"I can smell that strong storm secretly brewing waiting to destroy..."

AVERY

Zirrius gold seal reacted with Aivee. Napangiwi si Aivee dahil sa pagkirot ng braso niya. She covered it with her hands. Wala sa sariling tumayo siya at umurong palayo kay zirrius. Naguguluhang tumingin siya kay Zirrius.

"You..." she hoarsely whispered. "Sino ka? Why... What are you doing?"

Maging ang braso ni Zirrius ay sumasakit. He could feel an unexplained agony and pain. Pinilit niyang umupo sa sahig habang mariing hinahawakan ang gintong selyo sa braso niya. Hindi pinansin ni Zirrius ang tanong ni Aivee. Naghihinala na rin Zirrius na baka si Aivee ang isa sa mga hinahanap namin.

"Mukhang may selyo rin siya sa braso," saad ko sa utak ni Zirrius. Zirrius could certainly feel that invisible and strong bond between them. Something was whispering on his guts. She's one of the keys. She could free him. But free him from what? Ramdam ko ang malakas na tibok ng puso ni Zirrius.

Something inside him wanted to be free and he could not figure out what it was. Tila may isang malakas na boses na sumisigaw sa utak niya na pakawalan siya. Hindi ko ito tinig. It was his own voice. Maybe a part of his soul was trapped inside his body and he couldn't let it out. Siguro nagising na ang matagal ng nahihimbing na parte ng katauhan niya. Pakiramdam ko, si Aivee lang ang makakatulong sa kanya.

Mariing napahawak si Zirrius sa ulo niya dahil sa tinig na sumisigaw sa kanya. Mariing kinagat niya ang labi at pinigilan ang pagsigaw. Kinagat niya ang labi at wala siyang pakialam kung dumudugo na ba ito.

"Zirrius..." nag-aalalang tawag ko sa pangalan niya. Pakiramdam ko, mawawala siya sa tamang pag-iisip anumang oras. It would be bad if that happened.

"What is this?" paos na tanong niya. Hindi ko rin alam. It's funny that I could even hear the voice dwelling inside him - waiting to be freed. "Ano'ng nangyayari sa 'kin?" Wala ng pakialam si Zirrius kung naririnig ba siya ni Aivee o hindi. He wanted to get the voice out of his system as soon as possible.

Hindi na namalayan ni Zirrius ang paglapit sa kanya ni Aivee. Sinipat ni Aivee ang kanyang braso kung nasaan ang gold seal niya. "You're sealed," she commented with confusion and pain. Halatang iniinda ni Aivee ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. It seems that she could feel his agonies too.

What does it say? I wanted to ask her badly but I couldn't. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ko bang saniban ngayon si Zirrius o hayaan na lang sila ni Aivee. Napapagod na tumingin si Zirrius kay Aivee habang mariin pa ring kinakagat ang dumudugong labi. He wanted to scream badly but he didn't want to do that.

Isang gintong marka sa braso ni Aivee ang umagaw sa atensiyon ni Zirrius. It was shaped like a letter V. Isa sa mga paa ng hexagonal star na nakatatak sa braso ni Zirrius. It was glowing brightly too.

"Can you break the seal?" nahihirapan at paos na tanong ni Zirrius kay Aivee. "You have the gold mark. Where did you get that?" he asked again. Muling sumigaw ang boses sa loob ng utak ni Zirrius. It was begging for air and freedom. Nararamdaman ni Zirrius ang matinding pagkirot ng ulo niya. Parang gusto na niyang iuntog ang ulo sa sahig upang mawala ang sakit. He gritted his teeth with excruciating pain.

"I don't know if I can break it but I can read it," sagot ni Aivee. "I got this gold mark when I turned one, according to my mother," saad pa niya. Napansin ko rin ang panghihina sa boses ni Aivee. Hindi man niya ipinapahalata, naghahabol na rin siya ng hininga. "Fuck!" pagmumura ni Aivee nang wala sa sariling mapahawak siya sa ulo niya. "Why can I hear your voice inside my head?" nagngingitngit na tanong niya.

Seems like they really got that bond. Their thoughts are connected through the seal. Napasabunot na si Zirrius sa buhok niya. He almost hit his head against the floor kung hindi lang ako sumanib muli sa kanya. And then their pains disappeared. Nanghihinang napahiga ako sa sahig. Nagtataka naman ang tingin ni Aivee sa 'kin habang naghahabol siya ng hininga.

