euthyrias

[euthyrias]

⟢ YOU FIND A LONELY STARDUST AMONG THE COSMOS. DO YOU TOUCH IT?

You have reached acsiennt’s hidden space after interacting with the stardust. In here, you will find many records of stories and legends, in which some are kept secret from everyone.

This small nook is a little messy with all the pictures and words all over the place. Follow the small paper plane near the house and clouds to find the small library tucked inside this space. You’ll find a more organized collection of the various tales in there. If you’re looking for something specific, you can use the magnifying glass below the paper plane to make your search easier. For further assistance, just send a message!

May you find the perfect adventure to relive inside the pages of these stories. Enjoy your stay!

[euthyrias]

Chapter 5: Reminiscence

KASDEYA ARGYROS' Point of View

Being so near to the gods and their world makes my skin crawl. Sobrang lakas ng pagtibok ng puso ko. Pinigilan ko ang pagbalik ng aking mga memorya.

But the next thing I know, I just turned eleven years old and my father is standing in front of me.

A shattering glass breaks the tension inside the room. Drops of blood fall on the shards and thousand knives tease my splitting mind.

"Kasdeya, kailangan mong kumalma." My father's voice is nothing but a background echo compared to the volume of my fast heartbeat. Nanginginig ang mga kamay niyang nakalahad sa akin ngunit mas malala ang takot na kumakain sa sistema ko. He's trying to inch closer, but even he is careful and scared of me.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa aking mga kamay. They're pale and trembling badly. "A...anong nangyayari? What are you hiding from me?" Halos manginig ang buong bahay dahil sa pagsigaw ko. Napansin niya iyon, and I swear I can see life leave his eyes because of my outrage.

He saw what happened. The look in his eyes are both fear and familiarity.

My father knows something I don't.

The more seconds pass, the more venom rises from my throat. I bite my lip to stop it from shaking. An unknown pit forms in my stomach, not feeling well in the slightest.

My surroundings becomes an amalgamation of colors and there's the sensation of my common-sense fleeting away from my body.

Hindi pa nakakalipas ang matagal na panahon nang mangyari iyon. Magkasama kami ni Papa, walang ibang tao maliban sa'min. This night is supposed to be uneventful, not daring to break away from my usual routine of waiting for my father to get home during the night.

But then, after I reached for the night skies, the moon and stars shifted to follow the direction of my hand.

"Nakita mo yung nangyari pero 'di ka nagulat." I accuse him with a bleeding finger. Nang wala siyang masabi ay lumakas lang ang panghihinala ko. "What the hell was that?"

"Kasdeya, calm down!" His dark pink eyes glow like spinel gemstones basking in sunlight as he assert dominance over my howling voice.

Natandaan ko ang kuryosidad sa aking isip nung bata pa ako. I'm confused why I never inherited my father's peculiar pink irises. Kakaiba ang mga mata niya, hindi katulad ng sa ibang tao.

And now that I can think more clearly, an epiphany strikes me like thunder and it branches out to conquer my entire being- He is not human.

I'm not human.

Pero kung hindi ako tao, ano ako?

Bakit kaya kong kontrolin ang mga bituin gamit ang kamay ko, at bakit hindi manlang siya nagulat sa nangyari?

Alam kong may sagot si Papa sa mga katanungan ko, but he wishes to stay silent. It infuriates me more than anything. Gano'n ba kahirap sabihin ang totoo?

So many questions but none are given the attention I want from him. I need him to say something!

Hindi nawala ang panginginig ng mga mata ko. My father's eyes finally soften before walking towards me. His movements are slow but carefully planned, as if he's trying to tame a beast who escaped from its steel cage.

"Kontrolin mo ang sarili mo, latria mou. Don't let it get the better of you." Those words are only a fleeting beat to my ears. My mouth sketches another scream in the air, cracking the windows and decorative vases I never liked to begin with.

Napangiwi siya bago mapahakbang palayo sa akin. My pupils constrict in unexplainable anger and overwhelming feelings. My skin feels heavy and cold. Nandilim ang paningin ko hanggang sa wala na akong makita ng mabuti.

I'm no longer sure if I'm angry, or if this is something else. "Tingin mo kakalma ako pagkatapos nung nangyari?"

Nahanap ng mga mata ko ang bintana sa likod ni Papa. Lightning cracks grow like vines on the surface. I watch myself in the reflective glass, the thin line ran until it passes through my cheeks and ending before it reaches my eyes.

Two white, pearlescent orbs glow like embedded stone on the dark panels of the glass. It only accentuates the cracks on the window, and my anger rises again.

Kumurap ako at gumaya ang dalawang puting mata sa salamin. I feel sick to my stomach while staring at myself whose bright eyes only mock me in the reflection. Kakaiba at hindi natural para sa isang tao.

Peculiar. Gano'n ba kami? That word hisses at me with venom to further add poison to the wound. Wounds the underlying truth has created in my soul.

Huminga ng malalim si Papa bago ako tingnan sa mata. White against dark pink. Two bright colors yet they feel as sharp as a knife. "Remember what I had told you weeks ago. About the gods, monsters, and heroes..." Hindi nakatakas sa aking paningin ang paggalaw ng lalamunan niya. "They're real, Kasdeya. Hindi sila kathang-isip lang."

Naalala ko ang mga kinekwento sa akin ni Papa kamakailan lang. Greek gods and monsters, heroes and demigods, at kung paano nabuo ang mundo. Back then, I don't know why he's telling this at hindi rin ako interesado, kaya hindi ako nakikinig.

Now, I found out its purpose.

"Kasdeya," Huminga si Papa ng malalim bago magpatuloy sa kaniyang sasabihin. "I told you about the gods who rule over all realms. Minsan, bumababa sila sa ating mundo at nagkaka-anak sa mga tao. These offspring born from a god and a mortal are called demigods, and Kasdeya... You're one of them."

Para akong nabingi. Naging mabilis at hindi normal ang pagtibok ng puso ko. "So I'm not human?"

"Yes and no." Napabuntong hininga siya na tila nahihirapang sagutin ang tanong ko. "You're a half-blood, latria mou. Ibig sabihin ay anak ka ng isang god at ng isang tao. I never told you about your mother, didn't I? She's a goddess. This makes you a demigod."

My mouth quivers in an attempt to say something. "P-pero dati... wala naman akong pinagkaiba sa ibang bata," I almost choke at my own words. "Why now? Normal naman ako dati."

"No, you're not." Pagdidiin niya, and it feels like the knives poking my mind earlier move down to stab my chest. Hinawakan ako ni papa sa magkabilang braso, pinipilit na mapatingin ako sakaniya.

His eyes are almost pleading me to listen. "You have always been different, Kasdeya. I just let the illusion of normalcy cloud your mind."

I'm left speechless. Ang hirap intindihin at tanggapin, pero tama siya. My father pieces the picture together until I can see it clearly, I just wish that I can destroy that picture and return to normal.

Everything after that happened in a blur.

Biglang kumalabog ang pinto at nakarinig kami ng mga boses. Napatingin ako kay Papa nang magmura siya ng mahina.

"What's happening?" I say in a hushed voice. I figure that the men outside shouldn't find us, it's written all over my father's face. Hindi ko alam ang nangyayari pero bumulong pa rin ako. "Sino sila?"

"Katharsis." Tanging sagot ni Papa bago ako bitawan. "They must have found us after you unlocked your abilities,"

Wala akong naintindihan sa sinabi niya. All I know is that the people outside shouldn't see us. "We need to go. They can't get you, latria mou."

Lumabas kami mula sa likod ng bahay. At the same time, I hear the loud crash of our door being destroyed. Pinigilan ko ang pagwala ng isang singhap sa bibig ko sa pamamagitan ng pagtakip dito.

Nanginginig pa rin ako, hindi dahil sa galit kundi sa takot. I'm clueless of what's happening, at kahit magtanong ako kay Papa ay siguradong hindi niya ako sasagutin.

"Let's go." Bulong niya sa akin bago muli ako hatakin. Hindi ako sumagot at sumunod nalang sakaniya. I can still hear the commotion inside our house.

I don't dare to look back at our house. Alam ko na ilang minuto nalang ay mahahabol na nila kami. Walang sinasabi si Papa kung saan niya ako dadalhin, but there are woods near our village. Doon kami dumiretso para mawala ang mga tauhang naghahanap sa amin.

Hindi pa rin nagsi-sink in sa akin ang nangyari. My breathing becomes heavy with each passing second.

Sweat trickles down my forehead despite the cold air of December. It's supposed to be my eleventh birthday. Sabi nila ay masaya daw pagsumasapit ang kaarawan ng isang tao, but then why is mine feeling like a nightmare?

It doesn't take long when I hear a gunshot ricochet near the trees I past through. Hindi ko na naiwasang mapasigaw ng malakas sa pinaghalong gulat at takot. My father pulls me closer to him, trying to shield me away from the bullets. Sunod sunod ang pagputok ng bala sa amin.

Narinig kong magmura si Papa. "Keep running, Kasdeya. We can't let them have you."

"Sino sila?" My voice mirrors the trembling of my bottom lips. Humigpit ang hawak sa akin ni Papa. Another gunshot echoes amidst the dark woods, making me jump.

