Prologue

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Once upon a time, in the heavenly realm of Celesterra, there was a combat angel in training named Alkia.

Celesterra was the sacred place where combat angels honed their skills, as these angels were tasked with protecting mortals while they slept. Their battles were unseen by human eyes, taking place during moments of rest. It was their duty to ensure peace and solace on Earth during the nighttime.

Love, a divine symbol of God, was cherished above all. However, Zeus, the ruler of Celesterra, had set a strict rule: angels were forbidden to fall in love with one another. This rule was especially significant because Celesterra was a training ground solely for male angels preparing to become combat guardians.

But then came Alkia, destined to break this sacred rule. Yes, he fell in love-with another male angel.

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Date started: Dec 9, 2024 Date Finished: on-going

Terminologies

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Luminar — Teacher

Aurelite — Trainee with pure white wings.

Celestlings — Beginner Angels with silver highlight feathers.

Radiants — Intermediate Angels with bluish-green feathers.

Ethereals — Expert Angels with crimson red feathers.

Astraviel — Highest postion of the Angel with golden highlight feathers. (Luminars are part of this rank)

Ascentium — Prison

Sacred Sanctuary - Place where Almighty Zeus and other Celestial Angels reside

1st Tale

ALKIA

The guardian spirit is in the form of a tiny, twinkling light. There were a couple of guardian spirits in my den, playing along with the swirl of cold air. Nagising ako dahil sa kanila nang dumapo ang isa sa ilong ko.

I stood up from my mattress and fixed my wings. Naging maganda ang tulog ko. Mukhang magiging maayos ang training mamaya sa training ground.

Suddenly, an unusual beat came from my heart. It usually beat like this when he suddenly crosses my mind. Naisip ko na naman kasi ang Luminar namin na si Hesu. Thinking of him and the way he teaches us with the bow and arrow really puts admiration in my heart. But this time, I know there’s something wrong with my heartbeat—something I’m afraid to explain, as it’s forbidden in the land of Celesterra.

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind, and then three loud knocks sounded at my front door.

“Alkia! Labas! Dali!”

Napalingon ako sa pinto. I swiftly flew toward the door to open it.

“Bakit?” tanong ko kay Farro, matalik kong kaibigan.

“Halika na! Sumama ka na! Dali!” sabi niya at aktong hihilahin ako palabas ng aking den pero hindi ako nagpatangay sa kaniya. Pansin ko rin ang mga anghel na lumilipad sa taas na tila ba nag-uunahan.

“Hindi p’wede! Alam mo namang may training tayo mamaya! Magagalit si Luminar Hesu sa atin kapag nahuli tayo sa training!” sambit ko.

Umiling siya. “Maaga pa naman, Kia! Saglit lang tayo! Sasama tayo sa kanilang bumisita sa River of Life! Hindi ba matagal mo nang gustong bumisita roon? Ito na ang pagakakataon kaya tara na!”

Nahinto ako. Sa lahat ng mga Aurelite na kasama ko. Si Farro ang pinakamalapit sa akin dahil bata pa lang ay lubos na kaming magkakilala. Ngayong nasa tamang edad na at kailangan na naming sumabak sa training, mas naging malapit kaming dalawa sa isa’t isa. He knows every detail of my life, same goes with me. Wala akong maitago sa kaniya kaya alam niya rin ang lihim kong pagtingin kay Luminar Hesu.

“Mabilis lang tayo, ah!” paalala ko sa kaniya na sinagot niya nang pagtango.

Hindi pa ako nakakaayos nang hilahin niya ako palabas ng aking den. Dahil nasa himpapawid ang mga Angel’s Den ay nahulog kaming dalawa. I spread my wings to fly. Sumabay kami sa agos ng mga anghel na lumilipad patungo sa isang direksiyon.

May takot sa puso ko na baka mahuli kami dahil bawal ang ginagawa namin. Ang mga training angels ay hindi pa maaaring pumunta sa River of Life. Tanging ang mga anghel lang sa mataas na antas ang maaaring makapasok sa gate dahil bantay sarado ito ng mga Guardian Lion.

“Don’t worry. Nasolusiyonan ko na ’yan, Kia,” sabi ni Farro na akala mo ay narinig ang nasa isipan ko.

He took out golden feathers and handed some to me.

“Attach this to your wings. Hindi na nila tayo mapapansin niyan!” suhestiyon niya.

I took it from him. Habang lumilipad ay pasimple niya ring sinisingitan ang pakpak niya ng mga gintong balahibo. Kahit nag-aalangan ay sinunod ko na rin siya.

Here in Celesterra, angels are divided into five groups.

The Aurelite, which is us—the training angels—have thick, pure white wings.

Followed by the Celestlings, the beginner angels, who have pigmented silver feathers in their wings.

Next are the Radiants, the intermediate angels, with bluish-green-highlighted feathers in their wings.

Then the Ethereals, who is the second to the highest group of angels. They are experts in every field and are the ones deployed on land to protect human beings while they sleep. These angels have crimson red feathers in their wings, kagaya ng mga kasabay naming anghel ngayon. There were few Radiants and Celestlings. Dominante ang mga Ethereal angels na lumilipad ngayon sa himpapawid kasama namin. Tanging ang nga Aurelite lang kasi ang hindi pa pinahihintulutang gumala sa Celesterra dahil naka-focus ang buhay namin sa pagtatraining pansamantala. Dahil gusto ko ring makita ang River of Life at matuldukan ang kwento sa akin ni Mama noon, I want to see it right before my eyes.

Lastly, the Astraviel Angels hold the highest position among all angels. They are the chosen ones tasked with protecting the Tree of Life and maintaining harmony in Celesterra. Their wings feature gold feathered highlights, and they wear special armor. They also wield swords, which they use to fight against evil. Sa lahat ng mga anghel, sila ang pinakamaangas.

I sighed.

I don’t know what awaits us at the end of this sojourn. Hindi naman siguro masama ang maging pasaway minsan.

Kinakabahan ako habang papalapit kami sa malaking gate patungo sa River of Life. Natatanaw ko na kasi ang mga Guardian Lion na nakatayo sa magkabilang gilid ng higanteng gate.

“Hindi tayo mapapansin ng mga ’yan. Magtiwala ka!” pagpapalakas ni Farro ng loob ko.

“Have you tried this before? Bakit parang kumpiyansado kang maigi, ah?” I asked.

“Oo. Kasama sila Lukas at Thim,” pag-amin niya. “Kaya nga sinama kita para ma-try mo naman. Boring mo kasi, e, Kia!”

Sa aming dalawa ni Farro, siya ang pinakamakulit. Siya ang mahilig mag-explore ng mga bagay-bagay. Ilang beses na siyang napapagalitan dahil sa paggala niya sa Celesterra pero hindi siya nagtatanda. Buti nga ay hindi ako nahawa sa kakulitan niya. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na sumama ako sa kaniya lumabas ng training ground.

“Sabi ko naman sa ’yo ay makakalusot tayo, e!” nakangiti niyang sambit nang makalagpas kami sa mga bantay na leon.

Kahit papaano ay nabawasan ang kaba sa puso ko. Konting lipad pa at nakita ko na ang mahabang ilog na madalas ko lang naririnig kay Mama noon.

“P’wede maligo sa River of Life. Gusto mo bang magtampisaw bago bumalik sa training ground?” tanong sa akin ni Farro.

Maaga pa naman. P’wede naman kami sumaglit nang ligo.

“Sige!” magiliw kong saad.

Napansin ko ang pagbaba ng mga anghel sa kalupaan. We looked for our spot and landed.

Halos kuminang ang mga mata ko habang pinagmamasdan ang tubig ng River of Life. The sparkling glow of the water, which seemed like thousands of diamonds lying beneath the crystal-clear surface, filled my heart with immense admiration. Ang ganda!

I noticed the golden-brown leaves flowing with the calm current of the river. Each leaf symbolized a human life that had ended. The Tree of Life, located at the center of Celesterra, is guarded by the Guardian Angels. Only the Guardian Celestial and Zeus are allowed to visit it. Doon kasi nakikita ang buhay ng mga tao. Every leaf represents a human life, and every fall signifies the death of an individual.

It’s a never-ending cycle of autumn and spring. Whenever a leaf dies, a new one is born, and the cycle repeats once again.

Inilibot ko nang tingin ang buong lugar. Other angels were having fun bathing in the River of Life. Mas na-enganyo akong magtampisaw sa napakagandang tubig ng ilog.

Just like the others, I removed my clothes.

Farro and I were both naked when we decided to immerse ourselves in the water. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam ng tubig. Para akong hinehele sa tubig ng ilog. All my worries were washed away by the soothing cold water.

I noticed some golden feathers in the water, and suddenly, my fear started to grow. Ngayon ko lang naalala na maaari nga pa lang matanggal ang inilagay naming mga golden feather sa aming pakpak. Baka mahuli kami ni Farro nito!

“Farro, we have to go before they notice us here!” pabulong kong sabi sa kaniya.

Miski siya ay nagpa-panic na rin.

Kainis! Bakit hindi ko agad naisip ’to?

We hurriedly made our way toward our clothes and quickly put them on. I was about to fly again when someone shouted.

“Aurelite! Don’t let them get away!”

Sa takot ay hinila ko agad si Farro at dali-dali kaming lumipad pabalik sa himpapawid. I boosted my wings to fly as fast as I could. I could feel the angels tailing behind us. They kept shouting at us to stop, but we both didn’t listen. We needed to escape. That was all that was in my head right now.

Nahinto ako nang may pumana na. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck Farro, wrapping around his wings like a rope, making him unable to fly. To save him, I flew toward him. Just as I was about to catch him, another bolt of lightning struck my wings. Parehas na kaming bumabagsak ngayon mula sa himpapawid.

A sharp thing pierced my neck. Seconds later, my vision started to blur.

Before losing my consciousness, I felt a pair of hands wrap around my body. After that, I could no longer recall what happened next.

