Life and Death (3)

Oishi Gamalo...

"You know him? Nung Saturday pa siya lumipat." Tanong ni Walter sa akin. I shook my head slowly and swallowed the lump on my throat when a familiar figure stepped out from the entrance. It's him! The one I saw in my dreams, The one I encounter yesterday!

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko at pilit na ina-alala ang panaginip na parating bumabagabag sa tulog. I can't be wrong! It's really him! He's taller than me, petite body, Army cut hair.

"Insan! Naalala mo pa ba ako? Ako ito! Si Oishi!" Binuksan ko ang mga mata ko. So that's what he's saying in front of me through all those days!

"Hazel! Saan ka pupumunta?" Hindi ko na sila sinagot at bumaba nalang sa upuan namin. Dumiretso ako sa exit pero, Hindi ako lumabas. Whoever won this competition. I need to be there and I need to know what's my connection to this young man. The horn starts making noises hudyat na magsisimula na ang laban. I am anxious about what will happen next but I am attentively hoping for him to win. Kailangan niyang Manalo.

Inilabas ni Oishi ang wand niya atsaka ito itinutok kay Ethel. I am just clutching my chest from afar. I cross my fingers while I am watching their calm battle. "Abarakadabra!" Sigaw ni Ethel, her wand turns into a sword but that didn't make Oishi glitched. He is just watching her calmly. Ethel yells before she ran towards him and my jaw literally dropped when he cast a spell that's prohibited to Blanche.

"tournez-vous pour coller!" He pointed his wand to Ethel and everyone was surprised by what happened. Ethel turned into a stick! Tumunog ulit ang horn hudyat na tapos na ang laban. Nag-bow si Oishi sa lahat bago naglakad papunta sa direksyon ko. He throws a glance at me before he smiles. "We finally meet again.... insan."

"À la normale!" Narinig kong sigaw ni Principal Spencer. "Who are you?" He smiled at me after I said it. He holds my wrist and pulls me out.

--

"Who are you?" I asked once again. Nandito kami sa training ground sa gubat at nakatingala lang siya sa langit. Hindi ko alam Kung ano ang iniisip niya sa ngayon but I need to figure out who he is. I meet him the last time and I didn't pay that much attention.

"Oishi Gamalo~ your cousin! Grabe! Nakalimutan mo na ako?" I frowned. He waved his hands in front of me and my eyes caught his wand. Kinuha ko kaagad ang wand niya at tiningnan ito ng mabuti. It turns into metal as soon as I touched it. "Who's your father?" I asked seriously and read the carved letter on his wand.

Just like mine, his name was also written there, and "A mharú?" Naalala ko na! Mukhang ito yung nakasulat din sa wand ko na gawa ni daddy. Pero 'yon nga lang. Nabura yung ibang litra kaya hindi ko masyadong nabasa. "Yes. Ibinigay to ni Daddy sa akin. Daddy ng daddy mo." My eyes widened. "Seryoso ka? Wait. Nagkita na ba tayo? Dati?" Tumango naman ito nang walang pag-aalinlangan.

"Oo. Nung libing ng pamilya mo. 6 years old ka dati while I am 4 years old. Karga karga pa nga ako ni Tiyo Mark." Natatawa pa nitong sabi. Hindi ko maiwasang mapakunot noo. "Bakit, Hindi kita naaalala?" Ngumiti ito atsaka binawi ang wand niya sa kamay ko.

"Malalaman mo rin ang dahilan kung bakit. Pero ngayon, Masaya ako na nakasama na ulit kita hehehe Tara naa insan! May last brawl pa ako!" Nakangusong sabi nito atska ulit hinila ang kamay ko. Tinakbo na namin ang field at saktong-sakto naman na hinahanap na siya. "Cheer mo 'ko ah!" Napangiti nalang ako at tumango.

Nang makabalik ako sa inuupuan ko kanina. Inulan kaagad ako ng tanong ni Walter at Victor. Sinabi ko naman sa kanila yung pinag-usapan namin ni Oishi para matahimik na sila. Umingay na ulit ang horn and this time, it's my uncle since his father is the father of my dad. my uncle vs Warren at katulad nga ng sinabi ko sa kanya. Sana ay manalo siya.