"I don't want to tell you much. Ayokong isali ka nanaman sa mundo ng mga gods," He exhale. "But they're people we can't cross paths with. They're bad people, Kasdeya. And gods know what they'll do if they catch you."

I was ignorant to the existence of these bad men until now. Sa totoo lang, wala akong maintindihan. I'm an eleven-year-old girl who is suddenly running away from a group of people I only heard of today.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nila kami hinahabol at kung ano ang kailangan nila. It's like getting thrown in a fighting arena without rules or protection.

"Get them!" Rinig kong hiyaw ng isang lalaki sa mga kasamahan niya. I decide to ignore them, but things take a different turn upon that request.

Naipit ang isang sigaw sa lalamunan ko nang gumalaw ang mga punong nasa harapan namin ni Papa. Its roots start to grow, reaching out to us like crackling bones. Napaatras ako at humigpit ang hawak sa akin ni Papa.

"Here." He tells me in a whisper before dragging me away from the moving roots.

My eyes are glued on the tree. Para itong buhay. This night is already as weird as it gets tapos may ganito pang mangyayari.

Mas lalong nagkabuhol-buhol ang mga tanong sa aking isip pero ni isa ay hindi ko mabigyan ng sagot. Why are the trees moving? How is that even possible?

Nagbago ng direksyon si Papa para makatakas sa mga malalaking ugat ngunit naharangan nanaman kami ng panibagong problema.

A thunder comes out of nowhere and strikes the ground before us. This time, the scream that's stuck on my throat comes to life in a bloodcurdling shriek. I thought I saw my life flash before me. Siguro ay mananatili akong naka-estatwa sa pwesto ko kung hindi lang ako hinatak ni Papa.

"Pa, ano bang nangyayari?!" Tumaas na ang boses ko. I'm starting to get hysterical, the fragile bonds that piece my sanity together are falling apart. Kung hindi lang ako natatakot para sa buhay ko ay baka kanina pa ako nawalan ng bait.

"I have to do something." My father groaned between his teeth. Panandalian siyang sumulyap sa likod bago tumingin sa akin. We stop running when he grabs both of my arms and looks at me in the eyes.

He doesn't waste time. "Keep running. Tumakbo ka ng malayo, Kasdeya. Don't let them get you no matter what happens. Do you understand me?"

"Anong-"

"We'll part ways here. Don't ever look back, okay? Escape from them no matter what, and never, ever, let yourself get caught. Understood?"

He takes something out of his pocket. A stained paper, something inside it is written in black ink. "Take this and go to the location on the paper. I never wanted you to go to that place, but you'll be safe there. Hindi ka nila mahahabol doon."

Wala pa man akong naisasagot ay hinalikan na ni Papa ang noo ko. "I'm sorry this happened, Kas. I wanted to protect you from our gruesome world, but destiny is cruel, isn't it?" He smiles softly. "No matter how much we fight it, we'll always lose...

"I'm sorry, latria mou."

Tinulak ako ni Papa palayo sakaniya. I know what he wants to do. Nang tumalikod na siya sa akin para harapin ang mga taong humahabol sa amin, alam kong kailangan ko nang tumakbo at sundin ang mga sinabi niya sa akin.

I take a few steps back, counting the men who are chasing us. One... two... My eyes wander around the woods. For some reason, I can see clearly in the dark. Ten. Ten men are trying to surround us, all pairs of eyes glow brightly like embers. Iba't iba nga lang ang kulay. It's unnatural, unusual, and... just like mine.

Umikot ako sa pwesto ko at tumakbo palayo sakanilang lahat.

Narinig ko ang pagsigaw ni Papa. His voice sounds strange yet full of authority. Isang malakaw na pwersa ang tila humahatak sa akin papunta sa direksyon niya, ngunit hindi ko sinubukang tingnan kung ano ang nangyayari.

A commotion starts behind me. I'm tempted to look, lalo na't parang nakarinig ako ng mga metal na nagkikiskisan.

The sparking sound of blades resonate on what used to be a peaceful night, followed by the ignition of a flame spreading on the grass, the sickly sound of inanimate wood coming to life, and the striking of galvanism that produces static in the air.

Nangilid ang luha ko sa takot. A drop of terror makes its way to my chest, spreading like water over paper, until it consumes me entirely. Para akong sinasakal na nagpabagal sa pagtakbo ko.

I'm already so overwhelmed by my own fear and the things I experienced that hearing my father's pained cry creates an imaginary ice on my feet, freezing me in place.

Contrary to what he told me, I look back and saw the bloody lance penetrating my father's body.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang iangat ng lalaki ang katawan ng Papa ko gamit ang hawak niyang lance. The blood on the weapon catches my attention, and the hole on my father's chest becomes a nightmare fuel.

Lumala ang panginginig ng katawan ko. I can't control myself any longer. The scene of a dying man in the hands of what I could guess to be a psychopath triggers something within me. It starts to claw on my chest before moving up to devour my mind.

I didn't care about my father's death. But I realize one thing.

I need to survive.

This world is cruel. I have encountered the supernatural and just like what I saw today, the world is nothing but a grand cage to see who will live the longest.

Ayokong magaya sa Papa ko. Gusto kong mamuhay ng normal, yung walang kakatakutan dahil sa kung ano ka.

I'm forced to believe that I'm a demigod, and it must be the reason why I'm being chased by these men.

I want to live... I have to live no matter what it takes.

Dahil sa pagtigil ko ay nagawa akong palibutan ng mga lalaki. Ten different pairs of rare colored eyes observe me in a circle. Mga nakaitim sila pero malinaw pa rin ang aking paningin sa dilim. I can see their faces clearly, lalo na ang mga mata nilang tila nagliliwanag sa gabi.

Hindi ko na nagawang makatakbo dahil nakaharang sila sa daan ko. One man sneers before walking closer. "Kaninong anak 'to?" Tanong niya sa sarili habang nakatitig sa'kin.

Tumagal ang pagtingin niya, his eyebrows twitching lightly into a furrow. "Kaninong anak kako 'to?" Sigaw niya sa mga masama.

"Hindi rin namin alam." Sagot ng isa.

"Takte." Sambit ng kausap. "Sabihin niyo nalang anak ni Circe. Basta madala natin sa Headquarters." He dismisses before walking away from me. "Talian niyo para hindi makatakas."

My eyes move down on the dirt. "Hindi na kailangan."

Natigilan ang lahat sa biglaan kong pagsalita. They stare at me, and another shiver crawls up my back at the sensation of their gemstone-like eyes settling on my small, child-like figure. Kinagat ko ang aking labi.

Hindi na ako makakatakas kahit gustuhin ko. But I have to prioritize something else in order to live, I know I would die if I try to run now. I need to do something else.

Buhay ko ang pinaka-importante ngayon.

And if I have to follow these men to ensure my safety so they won't hurt me... then so be it.

"Sasama ako. Sasama ako dahil gusto ko."

The man is stunned for a few moments before I hear him laugh like a maniac. "Buti naman at marunong kang sumunod. You're good at reading the atmosphere, half-blood." Sinenyasan niya ang mga kasama. "Umalis na tayo. Baka dumating na ang mga taga-Acropolis."

I force myself to take a step and follow them.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa buwan. Back then, I use to look at it with admiration for its beauty. The light emitting from the moon's heavenly body is calming. Ngayon, biglang nag-iba ang tingin ko sa buwan at mga bituin. My gaze turns to one resembling searing hatred as I stare at the treacherous skies.

I knew it's stupid to blame this on inanimate objects, but maybe...

Maybe if the sky didn't follow the direction of my hand, I wouldn't be here.

Parang tinanggalan ako ng karapatang mabuhay ng payapa dahil hindi ako normal. I'm not a normal human. Greek gods and monsters exist and as it turns out, I'm part of their world.

Demigod, the offspring of a deity and a mortal.

Unfortunately, I'm one of them.

My mind races and the memories shift around me. Masangsang na amoy agad ang bumati sa akin pagkagising ko. Dumikit ang dumi at ilang maliliit na bato sa aking katawan nang maupo ako sa sahig, at nang subukan ko silang tanggalin ay nahipo ko lang ang mga kadenang nakakapit sa magkabila kong pulsuhan.

I look at my arms and wonder. Has it been five years since that happened? Ang tagal na pala, pero hindi pa rin maalis sa isipan ko ang mga nangyari noon. Naalala ko pa rin kung paano pinatay si Papa, lagi kong naaalala ang pagkamatay niya at ang posibilidad na sumunod ako sakaniya.

Tinanggal ko ang tuyong dugo sa ilalim ng mga kuko ko bago mapunta sa riles ng kulungan ang tingin ko.

The iron bars look polished and flawless; The only clean thing in my cell. Hindi katulad nung dati na maingay, parang walang ka-tao tao sa headquarters ng Katharsis.

Sumandal ako sa pader bago mapabuntong hininga. My body still aches from last night. Paulit-ulit nila akong hinampas ng metal at kahoy sa bawat parte ng katawan ko.

I try to loosen my muscles in peace, but of course, the last string of serenity inside these walls are interrupted by a loud bang.

Agad akong napaupo ng maayos. Nasundan muli ng mas malakas pang pagsabog ang nauna. The floor above me rattles due to the impact, dust falling, causing me to cough. Tinakpan ko ang bibig at ilong ko para hindi malanghap ang dumi mula sa itaas.

What in Tartarus is happening?