Ang bigat pa nang pakiramdam ko nang magising ako mula sa pagkakatulog. I could hear a familiar voice from a distance.

“I’m so sorry, Celestial Angel Seraphiel. I promised this won’t happen again.”

Marinig ko pa lang boses niya ay nagwawala na ang puso ko.

Nakita ko si Luminar Hesu sa hindi kalayuan habang kausap ang isang Celestial Angel. Nilubos ko ang pagkakataon na gisingin si Farro na mahimbing ang pagkakatulog sa aking tabi.

“Nasaan tayo?” tanong ni Farro sa akin.

Umiling ako. “Hindi ko alam.”

Nasa gitna kami ng isang malawak na lugar. The reminiscing pillars were supporting the entire place. I could see the thick clouds from the outside.

Napansin ko ang paglalakad palapit ni Luminar Hesu sa amin. Natulala ako habang pinagmamasdan ang mukha niya. Singkit ang mga mata nito at matangos ang ilong. His thin lips complemented his overall features. He also had golden feathers, making him one of the Ethereal Angels. He slowly flew toward us. Ang ganda ng pakpak niya!

“Anong naisipan niyong dalawa at tumakas kayo sa lugar natin? Mabuti na lang at napakiusapan ko ang mga Celestial Angel na palayaan kayo dahil kung hindi ay makukulong na kayo rito sa loob ng Ascentium habang-buhay. Gusto niyo ba ’yon?” tanong sa amin ni Luminar Hesu.

I didn’t respond. I was just listening to him. Si Farro ang nakikipag-usap sa kaniya. I was too busy admiring his fine features from my spot.

“We should go back to Celesterra’s training ground. May parusa kayong dalawa sa akin,” komento ni Luminar Hesu at saka kami inalalayan ni Farro na makatayo.

“I never expected you to see here one of these days, Alkia! You disappointed me,” he said that planted sadness in my heart.

It’s all because of Farro! Siya kasi ang may gusto nito, e! Nadamay lang ako!

I wanted to protest but I just kept my mouth shut.

We followed him until the open area. Sabay-sabay naming nilipad ang himpapawid palayo sa ascentium na ’yon. We could see the angels having fun in the River of Life. Somehow, even though I broke the rule, I felt happiness from this experience. It will always be a significant memory to me.

We didn’t take long to reach the training ground. The Aurelite Angels were already lined up. However, our positions were left unfilled, so we went to our spots to complete the arrangement.

Luminar Hesu began the lecture. My mind was drifting with the swirl of air, lowkey admiring his manly features.

“Go to your positions and begin summoning your bow and arrow now,” Luminar Hesu directed everyone.

I was about to step when he mentioned my name and Farro.

“Except Farro and Alkia. Follow me.”

Nagkatinginan kami ni Farro. This would probably our punishment from breaking the rule.

Napadpad kami sa pantry area. Mukhang hindi maganda ang naiisip kong ito, ah?

“Good day, Guardian Fairies. This is Farro and Alkia, my two young Aurelites,” pakilala sa amin ni Luminar Hesu sa mga Guardian Fairies na nag-aasikaso ng mga pagkain namin.

“Have your rest and leave the work with this two Aurelites. This will serve as their punishment from breaking the rule.”

Isa-isang nagpulasan ang mga Guardian Fairies. Those were little creatures with magical wings and powers.

Humarap sa amin ang aming Luminar. “Sana ay magtanda kayong dalawa at hindi na umulit. Now, prepare the food for one hundred Aurelites of Celesterra,” he said and left the both of us.

Napabuntong-hininga si Farro sabay lapit sa mahabang lamesa kung nasaan ang mga inaasikasong pagkain.

“Malas naman!” sabi nito.

I don’t know but I couldn’t bring myself to hate Luminar Hesu. His presence can easily change my mood. He’s my happiness. Makita lang siya ay kuntento na ako. Kaya siguro hindi ako tinatamad um-attend ng training dahil siya ang nagtuturo sa amin.

“Cut the daydream. Mag-umpisa na tayo rito nang matapos tayo agad, Kia!” sita sa akin ni Farro.

“Coming,” wika ko at saka sumunod na sa kaniya.

I know loving an angel is prohibited in Celesterra. Wala namang nakakaalam kung hindi ako lang at si Farro. As long as it stays with us, I don’t have to worry about it. I will be content loving Luminar Hesu from afar. Even though I can’t grasp him with my hands, it’s fine. My love will grow within me, like a sprout from an apple tree, nurtured with proper care. No one could ever touch it, just me.

*

2nd Tale

ALKIA

I’ll be honest, I got tired of preparing the food for all the Aurelites. Panay ang reklamo ni Farro dahil hindi naman kasi namin talaga trabaho ito. Guardian Fairies should be the ones responsible for this, but since this is our punishment, I obeyed.

Nang mayari kami ay tinulungan naman kami ng maliliit na fairies ipamahagi ang pagkain sa mga pagod na Aurelites. We also took our food and rested on the comfortable ground.

“Madaya si Luminar Hesu! Anong natutunan natin ngayon? Magbalot ng pagkain sa food wrapper? Nakakainis talaga!” Hanggang ngayon ay puro reklamo pa rin si Farro sa tabi ko.

“Makakabalik naman na tayo sa training mamaya kaya ikalma mo na ang puso mo. Kasalanan din naman natin kung bakit tayo nagbabalot ng pagkain kanina,” pagtanggol ko para kay Luminar Hesu. Hindi ko rin mapigilan ang sarili na matawa dahil sa reaksiyon ni Farro.

“Sus.” Pinanliitan niya ako ng mga mata. “Bias ka talaga! Dapat ako ang kinakampihan mo, e!”

Tumawa na lang ako sa mga inaasal niya hanggang sa mayari ang pagkain namin. When we heard the horn, we went back to the training ground to line up. Dahil nasa unahang pila kami ni Farro at magkatabi pa, tanaw na tanaw ko si Luminar Hesu sa puwesto ko.

His gorgeous wings with golden highlights truly shone under the sun’s rays that bounced off him. His face was perfection. The way he slowly flew to check on us while lecturing made my heart thump from time to time. Hindi tuloy mawala ang ngiti sa labi ko habang nakikinig sa kaniya.

“As part of your training, I have prepared an assessment for everyone. I set a flaglet at the top of our training ground. Among all the Aurelites here, only one of you can retrieve it and be announced as the winner. Of course, the winner will receive a prize. Make sure not to get caught by the Starbees. Alam niyo naman ang nagagawa ng mga Starbees, ’di ba? Once they sting you, you’ll be immobilized and paralyzed until the medicine is applied. The Starbees will protect the flaglet, so it’s better to be strategic than sorry,” paliwanag ni Luminar Hesu sa amin.

Hindi lang ako ang napangiwi ng marinig ang mga Starbees. Isa sila sa mga Guardian Animals dito sa Celesterra. They have glassy wings, their bodies shimmer like molten gold, and their eyes glow with a soft, warm light. They possess the ability to shield themselves and launch attacks. If they sting, they immobilize their prey. Masakit kayang matusok ng Starbees!

I should be extra careful if I want to win this conquest. Our bow and arrow would be useless since the Starbees can shield themselves. I need to think of another way to attack them.

We can summon different weapons in the form of lightning. It’s one of the abilities we hone here in Celesterra. I can still summon my bow and arrow, but I need to improvise. If I can manage to create arrows with a locking mechanism to catch the Starbees, hindi ako mahihirapang kuhanin ang flaglet na sinabi ni Luminar Hesu. Hindi ko rin magagawang mapahamak ang mga Guardian Animals na magsisilbi naming balakid sa assessment na ito.

“Make sure not to kill the Starbees. Hindi naman nila kayo papatayin kaya maging maingat kayo sa kanila,” paliwanag muli ni Luminar Hesu.

We all prepared for the go signal. Luminar Hesu took out a starting gun and raised it in the air, counting from one to three.

“Go, Aurelites!” he shouted as the sound of the gunshot rang in my ears.

I swiftly bounced, levitating into the air as I pushed off from the ground.

As I expected, some Aurelites bumped into one another, causing them to fall from the sky. Isa iyon sa naging dahilan kung bakit mas naging mahirap ang paglipad patungo sa flaglet na sinabi ni Luminar Hesu.

I squinted my eyes when I noticed something approaching us, from dots to a large figure quickly. The Starbees started attacking us.

May laki sila na limang pulgada kaya hindi naman sila mahirap na i-target. Sadiyang mabibilis lang silang kumilos kaya pahirapan silang patamaan. Isa pa, they can shield themselves so it’s useless to use bow and arrow to them.

Nalulusaw lang ang mga arrow na binabato ng mga kapwa ko Aurelite sa kanila dahil sa shield ng mga ito. Some of my fellow trainees had already been stung by the Starbees. Paunti na kami nang paunti.

“I’m going to get that flaglet, Kia!”

I heard Farro as he swiftly accelerated from my side.

Hindi ako papayag. He’s my biggest competition here.

I summoned my bow and concentrated to summon a new version of its arrow. I hoped I would make it completely work.

Seconds later, an arrow appeared in front of me, showcasing the rope and ball of light as its lock. Once I release this special arrow, the rope will twirl around the Starbees and lock, causing them to struggle to fly until they fall from the sky.

I tried it and hit one Starbee. Naging matagumpay ang plano ko. The rope twirled and locked around the Starbee’s body. Nahinto ito sa paglipad at biglang nahulog sa himpapawid.

“Yes!” I said out, grateful for my successful plan.

I summoned more special arrows and carefully hit the Starbees. Because of that, I caught up to Farro. I noticed his left arm, which seemed paralyzed. It was tied with a cloth that looked like it came from his outfit. It was probably preventing the venom from spreading. Matalino talaga si Farro. He probably got stung by the Starbees, and his remedy would somehow slow down the effect of the venom.

