Madilim ang kwarto. Tanging ang apat na lampara lang na sa bawat sulok ng silid ang nagsisilbing ilaw. Sapat na iyon para makita ang baraha sa mesa at kamay.

"Four of spades."

"Spade at spade. Pair!"

"Reverse card. Joker."

Inilapag ko ang mga baraha at mariing pumikit. "Ano ba talaga ang nilalaro natin dito. At kailan pa naging reverse card ang Joker, Ruin?"

He answered by averting his eyes, pretending to find the wall more amusing than my beauty.

"Your game, your rules, Raven." War smirked. "That way, no one's a loser and a cheater. You can strike them on their most weakened state with an unreasonable but rational excuse."

"And then watch it backfire onto you?" umirap ako. "I'd rather punch them."

"You sound like you like to rampage straight into war when you adore strategies than anyone else. Hindi nga ba't may deception technique ka pang ginawa no'ng ob-obasa-obasakol? 'Yong war-war ninyo!"

"I have no idea what obasakol is, but I did have my fair show of deception. Wherein, I have also executed my strength before said deception."

"A strength that still tricked your opponents?"

Ngumiwi ako nang marinig ang boses niya habang humalakhak naman ang walang-hiyang kidlat. Her small strides could deceive anyone to believe her innocence, but I know what lies behind those red eyes of hers. She is far more than humans and soulbearers, treading between a godly presence and a stinking death. Although, noong una kaming nagkakilala, akala ko din ay bata lang siya.

"That's their fault for getting tricked though." kibit-balikat ko. "Anyway, good thing you're here, Hel. I'm so bored with these two. Pinili pang maglaro kaysa magplano."

"Girl, we've been planning for the last hour! Ano ba gusto mo? Ilista natin lahat ng possibilities, kahit iyong one percent lang ang chance of happening?!" War argued.

"Well, duh, that still leaves a probability so of course. Unless you want to go to war unprepared-" natigilan ako at napatawa. "It's so hilarious to talk about war in your face. Hindi ka ba naiilang?"

"Sa ilang beses ko ba namang narinig ang salita na 'yan, na-immune na ako."

"Why is it that when the two of you talk, it goes on for ages? I remember the first time you met and you almost ripped each other's head off."

Natigilan kaming dalawa sa sinabi ni Hel. "Wait, you mean, when we officially met here or when we first met because-"

"Oi, Hel! Nagwarning lang ako do'n, ah, wala akong ni-rip off na head."

"Well, you did look like you wanted to rip off my head-"

"I wanted to kidnap you, not kill you."

"Isn't that the same? You want to harm me." hinila ko si Ruin na pasimpleng inaalis ang sarili niya sa usapan. "Nandoon ka 'di ba? She wanted to harm or rip my head off, 'di ba?"

I summoned my most adorable face, which is not that hard considering the amount of cuteness that I possess. Hindi ko pinansin ang malakas na sipa ni War sa ilalim ng table at ang mahina niyang pagthreaten kay Ruin na tumahimik.

The boy, however, remained emotionless. He shrugged, unblinking, and said, "I wasn't there."

Tinitigan ko siya ng ilang minuto bago tuluyang binitawan. I pursed my lips at his lack of reaction. How boring. Suddenly... I miss someone's reaction to everything I do. That was way more entertaining than the stone of a human beside me.

I didn't even notice that I my mind was wandering and I was unconsciously smiling until I felt Hel's burning stare.

"Raven. Do you have any plans for tonight?" Hel asked, sitting on one of the chairs.

I grinned at her question, especially since she doesn't look interested in hearing my answer... or maybe, she already knew my plan and that she was merely asking. Probably in consideration for the two other people who seemed to be engaged in an argument.

Hindi ko sinagot ang tanong niya, at 'gaya ng inaasahan ko ay hindi na siya nagpumilit pa.

"Wait-" War stopped hushing and slapping Ruin's arm to snap her head at us. "Hindi ba't ngayong linggo ang coronation?!"

"The king is not yet dead for the prince to be crowned... but I believe the people above will be conducting a ceremony equivalent to one." sagot ni Hel.

Humalukipkip ako. Narinig ko nga iyon. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali... it's some sort of a training. Or was it a practice?