Naisipan ko ring tumayo para tingnan kung may tao ba sa labas. To my surprise, walang nagbabantay sa mga bilangguan. Maraming mga gwardya sa labas lalo na't may mga tao rito. There are other prisoners inside the cells, Bakit iniwanan lang kami rito?

Wait. Why am I even asking that question? Napailing ako. This is good, wala nang tao na nagbabantay at may mga pagsabog pang nangyayari sa itaas.

It can only mean one thing― They're being attacked.

Sinira ko ang kadenang nakapalupot sa magkabila kong braso gamit ang paa ko. The chains are broken, pero meron pa ring naiwan sa mga palapusluhan ko. Hindi ko na iyon pinansin. I walked near the newly polished iron bars.

Masyado itong makikitid para makadaan sa pagitan, I tried that before but it didn't work, so I used another method.

Ginamit ko ang chains na nasa palapulsuhan ko para sirain ang padlock sa kulungan. It breaks after five tries, bahagya pang umawang ang pinto nang masira ko ito.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapasinghal. What, Katharsis doesn't have enough funds to give me a better cell?

Or are they underestimating me? Either way, I feel insulted.

Naglakad ako sa aisle na pinagigitnaan ng mga kulungan. I walk slowly, making sure that no Katharsis member is here to stop me. Kahit madilim ay nakikita ko ang ibang mga nakabilanggo na lumalapit upang makita ako. The chains in their wrists drag on the cemented floor.

Sumulyap ako sa ibang tao. Masasama ang mga tingin nila sa akin habang nakahawak sa riles ng kanilang mga kulungan.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangisi na tila nang-aasar habang nakatingin sa isa.

One girl suddenly tries to jump towards me, but the iron bars restrict her. Pinigilan kong matawa ng malakas bago magpatuloy sa paglalakad.

Demigods of different ages and godly descent eye me with hatred. Hindi ko nalang sila pinansin, sanay na naman ako sa mga tingin na binibigay nila sa akin. I continue walking in the hallway until I reach the stairs leading to the floor above.

Umakyat ako sa kasunod na palapag, at katulad ng iniisip ko kanina ay sirang sira ang headquarters.

Someone did attack. The question is, who?

Pero wala na akong paki roon. I need to get out of here before someone else sees me. Nagpalinga-linga ako sa paligid bago takbuhin ang hallway. Everything is surrounded by a thick layer of dust and the floors are littered with broken bricks. Katulad ng palapag sa baba ay madilim rin dito, but the walls are decorated by torches na hindi na nakasindi.

I keep covering my mouth while looking for the secret exit on this floor. Alam kong meron, the members are always whispering about it. Tanga lang sila na pinaparinig nila sa akin.

When I reach a dead end, I kick a big debris out of the way. Hinawakan ko ang pader at bumukas ang isang daan mula rito. I sigh in amusement. Hindi ako makapaniwalang nandito pa rin ito.

Papasok na sana ako sa loob para makatakas nang makarinig ako ng isang sigaw.

"River! May tao rito!"

Sumulyap ako sa lalaking sumigaw. It's a guy with pretty red hair pointing at me. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niyang... kakaiba. One gold and one dark pink. He doesn't look like he's part of Katharsis, in fact, naka-uniporme siya ng pang-military.

I glare at the guy with heterochromia eyes and unnatural red hair. Bago pa man dumating yung taong tinatawag niya ay lumabas na agad ako gamit yung pintuan.

I know that guy will chase me if he's curious enough. Kumaripas ako ng takbo sa madilim na hallway na binuksan ko. My footsteps echoes around four corners of the wall as I try to get away from anyone who'd dare to come after me.

Muntik na akong masubsob sa lupa nang makalabas ako ng headquarters. For the first time in so many years, I feel the moon's light basking me in white curtains.

Naaninag ko muli ang mga bituin sa langit pati na rin ang labas. Trees surround the lone building of Katharsis' headquarters, and it took me a while to process what just happened.

Nakatakas ako.

The silent celebration in my head ends quickly when another voice calls out to me. "Argyros!" Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses. I curse when I recognize it as a member of Katharsis.

Napansin ko rin ang ibang taong mga naka-uniprome. It looks like all of them are fighting, too busy to care about a runaway stranger like me. Ilan lang sa mga taga-Katharsis at kalaban nila ang napatingin sa akin. The man who shouted at me screeches. "Get back, now!"

I smile at him sweetly. "In your dreams."

Five years. Limang taon akong nakakulong sa kanilang teritoryo at nanahimik para sa buhay ko.

I waited for the moment I can leave this place and live a normal life, like how I did before they captured me.

That day, I escaped from the clutches of Katharsis. Hindi ko na inintindi ang mga taong umatake sakanila dahil labas na ako do'n. I just want to go back to how it was when I'm still eleven. It's too late to reverse what happened years ago, so I pretended like they never happened.

Namuhay ako bilang normal na tao.

But you can't always run away forever, no matter how much you want to.

. . .

[euthyrias]

Chapter 4: An Offer

KASDEYA ARGYROS' Point of View

Zyiam Argyros. I almost forgot my true father's name.

Kung hindi lang siya nabanggit ng lalaking nasa harapan ko, baka hindi ko na naalala si Papa.

Seven years ago, I used to have a family. Kaming dalawa lang ang miyembro ng pamilyang yun, still, it's considered as one.

But my relationship with my father was odd.

All I knew was his name, face, and our connection by blood. Lagi siyang wala sa bahay dahil sa trabaho kaya nasanay ako na wala siya, ngunit hindi ko alam kung saan siya nagpupunta.

His profession, the basic facts about him, and even our relatives are all unknown to me. We almost never spend time together dahil lagi siyang wala sa bahay. Hindi rin naman ako nag-rereklamo dahil hindi kami close ni Papa, at halos nawalan na rin ako ng paki sakaniya at sa kung ano ang ginagawa niya.

I was left alone in our house. And at the age of eleven, I already know how to fend for myself without any help.

But maybe I do know a few things about my father. At least two facts about him. One, he used to love this one song that he played on the piano. And two, men and women alike would fall on their knees for him.

May itsura si Papa. Mayroon ring nagsasabi sa akin na sakaniya ko raw nakuha ang itsura ko and I couldn't disagree more. Hindi ko kamukha si Papa kahit saang anggulo. The only thing we have in common is our weird charcoal-colored hair. His eyes, on the other hand, were a dark shade of pink.

My father was attractive, unusually so for someone of his age. One can even mistake him as a younger man because of his features. Mapa-babae o lalaki, nagkakagusto sakaniya kahit anong edad pa man. Kulang nalang ay malusaw si Papa dahil sa mga tingin nila.

'He is as beautiful as a Greek god statue.'

People would always say that. Dati, that little comment would completely pass my mind. But thinking about it now, I realized that it contained a clue to who he actually is.

My father is the same as me. Parehas kaming demigod, at isa lang ang ibig sabihin no'n.

I am a descendant of two Greek deities.

My father's deity parent, and his wife.

Sinundan ko ang lalaking nagpakilala sa akin bilang Adonis Castello patungo sa loob ng Acropolis. We enter the roofed entrance, and my eyes stay on the white fountain spewing gold liquid at the center of it.

A gasp escapes my lips nang makita ko ang kabuuan ng Acropolis. From the gate, I can already tell that it's extravagant inside out, pero mas engrande pa rin ang bumungad sa akin.

Halos mapapikit ako dahil sa magarbong buildings. Everything is either gold or made out of white stone and marble. The gold roofs reflect the colors of the rainbow when the sun hits it just right.

Bubungad sa'yo ang isang malaking arena pagpasok. At first glance, there is a lot of stairs and castle-like buildings. It's too much to take in. Tila nasa loob ka ng isang syudad na gawa sa mga magkakaduktong na palasyo. The fields are dotted by demigods of different ages, some are in casual clothes while a small percentage are in uniforms similar to what the two demigods were wearing earlier.

What in Tartarus is this? Tahanan ng mga aristokrata?

But we don't stop there. The man leads me towards the biggest castle behind the giant arena at pumasok kami sa loob nito.

Just as I thought, mas engrande pa sa labas ang loob ng main building. It's surrounded in gold and marble, while the walls are hugged with white wallpaper. Kumikinang ang bawat dekorasyon at frame na nakasabit sa pader. Everything around me is dazzling, beautiful, and grandiose.

Nakakasuka.

Halos mapairap ako sa hangin sa tuwing makikita ang isang dekorasyon na gawa sa ginto o marmol. It's too much for me. Masyadong nakakasilaw, ang sakit sa mata. Masyado akong nasanay sa madilim at madumi.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa sahig. Even the floors are made of polished white marble accentuated with gold veins. Our shoes click loudly on the glassy floor, lalong lalo na ang hooves ng satyrs na kasabay ko.

Tatlo silang nakapalibot sa akin. One on my right, one on my left, and the third one behind me. Parang ayaw nilang makawala ako, takot na takot na baka kumaripas ako ng takbo paalis pag hindi nila ako binantayan.

But I know better than that. Hindi ako tatakbo... malalaman nila kung saan ako pupunta. They already have me by the neck with no other choices, as if this small thing is only for safe measures.

It doesn't feel different when I was locked up in a foul prison cell for years.

Pinagmasdan ko ang likod ng lalaking nagpakilala sa akin kanina. Adonis Castello, the Deputy Commander.