Natatanaw ko na ang flaglet na nasa loob ng isang ring of light. It was levitating in the wind, waiting for us to get it.

As of now, Farro is the closest to it. Ako ang kasunod. Medyo malayo ako sa kaniya, ngunit alam kong malaki ang tiyansa kong makuha ang flag dahil sa dami ng mga Starbees na nakabuntot kay Farro. He wasn’t able to protect himself from them because of his injury. As his friend, I tried shooting some of the Starbees to delay them, then I remembered Farro. Alam kong magagalit siya oras na mapansin niyang tinutulungan ko siya. He wanted me to play on my own and treat him as my rival since this is a competition. So, I set my goal and accelerated.

Narinig ko ang paghiyaw niya. I didn’t bother looking back because I was close enough to grasp the flaglet with my bare hand, but my concern forced me to look back for him. I thought the Starbees had already gotten him, but I was wrong. An arrow hit me, the same as my special arrow. The rope twirled around me and locked, causing me to fall from flying.

I had a hard time removing it until I heard a loud horn. May nakakuha na ng flaglet, and it’s Farro.

Natanggal ko na ang nakapalupot sa akin na lubid. The other Aurelites started clapping for him.

Nakipag-apir ako sa kaniya nang makalapit ito sa akin. “Congrats!” I said.

Hawak niya ang kulay pulang flaglet. Sabay naming nilipad pababa ang destinasiyon ni Luminar Hesu kasama ang ibang Aurelites na natitira kanina. Nakapagtataka lang na hindi nakangiti si Luminar Hesu. Taliwas ito sa reaksiyong inaasahan ko mula sa kaniya.

“How does it feel to win by cheating, Aurelite Farro?”

Nagulat ako sa mga salitang ibinungad sa amin ni Luminar Hesu.

“I saw everything you did. You cheated. It’s clearly Aurelite Alkia’s win, but you played dirty just to get that flaglet,” he explained.

“But sir, there are no rules in playing the quest! Wala naman po kayong sinabi na bawal—”

“I don’t tolerate any kind of cheating in our assessment!” Luminar Hesu’s voice echoed throughout the area.

Napalingon ako kay Farro. I saw how depressed he was. His fist tightened. He’s hurt and mad.

May kung anong lungkot sa puso ko dahil sa nasaksihan. Farro turned his back on us and started flying away. I tried calling him, and I was about to follow him when Luminar Hesu called my name.

“Stay here, Alkia. Hayaan mo siyang pagnilayan ang pagkakamali niya,” anito.

“I hope it’s clear to everyone that I won’t tolerate any form of cheating in my class.”

Sabay-sabay na sumang-ayon ang mga kasama naming Aurelites.

“Another thing.” Tumuro siya sa likuran namin.

Sinunod ko nang tingin ang tinuro niya. Bumagsak ang puso ko nang makita ang walang buhay na Starbee na nakahandusay sa sahig. There was an arrow planted on its body. Its blue blood was scattered everywhere.

“He killed an innocent Starbee.”

Farro did? Why? Bakit niya ginawa ’yon?!

“Alkia, follow me.”

Sumunod ako kay Luminar Hesu. Nang makalayo sa iba ay hinarap niya ako.

“It’s your win, Alkia. Congratulations,” he said.

“Pero si Farro po ang nakakuha ng flaglet, Luminar Hesu. Siya po ang totoong nanalo!” sambit ko.

“He cheated. It’s not a win if you cheated. Ikaw talaga ang totoong nanalo kung hindi niya ginawa ang bagay na ’yon, Alkia,” paliwanag niya pa.

He took out something from his pocket and showed it to me. It was a golden necklace with a tiny compass as a pendant.

Tinanggap ko iyon mula sa kaniya. The glow of gold reflected by the sun’s rays. It shimmered like the moon, showcasing its beauty.

“Once again, congratulations, Aurelite Alkia,” he said and fled away, leaving me stunned.

I won? Did I really won? Hawak ko pa ngayon ang premyo mula sa taong gustong-gusto ko.

Uminit ang mga pisngi ko nang pumasok ang ideyang ’yon sa aking isipan. I stared at the necklace for a while before I had the courage to wear it around my neck. Ang ganda! It felt like it was really designed for me.

Enough for the fantasy, Alkia! You need to find your best friend!

Lumipad ako at saka nag-umpisang hanapin si Farro. I tried searching him everywhere but I couldn’t find him. Kumakalat na ang dilim sa langit ngunit wala pa ring bakas ni Farro. He wasn’t in his den. Maybe he was out of here. Nako! I need to go out of the training ground’s zone. It means I would break the rule again! Bahala na! I need to find Farro. He needs me.

Kahit labag sa kalooban ko, I sneaked out of the training ground and began looking for him. Sa tagal kong naghahanap sa kanya, inabot na ako ng gabi. If I go further, mapupunta na ako sa liblib na lugar ng Celesterra. In this area, evil creatures are lurking in the dark. Mas mahina ang depensa sa lugar na iyon. It means my safety is at risk if I go outside Celesterra.

Bahala na. I need to see Farro!

With terror in my heart, I fled toward the woods. Naglulukso-lukso ang puso ko habang binabaybay ang nagtataasang kakahuyan.

Napagitla ako nang makarinig ng kakaibang tunog mula sa mataas na damo.

Mukhang mamamatay ako sa sakit sa puso dahil sa lugar na ’to.

Inilibot ko nang tingin ang buong paligid, umaasang makikita si Farro at nang mapansin ko ang pakpak niyang nakasilip sa likod ng malaking puno ay agad ko itong nilapitan.

I saw him sitting on the ground, his back facing my direction. Suddenly, I felt sad seeing him in this condition.

Slowly, I approached him and sat beside him. He looked at me, startled by my presence.

“I’m sorry about what happened back there,” I said to him. The sadness in his eyes was so evident.

Hinubad ko ang kwintas na binigay sa akin ni Luminar Hesu at iniabot sa kaniya. He didn’t take it. Tinitigan niya lang.

“This is the prize that Luminar Hesu told us. Dapat ay sa ’yo ito dahil ikaw naman talaga ang nanalo. Here, take this,” paliwanag ko pero umiling siya sa akin.

“Hindi niya naman sa akin binigay kaya hindi sa akin ang bagay na ’yan. Para sa ’yo talaga ’yan, Kia,” aniya.

Nagtatampo nga ang isang ’to.

Hindi ko na pinagpilitan pa kay Farro ang kwintas. I kept it in my pocket.

“He should told us all the rules! Dapat una pa lang ay sinabi niya na lahat para sana hindi kita—” Nahinto si Farro sa pagsasalita nang umalingawngaw ang matinis na tunog mula sa isang halimaw. A giant serpent just showed up in front of us. It had a pair of red eyes that pierced us as it looked at us.

“We should leave this place immediately! Napakadelikado rito!” sigaw ni Farro at saka ibinuka ang pakpak. He held my hand to pull me into the air, but his grip slipped away when the serpent coiled tightly around my body.

No!

Farro summoned his bow and started hitting the giant serpent, but the arrows kept bouncing back as if it were immune to any kind of attack.

Unti-unti ko nang nararamdaman ang paghigpit ng paglingkis nito sa katawan ko. It felt like my bones were about to break, as well as my wings. I’m afraid that if my wings get injured, I wouldn’t be able to fly again. Hindi p’wedeng mangyari ’yon!

Napahiyaw ako nang maramdaman ang kirot sa aking pakpak. Parang may nabali. Hindi ’to maaari!

Then I noticed a burning arrow that hit the eye of the giant serpent. Nagwala ito dahilan para pakawalan ako at tumilampon sa kung saan.

My body hit the ground and the horror filled my heart when I noticed that my other wing had been damaged. Hindi ako makakalipad!

The giant serpent was about to come after me when someone fetched me from the ground. Moments later, we were in the air, away from the dangerous woods.

My heart was beating rapidly as I looked at the fine angel who saved my life. Ngayon ko pa lang natitigan nang malapitan ang mukha nito. His thick brows made him even more manly, as well as his pointed nose. Ang mapulang labi ay nakakahalinang halikan. His eyes were naturally pleading, making him look innocent and gentle.

“Thank you for saving me, Luminar Hesu,” I almost whispered.

He didn’t say anything in response to my gratitude. He was so busy flying while holding me like a bride.

Panandalian kong inilibot ang tingin, umaasa na makikita si Farro, ngunit nabigo ako. I was about to tell him about my best friend when he told me something that froze my senses.

“He left you, Alkia. Your friend left you.”

Hindi niya magagawa ’yon. Mali ka Luminar Hesu. Hindi niya magagawa sa akin ’yon!

*

2435 WC

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3rd Tale

ALKIA

“Your wings need to be treated,” said Luminar Hesu.

We were still on the air, on our way home.

Suddenly, he shifted direction, making me confused to where he wanted me to bring.

Bitbit niya pa rin ako sa kaniyang bisig. My right wing was damaged, making it impossible for me to fly. I also had multiple bruises on different parts of my body because of the giant serpent. Kung nahuli siguro kanina si Luminar Hesu, baka nadurog na ako no’n.

I took a moment to admire his beautiful face. He was just inches away from me. To me, he’s perfection—something I will always admire.

“Saan po ang punta natin, Luminar Hesu?” tanong ko.

“River of Life. It will heal your broken wing and bruises,” he explained.

I didn’t ask more. I just stared at him, savoring every second of it. Mamaya kasi, kapag maayos na ang pakpak ko, hindi na niya ako bubuhatin. I’ll be able to fly on my own.

It didn’t take long before Luminar Hesu landed near the River of Life and carefully released me.

“Go on. Enjoy the water,” he said.

Noong una ay nag-aalangan pa akong hubarin ang aking kasuotan. It’s Luminar Hesu who’s here with me, not my best friend, Farro. Nahihiya pa ako na makita niya ang hubad kong katawan, ngunit isinantabi ko iyon upang gawin ang ipinunta namin dito.