"Whatever the event, that means they will be temporarily distracted, right?" tumango si Hel sa tanong ni Ruin. "Shall we meet with the messenger of the Santium then?"

Hm. Good idea.

Santium's one of the five continents with no strong political views. Siguro dahil maliit lang ang lupa nila at hindi rin masyadong makapangyarihan ang naghari dito sa mga nakaraang dekada. They remained neutral to the cold war between Gareth and Hiraya, unlike Avalon and Neva that picked their sides.

I'd say it was a good strategy, but over the increasing tension between Gareth and Hiraya, their country wouldn't remain to be peaceful. Soldiers and civilians from both countries and their allied nations often uses their land for refuge.

"Hmm. It's possible as long as we remain cautious. Last I heard, the Palace was monitoring Santium's every move. Ever since they attacked Avalon."

"We can create a diversion." I suggested. "There's too much parties involved and who knows how many spies breathes inside the Santium. We need to meet up with this messenger in a place where we can't be interrupted."

"Hindi natin sila pwedeng mapapunta dito. They're not a citizen of Alondra." kontra ng War na 'di nag-iisip.

"Tanga." I replied without hesitation, eliciting the ugliest reaction from her. I find it a win. "Sinabi ko bang dalhin dito?"

"Ano ba problema mo? Nagsu-suggest lang din naman ako, ah!"

"Bobo suggestion mo."

"E'di ikaw na matalino!"

I scoffed a chuckle, flipping my hair. "Talaga! Ako pa!"

Hel rolled her eyes in amusement while Ruin acted like we're not breathing in the same room as him. Nakakahiya talagang kasama ang isang 'to. Lalo na 'pag nasa labas kami at umaandar ang taglay na kabobohan ni War. Bigla-bigla na lang nang-iiwan at tinatrato kaming hindi niya kilala.

"We can invite them in the hidden cave just below the Moon-Depth forest. Being in the Ukiyo would make the Gareth and other nations hesitate, and will erase doubts from the Palace."

That works. I nodded, agreeing with Hel's plan. "In addition, their... festival of some sorts can momentarily distract any patrols. Although, some area may be heightened, Hel."

"With illusion, it's possible. The Moon-Depth forest is deemed untouchable anyway."

"Pero paano makakapunta ang messenger ng Santium doon?"

Blanko kong tiningnan si War. "Siyempre, maglalakad. Unless ang soulstone niya ay ang paglipad tapos makikita siya ng buong Academy kasi parehas kayong tanga-"

"Alam mo, ikaw-!"

I hurriedly stood up from my chair, laughing, when War stormed towards me. Her enclosed fists was crackling with lightning and I swear I could hear the thunder crash from the land above. Nagalit ko na nga ata ng tuluyan si short-tempered kidlat.

"Ruin will escort him to us. It would be no problem." Hel crossed her arms, unbothered at the sight of me holding up a chair against a stormy War. "We'll be back to our usual roles. War to extract information, me to ensure a smooth operation, and for Raven to observe the surroundings. Although..." a mysterious smile graced her face. "If ever you find yourself attending some other matters, we shall not bother you."

Tumigil ang babae sa pagtangkang lechonin ako gamit ang kidlat niya para ibigay ang pinaka-judgmental niyang tingin. I pretended to look confused in the middle of their stares, as if I didn't catch whatever the hell this antique child meant.

It's been five months since I left that world and probably... a month and more since I last stepped inside the academy.

I let my feet hang as I sat on a broken pillar of an old ruin. It was probably my favorite place in the darkness of Alondra. It's a bit far from the city, bordering the waterfall found inside. One small, wrong step can make anyone fall. One miscalculation may later be a fatal wound.

Such words are... comparable to my plan. Isang maling salita o desisyon ko lang, maaring mawala ang limang buwang pagsasakripisyo ko.

Although, sacrifice might be a nicer word for my actions. But then... heroes only make sacrifices and I'm not worthy of such title. Para sa mga kagaya kong piniling tumayo sa gitna, it can be seen as a means to achieve our goal. Iyon nga lang, ang taong gagamitin din namin ay ang sarili.

"But then," I whispered to nothingness, reaching my hands out to the illusions of stars that graced the never-ending night sky. "This is also nothing but a selfish wish."