"What was that?" she asked with confusion. Ginamit ko ang kapangyarihan ko upang ipagpatuloy ang paggamot sa katawan ni Zirrius. I listened on Zirrius' voice but he's unexpectedly silent. Too silent that I wanted to find his soul inside and check if he's alright. Siguro natatakot siya kaya mas pinili niya muna ang lumayo at manahimik.

Aivee tried to heal me once again. Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang hindi na nagliwanag ang seal niya.

"Who engraved that seal?" tanong ko sa kanya. Bumuntong-hininga si Aivee dahil sa mga tanong ko na hindi niya maintindihan. Kumunot-noo siya. Maybe she's asking herself why I was even interested.

"According to my mother, it's Zara," sagot niya. I frowned. Hindi ko na binanggit na anak ni Zara si Zirrius. Tiyak na muling sisiklab ang galit ni Aivee kapag nalaman niya ang totoo.

"Sinabi ba niya sa 'yo kung para saan ang markang 'yan?" takang tanong ko. Umiling si Aivee.

"She said, that purpose will be fulfilled once I met him. Him... Pero hindi niya sinabi sa 'kin kung sino at hindi na rin ako nagtanong pa," mahinang sagot ni Aivee.

"What's written on his seal?" tanong kong muli. Unti-unting guminhawa ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa paggaling ng mga sugat ko. Umupo na ako habang hinayaan ko si Aivee na pagmasdan ang selyo ni Zirrius sa braso.

She traced the lower part of the hexagonal star. "I can only read this part," turo niya sa isang paa ng hexagonal star. Ito ang parte ng seal na sumasakit kay Zirrius kapag pinipilit niyang maglabas ng mahika. Hinintay ko ang sasabihin ni Aivee. She started to read what's written on the seal.

"Truth is sacred yet scary. Before chaos, a new form will be born. A form trapped under your skin and soul. Brace yourself as it is uncontrollable and powerful. A princess will be there to guide the transition," she recited.

"So, you're the princess?" I asked with a smirk. She just frowned.

"How about your mark? What does it say?" takang tanong ko sa kanya. She gasped when she remembered her seal.

"You said he's an elf! My mark... It's... a... spell," she answered truthfully. "A spell for shape-shifting but my mother said that it's not for me but... for... him," she added discreetly. Natigilan ako. Mukhang nakukuha ko na ang nangyayari. "

"Kung ganu'n, handa ka na ba?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hindi dapat ako ang tinatanong mo. Ang tamang tanong, handa na ba siya?" seryosong saad ni Aivee sa 'kin. I sighed heavily. Hindi ko alam kung naririnig ba ni Zirrius ang usapan namin ni Aivee. Sa tingin ko naman ay naririnig niya pero hindi siya nagkokomento. Mag-uumaga na kaya tumayo na ako.

"I'll talk to him and see you again tomorrow night. In this room," seryosong sagot ko. Naglakad na ako patungo sa pinto. Nawala ang makapal na yelo na bumabalot sa silid. Paalis na sana ako ng silid nang ihagis sa 'kin ni Aivee ang isang cloak.

"Magtataka ang mga tao sa labas kapag nakita nila ang itsura mo," seryosong saad niya. I sighed when I realized that my clothes were torn. Puro dugo pa ang mga ito. Isinuot ko na ang cloak at nagmamadaling bumalik sa silid namin. Tulog na tulog si Kendrick sa kama niya. It seems he really enjoyed the night because of those kiss marks on his neck.

Napailing ako. I removed the cloak and immediately grabbed the towel. Dumiretso ako sa shower. Nang naghuhubad na ako, natigilan ako.

"Hey, Zirrius. Gusto mo bang paliguan kita?" nakangising pang-aasar ko sa kanya. He hissed inside my mind and I chuckled. "I don't mind cleaning this body anyway. It will be fun," natatawang sabi ko pa. Hinubad ko na ang damit niya.

"Let's switch," he gasped when I started to unbuckle his belt. I stopped and grinned. Tumagilid ako at isinandal ko ang balikat at ulo sa pader. Seryosong humalukipkip ako. "You're an elf, Zirrius," paalala ko sa kanya.

"Why are you bringing this up now?" he asked with irritation.