Deputy, which means he's not the actual person that runs this place. It's someone else, pero malamang hindi ko kilala. I couldn't care less about the world of the gods.

Bakit aalahanin ko pa ang mundong sumira sa normal kong buhay? It's better to forget everything rather than face them, especially when it made me fear for my own life.

My survival hangs on a thread after that accident. Nagbago ang lahat para sa akin at sobrang bilis nito. I forced myself to adjust so I can continue living, and that's when I became desperate for a normal life.

People want to be so different and I never understood why.

Would they still wish to be unique if this is what they have to go through? Ang ipaglaban ang karapatan mong mabuhay dahil walang rerespeto sayo kundi ang sarili mo? This world is nothing but a battlefield, but it's not the strongest who survives.

It will be those who could adjust the fastest.

Tumigil kami sa harap ng isang malaking double doors. Nauna ang dalawang satyr na katabi ko at binuksan nila ang pinto bago pumasok sa loob ang lalaking sinusundan ko. Huminga ako ng malalim.

Lumingon sa akin ang matandang lalaki at ngumiti. "Pasok ka."

Hindi ko maiwasang mapatitig sa mukha niya. He looks nice and civil, the wrinkles on his face means he's a smiley person. He reminds me of a certain Orphanage Director.

Nanlalamig ako. Because of the niceness he's showing me, I can't help but think of his inner vileness and ulterior motives.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng kwarto. Nahagip agad ng mga mata ko ang dalawang bookcase na nasa magkabilang gilid ng silid. Sa gitna, may mga sofa na pwedeng upuan ng maraming tao para makipagkwentuhan.

An officiate's seat and table rest at the very back of the room. Pinagigitnaan ito ng dalawang statue, isang babae at lalaki. Based on their silk-like attire, regal postures, and the famed lightning bolt on the man's hand and the peacock beside the woman, it's easy to guess who those statues are supposed to represent.

Zeus and Hera— King and Queen of Mt. Olympus. The same gods at the entrance of the Acropolis.

Umiwas ako ng tingin sa mga statue bago ibigay ang lahat ng aking atensyon kay Adonis Castello.

Tumigil siya sa harapan ng lamesa bago sulyapan ang satyrs na nakakabit nanaman sa akin. Still with a smile on his face, he orders them. "Iwanan niyo na muna kami ni Ms. Argyros."

And just like that, the three half-goat creatures leave the room, closing it shut behind me after. Nanatili ang walang emosyon kong titig kay Adonis.

He's the opposite, sobrang bait ng ngiti sa kaniyang labi habang nakatingin sa akin. When he stares, his eyes soften as if he remembers something while looking at me. Mabilis rin naman siyang nakabawi. "Maupo ka."

"No." Matigas kong sambit bago humakbang ng kaunti palapit sakaniya. "Get to the point so I can leave this stupid place."

The blond man sighs deeply, tila nahihirapan magsalita. "Your really are Zyiam's daughter. You and your father have the same glare and sharp tongue."

I grit my teeth in annoyance. Napakuyom ang dalawa kong palad. "How do you even know him?" Nagpipigil kong tanong bago siya bigyan ng masamang tingin.

I can't let my guard down, not even once. Hindi pa ako sigurado sa lugar na pinasukan ko. As far as I know, this place is riddled with the energy from the Olympian deities and it's infested by their loyal descendants. Baka mamaya, kasing sahol lang sila ng mga gods at ng Katharsis.

Huminga siya ng malalim bago isandal ang kaniyang likod sa lamesa. He gives me a gentle gaze. "Your father... He was a demigod like you. Before he had you, naging estudyante siya rito. I was one of his subordinates and closest companion. Kabisado ko na ang mga kilos ng Papa mo. Behind that cold exterior, he was the type of man who would do anything for the people he loved the most,"

Yumuko ako at napatingin sa sahig na gawa sa makinis na kahoy. A small scoff escapes my lips as a shadow conceals my face. If my father really did care about anything else but himself, then no matter how we may seem identical in our attitude or actions, he is nothing like me.

"Zyiam was the best among the best. Distant but empathetic and cold but caring. Tinatago niya ang totoong kakayahan ng kaniyang pagmamahal. He is son of Aphrodite, one of the Olympians, and he told us the least love yet he was the person who did the most for everyone." Pagpapatuloy niya.

Tumaas ang tingin ko sakaniya. "Get to the point. Bakit ako nandito?"

At the back of my mind, I already figured out my father's ancestral lineage. Hindi ko mapagkakaila na may itsura siya, his features make the man the media claims to be the most handsome look bland and ordinary.

Tingin at presensya palang, nahuhulog na ang mga taong nakakasalubong niya. One gaze and they start swooning over him with jelly legs and heart-shaped eyes. Napapairap nalang ako sa kawalan pag napapansin ang malalagkit nilang tingin sakaniya.

When that happens, I glance at my father. But he would only be looking straight, paying no heed to the multiple men and women who are basically undressing him in their minds. Sigurado akong napapansin niya, pero wala siyang ginagawa.

For someone so attractive, he wasn't interested in dating despite people asking him out often. I thought it was because he was too busy... or if he still loved my mother. Kung sino man siya.

"You want something from me, right?" Muntik nang manginig ang labi ko habang nagsasalita. "Kaya dinala ako rito. Ano bang gusto mo sa akin? Why do I have to be taken here with or without my consent?"

His eyes, which used to be gentle and warm, now turn stoic as he gets serious. "Because I― No, we need your help."

I blink, but the lack of humor and playfulness in his eyes remain, which means that none of this is a joke.

Gusto kong matawa sa inis ngunit pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. "At anong klaseng tulong naman ang mabibigay ng isang normal na taong katulad ko?"

Tumaas ang kaniyang mga kilay. "Normal? Is that how you perceive yourself? You think you're normal?" Parang siya naman ngayon ang natatawa sa sinabi ko. "I'm sorry to tell you this, Ms. Argyros, but nothing about you is normal."

It feels like being hammered in the head a thousand times over. Out of all the truths that can be said and thrown at me, this is the one I hate to hear.

"Isa kang demigod. Pinatay ng Katharsis ang tatay mo at kinulong ka sa kanilang headquarters ng anim na taon. Nothing about that is normal, Kasdeya,"

Parang kutsilyo ang bawat salita niya. "Is that why you were living amongst mortals like a normal teenager? You want to be one of them?"

"Shut... up." Nagpipigil kong sambit. I can feel the warmth from the liquid that's slowly cascading on my palm. My nails dig dipper into my skin, not only tearing my skin but my flesh too.

I know I should stop deceiving myself that I am normal. I know I shouldn't be dreaming of a life I'll never have.

My past keeps haunting me like a loud shrieking noise, chanting those words over and over again. Lagi nitong pinapaalala sa akin ang mga sugat na natamo ko, ang mga sigaw na kumawala sa labi ko dahil sa sakit, at ang latigong dumadapo sa balat at laman ko.

Hindi ito tumatahimik. Sa tuwing nararamdaman kong tila isa na ako sa mga normal na tao, it will start an alarm in my mind to remind me of the horrible things that fuel my nightmares and fear for Death.

Adonis Castello sighs once again before walking closer to me. Umupo siya sa sofa na malapit sa akin. His gaze is back to how it was earlier, as if he knows the madness happening inside my mind.

"I know I shouldn't have brought it up pero iyon ang totoo. Alam kong mahirap para sa'yo lalo na't madami kang pinagdaanan... From your father's death to your imprisonment, I'm aware of all of it. Kaya gusto kitang tulungan. And in the process, I will need help from you too."

So they're going to use me in the guise of sympathy.

By adding an incentive, which is the 'help' he's talking about, tingin niya ay papayag akong magpagamit dahil may rason ako para sumunod sakaniya.

"What do you want?" I decide to humor him for a bit.

Napansin ko ang pag-angat ng mga sulok ng kanyang labi. "As you know, I am only the Deputy Commander of this place. Ako ang tumataguyod sa Acropolis sa ngayon,"

Hinintay ko siyang magpatuloy. "The thing is our actual Commander, Ellenore Mathias, is being held captive by the Katharsis."

A breath gets caught up in my throat when he mentions that name. Naalala ko ang pangalan na yun.

The people who imprisoned me said something about finally catching the sinew of their most awaited war, but I didn't give it much thought.

Lalong sumama ang pakiramdam ko. I'm not sure if I like where this conversation is heading. "And what do you want me to do about it?"

He purses his lips. I know he's waiting for this moment. "Kilala mo ang Katharsis. They are a secret organization that vow to serve Gaea and her will. The Acropolis barely have any information about them. As someone who was with them for a few years, you know them the best. And you are our last hope..."

What is he talking about?

"Kasdeya Argyros... Please, we need your help." He pleads. "We need the information you know about this organization so we can save our Commander."

To ask a former prisoner about the men who held her hostage for years...

Not bad.

Humalikipkip ako. "At ano naman ang makukuha ko kung tutulungan ko kayo?"

Umayos siya ng upo. "As a half-blood, living with normal humans is dangerous―" Napangiwi ako. "Delikado ang ginagawa mo sa labas, Kasdeya. You are practically waltzing inside a lion's den. Acropolis was built by demigods to protect demigods. This is a place for people like you, so they can be safe from outside danger and learn how to protect themselves."