I already consider, Warren as my friend but I am hoping for my uncle. Ironic. He calls me insan, while I am calling him uncle. Napatawa nalang ako at seryosong pinanuod ang brawl nila. Warren with his calm and intimidating face darted to Oishi. I suddenly think of it, Warren Kun is the left hand of Victor which practically means, He's stronger and had a lot of skills because of the fact that he is from Brown Wizard Group.

"Don't worry, Warren will go easy on him." Bulong ni Victor sa akin. "We can't tell," I replied. "I trust him to not hurt him though. I can feel that he's important to you." Napatingin ako kay Victor at tinaasan siya ng kilay. What is he trying to point out?

"May alam ka ba dito? Na siya ang leader ng Pink Group?" Tumingin siya sa akin atsaka tumango ng walang pag-alinlangan. But why did he keep it a secret from me? Kung alam niya, bakit hindi siya nag-open up sa akin? Or heads me up na may kamag-anak or uncle pala ako dito? But I believe he has reason. Sana lang pinili niyang itago iyon para sa ikabubuti ko?

"I trust you." 'Yon na lang ang naisagot ko sa kanya at binalik ang tingin ko sa laban. I can feel the tense on the field. Kinakabahan ako. "It feels good that you trust me." Sagot ni Victor bago tumingin ulit sa laban. Tahimik ang mga estudyante, wala ni isa ang gumawang mag-ingay.

"Abhor!" Napahawak ako sa braso ni Walter dahil sa spell na binigkas ni Warren. Napahawak si Oishi sa tiyan niya at nakaupo sa lupa. Napatayo ako sa inuupuan ko atsaka tiningnan siya ng mabuti na namimilipit sa sakit.

"c-coco chu!" Oishi pointed his wand to Warren and likewise, he falls to the ground groaning. The horn makes a noise again and Rick declared the winner in instant. "Tara!" Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Walter at Victor atsaka kami tumakbo pababa sa bleachers. Nadatnan namin silang dalawa na nakahandusay sa sahig. Pinuntahan kaagad ni Victor si Warren habang ako naman ay dumiretso kay Oishi.

"Uncle! Uncle, can you hear me?" Ngumiti ito sa akin atsaka tumango.

"Dadalhin kita sa campus hospital. Please hang on there!"

--

Day 3 of Life vs Death Competition. I am alone at the campus hospital. Nakatingin lang ako sa uncle kong natutulog. Kinuha ko ang wand niya sa kanyang kamay atsaka ito hinawakan. Inayos ko ang kumot niya atsaka tumingin sa paligid. Franco is not awake yet but the nurse assures me that he is just sleeping at maayos na daw ang pakiramdam niya. Napahinga naman ako ng maluwag atsaka tumingin ulit kay Uncle.

Nakalimutan kong kausapin ang tatay ni Walter tungkol sa tatay ko. Makakapaghintay naman siguro 'yon. Sa ngayon, kailangan kong bantayan si Oishi. I didn't have to worry much cause Z helped me with the posion. But it took days before he woke up. Bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa nun si Walter at Victor.

"Kumain ka na muna" Inilatag nila sa harapan ko ang dala nilang pagkain. Wala naman na akong nagawa kundi ang kumain nalang. Natapos ng matiwasay ang brawl kahapon at ako naman ay dumiretso sa campus hospital para kamustahin ang uncle ko.

I started eating and I saw them glancing at me before sighing. "Why?" I asked in a chuckled tone. They look worried. "He can wake up anytime, you don't need to be here the entire day and night." Sabi ni Victor. I chuckled and proceed on eating. I get that he is just worried about my health, but I am fine. "Okay, lang ako. Diba may victory party pa ngayon? Bakit kayo andito?" Tanong ko sa kanila.

"Well, the victory party got canceled. Spencer Ancient traveled some of the students from here to Blanche University for a free tour." My eyes widened due to what I heard and make face. "Bakit Hindi kayo sumama?" Tanong ko sa kanila at kumain ulit ng noddles.

