Maybe someone can predict the future but no one could stop it from happening. Maybe you can call someone a protector but they're not always by your side to protect you. And maybe they think that you're useless but who knows if you had a secret ability.

Nagising ako nang may mapansin akong matiim na nakatitig sa akin. When I opened my eyes, Heaven is staring at me in the couch while Lixe is leaning on the door and crossing her arms. I glanced at the balcony and I just realized that the sun has risen up.

What time is it?

"Hi, good morning. Sorry kung naistorbo namin ang tulog mo. Gusto lang kase naming magpaalam bago umalis."

My brows furrowed at Heaven and then to Lixe."W-Where are you going? Mamamasyal ba kayo sa Town at hindi niyo ako isasama?"

"No, it's not that. Pinapatawag lang kami at ang mga cena namin ng councilors. We need to get ourselves prepared for the rebirth of the Dark Magic. Kailangan naming paghandaan 'to para ma-protektahan ang school natin. We can't just stand here while the enemies were starting to build a colony." It's Lixe who explained their mission.

The Dark Magic... 'yong kagabi, sila ba 'yon?

"It's okay, I understand. Babalik naman kayo kaagad, 'di ba?" I asked, hoping that they will be back as early as possible.

Heaven let out a sigh, shaking her head reluctantly."Sad to say, we're going to stay there for 3 days. Ayaw naming iwan ka dito pero hindi kase basta-basta ang pag-uusapan namin eh. We want to accompany you but it's the councilors who called us. Para rin naman 'to sa kaligtasan natin kaya maiiwan ka talaga namin dito."

"Girls, I can handle myself here. Don't say goodbye as if we're not going to see each other again. At saka, nandito naman si Red kaya may kaibigan pa rin ako kahit wala kayo ang at cena natin."

They both looked at each other, having a conversation with their eyes."Nia, isasama ni Madam Ovrey si Red. She's so overprotective to her brother that's why she wants to bring him. Pero 'wag kang mag-alala, kaibigan mo naman sina Elora at Hendix kaya hindi ka pa rin mag-iisa."

"Hmmm, gano'n ba? Okay, sige. When are you going to leave?"

Tumingin si Heaven sa wall clock dito sa kwarto ko at ngumiti ng pilit."Ngayon na. We're running out of time, Niane. So, pa'no? Una na kami. Let's see each other after three days."

"Mami-miss ko kayo. Bye! Ingat!"

When they're finally out of my sight, I stood up from my bed and opened the curtains of my balcony to see them. But I was stiffened on what I saw in front of me. Master Jy---I mean Zandrei is standing in my balcony. Dahil sa gulat ay natataranta pa ako nang buksan ko ang sliding door para makapasok siya.

"W-What are you---"

"I'm here to give this to you. I'm gone for 3 days just like your friends that's why weren't gonna see each other for a while. Okay na ba sa'yo 'to?" He handed me the two jar of his blood that's why I accepted it immediately.

"A-Ang dami naman nito. You seemed to be donating your blood for me as if I'm sick," natatawa kong sagot.

"You're always looking for my blood so I won't be surprised if you'll finish it directly in just one day. But be sure that this will last for three days to make you satisfy. Kumain ka rin para ma-balance ang nutrients sa katawan mo at hindi lang puro dugo." He gave me a half-smile and messed up my hair.

Natigilan ako saglit sa ginawa niya pero agad din naman akong natauhan nang mapagtantong sobrang lapit na ng mukha niya sa'kin. Why is he... doing this to me? I tried not to exhale because I don't want him to smell my bad breath.

Nakakahiya 'yon!

"T-Thank you pala dito. Everyone might be waiting for you outside so you should go now. Take care, Zandrei," I said when he sensed that I'm feeling uncomfortable in that position.

Again, he smiled at me and nodded."I will, Mali. You'll drink more of my blood when I came back. I'll assure you that."