He leans in closer as a sign to take him seriously. Nawala muli ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi. "If you accept my deal, you will be accepted here and I will make you a member of the Hellenes."

"Hell what?"

"Hellenes," Pag-uulit niya. "A group of specialized demigods, the juvenile military force of Acropolis. They are trained rigorously and sharpened beyond perfection. Becoming one suits you, you carry the same aura as your father and..." He hesitates to continue. "The benefits it will give you are very useful.

"Most of our demigods are aiming to be a Hellenes dahil iba rin ang treatment na makukuha nila. Katharsis won't even be able to touch you and I'm making this kind of offer only to you, this is not an opportunity you can decline so easily."

Tinitigan ko ang Deputy Commander. He's dead serious, yet confident. Halatang hindi biro ang mga sinasabi niya sa akin. But something still feels amiss.

Different treatment, rigorous training, and perfected in all aspects. Why would you separate this kind of benefit from the other demigods?

May hindi siya sinasabi sa akin. These Hellenes he's talking about, siguradong may dahilan kung bakit sila tinaguriang kakaiba.

Pinagmasdan ako ni Adonis Castello na tila kinikilatis ang nasa isip ko. He's probably trying to figure out if I'll accept or not, but base on the small yet slightly noticeable twinkle in his eyes, he is almost sure I will agree to his terms.

Napangisi ako.

"Ayoko."

Unti-unting nawala ang pagkinang ng kaniyang mga mata bago ito manlaki na parang hindi makapaniwala. "You're... declining?"

"Hindi ako papayag na magamit niyo ang kahit anong impormasyon na hawak ko. You're right, I do know how Katharsis works, and it's for this reason why I don't want to make them my enemies."

From my escape and up until now, there are only two thoughts in my mind; Normalcy and survival.

Gagawin ko ang lahat para bumalik sa normal ang buhay ko, gaano man kahirap. My existence is stained with the gold markings of the divine gods but it will not stop me from covering it with black ink that represents mortality.

Nakatakas na ako sa kamay ng mga taong nagpahirap sa buhay ko ng ilang taon. Hindi ko na babalikan ang mundong konektado sakanila.

I want to live a normal life like how other people are doing it. Gusto kong mamuhay ng payapa, magkaroon ng mga kaibigan, makakuha ng trabahong bagay sa akin, and maybe, get adopted by a family like Ryo. Those are my dreams.

And it certainly does not have anything to do with deities, monsters, and other creatures.

Tumayo na ako mula sa sofa. Nagawa akong sundan ng tingin ni Adonis Ezeklon kahit na mukhang gulat pa rin siya sa desisyon ko. "I don't care about your offer. Hindi ako magtatagal rito."

"But we can protect you! That is supposed to be your main priority. Mahahanap ka rin ng mga halimaw at papatayin ka nila pag bumalik ka sa mundo ng mga tao." Pagrarason pa niya, ngunit ayaw ko nang makinig.

I exhale loudly. "I know about the monsters and their extreme gluttony for half-bloods, but I can take care of myself. Hindi ko kailangan ng proteksyong sinasabi mo."

Naghanda na akong umalis, ngunit bago pa man ako makatalikod sakaniya, tumigil ako para magsalita muli.

"Also," I give him a side glance. "If I wanted to go here, I would've climbed up on this hill the moment I freed myself from them... But I'd rather fool myself than get close to the reasons why I still can't sleep at night."

And with that, I turn and walk out of the door.

. . .

The Map of Acropolis:

[euthyrias]

Chapter 3: Of Half Bloods

KASDEYA ARGYROS' Point of View

I choke on air as if I'm being strangled.

Lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko. Wala akong narinig. Wala akong napansin. The next thing I know, there is a dull, metallic sound swishing from behind me and passing my right ear. Napalunok ako. Hindi ko na kailangang tumingin sa gilid para malamang may espada na nakadiin sa leeg ko.

Dahan-dahan kong sinilip ang taong nasa likuran ko pero mas lalo lang dumiin ang pagkakalapat ng patalim sa aking balat. I can feel my skin breaking. One forceful swing, and I'll be beheaded.

"I said, don't move."

Mariin akong pumikit. I don't have to follow him. Kailangan kong mag-isip ng paraan para makatakas. Hindi ako papayag na mahuli muli. I ran for a whole year, I won't let my efforts go to waste.

Hindi ko namalayan ang panunuyo ng lalamunan ko kung hindi lang ako napalunok ng laway. I open my trembling lips, toughening my voice to seem fearless. "Why should I listen to you?"

He withraws his sword in a flash. Nagawa kong makahinga nang mawala ang mariing patalim sa leeg ko. I swiftly turn to look at him. I expect another one of those demigods in uniform, but I'm left in stunned silence.

Nakasuot siya ng isang kulay itim na cloak na may gintong clasp. My eyes drift to his covered body and I can say with certainty that he's not wearing the uniform. His eyes are hidden, but I can see tips of his white hair sticking out of the hood.

Sa likod niya, tila lumiwanag ang buwan na sinisikatan ang kaniyang ituktok. It's hard to ignore it now, especially when it screams. Parang sinasabihan ako nito na kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ako makakatakas.

I know it's an illusion, but it's still terrifying. Parang gusto ko nalang mahimatay dahil sa bigat ng nararamdaman ko.

The faint wisps of moonlight piercing through the forest leaves fall in a halo around the lean and tall build of the cloaked person in front of me.

"Sino ka?"

Mukhang hindi niya kasama ang mga humahabol sa akin. Other than the different outfit, this guy seems too detach from everything around him. But it doesn't make sense. Parang wala siyang paki, pero nararamdaman ko ang pagkailap niya sa paligid.

Binitiwan na niya ako. I can run away from here, but something's telling me not to. What if he doesn't need to pay attention to stop me?

I hear a small exhale come out from him as if he's trying not to sneer. Kuminang sa dilim ang ginintuan niyang espada bago ito maglaho sa hangin. I stifle a gasp.

"I should be asking you that question." Even weaponless, he seems more... threatening.

His voice, as sharp as uncut gemstones and as deep as the echoes of darkness, causes the fight or flight instinct to drive my motors again. Nawala ang kutsilyo ko nang sinaksak ko ang dalawang demigod kanina. Kung hindi ako magmamadali, siguradong mahuhuli nila ako.

Sinamaan ko ng tingin ang lalaki. "Wala akong oras para sa mga katulad mo."

Tumalikod ako para tumakbo paalis pero hindi pa man ako nakakahakbang ay nasa harapan ko ulit siya. I stumble back, and he uses that opportunity to step forward.

Anong nangyari? Who on Earth is this guy?

Bahagya siyang nagtaas ng ulo. Walang lumabas sa bibig ko pero napaawang ito. He glares at me under the hood, one grey eye glowing menacingly amidst the fabric as if it's a wolf's eye. Soft locks of white hair poke his eyelids, and a golden spark appears in his left ear.

Hindi ko pa rin makita ng mabuti ang mukha niya, ngunit sapat na iyon para matumba ako sa lupa. I flinch when my legs tangle with each other like a pair of unruly shoelaces.

The man towers over me like how a god would stand in front of a mortal. Napalunok ulit ako.

"Answer my question or I'll let them find you here lifeless." He threatens.

Kahit ayaw gumalaw ng katawan ko, nginisihan ko siya. "You didn't ask anything."

Bigla siyang lumuhod sa gilid ko. One knee settles on the ground as he brings his head down, the hood obstructing his face even more.

"Who are you and why are they following you?"

Alam kong kulang na ako sa oras. Ilang segundo nalang ay mahahanap na ako nung demigods at ng mga kasama nila. I don't want to get eaten by stymphalian birds, nor do I want to die in the hands of my own kind.

But most of all, for some reason, I don't want to stay here with this stranger.

Kaya sumagot ako kahit labag sa loob ko. "I'm nothing but an orphan. Basta basta nalang nila akong hinabol at sinaktan nila ang kaibigan ko. I had to run away so they won't catch me, so please..."

Huminga ako ng malalim. I try to search beneath his cloak. Kahit na alam kong hindi ko makikita ang mukha niya, kailangan kong magmukhang kaawa-awa.

"Let me go. I don't want to get caught," And as if they are trigger words, memories flash at the back of my mind. Events from what happened from a year ago, those days that I've been trying to forget.

The scars are gone, but I can still feel them throbbing against my skin. "I don't want to go back there... Ayokong nang balikan ang mga nangyari dati."

Naging tahimik ang lalaki sa harapan ko. Though, he seems so silent even before. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa marumi at luma kong mga damit. If he's not going to let me run, I already plan to distract him long enough to get out of here.

And then he stands up. Sumunod ang tingin ko sakaniya bago ito bumagsak sa kamay niyang nakalahad para sa akin.

"Get up." It takes me several seconds to hide my surprise. Huminga ako ng malalim bago ito kunin. When our hands touch, he quickly pulls me up from the ground.

I can feel the roughness of his palm, even the residues from healed wounds. Nang magawa ko nang makatayo mula sa lupa, rinig ko ang bulong niya. "Your hands are rough."

Bumitaw siya, leaving my hand cold and empty. "I can say the same thing to you."

Hindi na siya sumagot at tinalikuran na ako.

