CHAPTER 22

S A K U M I ✿

"Let me go you bunch of twigs bully!!" She trying to unwrapped herself on the vine that entangled her all the way here.

"Dapat nga'ng pasalamatan mo ako dahil di kana naglakad"

She hissed and violently struggles to remove the vines but it was no used ".....Damn I didn't asked for your help!!"

"Stop moving you only hurt yourself"

"Let me go!! I don't want her highnesses to see me like this! Especially the new crown prince. Put me down!" She ordered, but it was pretty useless, it must have been a hilarious sight to see her wrapped like a candy.

In the heart of the Grand Chateau, I found myself staring at the heavy wooden doors. Adorned with intricate carvings creaked open. A slendrous sight and sensation unravelled before my eyes.

She groaned to herself and hid her face behind her hand. "Your a gonna pay for these!" she mumbled

The air seemed imbues with an aura of history; the weight of centuries settled upon the wake like an invisible mantle. Vaulted ceilings rise overhead, supported by stout pillars.

But I let those astonishment go, there's a man sitting a few miles away. A lavish crimson carpet stretched from the entrance to the elevated dais where the throne itself was.

I heard a chuckles from the man, it echoes through the large hall, the girl squirm, cupping the bottom half of her face.

"I think we should put her down your highness"

"What did I told you about....oh right" he seems dumbfounded. And unwrapped the girl. Her face are wearing red colors on her face. She tried to scurry but he just yanked her back.

We entered the room and the man stood up to meet the prince. Nang papalapit na kami, his not actually that old. It looks like they have the same age. The girl are hiding behind me peering, hands were tightened. "What trouble finds in her way?" He solemnly asked and the prince answered hastily and it made her hid again and buried her face on my back. "You must have been so scared, thankfully nothing bad happen to you" Sabi nito na kinasilip niya and the man give her a warm smile and she went to him, past me and bowed.

"I was trying to get you a gift, because... You were so nice to me so I want to give you something as a mark of my loyalty to you" she puff her cheeks and look away

The man seemed stunned, his ears are burning. Narinig ko naman ang patagong tawa ng prinsepe na kina-inis niya at dahan dahang pamumula ng mukha "I envy you man" Prince Nilfiem slightly punch his shoulder and he brushed it off

"Geez, It's not new for a man being surrounded with woman, it's not possible for you to find one"

"It's easy for you to say"

"So explain this miss goody two shoes here" turo niya sakin. "Kawaii "

Prince Nilfiem slightly nodded then flicked my nose and then introduced me "Nga pala this is miss Sakumi. And Sam, this is prince Levian the new crown prince of Autumn Season" After hearing those. My heart almost collapsed, for not bowing my head in his presence, flabbergasted and I bowed my hand and my head knocked on his hilt.

I crouched on my spot, groaning the pain after accidentally knocking my head to that stupid hilt.

"Sakumi your alright?" I raised my head, crying in pain mixed with embarrassment.

"Oh my goodness!" Aoi cupped her mouth in shocked

"Yeah" Eehhhh embarrassing!!! I wanna rushed away to hid myself. I heard the prince's laugh not until they crouched down and disturbed the bump on my forehead.

.

.

.

Moment later....

The soft rushing water looked cool and refreshing, sinking down into the damp grass. I crossed my legs, staring into the clear water murmured as it ran over some of it rocks protruding up from its bed.

"Tea?"

"Yes please, thank you" sabay abot ko ng tsaa na binigay niya. The aroma was refreshing, slowly swallowing it, feeling it's warm touch flowing down through my throat.

We heard their voices echoing, they past us and went to the side of the river with their swords. Prince Levian sighed and reluctantly met Prince Nilfiem at the center before drawing his sword. They circle at each other. His highness Nilfiem held his sword in a lazy one handed grip. And that made his opponent chuckles at him.

"He seems not in a good mood tonight" I said while resting my cheeks on my palm

"Nu-uh, as matter of fact miss sakumi that Prince spring is a monster hiding in a sloth form. Better not underestimate your prince"

"Have you seen him sparring with prince Levian before? Matagal narin ba silang magkaibigan?"

