There are secrets that can be uncovered easily and some will remain as mysteries. Some of them are meant to be known and once known, you can never forget them. How can you forget those words that made you realize a lot of things?

"Kuya Seven, sigurado ka ba sa gagawin natin? Hindi ka ba nila paparusahan if they found out that you took me out of here?" I asked him innocently.

Gustong gusto kong sumama sa kanila maghunting sa gabi kahit na hindi talaga pwede. Dad left the palace for some important matter with Tito Art. Mom was called by grandpa minutes ago so Kuya had a chance to sneak in.

He slowly shook his head, guiding me outside."Ako nang bahala sa'yo. Sumampa ka lang sa likuran ko para makalabas kaagad tayo. Your prince easily gets bored."

"Yeah, he's sick of waiting. But I know he won't get mad, as always."

Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng gubat at wala akong ibang makita kundi ang kadiliman. I'm not a vampire. Silang dalawa lang ang nagsisilbing mata ko rito. They can see everything at night, clearer than daytime.

"Maghu-hunting na ba kayo? Gusto kong makita kung pa'no niyo 'yon gawin." I don't fear anything maybe because they were with me.

Binaba muna ako ni kuya sa ilalim nang puno at pinaupo."Are you sure that you want to come? It's kinda nauseous, Mali."

"Yes, Seven's right. Just stay here for a while, princess. It won't took so long," my prince seconded.

I pouted even in disappointment."B-But... I came here with you guys to see how you'll do it."

"Akala namin maliwanag ang buwan eh. First quarter of the moon pa, Mali. Hintay ka na lang dito saglit ah?" Kuya said with his soft tone.

I sighed heavily, nodding against my will."Opo. Balik kayo agad ah."

"It's really dangerous hunting our prey, Mali. Baka kung anong mangyari sa'yo kaya dito kana lang."

I smiled at him and nodded again. In just a blink of an eye, nawala na sila sa paningin ko. I always want to be like them, pero naisip ko si Mama kaya parang gusto kong 'wag na lang. She's a human. Kapag naging bampira ako kagaya nila, wala nang kauri si Mama.

"Kaya pala may mabango akong naaamoy, pagkain pala."

Agad akong nakapatayo nang may marinig na boses sa likuran ko. Umikot ikot pa ako para malaman kung sino 'yon pero wala akong makita.

"Who are you? I'm not playing hide and seek," I said with my little voice.

She laughed, considering it as a joke."Are you willing to be my dinner, little Perth? Alam mo bang malaki ang galit ko sa'yo at sa ina mo?"

Before I could even open my mouth to talk, I suddenly felt numb and sleepy. All I could remember was her devil smile and fangs covered with my blood.

"Nia! Oh my god! Binangungot ka na naman ba? Ano ba kaseng napapanaginipan mo?" Lixe's voice echoed inside the room.

I held my chest when I felt like I lost my breath for a moment. Nakatulala pa rin ako, pilit inaalala ang panaginip ko. What is it again this time?

"Niane? Are you alright? What happened?" Heaven just arrived, holding the tray of food and placed it above the side table.

Lumipat si Lixe sa tabi ko para icheck ang kondisyon ko."Ilang segundo siyang nagwawala habang tulog. I don't know what's with her. A nightmare again, maybe."

"Hey, you okay? May masakit ba sa'yo?" Heaven held my chin to face her.

I blinked twice and look at myself, feeling comfortable now. Wala na akong nararamdamang kahit ano. B-But wait... where are we?

Nilibot ko ang paningin sa buong kwarto, nasa infirmary pala ako. Silang dalawa lang ang kasama ko rito. Medyo nalilito ako kung bakit ako nandito dahil ang huling naalala ko ay nasa dorm ako no'n at... 'yong bampirang sumugod sa'kin. T-That black vampire.

"N-Nasugatan niya ako.. I-I lost an amount of blood." Dali-dali kong itinaas ang suot kong hospital dress para tingnan ang waist ko pero wala namang bakas na kalmot do'n.

"If you're confused why the scar disappeared, it's because of Master Jyron's blood. Pinainom ka nila kaninang madaling araw para na rin hindi kumalat ang lason sa katawan mo at mawala rin ang sugat na natamo mo," Heaven explained.