Kahit na hindi pa rin ako sanay sa pagtawag niya sa'kin nang gano'n, nagawa ko pa ring ngumiti pabalik sa kanya. Ang sama ko naman kung magiging masungit ako sa kanya eh binigyan niya ako ng dugo niya. I'm a little craving for it that's why I opened the jar a little and gulped for two times.

Hindi ko pala 'to pwedeng ubusin lalo na't unang araw pa lang ngayon.

At dahil pangalawang araw ngayon ng freedom namin ay alas otso pa lang wala nang estudyante rito maliban sa'kin. I don't feel like going to the Town because I might put myself in danger. As much as possible, ayokong magdala ng gulo rito dahil alam kong kamumuhian na naman nila ako. Knowing that I don't really belong here in the first place.

Nakasuot lang ako ng simpleng cardigan pants at fitted crop top saka napagpasyahang lumabas ng dorm namin. I walked around the school and it feels so new to me because it's peaceful in every corner of the Academy. Walang kahit isang estudyanteng naglalakad at wala ring ingay ng mga nagtatakbuhan. Napadpad ang mga paa ko sa Training Room kaya hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pa na pumasok.

The arrangements of the weapons are still the same. Kumuha ako ng pana at palaso para subukan ito dahil wala namang ibang nandito kundi ako. I used my strength when I released the archer and the thought of hitting the center of the board didn't happen. Actually, nagawa ko naman talaga pero mukhang wala pa ring lakas ang pagkawala ko dahil nahulog naman sa sahig. Bagsak ang balikat kong pinulot 'yon at ibinalik na lang sa dati nitong pinaglagyan.

Out of curiosity, I went upstairs to see what the second floor looks like. Namangha ako nang may makita akong ring at sa magkabilang gilid ay may mga boxing bags na nakabitay ng magkahiwalay. I get one pair of boxing gloves and tried to punch the bag with all my force. But unfortunately, my fist hurts because of what I did. Ni hindi man lang gumalaw ng kahit konti ang bag na pinagtataka ko. Kinurot ko ng konti pero mas matigas pa pala 'to kaysa do'n sa mga boxing bags ng Zeal. Maybe because they were really strong and I need to accept the fact that I can't do this thing. Mabali na lang siguro ang buto ko pero hindi ko pa 'to magalaw.

Wala naman akong magagawa rito kaya umakyat ako sa pinakahuling palapag, ang third floor. My eyes widened when I saw different kinds of things. There were big ropes, wheels with thorns, an automatic device that controls everything in this room. Akmang papasok ako nang may humarang sa'kin na isang babae ngunit kumpara sa mga bampira ay parang kagaya ko lang din siya. She looks so normal but her eyes looks like uh... not normal. I think?

"Good morning, Ms. Azore. I'm Winslet, a robot version 2053. What can I do for you?"

My lips parted in shock after hearing what she'd said."S-Seriously? A robot? Wait... How did you know my name? Sinong gumawa sa'yo?"

"I'm the guardian in this floor. For those who wants to enter without the permission of the superiors needs to fight with me before you can proceed inside. I'm made by Arthemis Perth to protect this part of the Training room. I scanned you that's why I know who you are, a member of class Artilles. All of the things here are also made by him and can only be used if someone has the authority. This powerful weapons are for those who are deserving and is willing to accept the consequences. It can't be given nor borrowed," she instructed smilingly.

W-Wow! I couldn't imagine that Tito Art is so genius to made this. Kuya Seven must be proud of him, for sure. Ang galing niya kaya!

And this robot in front of me looks so beautiful. Mukha naman siyang hindi kayang manakit.

"Uh... I don't have a plan to take one of these things. All I want is to train myself for our combat trainings. I'm not that good kase eh," nahihiya kong sambit sa kanya.

"Well, I can teach you if you want. But I'm telling you that I don't have mercy to anyone who fights with me. I may left you wounded because I was told not to kill a student. I don't have emotions and feelings."