"You already know the reason why. Your true form will be out soon," seryosong sagot ko sa kanya. "The question is, are you willing to accept your fate? I know, you care for Alveria. For humans... For Liana... But... the Elven Kingdoms need your help as well," mahinang saad ko sa kanya.

"I was never a part of your Kingdom," mariing sagot ni Zirrius. He's too stubborn.

"I know. But if you help us, we will help you redeem Alveria. If you really want to stay human after helping us, we will bring you back. We will do anything to seal you with your human form again. Pero ngayon, pumayag ka munang maging isa sa 'min," I pleaded. "Pero kung ayaw mo talagang maging elf, paliliguan na lang kita ngayon," I said with a grin.

"Damn!" he cursed with frustrations. "That's blackmail!" naiinis na saad niya.

"I will keep every parts of you clean," I teased. "Every parts..." I emphasized.

"You're insane!" he shouted. I just giggled.

"Decide now, Zirrius. Will you help us or not? You know, I'm looking forward to bathe you," natatawang sambit ko pa.

"You're leaving me no choice! Why are you always like this? Palagi mo akong iniipit!" nagngingitngit na sigaw niya. Tiyak na mamumula siya sa inis kung may sarili siyang katawan. I laughed.

"Hindi ka na nasanay," natatawang sambit ko. Sumeryoso ako. "This is how I always will be. Alam mong gagawin ko ang lahat, makuha lang ang gusto ko," dagdag ko pa.

"Fine! I'll help you! I will accept being an elf until we get your body back. But promise me, you'll return me in my human form," he said with frustration. A small smile flashed on my face.

"Good. I promise. Pero ayaw mo talagang paliguan kita?" I teased again with a playful grin.

"No! Let's switch! Now!" he snarled. I giggled but I switched places with him. When he got his body back, he cursed with frustration. He heaved a deep sigh to calm his breathing. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya dahil sa inis. Ilang minuto rin siyang natigilan upang pakalmahin ang sarili. Saka pa siya gumalaw upang maligo nang normal na ang tibok ng puso niya. 