Slowly, I undressed myself. Naglakad ako patungo sa River of Life, at hinayaang ilubog ang sarili sa malamig na tubig.

The moon and stars are watching from above, lighting up the entire place with such beauty.

When I turned to face Luminar Hesu, my jaw dropped upon seeing him naked. Oo! Hubad din siya ngayon. He stood there, looking at me as if he was carefully studying my reaction. Mabuti na lang at walang ibang anghel dito ngayon dahil gabi na rin. They must be resting in their dens. It’s just the two of us here.

Napalunok ako ng laway habang pinagmamasdan ang katawan niya. His muscles seemed perfectly sculpted to his body. The tan color of his skin added a masculine touch to his overall physique, and his face, which screamed perfection, made him look like a true demigod.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kaniyang pagkalalaki. It was hard, perfectly curved upward— huge, thick. I quicky looked away, realizing that I was fantasizing him too much. I’m an angel of Celesterra. I shouldn’t entertain my lustful thoughts!

Suddenly, napansin ko ang paglapit niya sa akin. Nahihiya akong tumingin sa kaniya. He was looking at me, as if telling me that everything was fine.

“You’ve already seen me naked, Alkia,” he said, his hand gently holding my chin to get my full attention. “Something I don’t usually let anyone see, but you… just an Aurelite.”

I could hear my heart pounding, almost as if it would explode inside my chest.

“I’m glad you’re wearing the gift I gave you,” he said, his eyes fixed on the compass necklace around my neck

“I thought this is a prize? Not a gift?” naguguluhan kong tanong sa kaniya.

“It’s a cover up gift actually,” he replied. “Alam ko kasing ikaw ang mananalo, kaya ginawa kong assessment para hindi mapansin ng iba na interesado ako sa ‘yo.”

Those words echoed in my ears for a short time. Is he confessing to me right now?

“You heard it right. I like you, Alkia,” he said with finality.

He spread his wings, the beauty of gold and white feathers filled my eyes with adoration. Yumakap sa aming dalawa ang kaniyang pakpak, na tila ba pinoprotektahan kami. We were enveloped in his wings, the shimmer of gold sparkling around us. This is so romantic!

Napansin ko ang unti-unting paglapit ng kaniyang mukha sa akin. I closed my eyes and let his lips met mine. The softness it brought to my senses filled my heart with comfort. It was my first time, and I didn’t expect the magical feeling it made me feel.

I felt his hand held my hand. Napadilat ako ng mga mata, at agad na bumungad sa akin ang napakaamo niyang mukha. He was smiling at me, a smile that calmed the storm in my heart.

Napalingon kami parehas sa kaluskos na nagmula sa nagtataasang mga damo.

“Hurry. We should go,” sabi sa akin ni Luminar Hesu.

An angel must be hiding behind the tall grass. Nakita kaya nito kami? Kung oo, malalagot kaming dalawa ni Luminar Hesu, lalo na kung ipagkakalat nito ang nasaksihan!

Nang makapagbihis ay lumisan na agad kami. Nakakalipad na ako nang maayos, na tila ba walang nangyari kanina. Bago makalayo ay nilingon ko kung saan kami pansamantalang naligo, umaasa na makikita ko ang anghel na nakakubli sa likod ng mga damo, ngunit nabigo ako.

A hand suddenly held my hand. It was Luminar Hesu.

Pakiramdam ko ay nasa alapaap pa rin ako dahil sa mga nalaman mula sa kaniya. He confessed. Gusto niya rin ako! The angel I admire likes me the way I like him! Hindi lang ako makapaniwala.

Walang kumibo sa amin habang lumilipad. Binitawan niya lang ang kamay ko nang makalapit kami sa training ground, kung saan naroroon ang mga angel’s den.

Hinatid niya ko mismo sa harap ng pinto ng aking den, siya na rin ang bumukas nito para sa akin.

“Promise me, Alkia. What you heard should remain between us. Ako na ang bahala sa anghel na nakakita sa atin kanina,” sambit niya.

Tumango ako bilang sagot.

“See you tomorrow, Alkia,” he said, then pushed me gently inside my den to close the door.

Nang masiguro na nakaalis na siya ay nagtatalon ako sa loob ng kuwarto ko. Inihagis ko ang sarili sa aking mattress at nagpagulong-gulong.

The angel that I love, loves me as well! Am I dreaming? Para akong mababaliw nito.

I will tell Farro about this! Hindi ako makakatulog sa saya nito kung hindi ko ibabahagi sa kaniya ang nangyari. I need to check on him as well. I need to see if he’s okay.

I stood up, fled swiftly toward the closed door, and peeked. Nang masiguro na walang makakakita sa akin ay lumabas ako mula sa aking den.

Mabilis akong natungo sa den ni Farro. I knocked on his door. Medyo matagal bago niya buksan ang pinto.

Sa sobrang tuwa ko ay napayakap ako sa kaniya. Sabay kaming natumba sa loob ng kuwarto niya, at hindi ko na napigilan pa ang matawa sa tuwa.

“You wouldn’t believe what happened, Farro!” masaya kong sambit, ngunit nang lumingon ako sa kaniya ay naglaho ang saya sa puso ko.

He seemed unhappy. Naguguluhan siya sa inaasal ko, at kitang-kita ang pagkabagot sa mukha niya.

“Hindi ka pa ba napapagod, Kia? Magpahinga ka na sa den mo,“ walang buhay na sabi ni Farro nang makatayo ito. Pinagpagan niya pa ang sarili, iritang-irita.

Itinukod ko ang aking braso, at saka humarap sa direksiyon niya.

“Kumusta ka? Bakit bigla kang nawala kanina?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

Umiwas siya sa akin ng tingin at bumuntong-hininga. “Natakot ako kay Luminar Hesu. Baka mas lalong magalit sa akin ‘yon dahil lumabas ako ng training ground.”

May punto siya. Baka isang linggo siyang hindi makapagsanay kung malalaman ni Luminar Hesu na siya ang dahilan kung bakit ako naroroon.

“Umuwi ka na, Kia. Gusto ko nang magpahinga,” sabi nito sa akin.

May kung anong kirot sa puso ko dahil sa inaasal niya. Gusto kong ibahagi sa kaniya ang mga nangyari sa pagitan namin ni Luminar Hesu, ngunit sa mga pinakikita nito sa akin, mas mabuti pang huwag ko muna itong ikwento sa kaniya.

Tumayo ako mula sa kinalulugaran, bagsak ang mga balikat na tinungo ang pinto ng kaniyang den.

“Bukas na lang, Farro,” paalam ko. Isinara ko ang pinto ng kaniyang den, at saka lumipad patungo sa aking den.

Nang makapasok ro’n ay isinantabi ko ang lungkot dahil sa naging engkwentro kay Farro. Mas pinagtuunan ko ng pansin ang saya na naranasan noong nakasama ko si Luminar Hesu sa ilog.

I went to my mattress, settled down, and held the compass necklace around my neck.

Nang gabing iyon, masaya akong natulog, hindi makapaniwalang ang anghel na pinapangarap ko ay may pagtingin din pala sa akin.

🪽🪽🪽

Nagising ako sa malakas na ingay mula sa signal horn ng training ground. Kailangan ko nang mag-asikaso, dahil mag-uumpisa na ang training naming mga aurelites.

I did my morning routine, and immediately made my way out to line up with the other aurelites.

A sense of wonder filled my senses the moment I noticed the five Astraviel angels standing right in front of us. Nasa gilid lang si Luminar Hesu, na tila naghihintay sa amin na makumpleto kami.

I noticed the crystal prism placed in front of everyone. They use it to show us images. Meron din nito si Luminar Hesu, na madalas niyang gamitin sa pagtuturo.

One of the Astraviel angels stepped forward to navigate the crystal prism. Nang mabuhay ito ay bumungad sa amin ang imahe ng dalawang anghel sa River of life. Half of their body were soaked in the river, with the wings of an Astraviel Angel protecting both of them, so we had no idea what was happening inside the wings.

A horrifying tension filled my heart. It was us yesterday. Someone had captured us and reported it to them.

“An Astraviel Angel was caught having an intimate relationship with one of the Aurelite,” sambit ng isang Astraviel Angel, saka nito nilipat ang imahe.

Makikita na ang dalawang anghel na nakatayo, magkaharap sa isa’t isa. Mabuti na lang at malabo ang imahe dahil kung malinaw ito, siguradong kanina pa kami nahuli.

“If you notice any suspicious Aurelite here, kindly report it to us. Our mighty Zeus has prepared a gift for anyone who can provide us with a lead to those two sinful angels,” paliwanag pa ng anghel.

One of the Aurelites raised his hand.

“P’wede po ba namin malaman kung ano ang regalo na inihanda ni Zues sa makakapagturo sa dalawang anghel na ‘yon?” tanong nito.

“Promotion to become one of us, an Astraviel Angel.”

I heard whispers from my classmates. Everyone seemed happy and glad upon hearing the news. Samantalang ako, kabang-kaba dahil kami ang nasa larawang iyon.

Nagawi kay Luminar Hesu ang aking atensiyon. He was quiet, observative.

“Report to us immediately if you happen to notice them. We know this Aurelite resides here, exept the Astraviel one.” Napalingon ang nagsasalitang Astraviel Angel kay Luminar Hesu, na tila ba pinag-aaralan ang magiging reaksiyon niya. Maraming Astraviel ang nagkalat sa Celesterra, at isa si Luminar Hesu sa mga minamata nila.

A weight of worry was born in my chest. Paano na kami nito ngayong nalaman kong gusto niya rin ako? Hindi ba talaga maaaring nagmahalan ang dalawang anghel dito sa Celesterra?

“Alam naman nating ayaw niyong matulad kay Theus at Lorenzo. Ngayon pa lang, kung nakikinig man ngayon ang Aurelite na nasa larawan, maaaring lumapit na sa amin upang sumuko,” sambit ng Astraviel sa amin.