Z-Zandrei's blood. Alam na ba nilang umiinom ako ng dugo niya?

Magsasalita sana ako nang maunahan ako ni Lixe."If you're wondering how did it happened, their blood says it all. The Vanderhorst family placed the top of the powerful web. Hindi na bago ang pagpapainom nila nang dugo sa sinumang nalason."

"S-So you're saying that.. hindi lang ako ang napainom niya nang dugo niya?" I asked in disbelief.

Heaven chuckled."Siguro? Last year din nalason si Mavis nang isang di makilalang halaman. Nasa mission kami no'n nang mangyari 'yon. Master Jyron lend his blood to remove the poison inside her body. Alalang-alala si Master no'n para kay Mavis."

There was a part of me na curious sa unang sinabi niya pero no'ng mabanggit niya ng pangalan ni Mavis ay parang nawalan bigla ako nang gana. I wonder was what her reaction knowing that I did such a very big mess and Zandrei lend me his blood.

"Stop overthinking. Kumain kana, gabi na. Alam kong bibisitahin ka ni Master Seven mamaya kaya magpalakas ka muna," Lixe interrupted my thoughts.

T-Teka.. Gabi na? Buong araw pala akong natulog simula nang makainom ako nang dugo niya kaninang madaling araw.

They both left me alone to spare time for myself. Siguro iniisip nila na hindi pa ako handa na tumanggap nang tanong sa nangyari. Even me, that scenario keeps on popping out of my head. Naalala ko na lahat. Simula sa dorm hanggang sa maglupasay ako sa gitna ng field at palibutan ng mga uhaw na bampira. Hanggang do'n lang ang naaalala ko.

I was bothered by the thought that they badly want to kill me. Kaya biglang sumagi sa isip ko ang napanaginipan ko kani kanina lang. That woman in my dreams. Just like the little boy with Kuya Seven, I couldn't remember her face. Sa kanilang tatlo imahe lang ni Kuya ang malinaw na naaalala ko. Even that.. prince. And most especially that woman who suddenly appeared and bite me.

Panaginip lang ba 'yon o nangyari talaga 'yon sa nakaraan ko?

"Mali, princess. Maayos na ba ang pakiramdam mo?" The door opened and Kuya Seven entered the room.

I tried to act lively so he won't get worried."Yes, I'm okay. I just want to say sorry for bothering you---"

"Oh c'mon. Naiinis pa rin ako sa sarili ko dahil sa nangyari sa'yo. Alam na nilang nandito ka kaya kailangan na kitang bantayan palagi." There was sincerity on his voice that made me felt relieved yet worried.

"You don't have to do that---"

"Yes, I have to," he cut off my words again.

Sinubukan kong umalis sa kama mag-isa para patunayang hindi ako mahina."You don't have to do such things that aren't necessary, Kuya. I am holding my life. Hindi ka pwedeng makisali sa kung anong meron sa'kin. I can't afford to see you in my position."

"Mali... Its not like that."

Alam kong nag-aalala na siya sa'kin. Sa kanilang lahat siya ang sobra kung mag-alala. I couldn't blame him kase padalos dalos din ako sa mga bagay-bagay and he's also my cousin. Pero parang pinapalabas na rin niya na pabigat talaga ako.

Kaya hindi ko na lang sasabihin sa kanya ang napanaginipan ko. Maliit na bagay lang naman 'yon. Ayokong pati 'yon iisipin niya pa.

"I-Is he.. busy?" mahina kong tanong.

He shook his head immediately."I bet not. If you need anything from him, he'll surely give you time. Malakas ka sa kanya."

My brows frowned when I didn't hear the last words he said. Paano ko naman maririnig kung binulong niya lang? As if I have an ability like them.

"Ako na lang ang pupunta sa kanya para magpasalamat. Malaking bagay ang binigay niyang dugo sa'kin," sabi ko na lang.

Kuya Seven and I didn't argue about it, letting me do what I want. Maayos na rin naman ako at alam kong alam niya 'yon. Well, thanks to Zandrei. Kaso nga lang hindi ko alam kung paano ba ako magpapasalamat sa kanya. Should I say sorry first? Or say thank you and then say sorry after?