His face was flushed red while thinking about how I teased him earlier. He let out a low, frustrated growl. My soul smiled playfully. I even giggled to further piss him off. It's nice to witness how I could affect him that way. My soul comfortably find a place to rest inside him and let him off this time. Just for a while.

~~~~

Ramdam ko ang kaba ni Zirrius habang patungo kami sa silid ni Aivee. Kasama rin namin si Kendrick. He's human and maybe Aivee have something useful for him. Kapag hindi talaga pwedeng isama si Kendrick, wala akong magagawa kundi ang iwanan muna siya sa lugar na ito. Nagtataka si Kendrick dahil hindi pa namin sinasabi sa kanya ang totoo.

Kumatok si Zirrius bago namin narinig ang tinig ni Aivee na nagsasabing buksan ito.

"After this, you will train," seryosong saad ko sa kanya. He nodded because he got no strength to argue. Pumasok na kami sa silid. Napasinghap naman si Kendrick nang makita ang totoong anyo ni Aivee. The door was automatically shut close.

"A-An elf?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kendrick. Tinaasan lang siya ng kilay ni Aivee. Samantala, napansin ko naman si Shin na nakaupo sa silya at nakahalukipkip. He was scanning Zirrius and Kendrick.

"I thought, you have gold eyes," komento ni Shin kay Zirrius. "It's surprising that you're still alive. Are you really my sister's lover?" kunot-noong tanong pa ni Shin. I chuckled inside Zirrius' mind. Sumimangot naman si Zirrius dahil sa narinig.

"He's not my lover," mariing sagot ni Aivee. "He's one of us and he just needs some help," she added. "We can't do the ritual here. We will go out... into the woods. Away from this village and the people," mahinang sambit niya. Kinuha na niya ang balabal at itinakip sa ulo at tainga niya.

"Wait! What's happening?" nagtatakang tanong ni Kendrick. Nakaawang pa rin ang mga labi niya habang pinagmamasdan sina Shin at Aivee.

"You should tell him what you really are, Zirrius," seryosong saad ko pero inunahan na siya ni Aivee.

"I'm an elf. And Zirrius is an elf too. I'm going to change his form. Tonight," Aivee answered with a smirk. Tumalon mula sa upuan niya si Shin. Napasinghap si Kendrick at Zirrius nang mag-iba ng anyo si Shin. He turned into an owl and landed on Aivee's shoulder. "This is my brother, Shin," turo naman ni Aivee sa kapatid niya.

"Let's go," seryosong saad ni Aivee habang isinasakbit ang bag sa balikat. Lumabas na kami sa silid niya. Naguguluhang tumingin naman si Kendrick kay Zirrius habang naglalakad sila.

"Would you like to explain?" Kendrick demanded.

"I just discovered that my mother, Zara, is an elf," pabulong na saad ni Zirrius. Natigilan si Kendrick at hindi malaman ang sasabihin. Kitang-kita ang napakaraming katanungan sa mga mata niya. May mga tao pa rin sa daan kahit malalim na ang gabi. Nagkakasiyahan pa rin ang lahat. Maririnig ang musika sa isang napakalaking tanghalan sa 'di kalayuan. May mga maliliit na ilaw na nakalutang sa paligid na tila alitaptap. The city was magical.

The shops were still open especially the bars. Naglakad kami patungo sa madilim na kagubatan. Ilang oras kaming naglakad hanggang sa tumigil na si Aivee sa malawak na kapatagan. Nagpalit ng anyo si Shin at bumalik sa pagiging bata. He landed swiftly on his foot. Kinuha niya ang bag na dala ni Aivee.

"I hope you're already ready. This will be painful," seryosong saad ni Aivee. Napalunok si Zirrius. Pinakiramdaman niya ang sarili kung handa na ba siya. Ramdam niya ang malakas na kalabog ng puso niya. Unti-unti niyang nararamdaman ang takot na bumabalot sa puso niya.

"Bakit kailangan mong gawin ito?" naguguluhang tanong ni Kendrick. Natigilan si Zirrius at napatitig kay Kendrick. Muling bumaling ang paningin ni Zirrius kay Aivee.

"Can you change him as well?" tanong ni Zirrius kay Aivee. Mapait na ngumiti si Aivee.

"Mabilis mawawala ang bisa ng mahika sa kanya. Especially when he isn't even an elf. Maaamoy ng mga elves na tao siya. Mapapahamak lang siya kung isasama mo siya," seryosong sagot ni Aivee. "Unless you want to risk his life."

"Kung ganu'n maiiwan siya?" kunot-noong tanong ni Zirrius. Aivee nodded without hesitation.

Natigilan ako. She's right. We can't risk Kendrick's life. "He'll be more useful here. Pwede mo siyang gamiting mata upang bantayan ang mga nangyayari sa Alveria. Para kapag bumalik tayo, alam na natin kung ano ang nangyayari sa kaharian mo," saad ko naman.

Muling bumaling ang tingin ni Zirrius kay Kendrick. Malungkot at nanghihinayang siya. Kahit ayaw niyang iwanan si Kendrick dito ay wala siyang magagawa. "I'm sorry," mahinang wika ni Zirrius. Napansin ko ang pagkuyom ng kamao ni Kendrick pero mas pinili niyang tumango. But there was betrayal and regrets in his eyes. He felt betrayed. Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip pa na saniban si Zirrius.