Hindi ako susuko sa kanila! Hindi ko ipapahamak ang sarili at si Luminar Hesu!

Nagtagal pa ng ilang minuto bago lumisan ang mga Astraviel Angels. Pinagpaliban ni Luminar Hesu ang pagsasanay ngayong araw. Ang bawat isa ay bumalik na sa kaniya-kaniya nilang den, maliban sa akin, na tila ba napako sa aking kinatatayuan.

“Ayos ka lang ba?”

Napalingon ako kay Farro na lumapit sa akin. Hindi ko magawang makasagot sa sinabi niya.

I held his hand, fled and led the way. Dinala ko siya sa tuktok ng isang pasilidad, malayo sa maaaring nakarinig sa amin, doon ay naupo kami parehas.

“Ako ‘yong Aurelite na nasa larawan kanina, Farro,” pag-amin ko sa kaniya, at katulad nang inaasahan ko, nagulat siya.

“Paanong—”

“May pagtingin din sa akin si Luminar Hesu, Farro. Gusto niya rin ako!” nakangiti kong sabi sa kaniya. “That is what I’m about to tell you last night!”

“Bakit hindi kayo nag-ingat! Ngayon ay hinahanap na kayo ng lahat! You should leave Celesterra, Kia, before they discover you and Luminar Hesu!” suhestiyon niya.

Napailing ako. “Hindi puwede, Farro! Hindi ako puwedeng umalis ng Celesterra! I’m a combat angel. I don’t belong to anywhere else but here only!”

Akala ko ay pagagaanin niya ang nararamdaman ko ngunit nagkakamali ako.

Tumayo ako at tumalikod na mula sa kaniya, ngunit bago ako lumisan ay lumingon ako saglit upang tingnan siya. “Please, don’t betray me, Farro.”

I flew, feeling the weight of sadness pressing on my chest. Akala ko’y matutulungan ako ni Farro, ngunit nagkamali ako. His only suggestion was for me to leave Celesterra—something I couldn’t do. He knew how much I had wanted to be an Astraviel ever since we were kids. Hindi ko lubos akalaing sa bibig niya mismo manggagaling ang ideyang lisanin ko ang lugar na ito.

Kailangan ko na bang tanggapin na hindi kami maaaring maging masaya ni Luminar Hesu—because in the land of Celesterra, falling in love with an angel is both sinful and forbidden.

*

2159 wc

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🔞4th Tale🔞

ALKIA

I stayed in my den the whole day, isolating myself from other Aurelite Angels who were having fun outside. Miski si Farro ay hindi na naisipan pang bumisita pa sa akin, which I felt sad about. Sa ganitong klaseng sitwasiyon, siya lang din ang inaasahan kong magpapagaan ng kalooban ko ngunit wala siya. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang hindi magdamdam dahil pakiramdam ko ay pinababayaan niya ako. Kung hindi lang bawal umalis sa Celesterra, kanina pa ako umuwi sa Winsteria kung saan ako nakatira. Nami-miss ko na ang mga magulang at kapatid ko.

Suddenly, an Astraviel Angel entered my den, and to my surprise, it was my Luminar, Hesu.

“We need to talk, Alkia,” seryoso niyang sambit sa akin. “Follow me once I get out of your den. Kailangan nating mag-ingat lalo na’t mainit ang mga mata ng mga Guardian Angels sa akin,” dagdag niya pa.

He went out of my den. Hinayaan ko muna siyang makalayo bago ako lumabas upang sundan siya. I could still see him from my distance, so I followed him, unsure of where he wants me to bring.

Napadpad kami sa magubat na parte ng Celesterra. We landed on the ground. Hinintay niya pa akong makalapit sa kaniya bago pinagpatuloy ang aming tinatahak.

He held my hand, causing my heart to go wild. Malakas ang loob kong walang ibang anghel dito dahil masiyadong delikado sa parteng ito ng Celesterra. Monsters are watching from the dark, waiting for their prey to appear. Malakas lang ang loob ko ngayon dahil may kasama akong Astraviel Angel. Hindi ako mapapahamak.

Suddenly, I noticed a cave-like entryway. It was hidden by the long wavy vinces, that almost seemed dancing with the cold blow of air. I could see fireflies flying, making the whole place whimsical.

“This is my hidden place, Alkia. You’re the first angel I brought here,” he said. Hinawi niya ang mga baging na nakaharang sa entrada nang makalapit kami ro’n.

Madilim sa loob, na halos wala na akong makita. May kinalikot lang siya sa kung saan dahilan para magkaroon ng siwang mula sa itaas, kung saan malayang nakapasok ang sinag ng araw. Tumalbog ito sa mga salaming tila ba sinadiyang ipwesto para papasukin ang sinag ng araw, at nang marating ng sinag ang pinakagitnang parte ng kuweba ay sumabog ang liwanag sa loob nito. A crystal was resting in the center part of the cave, lighting the whole place.

Doon ko mas nakita nang maayos ang mga nasa loob. Tila ba mga piraso ng artikulo mula sa kung saang mga libro. May mga lumang bagay na hindi ko maintidihan kung para saan.

I roamed my eyes around, hoping to see something that could enlighten me, then I saw two reward poster.

Theus and Lorenzo, the two angels who broke the golden rule in Celesterra.

“My fascination to their story led me to dig deeper about them.”

Napalingon ako kay Luminar Hesu. Nakaharap na siya sa akin ngayon, nangungusap ang mga mata.

“I know you can help me to be in the mortal world, Alkia. I know you can help me find them there,” makahulugan niyang sambit sa akin.

Nagtagpo ang mga kilay ko sa narinig. “There’s only two ways to go in mortal world, Luminar Hesu. The first one is through nighttime, where Ethereal Angels protect them while sleeping and-”

“Breaking the golden rule,” pagtatapos niya sa sinasabi ko.

Agad na nanlaki ang aking mga mata.

“I wasn’t an Ethereal Angel, so I couldn’t visit the mortal world. Breaking the rule is the only thing I see to-”

“Are you only using me to get what you wanted, Luminar Hesu?” lakas-loob kong tanong sa kaniya.

He fled swiftly to where I was standing, held my hand and locked his eyes to me.

“What I feel for you is real, Alkia. I like you!” depensa niya.

Hindi ko pa man nasasabi ay ipinagtatanggol niya na agad ang sarili, dahil alam niyang doon din papunta ang usapan na ito. Kahit na anong sabihin niya ngayon, tila ba may bawas na ang tiwalang meron ako para sa kaniya.

“Maniwala ka sa akin, Alkia. Gusto kita,” he said.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang halikan niya ako. His kisses shifted passionately, savouring our moment together.

Inilayo ni Luminar Hesu ang sarili nang bahagya sa akin. He held both of my hands, rested his forehead on my forehead, and smiled genuinely. Kahit na anong gawin ko, he’s still the gracious angel my heart desires.

“If you will help me, I promise to live my life with you in the mortal world, together,” he uttered.

Those words was like a beautiful music to my ears. I wanted to believe, but then I remember that promises are meant to be broken. Hindi ako maaaring magtiwala lang sa kung ano ang mga sinasabi sa akin ni Luminar Hesu.

Slowly, he removed the clothing on my shoulder. My heart started to race, as my mind went haywire.

He carefully removed my clothes. I felt my cheeks burn, and I didn’t know if it was from the whirlwind of thoughts in my head or the overwhelming shyness that hit me. Then, he looked at me-like I was something precious, like I was a masterpiece he couldn’t look away from.

He embraced me and pressed soft kisses along my neck. The pleasure was overwhelming, and a moan I’d been holding back slipped from my lips.

Tinanggal niya na rin ang kaniyang kasuotan. I couldn’t help but admire his physique-his face, his body, and that -all perfectly coming together like one divine Hesu in Celesterra.

His hug was all the support I needed as we fell onto the mattress. We kept kissing, our hands intertwined, fingertips brushing against skin, sending sparks through every touch.

He stopped, stared at me with love and concern in the eyes, as if asking for permission.

I slowly nodded my head. That moment, I let him owned me, and stained the pureness of my sanity as an angel of Celesterra.

I already broke the golden rule. I hope my love wouldn’t blind me to do decisions that I will regret sooner or later.

*

The day went on. Nang sumapit ang gabi ay hindi pa rin maalis sa isipan ko ang mga nangyari kaninang umaga. I’m not safe here in Celesterra. If they found out that it was us, I will surely get punished. Natatakot ako sa maaaring ipataw na parusa sa akin. Bakit ba kasi hindi p’wede ang magmahal ng kapwa anghel rito? Bakit binuhay pa kami kung ganito lang din ang mangyayari, na magkakagusto kami sa kapwa namin angel-na lalaki? Why Zeus didn’t elliminate us when we were still in the womb of our mothers? Akala ko ba ay alam niya ang lahat? That he’s the mighty one? Why did he allow us to live, and be restricted to have the freedom to love who we want to love?

Hindi ko talaga maintindihan.

I was resting on my mattress, eyes fixated on the ceiling, recollecting all the memories I shared with my Luminar Hesu this morning.

My cheeks suddenly went hot, realizing that I already gave myself to my Luminar. I could still feel how timid his muscles were when he was doing that gentle thrust. His face while enjoying the pleasure didn’t leave my mind. It was like a permanent picture flashing every now and then.

Napasapo ako sa mukha ko, pagkaraan ay nagpagulong-gulong sa mattress dahil sa kilig. Hindi ako makapaniwalang may nangyari talaga sa amin.

At the back of my mind, his words reminded me like an alarm clock that is about to shout. His obssession with Theus and Lorenzo led him to do the most unimagined thing an angel of Celesterra could do. He wants to become a mortal just to look for those two fallen angels. Mukhang nasisiraan na talaga ng tuktok si Luminar Hesu.

I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the darkness of the night. At least, masaya akong matutulog ngayong gabi. Tomorrow is another day. I hope everything will be okay.