"If you want to escape your pursuers, then get out of the forest now. They have every place surrounded which means you have to sneak your way out of their forces." Sabi niya sa akin habang naglalakad palayo.

Akala ko yun ang huli niyang sasabihin ngunit tumigil siya at lumingon sa akin. I see the smirk in his face, but it's astute and mocking. "But you can handle yourself, can't you? You managed to wound Acropolis' best soldiers."

"You know them?"

He turns away from me again, not bothering to answer me. "If you get caught, don't expect me to come and help you. Pray to whichever god you want that this is the last time we meet each other."

Kumurap ako, at sa pagdilat muli ng aking mga mata, nawala na ang lalaki sa harapan ko.

I clench the palm he held to pull me. The texture of his hand suddenly feels like rigid templates on my skin.

Mariin ako kumurap bago huminga ng malalim. A fire was lit inside my system, and I douse it with whatever calming breeze is left in me.

"I don't need your help or the mercy of any god."

Tumalikod na ako sa direksyong tinahak niya bago tumakbo paalis sa gubat.

Kung totoo ang sinabi ng lalaki kanina, ibig sabihin ay napapaligiran ang buong gubat. I don't know if my pursuers are only two demigods and a battalion of Ancient Greek creatures, but whatever the answer is, it's generally bad.

Nagawa kong sugatan ang dalawa kanina pero aaminin ko na sinwerte lang ako. I perfected the act to seem like a harmless and clueless girl to surprise my enemies. Unfortunately, I can only use that trick once.

If I accidentally run into them again, there won't be a way out.

But if it's just creatures we're dealing with, I can handle them perfectly. The problem is, is luck on my side? Or have I ran out of it?

Sinikap kong magtago sa mga anino ng puno habang gumagalaw sa loob ng gubat. I close my eyes momentarily at intervals, seeing if I can sense the creatures following me. Nakakarinig ako ng mahinang yapak mula sa malayo.

The sounds are pounding and harsh, like the gallops of hooves.

I reach for a low branch to pull myself up. Tumalon-talon ako sa mga malalapad na sanga para mas lalong maitago ang katawan ko. Sumulyap ako sa langit pero wala akong makita dahil sa mga dahon.

Napatigil ako sa isang malaking puno nang makita ko ang boundary ng gubat. Like what the cloaked man said to me, there is a camp of creatures guarding the border. Napasinghal ako.

Huminga ako ng malalim bago tumalon ng ilang punong malapit sakanila. Not beside them, but close enough to hear what they're saying.

"Naitanim niyo na ba?" Rinig kong tanong ng isang lalaking naka-shades at black suit sa kasamahan niya. I look down and notice cloven hooves sticking out of their long slacks. Satyrs- half-man, half-goat creatures.

I squint my eyes. I knew it. There's more than a hundred of them trying to catch me.

Tumango ang kaniyang kausap. "We're relaying the message to Mr. Canver. Marami tayo, kaya siguradong sakop ang buong gubat."

"It shouldn't have come to this. Bakit hindi napigilan ng iba si Ms. Argyros?"

Napangiwi ako nang banggitin nila ako.

"The other satyrs were way behind the two Hellenes. At mukhang marunong gumamit ng sandata si Ms. Argyros."

"What? How did a former prisoner know how to fight?"

Kumapit ako sa sanga bago tingnan ang punong nasa itaas ng camp nila. If I can make that jump, I can get away.

Umabante ako ng bahagya bago sinubukang tumalon. Ngunit sakto ng aking paglipad sa ere ay ang isang malakas na tunog.

"Hello? One, two, three." A voice booms. "If you can here me, Ms. Argyros, then stop moving."

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang bigla akong bumagsak sa harap ng mga satyrs. No, hindi ako na-distract sa boses. Hindi ko nagalaw ang katawan ko.

Nagulat ang mga satyrs, pero agad rin silang lumapit sa akin. Before I can move away from them, the voice speaks again. Wala sa paligid, pero rinig na rinig. It's like someone's talking from a loud speaker.

Naalala ko bigla ang sinabi ng satyr kanina. "Naitanim niyo na ba?"

Damn it... Don't tell me they planted speakers all over the forest just to make me come out?

"Don't move unless I say so."

And as if my body's under Medusa's curse, I freeze like a statue. "We found her!" Sigaw ng isang satyr kanina. "Tawagan sina Mr. Canver! We've captured Ms. Argyros."

Nawala ang malakas na boses. Inakay ako ng mga satyrs at sinandal sa isang sasakyan. Pinaligiran nila ako kaya hindi sila nakatakas sa masama kong tingin.

"Sino ba kayo? What do you even want from me? Wala akong mabibigay sainyong mahalaga."

A satyr stands in front of me. "I'm sorry, Ms. Argyros, pero kailangan ka muna naming dalhin sa Acropolis bago magpaliwanag sa'yo. We don't want to hurt you, so please cooperate with us."

"Don't want to hurt me?" I hiss. "You shot my friend with an arrow!"

"Relax, Madame, we already had our men bring the pretty boy to the hospital." Napalingon kaming lahat sa bagong boses. The red-head and the short-haired girl strut towards me. May mga gauze sila sa mga parteng sinaksak ko.

Tinaasan ako ng kilay ng babae. "You stole this, right?" Angat niya sa plastic bag na laman ang kutsilyong naiwanan ko. "This isn't even yours pero ginamit mo pa parang manaksak ng tao."

Binigyan ko siya ng isang nakakaasar na ngisi. "It's not my fault you're bad at dodging."

She mirrors my smirk. "You're right, she is feisty." Sabi niya sa kasama.

"Ngayon mo lang napansin? Sinaksak na nga tayo eh."

"Whatever." Pumalakpak ang babae na nakakuha ng atensyon ng mga satyrs. "Let's go and bring her to the Acropolis."

The guy nods. "Kanina pa ako nangangati sa mga damo. So kadiri and madumi."

I gasp when two satyrs come and hold my arms before leading me inside a car.

Sinubukan kong kalasin ang hawak nila pero humihigpit lang ito. When I catch glimpse of the small wooden pipes tied to their waists, I realize they are showing me mercy.

Kumuyom ang kamao ko. I want to run away from them so much, but I know I can't do anything. I'm not strong enough and I have no advantages to turn the favors on my side.

I don't have other choices, I'm out of luck. I can't run away anymore.

The moment they make me sit down on the backseat like some kind of criminal, everything comes crashing down at me with abstract impact.

The desperate clawing of the word normalcy to be written on my skin is so close, but it becomes even further than before.

Napakagat ako ng labi. Hindi ko na alam kung anong mangyayari sa'kin ngayong nakuha nila ako. Sinubukan kong ipakita na hindi ako naapektuhan, pero sobrang bigat ng dibdib ko.

I fought for my life for a whole year. But all my efforts and dreams to hide are crumbling right in front of me. That's when I decided to give up.

Napuno ako ng kaba sa paggalaw ng sasakyan. I don't know what to expect. All of it is so sudden, akala ko ay magiging normal na araw ito pero sa isang gilap ay may kasama na akong satyrs at dadalhin nila ako sa isang lugar na hindi ko alam.

I look outside the window and watch the trees blur pass me. Wala akong mahawakan ng mabuti kundi ang shorts ko. The only thing with me is Ryo's gift and the box from Ms. Amanda.

Nothing for me to use as a means of escape.

Gods, I feel so defeated.

Hours pass. We go deeper into the forest until I see the car climb up a mountain.

Pumikit ako nang maalala ang mga nangyari kanina. Yung kalabog sa attic, the failed surprise party, pati ang bulong kanina at ang pagtakas namin ni Ryo. All of it already feels so distant.

Alam kong simula ngayon, magbabago nanaman ang buhay ko.

I clench my fist to calm myself. Ilang oras na kaming bumabyahe at kung ano ano na ang pumapasok sa isip ko. I can't even sleep.

The skies slowly shifts from the canvas of the moon and stars to the curtains of morning light. I can see the sun peeking slowly from the corner when the moon finally disappears from sight.

I couldn't help but bitterly smile, the boulders of defeat balancing on my slumped shoulders.

When something bad happens, the full moon is always there to witness.

The entire trip is silent and dreadful, pero hindi ko pa rin mapikit ang mga mata ko sa takot na may gawin silang masama sa akin.

Napatingin ako sa harapan namin nang maramdaman ko ang pagbagal ng kotse. Umawang ang labi ko sa nakita.

In front of us is a stone gate made of Ionic columns. It's massive in size, at least thirty-nine meters tall. A tall wall surrounds it and beside the gate are statues of two gods I barely look at. Parang isang malaking templo ang papasukin namin.

We stop in between the stone statues. Hindi pa kami pumapasok, but I can see the tops of the castle-like buildings inside and the iridescent light bouncing off the roofs.

The satyrs next to me hop off the car, opening the door for me. Nag-alanganan pa ako bago lumabas. Yumuko ako ng bahagya hanggang sa makahakbang ako sa lupa.

Nilibot ko ang tingin sa labas. There are people- years younger and older than me- walking around the entrance and through it. Binabantayan ng satyrs ang gate, at may mga nymphs na nakatambay at naglalaro malapit sa mga estatwang sa harapan.

Naputol ang iniisip ko sa pagbanggit ng isang pangalang sobrang pamilyar sa akin, pero hindi ko na naririnig ng ilang taon.