Bigla namang kumabog ng malakas ang dibdib ko at napalunok."I-If that's the case, maybe I should go now and train myself on my own. I still want to explore things and find answer to my questions before I could die. Babye!"

"You can't run away from everything, Ms. Azore. Everyone has to experience pain and suffering before they could success in everything. Why don't you try to show your skills and fight with me? Regret is always in the end."

Napatigil ako sa paglalakad pababa nang sabihin niya 'yon. I don't know what's with me but I suddenly stepped backwards until I'm in front of her again. Hindi talaga ako sigurado dito pero nakakadala ang mga sinasabi niya eh.

"Baka nga hindi mo ako mapatay pero titigil ka lang kapag bugbog sarado na talaga ako. Am I right?" kinakabahan kong tanong.

She laughed at me and I swear, it's scary as hell."Maybe. If you don't fight with me, it will happen. Fears is just an emotion that hinders you to do things so you can't accomplish it. And if it happens, you'll always run away from that thing until you can't achieve the success you wanted."

I can't believe it. Kahit naman na sabihin kong hindi tama, may point talaga siya eh. I'm afraid when it comes to combat because in this world, it's used to fight against your real enemies. Walang awaan kapag tunay mo nang kalaban ang kaharap mo. But I have only one problem.

"Winslet, I-I can't hurt you. Alam mo kase... hindi ako mahilig na manakit. Baka nga magdalawang isip pa ako na tamaan ka eh."

"You don't understand. I'm a robot and Arthemis didn't make me just to be broken that easily. I'm not a guard for nothing. Even if you hit me something hard, you can't scratch my body that easily. My first lesson for you is to know your real opponent more and don't you ever underestimate them by their looks. Because the physical appearance is just a disguise, Ms. Azore."

Okay. Talo na ako. I don't want to argue with her anymore. If Tito Art is genius, then so as she. Hindi ko naman talaga siya minamaliit eh. I was just making sure that she won't break down because I might be dead to the superiors... especially to Tito Art.

"If our cena's teaching us some basic skills in fighting, can you teach us the next step in basic skills? Pabalik-balik lang kase ang tinuturo sa'ming mga Artilles, eh. The reason is that it's for our self-defense. Hindi naman daw kase kami ang makikipaglaban kesyo nasa lowest class kami," I winced and lean my back to the railings.

"I am kinda strict in teaching, Ms. Azore. Just to tell you, I wasn't made to train a vampire student but to guard here," she explained.

I let out a sigh and pouted."It's a secret of us. I'm so desperate in learning martial arts. Taekwondo lang kase ang alam ko tapos mukhang hindi niyo pa ginagamit dito."

"Then, how about having a training with me everyday. Our exact time is 4:30 in the afternoon so that you can go to the Dining Hall at exactly 6:30. Is it alright?"

"R-Really? Papayag ka? Omg! Sure. But what if I got late for minutes?" I asked out of a sudden.

"Hmmm, you're training hours has an additional minutes also. And if you won't attend this session for 5 days, I will close our deal. It means that I won't train you anymore."

"It's a deal, Winslet."

No'ng sumapit ang hapon ay pumunta agad ako sa Training Room para sa usapan namin ni Winslet. I'm still wearing the same but she told me that next time, I should wear something comfortable so I could move freely. Una niyang tinuro sa'kin kung paano sumalag ng atake mula sa kalaban. My eyes needs to be alert in every move of my opponent. She said that if going to parry the attacks, I should use my elbow because my hands might be injured.

"Wait! Wala bang break? We've been training for almost 1 hour but you didn't even let me drink water and rest for a while. Hindi ka rin ba napapagod?" Tinukod ko ang magkabilang kamay ko sa tuhod ko habang humihingal.

"I told you, endure the pain. Robots doesn't feel anything and I don't have a battery. I don't sleep nor charge. Stand up and parry my attacks or you'll be wounded again."