I don't freaking know! Parang pagdating sa kanya palagi akong kinakabahan.

Sinamahan ako ni Kuya Seven sa building nila. I couldn't go there alone and their place was in private. Sabi niya nando'n daw kanina si Zandrei at nagpapahinga kaya baka hindi siya umalis. Kabado pa rin ako.

Sana hindi ko siya napag-alala last night. Wait.. Why would he get worry about me anyways?

"Calm down, Mali. Bakit ka ba kinakabahan masyado?" Kuya asked, containing his laugh.

I glared at him but it just made his reaction worst."I don't know either! Kanina pa ako hindi mapakali. I'm trying my best to calm down but I can't."

"Chill. Baka siya rin naman. Malay mo," he shrugged off his shoulders.

"What if mamaya na lang---"

"I'll go na. I just came here to check if you're okay."

Natigilan ako sa pagsasalita nang marinig ko ang boses ni Mavis. Liliko na sana kami pero huminto ako agad nang malamang nandito rin pala siya. I don't want to see her and I bet she felt the same way. Hindi naman sa hindi ko siya gusto, siya naman ang may ayaw sa'kin palagi.

"K-Kuya... I think I'll just do it next time. Naalala kong may gagawin pa pala ako," I said as an alibi.

Kahit na alam ko namang hindi siya maniniwala.

"Too bad, princess. Nasa baba pa lang tayo alam na niyang papunta ka rito. Now, all of them knows you're here," sagot niya naman.

Gusto kong bumalik pero ano ba naman ang magagawa ko kung alam na pala nilang narito ako. I don't have the guts to face them for what happened. Sabi ni Kuya wala lang daw sa kanila ang nangyari pero ano nga bang alam ko? What if they're just acting so good in front of me because my cousin was with me?

Si Mavis nga galit sa'kin sila pa ba?

Come here meine liebe, we have something to talk about.

Nang marinig kong sinabi niya 'yon sa isipan ko ay hindi na ako nagdalawang isip na humakbang para harapin sila. Kuya Seven was behind me, following my steps. Hindi ba siya mauuna at kakausapin ang mga kaibigan niya?

"Hindi na pala muna ako aalis," bawi ni Mavis sa sinabi niya kanina.

Lahat nang atensyon nila nasa akin na and I don't like it. Pumunta lang naman ako rito para mag-thank you kay Zandrei. Bakit parang nahihirapan ako kapag nandito silang lahat?

"Let's talk again later, Mavis. I'll just talk to her," Master Jyron told her.

I can't call him by his second name. Wala ako sa posisyon para gawin 'yon.

"Dito na lang ako. Sasabay na lang ako sa inyo papuntang headquarters." Mavis did not get off her eyes on me and its making me uncomfortable.

Napatungo lang ako at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi ko. Simpleng pagsabi lang ng thank you, Niane. Bakit hindi mo pa magawa?!

"Iwan muna natin sila saglit para makapag-usap. Tara sa loob," pang-aaya ni Kuya sa kanila.

His friends smiled and nodded while Mavis stayed still, crossing her arms over her chest. Hindi siya sasama, sigurado ako.

"Bakit kailangan pa nating mag-adjust para sa kanya? If I know, she's just here to say thank you. Right, human girl?"

I never did like that tone her hers. Parang pinapamukha niya sa'kin na wala namang halaga ang pinunta ko rito. As if I'm here for her. Hindi natuloy ang pagpasok nila Kuya sa loob dahil sa sinabi niya.

"Sinabi niya na, aalis na ako. Pasensya na sa abala." Yumuko ako nang konti para magbigay galang.

Pagak naman siyang natawa sa ginawa ko."See? How disrespectful!"

"D'yan ka naman magaling.. ang pangunahan ako. Kaya bakit pa ako magsasalita kung alam mo naman pala ang sasabihin ko?"

Wrong move, Niane. I'm doomed! I shouldn't have talked back. Hindi na dapat.

"What did you just---"

"Try to raise your voice again, Mavis. Its a warning from me." Someone interrupted at my back, making them stop.