"You are Zyiam Argyros' daughter, correct?"

Napatingin ako sa harapan ng gate. The moment I turn, I see a man in his mid-thirties wearing a formal suit walking towards me. His blond hair is slick and combed back, giving him a prim yet approachable look.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko nang makita ang kulay ng kaniyang mata. It's muted purple, a color that doesn't pass as normal. He's a demigod just like me.

"How do you know my father's name?"

Isang ngiti ang binigay niya sa akin.

"My name is Adonis Castello, I'm the Deputy Commander and one of the Higher Ups of the Acropolis of Half Bloods. Welcome, Kasdeya Argyros."

. . .

*The Acropolis of Half Bloods is a fictional Acropolis created to serve the purpose as the main location in the series. It is inspired by the Acropolis of Athens. A map will be included on the next chapter.

[euthyrias]

Chapter 2: Demigodly

KASDEYA ARGYROS' Point of View

Cold shivers prick my skin like needles when the silent whisper repeats itself over and over. Hindi ko na masyadong naisip ang bulong dahil hinatak na ako ni Ryo paalis.

Kaninang umaga ko pa nararamdaman na may mali. The thud I heard earlier is still lingering in my mind, tapos ngayon dumagdag ang bulong na narinig ko sa loob ng orphanage. Lumalakas ang tibok ng puso ko pag-inuulit ko ang sinambit nito.

"Hahanapin kita, Kas."

Who is it and why does it want to find me?

"Tingin mo alam na nilang wala tayo sa orphanage?" Kumurap ako nang magsalita si Ryo. He chuckles, as if what he said isn't a big deal, kahit na alam naming hindi matutuwa si Sir Riggor at Ma'am Amanda sa ginawa namin.

Sumulyap ako sa langit. The vast canvas of the sky starts to change colors. From a bright blue hue powdered with cottons of white to a vibrant shade of deep red and orange. Mabagal ang pagbaba ng araw samantalang malinaw na ang hugis ng buwan sa langit.

I quickly look away before I can stare longer.

Buti nalang at hindi matindi ang panahon ngayon. The December cold breeze is almost refreshing to the skin. A small change of pace from the usual battle between storms and scorching weather.

When my gaze falls from the heavens, it settles on the black-haired guy next to me.

Ryo's jaw is as sharp as the murderous glare in his green eyes. My eyes scan his long, messy hair reaching until his nape down to his wrinkled shirt and jacket. Pinupusod ko ng half-ponytail ang buhok niya para magmukha naman siyang matinong tao.

Siya yung tipong mukhang mahal tingnan kahit galing sa ukay-ukay ang suot, pero laging magulo ang kaniyang ayos. Napabuntong hininga nalang ako.

"Ilang oras na rin ang nakalipas. Sigurado akong hinahanap na nila tayo." Sagot ko sa tanong niya.

Kanina pa kami naglilibot sa palengke na malapit sa orphanage. Sinamahan ko si Ryo na magpunta sa mga lugar na lagi naming pinupuntahan noon. He knows he can't go here anymore once he gets adopted.

Rinig kong mayaman ang mga aampon sakaniya. Siguradong hindi na nila papapuntahin si Ryo sa mga ganitong lugar kahit na gusto niyang bumalik. But what's the big deal?

He's lucky to get adopted, let alone by a wealthy family. I would kill to have that opportunity.

Tahimik lang kami, hanggang sa tumigil siya sa ilalim ng isang bukas na lamppost sa labas ng palengke. Kinuha niya ulit ang kamay ko kaya napatigil ako.

Lumingon ako sakaniya. "Ano?"

He smiles again. "Hindi pa kita nababati ngayon. Happy birthday, Kas."

Wala akong naisagot agad. I didn't expect him to greet me here, of all places. "Hindi mo na ako kailangan batiin. Wala naman akong pakialam." Saad ko. He only stares at me, tongue dancing on the surface of his lips, bringing out its natural crimson color.

"Well, I hope you still take this." May kinuha siya sa kaniyang bulsa bago ito ibigay sa akin. Umawang ang labi ko nang makita ang isang maliit na box sa kaniyang kamay. He opens it, revealing a silver bracelet embellished with pure moonstones. "Birthday gift. Suotin mo."

Mahina akong natawa. "Where did you get this?" To me, gifts are unnecessary. Spending birthdays don't matter, in fact, it's a waste of time. Why would I celebrate a day that reminds me I'm inching closer to death?

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "An extra gift given by the De Villes," Tukoy niya sa mga aampon sakaniya. "It's the other half to my bracelet. Parang ikaw at ako."

Napatingin ako sa palapulsuhan niya. A gold bracelet adorned with aquamarine gemstones surrounding the band. This is the bracelet his new parents gave him. Kamukha ito ng bracelet na binibigay niya sa'kin.

Does he want to match?

"Ang drama mo."

He takes the bracelet from its box and puts it on my wrist himself. "Arte. Kinuha mo nalang sana. Nagtagal pa tayo rito."

"Why do you want to celebrate my birthday?" Tanong ko sakaniya habang nakatingin sa bracelet. Nilahad rin niya ang bracelet na suot niya. We really are matching. The small gemstones glow in an angle when the light hits it gently. "I wasn't asking for anything in the first place."

Inirapan niya ako. "Come on, Kas. Natural lang naman na paghandaan ang birthday. It's common to be excited about it, don't you think?" Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya.

Common... An impactful word for someone who's clawing on blood and ink to label herself as normal.

I want to mark my skin with the word 'normal' using a hot iron to ward off those creatures, those things I don't want to do anything with.

That's right, I'm normal.

Nothing but a pure-blooded mortal who surrounds herself with a group of friends and pursuing normal dreams and a life she would kill to have.

Madami akong pangarap. I dream of having a peaceful life. I dream of having everything, even if I have nothing.

I scream at my mind to stop corrupting itself even more than before. My thoughts devour any piece of sanity left within my body, but all I could do externally is smile. "Yeah, it is."

"At kahit na wala na ako, I still want to celebrate your other birthdays with you." Ngiti niya sa akin. He clenches his fist except for his pinky finger and points it at me. Agad kong nakuha ang balak niyang gawin. "Promise?"

Tiningnan ko siya sa mata bago gayahin ang ginawa niya. I wrap my pinky with his, sealing a promise with him.

"Promise."

Thank gods I didn't swear to the River Styx, because destiny have other plans worse than celebrating birthdays with a friend.

Nag-blangko ang isip ko nang may maramdaman akong kakaiba. Something feels off. Lumakas ang pagtibok ng puso ko sa 'di malamang dahilan. A click suddenly blasts a loud sound in my head, mixing with the erratic beating of my heart.

I practically have the instincts of an animal. I'm made to sense if danger is coming. Kahit na parang masusuka ako dahil sa masamang pakiramdam, it's useful in these types of situations.

Heart thumping and mind tangled with thoughts and scenarios of what's about to happen, I grab onto Ryo's wrist.

The light on the lamppost suddenly flickers off. Someone's following us.

"We need to go."

"Huh?"

Hinatak ko si Ryo at tumakbo kami sa kalsada. Tumingin ako sa paligid para tingnan kung sino ang nakamasid sa amin, pero isang butcher ang nahagip ng paningin ko. I look down on the sharp knife on his table.

"Wait lang, Kas—" Hindi ko pinatapos si Ryo. Mabilis akong nagtungo sa lalaki at hinugot ang kutsilyo sa kanyang lamesa. I'm too fast and quiet, kaya hindi niya ako napansin. Alam kong nakita ni Ryo ang ginawa ko ngunit hindi na siya nagsalita.

Nakarating na kami sa tahimik na kalsada. The public market stalls which were lively and well-lit becomes more barren and deserted as we go deeper towards the abandoned part of the area.

"Kas!" Sigaw niya ulit nang makalayo na kami. "Ano bang nangyayari? Bakit ka tumatakbo?"

Bago pa man ako makasagot, hinarang ng isang malaking ibon ang daanan namin.

Hindi pa ako nakakita ng agila, but I can bet under a god's name that this bird is as big as them. Its wings are made of sharp metal as well as its talons. More terrifying than the bird's body is its glowing pink eyes and bronze beak. Para itong estatwang ginawa sa bakal.

"Holy shit." Bulong ni Ryo sa tabi ko, and I couldn't agree more. "What the hell is that thing?"

I know what it is. It's a stymphalian bird.

Nakarinig ako ng mga yapak sa likod namin. "The mortal asked a good question, Kasdeya Argyros."

My lungs feel constricted when a voice booms my name in a sharp diction. Sabay kaming napatingin ni Ryo sa lalaking nakatayo sa likod namin.

A strange man smiles at me, but I can sense the faint warning in his gritted teeth. His unnatural-looking red hair is the only vibrant color amidst the darkness of our surroundings.

Umangat ang tingin ko sa mukha niya. He's the prettiest guy I have ever seen, his eyes even more unusual. Gold on the left. Pink on the right. Natigilan ako nang makita ng mabuti ang mata niya. Dark pink... He reminds me of another man with dark pink eyes.

Out of instinct, I slowly step back to set distance between me and them. Hindi ko na naisip na delikado ang mga taong 'to at mapapahamak lang si Ryo.

I should tell a mortal to run, but a twisted part of me says to use him as a shield.

"Sino ka at bakit mo hinahanap si Kas?" Ryo turns to me. "Do you know him?"