"Shit! Bakit ka na naman sumanib?" inis na tanong ni Zirrius sa 'kin.

"I'll be the one to talk to Kendrick. In the first place, this is also my fault," saad ko sa kanya. Natahimik siya. Pero hindi ko naman inaako ang buong kasalanan. Iniligtas ko rin naman siya kay King Aulius at tinulungang tumakas. Ang problema lang, dadalhin ko siya sa Elfania. Tiningnan ko nang matiim si Kendrick.

Kahit pinili niya ang manahimik, halata ang kinikimkim niyang galit. He surely felt that Zirrius was dismissing him. At halatang naguguluhan din siya sa totoong pagkatao ni Zirrius. He was surely asking himself now if all his sacrifices were worth it.

Nakatitig si Kendrick sa 'kin. Alam kong alam na niya na hindi ako si Zirrius. He silently gritted his teeth. Mariing-mariin ang pagkuyom ng kamao niya. "That's right. Sa 'kin ka magalit at hindi kay Zirrius. Ako ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan niyang magpalit ng anyo. I also blackmailed him to get what I really want. Ayaw talaga niyang pumunta sa Elfania pero kailangan niyang maging malakas para mabawi ang Alveria. I'm using every means to manipulate him so I can get my body back," saad ko kay Kendrick.

"You're the worst!" giit ni Kendrick at tyempong 'yon din ang sinabi ni Zirrius sa utak ko. Malakas lang akong tumawa.

"Interesting. Another soul?" mahinang tanong ni Shin kay Aivee. Tumango lang si Aivee sa kapatid niya.

"Yes. I'm the worst. Pero kung sakaling makabalik ako sa katawan ko, asahan ninyong tutulong ako upang mabawi ninyo ang Alveria. I'm also willing to return Zirrius in human form. Hindi ka dapat magalit kay Zirrius kung iiwanan ka niya rito. Hindi ka ligtas sa Elfania. Madali kang maaamoy ng mga kaaway. Madali tayong mahuhuli kung sakaling matunton ka nila. Aivee is right and she's dead serious. Baka hindi ka na makabalik sa Alveria kung isasama ka namin," seryosong saad ko pa.

Sa kabila ng mga sinabi ko, hindi napagaan nito ang kalooban ni Kendrick. "I'll take care of Zirrius. I'll keep him alive. We will return here. Sa tingin ko, mas mabuting narito ka sa Hysteria. Pwede kang kumalap ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga nangyayari sa Alveria," sambit ko pa. Bumaling ang paningin ko kay Aivee. "I bet, Aivee have something useful here," I said as I looked on her brother. Napatingin naman si Aivee kay Shin. She just shrug her shoulder.

"He's handy. Hangga't walang kapalit, hindi niya susundin ang gusto ninyo," kibit-balikat na saad ni Aivee. Ngumisi naman si Shin sa 'kin. Pero hindi naman siya nagreklamo sa binabalak ko. "Anyway, I will leave him here when we go to Exether. I don't mind making Kendrick as his guardian," she added.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Sasama ka?" takang tanong ko.

"Of course. Sigurado akong wala kang alam sa mga Elven Kingdoms kaya kailangan kitang samahan. Mas gamay ko ang lugar kaysa sa 'yo. Unless you want the Asterians to catch you," seryosong saad niya. I grinned and nodded with understanding. At least, hindi na kami mahihirapan ni Zirrius. I don't want to play hide and seek with the Asterians without any knowledge of the Elven kingdom's territory.

Muli akong tumingin kay Kendrick. "Alam kong naguguluhan ka. Marami talagang bagay sa mundo ang mahirap ipaliwanag. Even the blood running through Zirrius' vein is not his fault. Hindi rin niya alam. He didn't even know the history of his mother falling in love with his father. You'll get over this. Kung magagalit ka, pwede ka namang magalit sa 'kin," seryosong saad ko sa kanya.

Napailing si Kendrick pero nakakuyom pa rin ang kamao. His face was hard as rock and unreadable. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip niya.

"Just give him time to understand," mahinang wika ni Zirrius sa utak ko. I sighed. Of course. Damn that time!

"We must do the ritual soon. When the clock strikes midnight, I will start," seryosong saad ni Aivee. She drew a clock on the ground. Sampung minuto na lang ang nalalabi kaya nakipagpalit na akong muli kay Zirrius. Pinalayo ni Aivee sina Shin at Kendrick. Tumayo sila, limang daang metro ang layo mula sa 'min.

"I don't know how your body will react but we need to get this done. Are you ready?" Aivee asked Zirrius. Pinagpapawisan ang kamay ni Zirrius maging ang kanyang noo. Ramdam ko ang tensiyon na bumalot sa katawan niya. He closed his fist then loosened it when he took a deep breath. He nodded with stiffness.