T-That voice... Mali lang ba ang pagkakarinig ko? Hindi ko na narinig ang boses niya nang matagal tagal. How is it possible that I'm hearing her voice now? Am I just hallucinating?

"Eurisse... kailan ka pa dumating?" Master Xian asked, a bit shocked.

Eurisse? Walang pasabi na lumingon ako sa likuran ko para makumpirma ang hinala ko. My lips parted in shock, couldn't believe who's standing in front of me. H-Hindi pwede.. imposible.

"Eurisse.." hindi makapaniwalang bulong ko.

Ilang segundo lang ay nasa harapan ko na siya at niyakap ako bigla."Gosh! I missed you, my dear best friend. Saka ko na ipapaliwanag sa'yo lahat. May meeting pa kami sa HQ."

"I-Isa ka ba sa kanila?" nahihirapan kong tanong.

Pilit siyang ngumiti sa'kin."Yes. I felt so sorry for lying to you. Pupuntahan kita sa dorm mo mamaya, hintayin mo'ko."

Wala ako sa sariling bumalik sa dorm ko. I don't even know how did I came back. Para akong wala sa katinuan, thinking a lot of things. Isa lang ang palaging pumapasok sa isipan ko. Eurisse... my long time best friend since junior school... was one of them.

Hindi ko lubos maisip na gano'n siya. Like in our school days, she seemed to be a normal kind of girl. Just like me. But then I was wrong, because she hid the truth from me for years. Totoo nga. Na hindi lahat na nakikita ng mga mata ay ang siyang katotohanan. There are secrets behind those actions that they've shown no matter how long you've been together.

Masyado nang malalim ang gabi pero hindi pa rin sila natatapos mag-usap. Ako lang din mag-isa rito sa dorm dahil kasama sina Lixe at Heaven sa kanila. Na-trauma na ako sa nangyari sa'kin kaya hindi ko mapigilang hindi matakot na mag-isa lang. But I have to be strong and act tough, even if its hard. I don't want to depend on them or anyone else's.

Bandang alas 3:30 nang madaling araw ay tumunog ang malaking kampana ng buong eskwelahan. It must be the signal that the classes were over. Medyo maaga nga lang nang isang oras sa nakasanayan dahil daw sa nangyari noong nakaraan. I missed going back to our class. Hindi ko na rin nakakausap si Elora at Hendrix.

"Niane, bessy. Gising ka pa."

The door of my room slightly opened, revealing my best friend, Eurisse. Hindi naman tanong 'yong sinabi niya kaya tumango lang ako.

She sighed heavily, sitting at the edge of my bed."Una sa lahat, gusto kong humingi nang tawad sa pagtatago ng pagkatao ko. I didn't mean to do it. Napag-utusan lang ako na bantayan ka sa Zeal para makaiwas sa kung ano mang kapahamakan na mangyayari sa'yo."

"Pinapatawad na kita. Kilala mo naman ako, Eury. Hindi ako marunong magtanim ng sama ng loob lalo na sa'yo," kalmado kong sagot.

"No'ng araw na nakarating ka rito, hindi kaagad ako nakasunod dahil binura ko lahat ng records ko sa Zeal. I've fulfilled my mission in the human world and that is to be your guardian for years. Actually, matagal na akong nakauwi rito. Though, I have a lot of things to handle that's why I tried to finish it as soon as possible so we could talk," she started explaining.

Ngumiti ako nang konti pero hindi pilit."Thank you... for doing everything for me. You're really my best friend. Kahit na alam kong mahirap ang misyon mo dahil hindi ka sanay sa mundo namin."

"Ano ka ba? There's no need to thank me. Pero maiba tayo, nakarating din sa'kin lahat ng nangyari. Seven didn't fail to give me some updates about you and what's going on in the Academy. Hindi talaga ako natutuwa, seryoso." She crossed her arms over her chest, just like what she usually do when she's pissed.

I just laughed at her reaction."Ano nga bang nakakatuwa sa patayan? Para ngang normal lang sa kanila 'yon kahit na medyo masakit sa parte ng mga kaibigan nila. Ewan. I think I'm gonna go crazy over those grisly killings."