War, Ruin and the people of Alondra might see me as a sacrificial hero, while the citizens of Hiraya will name me a villain, but I know this is purely because of my selfishness. Hel once told me, when I shared my plan, that I may not be doing this for a greater good, but rather... to create an identiy I will be satisfied of.

Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot doon. Alam ko namang hanggang ngayon... hinahanap ko pa rin ang sarili ko... inaalam ang tunay na ako.

"The child of war, the lady prophesied, the daughter of the darkness, the Tempest rebel, the Soulstone Academy student, the teacher's headache, their friend, their sister, their daughter, their... enemy? Out of these titles, which one can you bear to carry?"

Until now, her question remained unanswered.

My train of thought was ruined by a single, relieved sigh, which is then accompanied by a familiar voice.

"Entering Alondra requires a lot of focus and magic." he grumbled.

Napangiti ako nang malaki sa boses ni Azriel. I tore my gaze off the void to glance back at him who, true to his words, looked tired.

"Hindi mo naman kailangang pumunta dito. We'll be back outside in a few days." I moved aside and tapped the empty space next to me. "Namiss mo 'ko, AA?"

"Mm. I have important news."

Nahinto ang gagawin kong tango nang may maalala, "Wait- Huwag mong sabihin sa'kin na lumalapit pa rin si Griffin kay Tamara na parang lamok?"

His face darkened. "Of course not."

"Pft." I couldn't contain my laughter, slapping his arm. "Ikaw talaga isa sa may the best na reactions, AA! Sobrang disgusted ng mukha mo, 'kala mo nilason kita!"

"Don't rile me up or I won't tell you anything about Helios."

Kahit na sinabi niya 'yon, I could feel that his anger and threat was half-hearted. I bet he has no choice but to share some information about the prince anyway. Kung normal na report lang 'to sa nangyayari sa Academy, he wouldn't even think of mentioning Helios.

Still, I took the bait. It was my sunny boy, after all.

"Oh? Anong problema sa araw? Malapit na bang sumabog?"

Ever since my last visit, all I heard was that he declared me as an enemy. Coming from the prince, it was no simple order, rather... it labeled me as a wanted criminal all over Hiraya.

Seriously! I can't even flaunt my new dresses on the streets because three minutes after, I have a hundred people chasing me! Gagong Helios 'yon.

"The Festival of the Sun is close. Maaaring magpakita ulit ang hari sa Akademiya at may posibilidad din na magbubukas ang palasyo. I... still have to check this with the Alderidge but I'm sure there is a way to communicate with Sorin during these times."

Ah. Festival of the Sun ba ang tawag sa event na 'yon. Is it to commemorate the heir of Hiraya or to celebrate the sun's birthday? Hindi ko man alam kung kailan ang kaarawan niya, I believe this occasion has a personal connection with Helios.

"Don't worry. We will still travel above during that- Ah, sandali, isang araw lang ba 'yan?"

"No. One week."

I hummed. "Plenty of time then. When you said close, am I right to assume it's this Sunday?"

Judging from the last occasion I attended... or failed to attend, their ceremonies usually start at Sunday. Naisip ko na baka para sa kanila, dito nagsisimula ang panibagong linggo.

"Mm." Azriel opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. I gave him a few seconds to decide before he eventually continued, "Are you going back?"

"Going back? No. Peeking? Yes." I chuckled. "AA, you know more than me that no one wants to see this face in the academy anymore. Not me, not the students there, nor my family."

"Wrong. Tamara and I-"

"Are my special friends who I don't want to create trouble for. Seriously..." I rolled my eyes. "It's not like I have to go back there. Wouldn't you say it's more peaceful now?"

Medyo matagal na rin nang makapasok ako sa academy at wala din akong natatanggap na balita maliban sa planong ibalita ni Azriel. We have no need for spies like Ruin anymore since... well, they have me already. And the last time I did go there, it was as quiet as always.

"Peaceful..." Azriel pondered and shook his head. "It's lifeless."

"It's as if you're implying that I'm the life of the party, AA. Mambobola ka~" I teased, narrowing my eyes. "But if you bark for me now, I might consider."

Nanlaki ang mata niya. He was left speechless for a few minutes before replying in a trembling voice, "A-Are you serious?"