"Ahhmp" she put her index finger on her chin and looked up trying to remember a thing "it's the fourth times this week, he sparring with princess Lavelle. Lagi silang pumupunta rito sa ilog at nakailan din siya natalo sa laban.... tsaka yes matagal na silang magkaibigan ni Prince Nilfiem, actually kung tutuosin mas matanda pa ang prinsepe namin kesa sa sa inyo"

"Eh pano nangyari yun?" I was confused but she only just shrugged at me "One time nag sparring nila ng prinsesa at ang kinalabasan ng score ay tie"

No wonder Marvan loves that princess. Parang nakakatakot naman siyang gawing kalaban feel ko patay ako on the spot.

"Nga pala nasan siya ngayon?" Tanong ko

"She's sleeping"

"Too early"

"Yup antukin talaga ang mahal na prinsesa"

"Nga pala magkapatid ba ang mga bearer?"

"Nope" she answered hastily,shaking her head "Yang si Levian ay Isang anak ng viscount, they don't go well with her highness, because she doesn't like boys"

Marvan I thinks this is a problem

"May kaibigan kase ako na may gusto sa prinses....." Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kilabot, I heard her murmured and her eyes are blazing fire, clenching her fist, gritted teeth, her aura was so strong, like storm whose about to devoured the whole City.

"Who is this incompetent!!" Parang nasapian na rin siya huhu. Bat parang bigla siyang nagalit nung nalaman niyang may nagkakagusto sa prinsesa.

"Is it a girl or a boy"

"Boy.." I said with a smile. Napaatras nalang ako dahil di ko nakayanan ang lakas itim na mahika na lumalabas sa kanya.

"Yoh, Aoi can you brings some dessert for us"

"Hai! " Her mood suddenly change and the horrible storm just averted like that. She rushed away and I turn my attention to the two.

Over and over their blades crashed together. Prince Nilfiem sword moving like lightning; while prince Levian is doing his best to keep up with every swing of the sword until his weapon flee out from his hand and he got checkmate. Nilfiem stretched, satisfied for his performance and then decided to end the fight, planting the tip of his sword in the ground.

"Sakumi dalawa naman tayo"

"Talo na po ako" I shouted and accepted defeat.

"Ugh come on"

I sighed and stood up from my feet, smoothing the wrinkles on my pants and rushed, prince Levian handed me his sword.

"Be careful his an animal" prince Levian said

"Look whose talking!" Nainsulto naman ito sa kaniya at tumawa lang itong umupo kung saan kami kanina ni Aoi.

We bowed to each other first then back away, I face him aligning the sword on my nose, backing my left foot.

"And set!!"

In just a blink of an eye he disappeared, I look around me, listening to the wind.

The first strike came out of nowhere, he was at my rightside, sword flashing with blinding speed. I barely got my own sword up in time to block the blow. The shocks from the clash crawled through my arms and sunk into his muscle. He was serious unlike I was lately.

I spun away launched my own attack. The clanging metals was like a bell I heard back home, as our sword collide the adrenaline within me wanted to be unleashed. My heart was in race, with excite, determination and fear coming at once. I hauled forward without thinking, my body acted on instinct.

The collision between our weapon sent fiery sparks, giving me a flashbacks vibes, they were like fireworks.

I twirled in the air, bringing my sword down in a swift, powerful overhead strike. The impact sent undulating tremors through the ground. Creating a small crater beneath us.

A loud growl interrupted my focus he released a power side kick and I blocked it with my arms. And it sent shockwaves within me but the impact was not too strong for me to loose my balance. I stop myself from falling to the ground.

I panted and wipe the beads of sweat forming on my forehead. I saw him panting his sword and came to me. "Are you okay? San kita natamaan" alalang Sabi nito

"Okay lang di naman masakit..."

Another growl was heard coming from the forest, about a miles away from the chateau.