Pambihira naman 'to oh. Nakalimang gasgas na siya sa braso ko at may isa pa akong pasa sa hita ko. I didn't let her see my emotion because she might double hit me. Pero sa kasamaang palad, natamaan niya ang pasa ko kaya napaluhod ako sa sahig. I can stand up but I didn't focus on her attacks that's why she caught me off guard.

For this first time of my life, I cursed. Lumipad kaya ako sa ere at tumama ang likuran ko sa pader. I was about to cry because of pain when I saw her feet in front of me. Is she going to hit me again?

"I said focus but you didn't. Pain is just a distraction and if you kept on feeling it, you will lose contact to your opponent. No matter how hard it is, you should keep on trying. Don't let your emotions win."

Umuwi ako sa dorm ng nanghihina dahil sa walang awa na training session ko. Seryoso talaga siya sa sinabi niyang hindi siya papatay pero babalian ka ng buto hanggang sa hindi ka na makalakad. I opened my drawer and get the first aid kit. I don't want to go to the clinic since my friends aren't here. Maaapi lang ulit ako do'n.

Matapos kong gamutin ang mga sugat ko sa braso ay nilagyan ko naman ng band-aid and pasa ko sa hita. And because it's already evening, the vampires must be here an hour from now. Tapos pagkabalik nila diretso na sa dorm at matutulog. They will eat outside, of course. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at nagsuot ng pajama saka jacket bago nagtungo sa Dining Hall.

I felt enlightened when I saw five vampires inside, eating their dinner. Mukhang hindi lang pala ako mag-isang kakain ngayon ah. Umupo ako sa pwesto naming mga Artilles pagkatapos kong umorder ng pagkain. Sad to say, there's no Artilles like me in this table kaya mag-isa pa rin ako.

It's the second day of my lonely days because I'm still alone in our dormitory. Balik na ang klase mamayang gabi kaya nang sumapit ang hapon ay bumalik na naman ako sa Training Room para makipagkita kay Winslet. I'm feeling better now so I'm ready for the next level of our training.

"Your lesson for today is to test your flexibility. It is needed when you're being trapped so you can escape. Let's see how high can you fly."

H-Ha? A-Anong fly? Paano ako lilipad eh wala naman akong pakpak o kaya'y ability?

Hinila niya ako ng dahan-dahan papunta sa isang malaking bilog. I know this kind of thing because I saw this on Zeal. Para kase 'tong stretchable na kapag tumalon ka ay mas tataas ang talon mo, kumbaga tatalbog ka. She suddenly pointed the horizontal metal above that is about 7 to 8 feet high from this floor.

"N-No. Hindi mo naman siguro balak na patalunin ako dito hanggang sa makakapit ako do'n, 'di ba? That's a joke." Pinilit kong tumawa kahit na kinakabahan talaga ako sa ipapagawa niya.

She just nodded in response."You should at least hold even a tip of the metal and we're going to proceed to the next level. For now, do what I said."

"B-But... I'm not a vampire. Hindi ko kaya ang pinapagawa mo. Jumping 7 to 8 feet above is like committing a suicide. Are you sure about this?"

"I don't decide if I won't think of it, Ms. Azore. This is what you want, right? To prove them that you're not weak? So it's your time. Train well." She tapped my shoulders and step aside.

Wala akong nagawa kundi ang tumapak sa gitna ng bilog at sinubukang tumalon. I know gymnastics but this is freaking crazy. It's okay for me to jump this high from above but it's the opposite. Sobrang layo pa sa katotohanan na maabot ko ang metal railings dahil sa imposible naman talaga.

Hindi niya ako pinatigil o pinagpahinga man lang hanggang sa wala nang lakas ang mga paa tumalon. Instead of jumping again, I lied on the circle and breathing heavily. Daig ko pa ang pinatakbo ng ilang milya dahil sa ginawa ko. I saw her standing beside me, probably waiting for me to go back jumping.