Aivee just nodded blankly. She moved her hands in the air. Tila may isinusulat siya sa hangin. Sa isang iglap lang ay may magic circle nang nabuo sa kinatatayuan ni Zirrius, sa ilalim ng mga paa niya. Sa lupa.

"The transition will be painful especially for someone who has no idea on how to be an elf. Maninibago ka pero masasanay ka rin," mahinang wika niya. "You still have three months to train. You don't know how to use magic so I will train you. I will make you stronger. Wala akong balak na magpahuli sa mga Asterians kapag napahamak ka," she added flatly.

When the clock struck midnight, the wind blew hard around us. Maging sina Kendrick at Shin ay naapektuhan at napaurong. Lumilipad ang mga tuyong dahon sa paligid na tila ipo-ipo. Bahagyang napapikit si Zirrius dahil sa mga alikabok na humahalo sa hangin. Ngayon ko lang napansin ang bilog na bilog at napakaliwanag na buwan. It was shining brightly above us as if it was excited to witness Zirrius' transition.

Lumiwanag din ang magic circle na nakapalibot kay Zirrius. I could see the symbols of the stars, the moon and the sun. Lumapit si Aivee kay Zirrius. Isa-isa niyang pinagpapalit ang posisyon ng mga simbolong ito. She aligned all of those symbols in a straight line, as if forming an eclipse.

Mas lalong pinagpawisan si Zirrius. The heat was starting to flow throughout his body. That unknown strong force started to overtake. Ilang segundo lang ay muling nagliwanag ang gold seal ni Zirrius at maging ang kay Aivee. The pain he felt yesterday was now present. The voices inside his head was now begging for release. It was sickening. Zirrius almost throw up.

Napangiwi si Aivee dahil alam kong nararamdaman din niya ang nararamdaman ni Zirrius. They were bounded by the seal linking their thoughts and emotions. Nang matapos na ni Aivee ang kanyang ginagawa sa mga simbolo ay tumayo na siya. Iniinda niya ang sakit na nararamdaman. Samantala, napasabunot na lang sa buhok niya si Zirrius. Sumisikip ang dibdib niya at habol ang paghinga.

Muling ikinumpas ni Aivee ang kamay sa hangin. She spread her hands widely. As if she's inviting someone to come to change Zirrius as soon as possible. Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. Pero kitang-kita sa mukha niya ang sakit na nararamdaman.

"Sweet Holy Moon, be our guide tonight..." She already started the spell.

"Hear my voice on this silent night..." nahihirapang sambit niya. Zirrius gasped for breath as well as Aivee. The screams inside Zirrius head thundered all over his system. All over his senses. Hindi na nakayanan ni Zirrius ang puwersang bumalot sa kanya kaya napaluhod na siya.

"I offer you this man..." patuloy na sambit ni Aivee. The heat rushed on his veins. Too hot that it's unbearable. Hindi na napigilan ni Zirrius ang mapasigaw. Bigla akong nag-alala para sa kanya pero wala akong magagawa kundi ang manood.

"Let his eyes see what is real..." The magic circle glow. Pakiramdam ko pati ang mga mata ni Zirrius ay nagliwanag. Napasinghap si Zirrius dahil sa kakaibang naramdaman sa kanyang mga mata. An elf's eyesight were so good that it could even see from afar.

"Let his ear hear everything you deemed right..." paos na bulong ni Aivee sa hangin. Nahihirapan na rin siya sa ginagawa niya. She was using too much of her energy to free Zirrius from his human form.

Mas lalong lumakas ang sigaw ni Zirrius. His ears started to elongate. Malakas na puwersa ang nagpupumilit na ilabas ang totoong anyo niya. Masakit. Sobrang sakit. Ito lang ang tanging naiisip ni Zirrius sa mga oras na ito.

"Let his limbs be strong with might..." Aivee continued. Sapo ni Zirrius ang kanyang dibdib dahil hindi na siya makahinga. His limbs became stronger. Just like an elf warrior he must be.

"Let the light shine through the night and shower him the blessings that are for him..."

Napansin ko ang kakaibang kapangyarihan na dumaloy sa katawan ni Zirrius. Natapos na sa paghaba ang kanyang tainga. Even his ash-brown hair lengthened. His canines started to show and the pain was killing him on this transition. He growled desperately. He growled to be released. His body was covered with golden light. As if he was a newborn elf.

Habol na rin ni Aivee ang hininga. Mas lalong lumiwanag ang magic circle na tila nilalamon na si Zirrius. "Let the gods hear this prayer... Free the soul who dreamed to be release for too long now..." Nahihirapang saad ni Aivee and I guessed that's the last part of the spell because she collapsed, panting.

The screams inside Zirrius' head disappeared. Mas lalong lumalakas ang sigaw ni Zirrius. The unbearable pain and heat were still there. It was burning him inside. He couldn't take it anymore. He desperately looked everywhere. He wanted something cold. Something too ease the pain.