*

1347 wc

My apologies for my late update 🙏 Thanks for reading!

5th Tale

ALKIA

The loud sound from my front door awakened me. Napabalikwas ako mula sa pagkakahiga, hindi alintana ang napurnadang pagpapahinga.

“Surrender yourself. Hindi ka mapapahamak,” wika ng isang Astraviel Angel sa akin. Nakatutok ang hawak niyang espada sa aking mukha. Lima silang Astraviel na pumasok sa aking den, lahat ay may hawak na sandata at nakasuot ng kanilang mga kalasag.

The rush of terror filled my heart. What could I have possibly done for them to arrest me? Anong. . . ?

Something tugged at the back of my mind, lowkey reminding me of the sin I had committed.

Itinaas ko ang aking mga kamay. Alam ko na ang pakay nila, at wala na akong dahilan para tumanggi pa, o tumakas. Lima sila at nasa loob pa kami ng den ko. Aside from being outnumbered, my experience as a training angel isn’t enough to fight these high-ranking Astraviel Angels. I have but one last choice left-and that is to surrender.

“Hindi ka namin sasaktan kung sasama ka nang maayos,” sabi ng isang Astraviel angel sa akin.

I didn’t respond. I just kept my hands in the air, letting them make the next move for me.

Dalawang anghel ang humawak ng mga braso ko. What made me wonder was the fact that they didn’t even bother to put handcuffs on me or anything that could stop me from escaping. Malaki ba ang tiwala nila sa akin na hindi ako tatakas? Sabagay, I’m one of the outstanding Aurelites in my batch, and I let it ruined…because of love.

Hindi sila naging madahas sa akin. They were gently holding my arms to guide me get out of my den.

Other Aurelite Angels were looking at us, wondering what was happening. May kaba man sa dibdib ko, iyon ay ang mga tanong na hindi ko pa rin mahanap ng mga kasagutan. Am I ready to defend myself from the Almighty Zeus? Wala pa man ngunit ramdam ko na ang galit niya sa akin. Handa na ba akong maparusahan? Will Luminar Hesu defend for me? For us? For our prohibited love?

Sinubukan kong hanapin ang isang anghel na malapit sa puso ko bago namin sana lisanin ang training ground ngunit kahit saan ako lumingon ay hindi ko makita si Farro. Among the Aurelite Angels here, there’s no trace of Farro standing from the crowd, not even a glimpse of his shadow.

I don’t want to be hypocrite but I felt a pang of pain in my chest. Wala siya. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay nag-iisa ako. Siguro ay masama pa rin ang loob niya dahil sa nangyaring insidente noong nakaraang araw, noong pagalitan siya ni Luminar Hesu sa ginawa niyang paglabag sa naganap na kumpetisiyon.

Habang binabaybay namin ang himpapawid patungo sa kung saan, pinakiramdaman ko na lang ang munting compass na nakasabit sa aking dibdib. The gentle pats against my skin somehow reminded me of the angel who gave me this. I’m not alone-Luminar Hesu is still with me. I wonder where he is now. Nandoon na rin ba siya at naghihintay sa akin?

Three Astraviel Angels led the way, while two others held my arms to keep me from escaping. Hindi ko na nga ibinubuka pa ang aking pakpak dahil magiging sabagal lang ’yon sa kanilang paglipad. Nagpapatangay lang ako sa kanila patungo sa hindi ko alam. Ni hindi ko rin magawang magtanong kahit na puno ng napakaraming tanong ang aking isipan. I kept my mouth shut and let them take me to a place I didn’t even know.

Slowly, I saw the Golden Gate-not the one leading to the Tree of Life, but the grand entryway to the Sacred Sanctuary of Almighty Zeus and the Celestial Angels.

Tila ba nangatog ang mga tuhod ko. Biglang nabuhay ang kaba sa aking dibdib. Terror filled my whole system. Para akong hihimatayin. I had never set foot in the Sacred Sanctuary before. My only image of it came from my mother’s bedtime stories-fragments of fantasy stitched together by a child’s imagination. Never did I think I’d be standing before it now, and under these circumstances. I’m doomed, big time.

Wala na akong magawa kundi humakbang. Para akong alay sa isang seremonya-walang gapos, pero hindi makawala. Saan pa ba ako tatakbo? Wala naman akong matatakasan.

The golden gate was unmeasurable-towering far beyond anything my eyes had ever witnessed. Unlike the entrance to the Tree of Life, which was guarded by fierce Guardian Lions, this place had no visible guards at all. And somehow, that tripled the terror in my heart.

Then it happened.

A deep, echoing blast rolled through the skies-a sound that didn’t just fill the air but reached deep into my bones. It wasn’t noise. It was a divine signal, a trumpet call not made by any human hand. Like the heavens themselves exhaled through a sacred horn, the sound thundered with the authority of gods. The kind of sound that could split silence and stir souls.

Unti-unting bumukas ang gintong tarangkahan. The sound grew louder with each inch it opened, like time itself groaned at the presence of something sacred. My breath hitched. The gates weren’t just opening-they were warning me.

Dala ang pangamba sa aking dibdib, binaybay namin ang daan patungo sa loob. The thick clouds surrounded the whole place. Ancient, towering pillars painted in a faded cream pastel hue could be seen throughout the Sacred Sanctuary. Wala na ang malakas na tunog ng trumpeta ngunit patuloy pa rin sa pagkabog ang puso ko, bagay na alam kong hindi ko magagawang pakalmahin ora-mismo.

Blinding light projected out of no where. When I opened my eyes, we were already in front of an altar. Behind it was a huge throne, but what surprise me was the one sitting on it.

I froze for a moment, unable to process everything.

He didn’t move. He didn’t need to. His very presence was enough to make the air feel too thick to breathe. His eyes-those ancient, storm-filled eyes-locked onto mine like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve… or a threat he was deciding whether to crush.

My knees buckled under the weight of his stare. It wasn’t just looking-it was dissecting, digging, stripping me bare. Every hidden thought, every sin I’d buried deep was suddenly exposed under that piercing gaze. I felt like a bug under a magnifying glass held by a god with no patience.

His jaw was set, carved from stone, beard like wild clouds caught in a storm. There was no warmth in him. Just judgment. Just power. The kind of power that doesn’t shout-it watches, and waits, and then strikes without warning.

I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. My body refused to move. I was frozen-not by fear, but by sheer divinity. It was like being seen by the sky itself. And the sky wasn’t pleased.

Doon ko lang napansin na nag-iisa na ako. I finally had the courage to check my surroundings. I could see high-ranked angels from afar, their brilliance piercing through the void-but still, I felt utterly alone. A hollow ache stirred in my chest, brushing against my senses like a phantom, until the horror of reality crashed through the fragile walls of my ignorance.

“I know you know what you did, Aurelite Alkia,” he said. His voice was so deep that I almost fell into a pitfall. Something about it pierced through my heart. Hindi ko magawang magsalita dahil totoo naman ang sinabi niya. I have nothing to deny.

He pointed me the lightning bolt he was holding. Napapikit na lang ako sa pag-aakalang patatamaan niya ako ng kaniyang kapangyarihan ngunit taliwas ito sa aking inaakala.

My eyes shot wide open when I saw the lightning strike the marble floor just a few meters away from me. It happened in the blink of an eye, and suddenly, Luminar Hesu appeared at the exact spot where the blinding light had struck.

He was kneeling on the floor. Sa itsura pa lang ng mga pakpak niyang nakatikom ay malungkot na ito, parang ang anghel na siya, walang kabuhay-buhay. My speculation was confirmed when he lifted his face. Our eyes met. I could see the tears in those emerald orbs-both pleading to me, as if asking for my sorry even though he wasn’t asking it already.

Wala pa man, it felt like I was betrayed.

I thought it would end there, but something was still waiting to hurt me even more.

“Luminar Hesu told me that you tricked him. Ginamit mo lang siya upang makamit ang pakay mo. I’m the Almighty Zeus. I don’t easily make judgement but an Aurelite Angel testified what Luminar Hesu said. Show yourself, Aurelite,” Zeus uttered.

I thought it would end there… but something even more painful was waiting for me.

It came slowly-like a chill settling deep into my soul.

I stood frozen. Couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

Through the haze and falling dust, a radiant figure began to descend from above.

Wings spread wide… graceful, silent…

There was something about his presence-warm, yet crushing. Familiar.

My heart sank with every beat, already fearing the truth.

And when he finally touched the ground, and his face met mine…

Farro.

My best friend. My brother. My light in the darkest of days.

Now… standing on the other side, near my so called ‘Lover’.

A part of my heart already collapsed, not because of the endless possibilities that awaits for me after this but because of the betrayal from the people I trusted and treasured the most.

“Nanggaling na po mismo sa bibig niya. He liked Luminar Hesu. He’s my childhood best friend and we’re open to each other’s secret. The truth is, he seduced Luminar Hesu to take advantage of him. He wanted our Luminar to be promoted, little did he knew, I will interfere to save the image of my Luminar. Ayaw ko pong masira ang reputasiyon niya sa Celesterra dahil marami po ang umiidolo sa kanya, and I was one of those. Kahit po matalik kong kaibigan si Alkia, hindi ko po matitiis na itago ang masasama niyang plano para sa aming Luminar.”

Every word of Farro cut like a thousand knives in my heart. I have no idea how would I recover from this heartbreak. This won’t let me sleep at night, if I will still have the chance to sleep after this. Baka ibang tulog na ang mangyari sa akin ano mang oras pagkaraan.

Hindi ko alam pero hindi ko magawang ipagtanggol ang sarili ko sa harapan nila, ng lahat, ni Zeus, ni Luminar Hesu at ni Farro na alam naman talaga ang totoo. He didn’t just betrayed me, he just made stories to ruin my reputation. Is this part of his what so called “competetion”? Ang sakit naman maging kalaban ng kaibigan ko. Hindi patas. Madaya. Sinungaling.