"P-Pasensya na, hindi ko talaga kinaya. I think I'm going to die jumping for an hour without drinking and resting. Can we proceed to the other level and let this pass? Sa susunod na lang natin 'to ipagpatuloy," I said weakly, still catching my breath.

Nakita ko naman ang pag-iling niya at hinawakan ang kamay ko para alalayang tumayo."Endure pain. If you want to achieve higher, you will face all the challenges and no turning back."

Pagod man ay sinubukan ko pa rin dahil hindi niya naman ako titigilan. I suddenly remembered what Lixe told me that even if I gave all my strengths to this, it's still useless if I don't have determination.

Right... Determination. Why did I forgot?

I jumped higher than before, trying to reach the top. Ilang beses ko pang sinubukan kahit na medyo may konting distansya pa bago ko ito maabot. But I didn't stop because I'm not a loser. Ipapakita ko kay Winslet na kahit tao ako at walang abilidad kagaya ng ibang mga bampira ay may kakayahan pa rin ako.

It's not on the powers and strengths but to your determination and motivation. Patas lang naman talaga ang lahat kaso nga lang, sumuko na agad sila kapag hindi nila nagawa agad. Wala naman kaseng bagay na nagagawa o nakukuha nang madalian. You have to work hard for it even if it gives you pain and suffering.

"I know you can do it, Ms. Azore. Tell me how you did it?"

Hiningal hingal akong lumabas sa bilog at napasandal sa pader."It's the determination and motivation. Am I right, Winslet? Anong sunod nating gagawin?"

"Your answer is right. But for now, you can rest because you had a hard time doing this training. We'll continue this tomorrow."

Akmang sasagot ako sa kanya nang may marinig akong sumabog sa labas hindi kalayuan mula rito. I don't know what time is it but I think it's nearly dinner. Kapag ganitong oras ay iilaw na ang mga poste sa iba't ibang bahagi ng Academy para magbigay ng ilaw sa lahat. But what was that? Sobrang lakas no'n at imposibleng guni-guni ko lang.

"W-Winslet... anong nangyayari sa labas?" Dahil sa tanong ko ay lumingon sa likuran niya kung saan may maliit na bintana, sakto lang na makita ang labas.

"I detected something outside. It's different from the vampires in this Academy. Their impact is so strong and seems like they're the reason about that explosion. They attacked because the masters together with the leaders and cena's aren't here."

Kumabog nang malakas ang dibdib ko at napaatras sa sinabi niya."A-Anong gusto nila? Wait... who are they?"

"The black vampires, Ms. Azore. They are under the control of the Dark Magic. Their reason why they're here is to get Mrs. Monica Yhue, the owner of the sacred White Magic."

S-Sacred White Magic? How come..

"No! They're going to kill her! Where is she? May iba ba siyang mga kasama?" I asked, panicking.

She slowly shook her head."She's alone in the Headmistress Office. No one knows their sudden attack and so with Mrs. Yhue. I can know what's going on outside and the they're probably on the way to her office right now."

"Alam kong wala ako sa posisyong utusan ka pero pwede bang dito ka lang? Don't go anywhere. This things are important to us and you're needed here. I'll go outside to find the headmistress."

"It's too dangerous outside, Ms. Azore. You're risking your life."

Hindi ako nakinig sa kanya at nagmamadaling bumaba palabas ng Training Room. The students were scattered in everywhere, finding who did the sudden explosion. Nagkalat na silang lahat sa iba't ibang sulok ng Academy pero mukhang wala silang nakikita na kung sino. Their eyes can see clearly because they're vampires yet they couldn't find those black vampires.

"Help! Help! My friend suddenly vomited blood and she's not responding anymore. Patay na siya!"

Nanginginig ang kamay kong lumapit sa mga nagkukumpulan at gano'n na lang ang pag-awang ng bibig ko nang makita ang walang buhay na bampira sa lupa. Her friend who shouted earlier kept on crying while holding her dead body. Kahit na gusto kong umiyak dahil sa nasaksikan ko ay pinigilan ko ang sarili ko at humakbang paatras.