"Syempre, Hindi ka sasama so, Hindi na din kami sasama." I smiled and put down the fork to drink the soup of the noodles. "Ganoon? Baka pagsisisihan niyong, Hindi kayo sumama." Natatawa ko pang sabi. Tinawanan lang nila ako atsaka umiling. "Oo nga pala! Pinapasabi ni daddy na kung may mga tanong ka daw, pwede ka daw pumunta sa bahay namin~" I laughed.

"Talaga ba?"

"Yes, we can! We can spend 2 days there. Remember? 1-week ang competition and it ended early. Principal King also announced that the rest of the days will be free days so students are allowed to go downtown or Blanche. Spencer Ancient also allowed the students from Parallel World, Rogue College to spend their days at the Blanche. Some go and some didn't."

"Oo nga pala, Victor. Bago ko makalimutan, May sinabi si Warren sa amin tumingol sa nangyari kay Ethel at Franco." Umupo ng maayos si Victor at saktong sakto naman na dumating si Rick at may dala-dalang prutas. Hindi ko alam, Kung para kanino 'yon pero lumapit siya sa akin at ibinigay ang basket ng prutas sa akin. "For your uncle." Napatingin ako sa kanya atsaka ngumiti.

"Salamat."

"What's with it?" Tanong ni Victor. Napintig naman ang tenga ni Rick dahil sa tanong ni Victor at kumuha ng upuan palapit sa akin. "Why, why?" Kumuha ako ng apple sa basket at binigyan si Walter at Victor. Kumuha din ako ng isa para kay Rick.

Busog pa ako kaya, Hindi ko muna kinain ang apple ko at nilaruan nalang iyon sa kamay ko. "He knew the person behind it." I started. Binigyan ko ng signal si Walter na magsalita pero umiling ito. Nagsimula na kasi siyang kumain.

"Who?"

"Othelia. I don't know the last time name but that's what he said." Nagkatinginan si Rick at Victor. I blinked my eyes and place the apple back in the basket. Hindi ko alam Kung nage-exchange ideas sila sa mga utak nila. "She's doing it again." Itinaas ko ang isang kilay ko sa sinabi ni Walter. "You mean, Othelia?" They nodded.

"Ano ba ang meron sa Kanya?" Tanong ko sa kanilang tatlo. They heave a sigh and cleared their throat. "Rick." Tumango si Rick at hinarap ako. "Well, she always makes a scene every year. When it's brawling month which is September, she's always present to make a scene. To make two groups unconscious. Let's just say, she's doing those kinds of tricks and spells for attention." Ika nito.

Hindi ko ma-gets ang pinpoint out ni Rick. "Tapos?" I think they realized that nothing sinks in so Walter tried to cut in. "Last year, Nag brawl si Z at Valerie--"

"At pareho silang nawalan ng malay after the quest?" Tumango sila sa sinabi ko. I cross my legs and turn my head in Franco's direction. "And it's because of her."

"Do you know any reason why she's making a scene?" Tumingin silang tatlo sa akin at mabilisang umiling. Then, If they don't have any idea why she's ruining the brawl. Then they shouldn't conclude that she's doing it for thought. "Have you guys spoken to her already?" Again, they shook their heads.

"No one urges to. Well, we want to but we are busy." Sagot ni Victor at kumagat ulit ng apple. "I will talk to her." I smiled and turn my head to them. "I will ask her what's the matter and why she's ruining the brawl." They just gave me a bored look and sighs.

"It's dangerous. You don't know her."

"Well, If ever I got missing for days, you can confront her. Pero Dalian niyo lang. Baka pagdating ninyo ay bangkay na ako." Natatawa kong Sabi. Inirapan lang nila ako ang gave me a 'don't joke like that' look. Tinawanan ko nalang sila at tumayo para Lapitan si Franco. He is still sleeping and not opening his eyes. But I am confident that he's fine.