"Hindi. Hindi naman 'yon ang punto ko. I never liked the way vampires treat you, most especially Mavis. Alam ko namang leader siya ng second class pero hindi naman tama na gano'n ang trato niya sa'yo. She's leading them to hate you." There was a hint of anger on her voice.

Alam kong ipagtatanggol niya na naman ako. Palagi naman siyang ganyan. Just like Kuya Seven.

"I was like a threat to them, Eury. Galit na galit sila sa mga tao na kagaya ko. Someone even told me that... I should leave this place or I will just end up like the first human who entered this world."

Naalala ko siya bigla. That Hemione girl whom I don't like from the very start. Ilang araw ko na siyang hindi nakikita. Its not that I want to see her but whenever she appears, its giving me goosebumps.

"Who was that?" She seemed to be curious."Mind telling me? Anong class siya?"

"Alam kong hindi ko magugustuhan ang gagawin mo kaya 'wag na lang. Nasanay naman na ako... konti. Ayoko mang sabihin pero parang ako talaga ang kailangang makibagay dito."

Pabiro niya naman akong hinampas."Anong ikaw? Sira! You're a princess. An Alcarmenia princess. Nag-iisa ka lang, Niane."

"C'mon, I don't believe in fairytales anymore. I don't want to be a princess." Umayos ako nang upo at tiningnan siya, mata sa mata."Speaking of that, what ability do you have? Let me see!"

"Geez. You look like an excited little girl." Lumapit siya sa'kin para tumabi."I have Chlorokinesis. Our kingdom is located in the forest with different flowers surrounding it. That's why I control plants."

She gestured the pot above my table. Wala itong kahit anong tanim pero isang galaw lang ni Eury sa kamay niya ay may tumubo mula rito. Isang munting bulaklak na kulay pula. Makabago siya sa paningin ko dahil hindi pa ako nakakita nang ganitong klaseng bulaklak sa Zeal.

"Wait, I remembered something. 'Yong regalo mo ba sa'kin na bulaklak sa last birthday ko, galing 'yon... mismo sa'yo?"

Tumango naman siya."Yes. Wala kase akong ibang maisip na regalo kaya ginamitan ko na lang ng powers ko. Its worth it kase nagustuhan mo."

"Syempre. Gusto ko naman lahat nang bagay na galing sa'yo." Tiningnan ko ulit 'yong bulaklak sa paso at hinawakan 'yon.

How I wish I could bloom like a flower. 'Yong maganda inside and outside. 'Yong magugustuhan ng lahat kung ano talaga ako.

"Hindi ka pa ba magpapahinga? Or you can't sleep because you kept on thinking what happened last night?" She never failed to hit the point.

I sighed and played with my hands."Don't worry about me. Maya-maya dadalawin na ako ng antok. You can go and rest first. Saan ka ba tutuloy? What class are you?"

"Special member ng Black Zythe." She winked at me, feelings so proud of herself."May room ako sa building nila kaya nagkita tayo kanina. Tomorrow ko na ie-explain. Bye!"

Before I could even talk, nawala na siya bigla sa harapan ko. Ang rude niya talaga! Mas lalo tuloy akong nag-overthink sa sinabi niya. A special member? Wala namang binanggit si Kuya Seven sa'kin na gano'n.

Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog pala ako. Nagising na lang ako because of some noises outside made by the two girls. Hahayaan ko na sana sila dahil baka nag-aaway lang over some things but when I heard that there's someone leaving, I got curious.

"Hala! Saan kayo pupunta? Are you guys leaving me alone here?" I panicked when I saw them packing up their clothes.

Nakapameywang naman akong hinarap ni Lixe."Nia! Hello? Sasama ka kay sa'min. Hindi ba nabanggit sa'yo ni Eurisse no'ng mag-usap kayo?"

"H-Hindi... Wala naman siyang sinabi na aalis. Saan ba kayo pupunta? Do we have any activity or what?" I was walking back and forth, not knowing what to do.

Umalis saglit si Heaven at pagbalik niya puno na ang bag ko."Yan, nasa loob na lahat ng kailangan mo. We're going for an adventure. This time, may kasama na kaming new member at ikaw 'yon."