I saw butlers past us bringing their weapons and went to the woods. Nakahawak lang siya sa braso ko. Pilit kong hilain pero may nerves akong nadistorbo at napangiwi ako sa sakit.

Without alarming me he just scooped me like a bride and run towards the chateau, the other butlers move sideway and give us path. "nakakahiya ibaba mo Po ako okay lang ako"

"Di pwede!"

"The kurasami is coming!!"

"Shit!!" I heard them panicking.

He put me down and there's a healer waiting for me inside "Stay here I'll be back" he said and rush outside

"Let me the... Miss!!!" Lumabas ako at muntikan pa akong gumulong nang may makasalubong akong ibang butler na tumatakbo

"Miss stay inside!"

I didn't listen but past him and stretch my arms and pull someone's sword. I can't just sit here and do nothing the prince life is in danger.

I disappeared to the forest, and forgotting that it was pitch black, I don't have any torches with me. My heart and my footsteps was the only noises I heard when I went to the forest myself. Napaiba ako ng daan at di ko alam saan pumunta ang iba. Tanga ko naman oh!

I stop and look around me, a sudden noises in the distance startled me, my body froze in trepidation. I craned my neck to listen, wondering if I heard it wrong but not until the growl got louder with each passing seconds.

Without a doubts, that those voices are not something that easy to kill, those voices, in my calculations it's mass is far more bigger than me. I hid myself behind the bark, something gnawed on my mind.

Footstep echoed through the woods, heading in my direction, somewhat close to my hiding spot. My nervous heart galloped away while I crouched still, my breath coming out raggedly. To be honest I was frightened to death.

Holding my breath, and I body is already trembling, I shifted away as felt like it was staring at me but my footsteps betrayed me and something hauled me forward. My hands dugged and scratched away. Lifted me on the ground, choking me to death. I struggled violently, my lungs fought for air.

Feeling my energy is draining away from me. I tried to draw my sword and give all my strength to the blade, and tossed the sword to it's eyes.

The gripped looses and I recovered from the fall catching my breath.

But then someone grabbed me, seizing me away. A black silhouette hand was familiar. The moon light filtering through the leaves, I finally saw who was my saviour and it's Prince Nilfiem.

Biglang gumalaw ang paligid, kadahilanan ng pagkawala ng kanyang balance at nabitawan niya ako. Nasungadngad ako ng wala sa oras

The ground move and we both back away. A black figure came out from between the trees, blocking the moon light from its towering figure, releasing it's thunderous roar. The creature open it's mouth wide, seemingly intent on ripping our flesh.

It raise it's paw and I don't have time to think, I let my body move on its own and yanked the prince before the it's claw scratch the ground. Hinila kolang siya at nasabit naman ang paa ko sa nakaangat na sanga ng puno, gulong lang kami pababa.

Napangiwi ako sa sakit at umupo na ako habang minamasahe ang ulo ko. Parang pakiramdam ko mahahati na sa dalawa.

"Mamdjsjdjm!!!"

"Your highness, where are you, your highness?!"

"Mmndmmnnagajsh"

Someone patted my legs and I immediately stood up " oh shit! It's that your head?! Oh my gosh I'm sorry!!" Nataranta ako dahil di ko alam nakaupo ako sa ulo niya "Patawad oo talaga...."

"Where the kurasami?!"

"I don't know..."

Fear rose within me, eyes widen with fear

I could only watch the horror, the creature found us

The vines crawled out from the ground and wrapped the monster before it landed on our spot, gumalaw naman ang lupa dahil sa bigat nito.

"Those vines won't hold the monsters for too long, I can't used my power to kill, it's up to you Sam"

I nodded and he tossed me his katana, and thrust it through its chest, piercing through its heart. A thunderous roar of pain echoed through the forest.

And a smoke came out from the inside and a vines hauled me up hurriedly up in the mid air, and the monsters body explode.

Slowly the vines put me down and the monster's evaporated, Ang tanging naiwan lang ay ang katana.  Hindi ko rin nagustuhan ang amoy mula sa usok ng halimaw na nakalaban ko.