I just felt the warmth of my tears flowing from my eyes. Ni hindi ko magawang gumalaw para lang pahirin ang sariling luha. I just let it flow like a swirl of wind that dances along the trail of the stars.

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

“That’s not true,” I almost whispered.

Iminulat ko ang mga mata. Agad na hinanap nito si Farro. He was already beside Luminar Hesu. He’s supporting him. Mukha kasing anong oras ngayon ay mawawalan ng malay si Luminar Hesu. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. He seemed fragile at this moment. Ni hindi niya nga makuhang magsalita upang ipagtanggol ako, upang sabihin ang totoo at isiwalat na kasinungalingan lang ang lahat.

“I hope this grants you peace, my friend. I hope you’re happy,” I told Farro, making sure that he heard every word of it.

I saw how shock he was but he chose to look away.

“I thought I found a new Luminar in you for my beloved Celesterra, but what did you do, Alkia? You ruined your image. You let the forbidden love to destroy the foundation you created for your future as an Astraviel Angel.”

Napalingon ako kay Zeus na nakatingin sa akin. Sa laki niya ay maaari niya na akong tapakan ngayon upang kitilin ang buhay ko. Mas gugustuhin ko na ’yon kaysa ang ipahiya ako sa lahat at isumbat sa akin ang bagay na hindi ko naman ginawa. Nagmahal lang ako… ng maling anghel.

“You should be punished according to the law you broke, Alkia,” he said and pointed me his lightning bolt.

Agad na tumama sa akin ang kidlat. Hindi lang isang iglap kundi walang hintong bugso ng kuryente ang patuloy na tumatama sa aking katawan. The current kept growing as if breaking every fiber of my being. Ang hapdi nito ay mas lumala. I could feel my wings burning. Bahagya ko itong sinilip at tuluyan na lang nahulog ang puso ko nang makita na naging abo na ito. That was when the surge of lightning stopped.

Napaupo ako sa marmol na sahig. I was gasping for air to breathe. There was something about myself that changed, something unusual.

I already lost my wings. Nang tingnan ko ang mga kamay ko. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew… my power to summon my bow and arrow was gone. And with it, every special ability I once had had disappeared too.

“Removing your powers and casting you down to the mortal world, Alkia-that is your punishment for breaking the Golden Rule of Celesterra.” Zeus’s voice was calm, and yet, terror gripped my heart like a vice.

Seconds later, the floor collapsed-but I was the only one who fell. I could still see their faces: Almighty Zeus, Luminar Hesu, and Farro. They all looked concerned… yet none of them reached out. Not a single hand was extended to help me, to catch me, or to defend me from the accusation-of committing the one sin no angel should ever commit. Lust.

Hanggang sa kainin ako ng liwanag at balutin ng kadiliman ang paningin ko, mukha pa rin nila ang nakarehistro sa aking isipan.

I was falling from the sky. Sadly, nobody wants to catch me.

“Removing your powers and casting you down to the mortal world, Alkia-that is your punishment for breaking the Golden Rule of Celesterra.”

🪽🪽🪽

Sa mundo ng mga tao, oras ng gabi. Madilim ang kalangitan, ni isang bituin ay hindi matanaw sa lawak ng kalawakan. Tila ba uulan. Ang kulog at kidlat ay patuloy na umaaalingawngaw sa saliw ng mga nagkakagulong mga kuliglig. Miski sa mundo ng mga tao, mababakas ang poot ni Zeus.

Inaayos ni Theus ang mga pastol niyang mga kambing sa malaking kamalig kasama ng iba pang mga hayop sa bukirin sinasakahan niya. Alam niya kasing malakas ang paparating na ulan at kailangan niyang iayos ang mga alaga bago ito bumuhos.

Ngunit nahinto siya nang mapansin ang isang bagay na nagningning sa himpapawid.

“Bulalakaw?” tanong niya sa sarili. This falling star was the only thing that could be seen in the night sky. The glimmer it has brought color to the dullness of the upcoming thunderstorm.

“Pero bakit ang laki?” sambit niya pa ngunit huli na nang mapansin niyang papalapit ito sa kaniya.

Agad niyang pinapasok ang mga alagang hayop sa malaking kamalig, sa takot na baka tamaan sila ng malaking bulalakaw.

He immediately closed the door and right after that, the sound of a huge solid thing struck the ground. Rinig na rinig niya ang talsikan ng mga piraso ng lupa at mga bato sa tinaguang kamalig.

“Buti na lang hindi natamaan ang kamalig ko.” sa isip-isip niya.

Dahan-dahan ay binuksan ni Theus ang pinto upang silipin ang nahulog na bulalakaw ngunit taliwas sa inaasahan niya ang bubungad sa kaniya.

A few meters away from him lay a naked man, eyes closed as if in deep sleep. His perfectly sculpted body was partially buried in the soil, dirt clinging to every curve and muscle.

Even with the darkness of the night and the thunder roaring across the sky, he could clearly see the handsome man-like a gift heaven had sent just for him.

Lumapit siya nang bahagya at doon niya lang nakita ang nag-iisang bagay na suot-suot nito.

A delicate compass necklace rested against his chest, like a symbol of destiny waiting to be followed.

*

Thanks for reading! Your vote matters ♥️

6th Tale

ALKIA

The sound of birds chirping played in my ears. I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. Slowly, I opened my eyes. Sunrays welcomed me through the open window, and the curtains danced with the gentle breeze.

Nasaan ako?

Inilibot ko nang tingin ang buong silid. A typical room with big wooden cabinet at the lower part near the single size bed I was staying. There’s a book shelf with variety of books beside it. I noticed that I was tucked in a warm blanket. Nang lumingon ako sa gilid ay may maliit na lamp shade. There was also a bowl of food—something like soup or porridge? I’m not sure. Pansin kong umuusok pa ito tanda na kaluluto lang. Probably someone placed it there before I woke up. Sayang at hindi ko natiyempuhan ang tao na nag-asikaso sa akin. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa kaniya. He let me sleep on his bed, tucked me in a warm blanket and let me stay in his room.

Napansin kong nakasuot na rin ako ng pantulog. Wala akong maalala talaga. Ni hindi ko nga matandaan kung saan ako nanggaling o kung anong pangalan ko. Para akong kakabuhay lang. I was clueless about everything, but despite being ignorant, the basics still remained intact in my mind. May mga bagay lang ako na hindi matandaan. Para akong inihulog na lang ng kalangitan. Ni ang mga magulang ko ay hindi ko matandaan kung sino. Kung may mga kapatid ba ako o kung saan ako nakatira. Hindi ko talaga alam.

Out of nowhere, the wooden door creaked open.

“Gising ka na pala,” sabi ng isang lalaki na nakatayo sa kabubukas pa lang na pinto.

Moreno. Matangkad. Maganda ang pangangatawan. Parang batak na batak sa trabaho. May kalaparan kasi ang dibdib niya. He has gentle features. Pleading eyes. Thick set of brows. Pointed nose. Sexy lips. Strong jaw. The color of his skin complimented a lot with his face features. Sobrang lakas nang dating niya. Lalaking-lalaki. Nakasira lang ang mahaba niyang balbas na akala mo ay si Santa Claus. Perpekto na sana. Nagmukha lang palaboy dahil sa balbas niya. Isama pa ang suot niyang gusgusin at punit-punit. I could see some dirt on his clothes. Putik? Saan ba siya galing? Nagtanim ng kamote at ganyan siya karumi?

Selan mo naman. Ikaw na nga lang nakikihiga sa kwarto niya

ngayon!

Okay! Sorry, my inside thought!

I slowly raised my hand and waved at him. “Hello po. Nasaan po ba ako at sino po kayo?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

He smiled. Parang matutunaw naman ang puso ko sa paraan niya nang pagngiti. Sobrang guwapo kasi!

Lumapit siya sa akin, ipinagpag muna ang kamay sa suot na lumang pantalon at saka inilahad ito sa akin.

“Ako si Theus. Nandito ka sa bahay ko. Pasensiya na at marumi ang aking kamay, nagtatanim kasi ako ng mga binhi ng mais sa labas,” paliwanag niya. Kaya pala marungis siya. Hindi naman pala kamote ang tinatanim. Mais pala!

Tinanggap ko ang pakikipagkamay niya. Hindi ko maintindihan pero may kung anong kuryente ang dumaloy sa akin galing sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam kung ako lang pero bakit parang hindi siya apektado? Ano naman ang eksena ng kuryente na ’yon?

“Ikaw? Anong pangalan mo?” tanong niya sa akin.

Napaiwas ako nang tingin sa kaniya. Hindi ko kasi alam ang isasagot ko.

“Hindi mo matandaan?” tanong niya pa kaya napabalik agad ako sa kaniya ng tingin. Paano niya naman nalaman ‘yon? Manghuhula ba siya?

“May gusto ka bang itawag ko sa ‘yo? Ikaw na lang bahala mag-isip kung ano ang ipapangalan mo sa sarili mo. Bago ang lahat, kainin mo na itong niluto kong lugaw hangga’t mainit pa. Hindi na masarap ito kapag lumamig na,” sabi niya at saka kinuha ang lugaw sa gilid ng bedside table. Dinampot niya ang kutsara na nakakubli sa likod ng mangkok at saka iniabot din ito sa akin.

Tinanggap ko naman ‘yon sa kaniya. Teka? Ano bang ipapangalan ko sa sarili ko?

“Iwanan muna kita saglit at baka tukain ng mga alaga kong manok ang binhi ng mais. Kumain ka muna d’yan. Ikukuha na rin kita ng maiinom pagbalik ko,” sambit nito bago lumisan ng silid.

Napatingin ako sa binigay niyang lugaw. Bahagya pa rin itong mainit kaya naman inumpisahan ko na itong kainin. Masarap siya. Hindi ko inaakalang magaling siya magluto. Hindi kasi halata sa itsura niya. Mukhang tatay na malaki ang katawan. Sa sobrang sarap ng luto niya ay naubos ko din agad.