"Hindi ko masyadong hilig ang adventure." I gave them a small smile."Kayo na lang siguro. I still need to cope up with our lessons---"

"What are you talking about? May mission tayo, Nia. Its not just a normal adventure thingy," Lixe rolled her eyes on me.

"Eh bakit ako kasama? I swear, wala akong maitutulong sa inyo. Problema pa siguro ang dala ko."

"Ayan ka na naman! Baka mas magalit pa si Mavis kase ang tagal mo," Heaven threatened me.

I don't have any idea about this adventure that they keep on telling me but I don't have any choice. All I need is to cooperate. Eury naman kase! Why didn't she mention something like this last night? Eto na naman ako, palaging huli sa balita at walang alam.

Hindi na lang ako pumili ng susuotin dahil baka mas lalong mainip ang iba sa'min. Kahit na wala akong kaalam alam kung anong adventure ang pinagsasabi nila, sumunod nalang ako pagkatapos kong marinig ang pangalan ni Mavis. If she's going with us, then it will be absolutely uncomfortable for me.

"Are we really in a rush?" tanong ko nalang nang sabihin ni Heaven na kailangan namin gumamit ng vampire speed.

I was expecting for an answer but they just gave me a sweet smile before holding my hands and then... it happened. Muntik na akong bumagsak sa lupa kung hindi lang mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sakin ni Heaven. Shocks! I think I'm gonna vomit. I felt like my energy suddenly snapped for a minute.

"Girls, I told you to take it slowly. Hindi pa siya sanay."

My senses immediately came back after hearing Eurisse's voice. As expected, she's with the four masters and... Mavis. Pinilit kong ayusin ang sarili ko at tinulungan naman ako ng dalawa. And knowing Eurisse, kung nasaan ako ay naroon din siya.

"Where are we going? What's the use of taking me with you?" I asked, confused.

She cling into my arms and said,"To Clavier Nantes and we have a mission. Finding a couple who believes in eternal love. The reason why you're with us... find it out by yourself."

Gosh. I don't like exploring. Sa mga bagay na naexplore ko sa lugar na 'to, wala namang nakakatuwa. Nakakatakot, oo.

Since no one of us has the ability to teleport, we need to walk for 2 days before we could arrive in their land. They don't have flying creatures that could help us travel its because almost all of them lived in Ivoire. Of course, that's an order. Besides, this is the Land Of Vampires. Ang lahi lang nila ang dapat manirahan dito.

Habang naglalakad kami ay may kanya-kanya silang pinag-uusapan sa harap. Nasa pinakalikuran kami ni Eurisse. She doesn't want to get away from me, kahit one inch lang. Kami lang ata ang tahimik sa aming lahat. But I prefer this than being on the spotlight.

"Do you know Ivoire? Hilig mo naman ang magbasa ng libro kaya baka sakaling nabasa mo."

I thought it we will remain silent until we stop to take some rest. Pero hindi ko naman alam kung may salita ba silang 'pahinga' dahil halos ilang oras na kaming naglalakad dito sa gubat.

I cleared my throat."Y-Yes.."

I distracted myself on my surroundings, avoiding to think of my experience in there. Walang kahit sino na nakakaalam na nakapunta ako ro'n maliban kina Goethe at Alexia, and also Carmy. Knowing Lixe, she might read my mind like what she usually do. By accident or not.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko, may shortcut do'n pag nalampasan natin ang Ivoire. We're going to take that path in---"

"What?! No! You're not leading the way," Mavis complained.

"At sino namang magtuturo ng daan? Ikaw? Mavis, look, we all know that you don't want to step on that place because---"

"Don't ever mention the reason why!" Her eyes turned into red and transformed into a bear in an instant, ready to fight.

Master Jyron immediately blocked her way."Calm down, Mav. She didn't say anything."

I saw how her reaction changes and in returned to her normal figure, a vampire. Namangha ako kung bakit ang dali lang niyang pabalikin si Mavis sa dati niyang anyo. Oh right... they're bestfriends.

Why am I feeling... something on my chest?

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