"He did his best to won against, Ethel but he failed again." I tilt my head and smile when Rick stood beside me. "Yeah. I see the determination in his eyes." I smiled bitterly at him before I glance at Franco. He's been a good friend to me and his sportsmanship. I like it. "He did everything to won if it's not because of Othelia. He would've won against Ethel." I told.

"He is a wise man like Ethel. But the difference is, Ethel plays with her emotion. Franco's soft heart always put him in danger. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the people around him." Just like me. "That's what I am proud of when he became one of my officers. You might consider this gay, but I like it when he's around. He can turn an onerous conversation into a pleasant one. The reason why Ethel turns having the same link with him." I tilt my head to Rick. He is placing his hands behind his back. "Franco hates Ethel for being wise and experienced, little did he know, Ethel hates him too cause he is congenial and welcoming."

He throws a sigh before turning his head in my direction. "Ethel always won against him. But he has good sportsmanship. He is mad right now, then tomorrow he'll approach her as if nothing happens. Franco's a good man. I consider myself lucky to meet someone like him." He beams a smile at me before patting my head.

"Anyways, have you read what's written in the notebook? I am having a hard time reading it. It's blank right?" Wait. Does he mean He hasn't read what's written in the book yet?

"You--"

"Yes. I haven't read what's written in the notebook. I am seeking your help." Napakunot-noo ako sa sinabi niya atsaka tiningnan si Franco. "But you gave me that book the last day and you said, You hoped I'll remain quiet after knowing the truth..." He laughs and shook his head. He is laughing genuinely. Is he making fun of me? I should've realized it sooner!

"Yes! Since I haven't read what's written inside the notebook just like you, I hope you'll remain quiet and tell me what you comprehended. I meant it that way. So sorry if I make myself unclear." I tried to read his eyes but he's just smiling widely. I click my tongue and slap his shoulder. "Seriously, you!" Tinawanan niya lang ako. Lumapit sa akin si Walter at hinawakan ang braso ko.

"Let's go? Ibibilin nalang natin kay nurse cha si Oishi." A confusion expressed on my face when they drag me out. "Wait... where are we going?" Tanong ko sa kanila pero tinawanan lang niya ako. Victor holds my other wrist and now we are running out from the campus hospital. "We had 5 minutes left before the train left." Wala akong alam Kung ano ang nangyayari pero ang bilin nila sa akin ay pumunta sa dorm at mag-impake ng aking mga damit. Saan ba kami pupunta?

I headed to my drawer and took my bag. Napatingin ako sa wand ni Oishi na hawak hawak ko. I place it on my luggage before I pack my things using my shoulder bag. I only packed clothes good for four days. I call them extra clothes lol. After I packed my clothes, I locked my room and make sure that it's locked bago ako nag-paalam kay Queen of Hearts.

Victor and Walter with their stuffs greeted me. I smiled at them and we headed out. They are making me clueless on where we're going but I trust these two.

We headed to the right station. The station to the mortal world and downtown is on the left side. "Seriously, where are we going?" Tanong ko sa kanila. Nginitian lang nila ako bago kami pumasok sa loob ng tren. This train is different from the train to the mortal world and downtown. It just looks like a normal train with cubicles. Each cubicle suits 4 to 5 people.

Kinuha nila ang mga gamit ko at inilagay ito sa luggage compartment. Umandar na ang tren kaya I had left with no choice but to lean my back on the backrest. If they don't have any plan on telling me where are we heading to, I won't force them

"We are going to my... Hometown!!" Tiningnan ko si Walter atsaka tinaasan siya ng kilay. "As far as I remember, Hindi ako pumayag dito. Pinilit niyo ako" They both sulked. I somehow feel sorry. "Joke!" There! I just take back what I had said! Facepalms.

"What're you two talking about earlier?" Napalitan ng seryosong ihip ng hangin ang tanong ni Victor sa akin. "Uh? which one?" They gave me a bored look. Seriously? Am I going to ask them if I know what they meant? "You and Rick," Walter stated. I smiled.