Ilang minuto lang din ang lumipas nang bumalik siya habang may hawak na isang baso ng tubig.

“Ito, oh. Inumin mo,” aniya sabay abot sa akin ng baso.

Tinanggap ko iyon at saka ininom ngunit nagsalita siya dahilan para maibuga ko ang kaunti.

“Mukhang gutom at uhaw ka, ah? Sabagay, isang linggo ka na kasing natutulog dito. Buti nga ay gumising ka na—”

Miski tuloy siya ay nagulat sa inasal ko. “Sorry po,” hingi kong paumanhin at saka dali-daling pinunasan ang paligid ng labi.

“Ayos ka lang ba?” tanong niya sa akin, nag-aalala.

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya. Napakamaalalahanin pala ng tao na ‘to. Napaisip tuloy ako kung may asawa at anak na siya. Mukhang mapagmahal siyang tatay kung may anak na siya at makalingang asawa naman sa asawa niya.

“Kaya mo na bang tumayo at lumakad? Tara at dito ka sa harapan ng bahay para makalanghap ka ng sariwang simoy ng hangin.” Inalalayan niya pa akong makatayo mula sa kama. Aaminin kong hirap ako sa paghakbang. Hindi ko naman kasi inaakalang isang linggo na pala ako natutulog. P’wede pala ‘yon? Hindi ko rin maipaliwanag pero para akong binugbog. Ang sakit ng mga laman-laman ko lalo na ang likuran.

Habang binabaybay namin ang daan palabas ay tiningnan ko na rin ang itsura ng tahanan niya. Simple lang ito. Maayos naman ang loob. Sementado. May kahel na pintura ang mga pader. May mga kagamitan naman at appliances pero parang mag-isa lang siya. Ni wala akong marinig na ingay mula sa ibang tao.

“Kung naghahanap ka ng kasama ko, wala kang makikita. Ako lang mag-isa rito. Nang magkawalay kami ng mahal ko, hindi ko na siya nakita pa. Hindi ko na rin binalak pang magmahal ng iba. Tinangay niya kasi ang puso ko kaya hindi ko magawang buksan ito para sa iba.” Natawa pa siya pagkaraan. “Corny, ‘no? Pasensiya ka na,” sabi niya pa. Hindi ko maiwasang humanga sa kagwapuhan niya habang pinagmamasdan ko ang mukha nito. Ngayong nakita ko siya nang malapitan habang inaalalayan niya ako sa paglalakad, napatunayan kong guwapo talaga ang tao na ito. Para siyang artista. Ang kinis ng balat kahit moreno. Ang ganda pa ng mapuputing ngipin. Mas lalo siyang gumaguwapo kapag ngumingiti. Hindi ko alam pero parang nakita ko na siya noon. Hindi ko lang matandaan.

Nakalabas na kami sa munti niyang bahay. The sunny sunshine welcomed me outside. Kahit na may araw ay hindi masakit sa balat ang init nito. The cold blow of air touched my skin. Tama nga siya. Sariwa ang hangin dito sa labas. Marami din kasing mga puno at mga tanim na halaman.

Nagtungo kami sa gilid ng bahay kung saan may isang malaking puno ng mangga. Sa ilalim ng puno na ‘yon ay may kahoy na upuan. Pahaba ito. Kakasiya kaming dalawa kung tatabihan niya ako.

Marahan niya akong ibinaba roon. Tumindig siya sa aking harapan nang makaupo ako nang maayos.

“Magrelax ka lang diyan at yayariin ko lang ang trabaho ko. Tawagin mo lang ako kung kailangan mo ng tulong o ano. Nandito lang ako sa harap bahay, nagpupunla ng bindi ng mais, okay?”

Tumango ako sa kaniya bilang sagot.

Hindi ko alam kung nasaang lugar ako pero dahil sa kabutihang pinapakita ng taong kumupkop sa akin, masasabi kong nasa mabuti akong kalagayan.

Lumipas ang mga oras na pinanonood ko lang si Theus sa ginagawa niyang pagtatanim. The shade from the tree gave me comfort from the heat of the sun. Malakas pa ang simoy ng hangin kaya para bang hinehele ako sa aking kinauupuan. Moments later, I feel sleepy. Hindi ko na nilabanan. Ramdam ko ang sobrang pagod sa katawan ko kahit na kakagising ko pa lang mula sa mahabang pagkakatulog. Nagpatangay na ako sa antok at hinayaan ang sarili na makatulog.

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako napunta sa isang napakagandang lugar. Tila ba nag-time travel ako. Para akong nasa paraiso ngayon. Maraming puno, may mga hayop tulad ng usa, kuneho at mga ibon na nakakalat sa paligid. Ang pumukaw sa atensiyon ko ay ang magandang batis sa gitna ng kagubatan. The crystal-like water glimmers as it flows. Ang ganda!

Naupo ako malapit sa batis at saka sumalok ng tubig gamit ang kamay ko. Mukha namang malinis kaya hindi na ako nag-atubili pa na uminom.

Grabe! Manamis-namis pa ang lasa nito. Teka? Nasaan ba ako? Bakit saan-saan ako napapadpad?

“Kumusta ka sa mundo ng mga tao, Alkia?”

*A representation how Luminar Hesu looked like. Ganiyan din ang itsura ng mismong pakpak niya, even his clothes. The golden highlights of his wings is giving~

Napabalikwas ako sa pagkakaupo nang marinig ang isang hindi pamilyar na boses ng isang lalaki mula sa aking likuran.

Agad akong napalingon doon, napatayo upang protektahan ang sarili sa isang estranghero.

Nalaglag ang mga panga ko nang makita ang pakpak niyang may kulay puti at halo ng kulay gintong mga balahibo.

Ang mukha niya, perpekto kahit saan anggulo. Parang hindi totoo ‘tong nakikita ko. Isang anghel ang kumakausap sa akin ngayon? at tinawag niya akong Alkia? Iyon ba ang pangalan ko? Pero paanong alam niya at ako ay hindi?

Nananaginip ba ako?

Pansin ko ang pagtataka sa mukha niya hanggang sa unti-unti siyang tumango-tango. “Naiintindihan ko na. Binura ni Zeus ang lahat ng mga ala-ala mo. Hindi mo ba ako natatandaan, Alkia?”

Sinubukan niyang lumapit ngunit umurong ako. Muntik pa akong matumba dahil batis na nga pala ang nasa likuran ko. Na-out of balance ako dahil tubig na ang natapakan ko. Mabuti na lang at mabilis akong nakabawi at nakatayo nang maayos.

“Huwag kang mag-alala. Hindi kita sasaktan. Ako ang guardian angel mo, Alkia. Hindi kita pababayaan,” paliwanag niya. ‘yong totoo? Adik ba ang isang ‘to? Nakacostume lang ng pang-anghel at malakas lang ang amats niya ngayon?

Kaso ipinagaspas niya ang pakpak at kitang-kita ng mga mata ko ang dahan-dahan niyang pag-angat sa ere.

Namangha ako. Totoo nga! Anghel ang kaharap ko ngayon!

Naging mabilis ang mga pangyayari. He flew towards my direction. His hands wrapped around my body, moments later, I saw myself being carried by this angel. We were meters higher from the ground. Clouds touching my skin. Para akong nasa alapaap.

Then suddenly, his eyes locked onto mine. Something about his face reminded me of a yesterday I couldn’t quite place. He was like a puzzle piece I didn’t remember where it belonged.

For a moment, he didn’t say a word. We just stayed like that, staring into each other’s eyes. They say eyes are the window to the soul, but I couldn’t see anything behind his emerald gaze. Maganda ang mga ito ngunit wala akong maaninag. Malabo. Magulo. Hindi ko maintindihan.

“Alkia. Ako ito, Luminar Hesu. Your Lover from Celesterra.”

Just as his lips near mine, a gentle nudge tugs me back to reality.

A dream…

“Sorry. Naabala ko ang siyesta mo. Nakatulog ka na kakahintay sa akin. Nayari ko na ang pagtatanim ng binhi ng mais. Tara na sa loob ng bahay. Nakaluto na rin ako ng tanghalian natin. Kumain na tayo—”

“Alkia,” sambit ko dahilan para mahinto siya sa pagsasalita. “My name is Alkia,” paglilinaw ko.

Tumango-tango siya sa akin, bakas ang pagkagulat sa mga sinabi ko.

“Tara na, Alkia. Kumain na tayo ng tanghalian,” sambit niya at saka inalalayan akong tumayo.

Sabay namin tinahak ang daan pabalik sa bahay niya. Habang inihahakbang ko ang aking mga paa, naglalaro sa isipan ko ang napanaginipan. Hindi ako makapaniwalang may anghel na kumausap sa akin. Pamilyar siya pero hindi ko maalala kung saan ko siya nakita. May parte sa pagkatao ko ang nagsasabing kilala ko siya ngunit hindi ko talaga maalala. Katulad na lang ni Theus, nitong gwapong lalaki na umaalalay sa akin ngayon. I knew I saw him somewhere before but my mind couldn’t show me where and when I saw this man.

Meron pang binanggit ang anghel sa panaginip ko kanina, na hindi ko magawang maalis sa aking isipan.

“Alkia. Ako ito, Luminar Hesu. Your

Lover

from Celesterra.”

Nadulas ba ako sa daan at nabagok ang ulo ko sa semento kaya nagka-amnesia ako ngayon? O napasukan ng maraming hangin ang utak ko habang natutulog kanina kaya kung ano-anong nangyayari sa akin?

Hindi ko alam pero parang malapit na akong masiraan ng bait.

🪽🪽🪽

2112 WC THANKS FOR READING! KINDLY VOTE AND COMMENT TO SUPPORT MY STORY. THAT WOULD BE APPRECIATED 🥰

Kijarasen