"All the Hemiones, gather all around the Academy and protect everyone. Deltas and Artilles, go back to your dormitories and lock the windows and doors. The black vampires are attacking us," utos ng babaeng Hemione na palaging nananakit sa'kin.

Habang hindi nila ako napapansin ay palihim akong tumakbo paalis dahil kailangan ko pang puntahan ang headmistress. She's the only powerful vampire that could save us from those black vampires but she's also in danger. Wala man akong kakayahan pero ang tanging alam ko lang ay ang malayo si Mrs. Yhue sa mga gustong kumuha sa kanya.

"Manguha kayo ng kahit tatlong estudyante para madala natin kay Supremo. Ang iba sa inyo ay bantayan ang lugar na ito para walang makaalam na kukunin natin ang Headmistress."

I covered my mouth using my hands to avoid making any sound. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko dahil wala naman akong plano. This is my first time being in a serious trouble that no one could save me but myself. At hindi ako mapapanatag kapag hindi ko nakitang ligtas ang Headmistress.

"Kuya, where are you? The school needs you and your friends," I whispered in the air, hoping that he could hear me.

Tumayo na ako at sinubukang umikot sa likod ng office dahil alam kong nakapalibot do'n ang black vampires. I suddenly heard a loud scream in front and so with the voices of those bad creatures. Gustuhin ko mang bumalik pero hindi ko ginawa at mahinang naglakad papunta sa likuran. My brows frowned when there's a red light coming from my chest---I mean from my necklace. This necklace that my father gave me didn't glow like this ever since and now it's filled with red light.

"Dito tayo, mukhang may naaamoy ako. Parang kakaibang dugo at masarap."

My eyes widened and couldn't even move my feet. Paatras lang ako nang paatras hanggang sa may biglang humila sa'kin at nilipad ako ng sobrang taas. Seems like I was flying, the same as what I did on my training earlier. Nang makarating kami sa isang madilim na silid ay muntik na akong matumba dahil sa konting pagkahilo. My necklace turned back to it's normal form that made me curious.

What just happened?

"Why are you here, Niane?! Aren't you aware of the danger that is waiting for you outside? Paano kung may nangyaring masama sa'yo?"

Napatitig ako nang maigi sa kanya at saka siya niyakap."I'm glad that you're safe, Headmistress Yhue. Hinahanap kita dahil gusto kang kunin ng mga black vampires. They want your Sacred White Magic so you need to hide."

"H-How did you know that? Niane, I don't hide from anyone. Kaya ko silang patumbahin isa-isa kahit na wala akong kasama. You're the one who needs to hide because they smelled your sweet scent. Just stay here and hide yourself."

I was about to talk back when my necklace suddenly lighted with red. She looked at me, asking me what's happening to my necklace. I just shrugged in response and holds it, trying to understand why is it glowing.

"They're here, Niane. I think it's turning red because the enemies are near. Who gave you that?" she curiously asked.

"My Papa... he gave this to me before he died. That's what my Lola told me. Hindi naman 'to natatanggal sa leeg ko at bawal din daw."

Agad siyang napalingon sa ibang direksyon nang may marinig siyang kung ano. She gestured me to stay quiet and not to move. Labag man sa kalooban ko ay sinunod ko ang utos niya pero nang may makita akong nakaitim sa kabilang gilid ay agad akong napatayo. He's going to target the headmistress without her knowing.

No! This can't be! He's not just one but they're three.

I immediately went to her direction and it's too late for her to stop me because I already grabbed her hand on my back. I just realized that those vampires were going to stab me but before they could do that, my necklace shined brightly that made them turned into ashes. Nagulat ako sa nangyari pero bigla na lang din nanghina ang katawan ko at bumagsak sa sahig.

"Niane! Oh shit! What happened to you?!"

**********************