I let the silence sit for a while, just enough to make him go through a crisis whether he should remain a human or be a dog for fun's sake, before laughing loudly. I might be a teasing devil but I don't want such handsome face to have trauma from my attitude.

"I'm kidding, AA. You look like a good dog but I have my favorite puppy already." I smirked. "So did you hear anything from Andreas?"

"Mahigpit ang bantay sa kaniya. Beatrix is... doing it."

"She got away from Dustine?"

Azriel sighed, making me raise a brow in curiosity. "Sometimes, she's more trouble than you."

Mahina akong napatawa. Of course, Beatrix wanted to be one of my problems before. She was born to be as troublesome as the woman she cutely hated.

Pero... hindi ko talaga inasahan ang tulong niya. It's quite an irony.

But then it's not like I ever expected this turn of events.

Malakas akong humikab habang naglalakad kami sa Moon-Depth Forest. Malayo ito sa Academy, located in the Deep Woods near the borders of Ukiyo. Dahil sa mga wild beasts na nandito, hindi pinahihintulutan ang mga estudyante na pumunta. Only Tamara's family, as Ukiyo's protectors, roams around the woods. But with the Festival of Sun happening, they're patrolling near the academy grounds.

May kumpyansa silang iwan ang ibang bahagi ng bundok dahil sa guardian beast na naninirahan dito. In their absence, the fire phoenix serves as its protector.

However, in the face of Helena Vagriskndr, the untamed fire phoenix was reduced to a mere pet.

"There, there." anito habang hinihimas ang nagbabagang ulo ng phoenix. "We're back. Did you miss us?"

"Hindi ba siya napapaso?" nakangiwing tanong ko kay War. I remember standing close and being hit by Helios' magic and that was a near-death experience for me.

"Malay ko. Balat niya ba ako para tanungin mo?"

I answered her glare with a threatening smirk. "Gusto mo bang balatan kita ngayon?"

"Nanghahamon ka ng away ah!"

"Tangina, ikaw nag-una. Bagay talaga ang pangalan mo sa'yong battle maniac-"

"Hindi ako manyak!"

"Hindi mo ba narinig ang battle sa unahan?!"

Naputol ang pagsasagutan namin nang bugahan kami ng apoy ng putanginang alaga ni Hel. We both turned to glare at her, only to grimace when we saw her tight-lipped smile.

"Hel, it's over here. Just leave the two of them." the bastard announced, not even glancing at us. "Let the children play."

"Aba't, gago kang putangina ah-"

Hindi natapos ni War ang mahabang essay tungkol sa iba't ibang mura sa mundo dahil tumalon na pababa sa cliff ang lalaki. Nakangiting umiling si Hel nang sumunod si War nang walang pagda-dalawang-isip bago lumingon sa'kin.

"Hindi ka ba sasama?"

"Later. Discussions bore me."

"Hmm." she smiled, turning her back on me. "I'll see you back in Alondra then. Don't get lost now."

She stepped forwards and disappeared in an instant. Seriously, that damn old woman and her magic.

Ininat ko ang mga braso bago bumuntong-hininga at naglakad-lakad sa gubat. Right now, War is probably bitching about me again. Lalo na dahil pinili kong magpaiwan sa pamilyar na lugar.

I shrugged. Let her bitch then. She doesn't have a collar around me to demand things.

Spending even a minute up here feels a little strange after spending weeks in darkness. But every time my feet touches these nostalgic soils, I'm reminded of home ㅡ of staining the perfect white walls with temporary darkness, of kind voices and warm laughters... and a familiar heat that never subsides unless we touch.

"Mauuna daw ang parade! Nahanap mo na ba ang Elites?"

"They're with the Dean, I believe. What about the Selected? Are they on their positions?"

"Syempre. Hay! Sana matapos na 'to at maenjoy ko ang iba't ibang pagkain."

"Nakita kong may love potion silang binibenta doon sa Whitesand Alley! Let's check it out after!"

Upon hearing the first voice, mabilis akong nagtago. Inakyat ko ang mataas na kahoy at umupo sa sanga noon. I can't really see everything from here, but it's enough to understand what's happening in this festival. There's a parade so that must be interesting. I can also quickly see their faces before I leave again.