"Oh, that. He gave me a notebook. I opened it yesterday and I am surprised that it's empty." I said. Kinapa ko ang bulsa ko hoping I place it there. "I think it's in my bag? Doon ko 'yon last na nilagay kahapon." Dali-daling kinuha ni Walter ang bag ko sa compartment atsaka ibinigay sa akin. I opened each pocket of my bag and tap the backside. Napangiti ako ng makapa ko ang notebook at inilabas iyon. "Here here!" Ibinigay ko sa kanila ang notebook kaagad naman nila 'yong kinuha at binuklat ang Libro.

"You are telling us that?"

"It's empty and even Rick confirmed to me that it's empty. Like, literally, nothing's written but... On the last day, I tried to open that notebook when my breath hitched in the notebook. A bunch of letters appears." I shared. They are flipping the notebook and trying to figure out its mystery. "What else?" I place my forefinger on my chin. "Hmm... He said If I figure out what's written in there. I should keep it a secret. No idea why he said it."

Curious Walter took the notebook and puffs on it. Tumayo ako sa upuan ko at lumapit sa kanila. "Something appears?" Tanong ni Victor. I squinted my eyes to the blank page and shook my head. "Nah. Nothing appears--" Tinakpan ni Walter ang bibig ko.

"Axl Ancient," I tilt my head to Victor and blinks my eyes. Did something appear? "Axl Ancient. This notebook is about him! The late Axl Ancient." Yeah. It's literally obvious, Itinapat nila ang notebook sa bibig ko. Tiningnan ko nga sila ng masama. Kinuha ko ang notebook sa kamay ni Victor at bumalik sa inuupuan ko.

Axl Ancient... Ipinikit ko ang mata ko upang alalahanin ang naging usapan namin ni Rick the last day.

"Have you heard the story of Joy Ancient and what happened to her?" I frowned my brows. "Their son was sentenced to death. His name is Axl right?" I remember what I did at that moment. I sipped on the coffee that he handed to me and then he asked me "Do you think he did it?" I opened my eyes, holding the notebook tightly, glancing at the mountains that we passed through.

"Hey, you guys! Do you believe he did it?" Tanong ko sa kanilang dalawa. They shook their heads and leans on the backrest of their chair comfortably. "Hindi naman sa pagiging bias pero hanggang ngayon ay, Hindi pa rin ako naniniwala na nagawang lasonin ni Axl ang Nanay niya. He adores his mom so much for raising him alone without the help of his grandparents." Ika ni Walter. "I agree. We know him so much hence we are the first person to whom he gets close. We visit him at hebdomadal in their house." If that's the case...

"Then, the case of poisoning the late Principal of Parallel World, Rogue College is still a mystery. Right?"

"Yes. But the parents of The late Principal Joy Ancient already put a dot regarding the case. They close it after they receive the news that their grandson, Axl Ancient plead guilty and was sentenced to death."

"What kind of grandparents are they..." Tinawanan lang nila ako atsaka hinablot ang notebook sa kamay ko. "I'll keep this with me. I'll try to figure out what's hidden inside this notebook." Naalarma ako sa sinabi ni Victor at umiling. "No! No need! Ako nalang total sa akin naman 'yan binigay."

"I insist. Axl is our friend and it would be an honor if we work for this." I frowned. "You don't trust my skills?"

"Guys! Guys! Huwag kayong mag-away. Victor, ibigay mo nalang 'yan kay Hazel. Or Kung gusto niyo, tayong tatlo ang mag-trabaho niyan. Huwag lang kayong mag-away." I smirked and lean my hand. Victor heaves a sigh before he places the notebook on my palm.

"Thanks!" I chuckled bago ko inilagay ulit ang notebook sa bag ko.

"Akin na." Nginitian ko si Victor at ibinigay sa kanya ang bag ko. Nakabusangot naman ito habang nilalagay sa compartment ang bag ko.

"Dadalhin kita sa bahay so you can talk to my dad, Hazel. Hehehe" Napalingon ako kay Walter atsaka ngumiti ng malapad. "Seryoso ka!?"

"Opo~~ Seryosong seryoso!"