Suddenly the song of the singing trees finally hit him. Natigilan siya. Even the wind, it was singing to soothe his agonies. Then, his eyesight, he could see from afar now. Nakikita niya ang village na ilang kilometro ang layo mula sa 'min. Hindi niya malaman ang gagawin o kung nababaliw na siya. Maybe he was hallucinating but no. Finally, he's an elf now.

Bigla niyang narinig ang ingay ng tubig na dumadagsa sa napakalayong lugar. The heat was eating him up. It was burning him. He screamed desperately. Nawala na ang liwanag mula sa magic circle. Naglaho na ito. Nakahinga na nang maluwag si Aivee nang maglaho sa braso niya ang seal niya. Maging ang seal ni Zirrius ay naglaho pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang init na dumadaloy sa katawan niya.

Without any second thought, he fled. He ran like there's no tomorrow. Gustong-gusto niyang puntahan ang dumadagsang tubig na 'yon. Hindi pa siya sanay sa katawan niya kaya napasinghap siya nang mapagtanto kung gaano siya kabilis. Parang nadadala siya ng ihip ng hangin sa sobrang bilis.

Maging ang mga ingay ng ibon at dahon ay hindi na normal sa pandinig niya. It was like these things were cheering for him. Welcoming him as a newborn elf. He suddenly felt his deep connection with nature. Narating niya ang pinanggagalingan ng dumadagsang tubig pero natigilan siya at natulos sa kinatatayuan. He stared at the waterfalls. No. It was no ordinary waterfalls on his eyes. Kitang-kita ang repleksiyon ng maliwanag na buwan sa tubig.

The spirits guarding the waterfalls were singing. Inviting him to take a dip on the water. Ang mga spirits na ito ay tila maliliit na alitaptap na nagliliwanag. Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad patungo sa tubig. Nang nasa tubig na, tila unti-unting nawala ang mainit na enerhiyang bumabalot sa kanya. He calmed down.

Hindi niya napigilan ang mapatingin sa sarili niyang repleksiyon sa tubig. I almost gasped with the sight. He's gorgeous. Damn gorgeous! Almost out of this world!

The light from the moonlight illuminating his clenched face was perfectly emphasizing his beauty. His long and pointed ears just suited his arrogant features. The thin, red lips. The chiseled jaws. His pointed nose and expressive sapphire blue eyes were just perfect. He almost looked a god who willingly step down on earth for my salvation. I liked the touch of moonlight on his face. It's making him look more mysterious. I wondered why his mother kept his godly features on that fucking seal. I noticed that his muscles became firmer. More irresistible. He was stronger and sexier. Damn!

Maging si Zirrius ay natigilan dahil sa nakikita niya sa tubig. Hindi siya makapaniwala na isa na siyang ganap na elf. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang mararamdaman.

Pinalibutan siya ng mga spirits. They giggled as they kissed his cheeks to welcome him. Damn flirt spirits! Mabuti na lang lumipad na sila palayo bago ko pa saniban si Zirrius upang itaboy sila. Ramdam ko ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso niya.

Ilang minuto siyang tahimik bago niya ako naalala. He clenched his jaws. "Avery..." he hoarsely whispered in the air.

I almost gasped when I heard his voice. Parang gustong magwala ng kaluluwa ko sa boses na 'yon. Though there's a hint of madness on his tone, it sounded music through my soul. His voice was so beautiful but definitely masculine that my soul was drawn closer to him. Damn his voice! Damn everything about him now!

I suddenly felt that he was lost and confused with his new form. I could feel his emptiness. There's still a hollow part on his heart that's for Liana. Iniisip kasi niya ngayon kung matatanggap ba ni Liana ang totoong anyo niya. He still have his human heart even when he was now an elf.

"Siguraduhin mo lang na ibabalik mo ako sa dati," he whispered with frustration. "Dahil kung hindi, sisingilin kita nang mahal," he said to threaten me.

I laughed. "My soul is surely ready when that time comes," I said. He's different now. The aura lingering on him was different. I could smell his arrogance, pride and power. He's no longer the Zirrius I met before. He was now a prideful and arrogant elf. Parang gusto ko siyang ibalik muli sa pagiging tao para mas madali ko siyang makontrol. Gusto kong pagsisihan ang lahat.

Surely, I will be facing hard days from now on. But, at least, it seems I will enjoy bath time more. He just smirked with arrogance before he dove in the water. And suddenly, I wanted to hate him now, or maybe it was the opposite.

------

TO BE CONTINUED...

Lul