Nakangiti kong pinakinggan ang dalawang estudyante. Siguro iyon din ang normal na pag-uusapan namin ni Tamara kung walang nangyari noong Foundation Week.

Maybe I could have enjoyed a normal school life too, huh.

Nang magsimula ang parade ng Elites, faculty, at royal family ay hindi pa rin nawawala ang ngiti ko. It feels nice to see their faces again... kahit na sobrang layo nila sa'kin. Eva looks like she had an argument with Dawn. Nakanguso ito habang kinukulit ni Solana sa gilid. Walking before the teachers were Azriel and Griffin. Azriel's frown paired with Griffin's playful smile was hilarious to look at.

Mahina akong natawa nang tumakbo papunta sa kanila si Giovanni at may binulong nang hampasin siya ni Damon sa ulo.

"Pft." napailing ako. "They look like idiots."

Andreas scowled at them and they returned to their posts. Bahagya akong napasimangot nang makita ang mukha niya. He looked like he aged ten years more since the last time I saw him. Gano'n ba talaga siya nastress na nawala ako?

Hm. I thought their stress would lessen now that their official headache's gone.

Nang dumapo ang mata ko kay Dong ay pinigilan ko ang matawa ng malakas. Oh, how I miss my bald, math teacher so much! He looked so cute in the suit he's wearing!

My smile dropped when the Academy members walked. Lalo na nang hindi ko makita si Ellis sa kanila. It's odd for her to not attend such an important event, especially since the Parade of Royals is one way to build connections. Alam kong hindi nila palalagpasin ni Dad 'to kaya... bakit wala sila dito?

"Oh? Wala daw ang prinsipe?"

"Pero nakita ko lang si Helios kanina!"

"Hinahanap daw siya ngayon nila Dawn. Sa pagkaka-alam ko, they saw him with the King earlier then he just disappeared."

Nakuha ang atensiyon ko ng dalawang madaldal na estudyante. I narrowed my eyes at the royal family that walked at the very end of the line. Walking in front of the king are his advisors and a golden-haired woman I remember so clearly-

"Raia."

Nanigas ako sa kinauupuan. Kahit siguro abutin pa ng isang taon ang pagtatago ko, I won't able to forget that voice.

Bago pa siya makapagtanong ay inunahan ko na, "What are you doing here, son of sun? Hindi ba't dapat nandoon ka?" sabay tango ko sa direksiyon ng parade.

He didn't answer. He didn't move. I was wondering if he even breathed. Tinitigan niya lang ako na parang pwede akong mawala sa isang segundo.

"Raia... What..."

"I thought you declared me as your enemy so why-"

"Why did you leave?"

I jumped down the tree, crossing my arms and standing tall in front of him. I narrowed my eyes at his royal suit, slightly frowning at how well it fits him.  The white and gold colors, with the golden mantle draped over his left shoulder, made him look breathtaking that I couldn't help but stare. It's illegal to have the sun peeked from behind the leaves just to grace him, as he stood gloriously in front of a child of darkness.

I wonder... would he be swallowed by my darkness or would I be burned by the light if we ever touchedㅡ

"Raia." he called my name again, his eyes still never leaving mine.

"Helios." I finally answered, smiling slightly as I gestured for him to come closer. He stiffened, watching my fingers closely. "Come here."

"No." he swallowed. "Why did you leave without telling me anything?"

Honestly, is this how you treat an enemy after months? After he declared that, I thought he'll instantly attack me with a sword, not words.

He's trying to stand his ground but... it's unfortunate that he could never stand against me.

I took a step forward and he made one step back. Napangisi ako do'n at pinagpatuloy ang paglapit, noticing the way his gaze dropped on my body, how he leaned back, and how the tip of his ears are flushed red.

Still the same sunny boy. I know how to handle you.

"Stop." utos ko.

He frowned. "Raia, what are you doing-"

"Shh." muli ko siyang sinenyasan na lumapit. "Helios, come here."

I opened my arms, as if inviting him to a hug. And like the last time I saw him, he couldn't do anything but obey.

"You said you'll tell me..." he murmured, defeated.

"I know." inaya ko siyang hawakan ang kamay ko. "You caught me so let's stop playing this game. It's my turn to tell you everything..."

How I plan to fulfill this damn prophecy and finish the forsaken war.

ㅡ

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