para sana kausapin si Theo ngunit siya'y natigilan. Finn froze, the next words escaping her mouth as if trained.

The curtains danced and the leaves fell. Finn found a stunned Theo, but her eyes was focused on the staring Wes behind him.

𝅘𝅥𝅮"Beauty and the Beast."𝅘𝅥𝅮

-chapter end-