Kinuha kolang ito at Inabot sa kanya pero hinawakan niya lang ang kamay ko. "It's yours" I was over the moon and hug the katana, he might have seen how I reacted for receiving another gift.

"Dude! a little help here?!" I heard prince Levian and he's running away from the monster. Blending himself to the darkness.

"Let's go home"

"Pero yung mahal na prinsepe"

"....Mahal??" He seemed frustrated "Hayaan mo na di naman yun mamamatay" hinatak niya lang ako pabalik ng chateau at nakita ko naman ang ibang butler na nakabantay sa field at nagtaka ako kase mas nauna pa si Prince Levian samin.

➖➖➖

Naparelax ako ng maramdaman ko ang paghilom ng sakit ng katawan ko. I flinched when I felt his hand. Brushing my hair back.

"Your hair almost fell on the soup" he said.

"Thank you" I said and he turn back his gaze to prince Levian.

"You should probably check the forest, I think there's a source, a portal, it's dangerous for the village folk near the chateau"

"The search party is on the way, you don't have to worry "

"Watashi wa tsukarete sugu ni nemaru "

"Geez! You're not even giving too much effort in fighting that kurasami"

Niflheim snorted at him "Look whose talking, I just saw you been chased"

"....I was just having fun, I have received some report more than eleven kurasami shows up on the mountains"

"I should probably check my season, eleven is something telling me that a massive destruction is coming, pero may tiwala Naman Ako sa kapatid ko and for my Sam, she was improving day by day"

Di naman yun counted kase nakatali ang halimaw sa vines niya.

The mellow light of torches set into sconces casted flickering shadows, dancing along the expanse of stone walls. From above us, the ceiling was painted in the great battle, a proud history of the last bearer.

On the either side of the room, imposing statuesque of the last bearer, proudly standing, their eyes are looking up the ceiling were the painting was put to place.

I wandered around me and turn back to listen to their conversation and I didn't know that Niflheim is staring at me, his lips drew back a smile.

Prince Levian clears his throat and ordered a butler to escort us back home. But he refuses.

When the food is done we waved good bye to them and a trees stretches it's branches down and we climb up. Like before we crossed them. I look back and saw flickering light and smoke coming from the ceiling of the quiet village.

Laking pasalamat ko dahil hindi duon nagpakita ang mga halimaw na nakalaban namin kanina.

"Careful" I almost slipped, I wasn't paying attention on my steps. His hand was warm and soft. Medyo magulo ang buhok niya pero kakaiba talaga siyang nilalang. Pinagpala nga talaga.

Bumalik naman bigla sa isip ko ang nangyari kanina, di ko man nakita ang istura ng kurasami pero tumatak sa ulo ko na mas nakakatakot pa ang aking haharapin na pagsubok.

Minsan talaga dahil sa takot napapalaban ako ng wala sa oras. Naalala ko rin ang paghila ko sa kanya sa leeg at gumulong pa kami pababa at ....Wait...

Oh my goodness...Did that really happen??!

Napasampal ako sa ulo ko ng wala sa oras at tinakpan ang mukha ko. Nakakahiya!!

"Don't worry about it"

I almost burst in tears because of embarrassment. Di ko alam anong irereact ko ng maupuan ko ang ulo niya. "I'm sorry your highness, I didn't do it on purposed, it was an accident really!!" I covered my face until we reached the temple. The people bowed to his presence while I'm covering my face trying to scurry and hid myself forever.

I suddenly bump something and I slightly remove my hands and saw him looking at me. I cupped my face I don't want to show my face to him ever again.

"Sami?" A familiar voice called me and I rushed to him and buried my face. "What wrong?"

"His coming!! Hid me please!"

"I can't do that... Oh your highness"

"Sam, I told you, it's okay it's was just an accident, and also I thank you for being my saviour"

"Saviour.. w-what happen?" Endemion asked

"We have encountered a kurasami on the Oaken side Village....."

Patuloy lang sila nagsasalita at nagbalak na akong umalis "Sam it was the best date I had"

"Date?!"