"That's none of your business, pretty boy." Naglakad palapit ang lalaki sa amin. Napansin ko na sinusubukan akong i-corner ng lalaki pati na rin ang ibon sa likod namin.

The strange man beams again. "You don't need to know my name. I was sent by the Acropolis to take you with me. If you decide to resist, then I have no choice but to take you by force."

"Sandali." Sinalubong ni Ryo ang paghakbang niya. "Hindi ka namin kilala tapos balak mong kunin yung kaibigan ko?" He scoffs. "Atsaka, anong Acropolis? What is that? Ginagago mo ba kami?"

The red-head throws him a bored glance before looking at me. Kinuha niya ang isang brooch sa uniporme niyang tila galing sa military bago ilahad sa akin. I don't take it but I look at it. Isa itong brooch at nakuha ng pansin ko ang laurel wreath sa gilid. It's a logo of something encased in a frame of marble and gold.

Binawi ng lalaki ang pin niya. "I'm not an enemy, Ms. Argyros. I don't want to hurt you so just come with me."

"You were following me." I hiss.

Inirapan niya ako na ikinagulat ko. "Girl, I was only spying on you. Ikaw 'tong unang tumakbo eh."

Nalukot ang mukha ko. "Why do you want me to come? Can't you just leave me alone?"

"I'm afraid you have to come with me first before I give you any details. All other information is confidential. The higher ups will explain everything to you once we take you to the City."

"She's not coming with you," Rinig ko ang galit sa tono ni Ryo. "Hindi ko hahayaang sumama sa isang katulad mo ang kaibigan ko." His grip tightens as if letting go of me would make me want to come with them.

Tinawag niya ako. "Kas. You can't come with them. Delikado ka."

I groan. "You think I don't know that?"

I can bet with my life that this Acropolis is riddled with demigods and creatures from that place. Ayokong magpunta sa mundo ng mga gods, isang taon rin akong nagtatago mula sa kanila. I only want a normal life.

But it's either I come willingly or they take me by force.

"Ms. Argyros, I don't have much time. If you take too long, we'll have no other choice but to drag you back with us." Sambit ng misteryosong lalaki.

I freeze. "What do you mean 'we'?"

And then my eyes move to the folds of darkness surrounding us. Hidden from the public lights, I see creatures eyeing us. They are everywhere.

"We're not giving you a choice, just to let you know. Come with us while we are still showing you mercy." The man gestures to the darkness, where his friends are.

Napangiwi ako nang mas lalong dumiin ang hawak ni Ryo. I know what he's trying to say. Ayaw niya akong pakawalan.

Ako rin naman. Ayokong sumama sakanila.

Tinaas ko ang noo ko at sinalubong ang mga mata ng lalaki. "Then drag me there if you can."

Hinatak ko si Ryo nang kumaripas ako ng takbo palayo sa lalaki at sa ibon. Nakita kong may kinuha siyang pabilog na bagay sa bulsa niya at may kinausap doon. Umiwas ako ng tingin at nagpatuloy sa pagtakbo.

I don't know where I'm going. Basta ko nalang sinusunod ang direksyon na tinatahak ng mga paa ko. Sumingit ako sa mga building at subdivision, hanggang sa makakita ako ng isang matangkad na semento.

Bahagyang tumaas ang tingin ko sa tuktok nito. Beyond these walls is where the vast forest dominates the earth.

Tumigil ako sa pagtakbo at hinarap si Ryo. Natigilan ako nang makita siyang hingal na hingal. Muntik ko nang makalimutan na mas mabilis akong tumakbo kaysa sakaniya. He must be exhausted.

"Ryo." Hinawakan ko siya sa magkabilang braso. "Umalis ka na, ako nang bahala sa lalaking yun. Go back to the orphanage and don't you dare tell the others about what happened. Kahit sina Sir Riggor."

Hindi niya napansin ang mga halimaw na nakapalibot kanina. He's full human. He can't see through illusions that separate the truth from the surface. Hindi ko siya katulad. Pag nahuli siya ng mga humahabol sa akin, it's going to be the end for him.

I don't need him to come with me because he'll be a burden. It's clear I'm no longer safe here, kailangan ko nang tumakbo ulit. Ryo will only lessen my chance of escaping successfully.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Are you insane? Hindi kita pwedeng iwan kahit gusto ko. I'll come with you so I'll know if you're safe or not!" Sigaw niya. "That guy is clearly after you. Hindi kita p'wedeng iwanan lalo na't hindi mo kayang protektahan ang sarili mo. Pumunta na tayo sa pulis."

My teeth clench in desperation. "Walang magagawa ang pulis... Ryo, hindi siya normal. You'll only slow me down if you come with me."

"You're not making any sense right now!"

"Hindi siya tao!" Hindi ko na mapigilan ang pagtaas ng boses ko. I can't help but mimic Ryo's angry tone.

I take a sharp inhale, feeling my heart beating fast at every second being taken away from me. Nagiging desperada na ako. I can't think straight anymore. Paulit ulit nalang ang sinasabi ng isip ko sa akin.

I have to get out of here. I have to get out of here.

Humigpit ang hawak ko kay Ryo. He must have noticed my hands trembling in aching desperation. "Ryo, hindi ako normal na tao. Hindi mo ako katulad."

The words coming out of my lips are painful. Sinasaksak ako ng bawa't kataga.

Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko kayang mamuhay ng normal.

I'm haunted too much by the ancient world to be considered normal. I am the opposite of ordinary.

"Have you ever wondered why I look like this?" Tanong ko sakaniya. "Why my eyes are white?"

His adam's apple visibly quivers when he gulps. "K-kasi... Mahilig ka sa eye contacts?"

"Ryo, hindi yun ang rason. I'm—"

Bumara ang lalamunan ko nang subukan kong isatinig ang mga salitang matagal ko nang kinalimutan.

Those words reveal me, it makes me vulnerable. Ayoko nang sabihin iyon, pero wala na akong ibang pagpipilian.

I try to get them out of my tongue. It feels forbidden, like it's a curse. But it's more than that. It's accepting who I am, and I acknowledging it hurts worse than a knife to the throat.

"I am half-human and half-god. I'm a demigod, Ryo."

Hindi ko binitawan ang aking hininga habang hinihintay ang kaniyang sasabihin. Kumurap-kurap lang siya sa akin. Mahirap basahin ang nasa isip niya.

Naghintay ako, kahit alam kong malapit lang sa paligid ang humahabol sa akin. It's highly likely that the guy requested more people to look for me. Pero naghintay lang ako.

Nang hindi pa rin siya sumasagot, bumulong ako sa hangin. "Do you trust me?"

Kumurap siya. It's like he's in a trance. Tila hirap na hirap siyang magsalita kaya tango ang kaniyang binigay.

When he finds himself, he grabs my arm. "Sa totoo lang, wala akong naintindihan sa sinabi mo, pero alam kong gusto mong tumakas... at hindi kita iiwanan hangga't hindi ko alam kung ayos ka lang ba."

Bago pa man ako makasagot ay hinatak na niya ako patungo sa sementadong pader. He briefly looks at me and I nod, running up the small alley before jumping to reach the top of the wall. Maliit lang ako pero agad kong naiangat ang sarili ko sa pader.

Tumalon ako sa kabilang side. Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago ko marinig ang pagbagsak ni Ryo sa likod ko. He takes a deep breath. "How did you do that so easily?" Nahihirapan niyang sambit.

Pinagmamasdan ko ang paligid nung sagutin ko siya. "I told you, I'm a demigod. We're stronger, faster, and more agile than normal humans." Lumingon ako sakaniya. "That's why I don't need your protection. I never did."

Umawang ang labi niya. Before he can say anything, I cut it off. "Bilisan mo. We can't let them find us."

Nang pumasok kami sa masukal na gubat, unti-unting napuno ng mga yapak ang buong paligid. The crunch of dried leaves and the shuffling of bushes becomes louder and louder, multiplies and multiplies, until the crickets can't conceal their footsteps any longer.

Isang singhap ang pinakawalan ko nang marinig ko ang pagsipol ng isang mabilis na bagay mula sa likod ko. Bahagya akong tumagilid kaya nilagpasan ako ng isang pana. My eyes widen when it hits a nearby tree. That could've been my head.

My senses heighten around me and the overwhelming number of the pursuers chasing us becomes clear. Akala ko kaunti lang sila, hindi lalagpas sa isang dosena, pero nagkakamali ako.

We're surrounded. Ayaw nila akong pakawalan.

Whistles of arrow stalk us behind like claws of a quick monster. Halos umulan na ng pana dahil sa dami ng pinapakawalan nila. Nahihiwalay ako kay Ryo. Hindi kami makakilos ng mabuti dahil baka matamaan kami.

"Shit!"

Lumingon ako sakaniya nang malakas siyang mapamura. Natural na kay Ryo na sumigaw ng mga gano'ng salita. Kanina ko pa siya naririnig na magmura pero may halong sakit ito ngayon. I find him falling on the damp soil, his limbs shaking. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ang pana sa binti niya.

Gods, I knew it. He's only slowing me down.

Sinubukang tumayo ni Ryo kahit na nanginginig ang kaniyang nasugatan na binti. Bago pa man siya makatayo ng mabuti ay bumagsak siya agad sa lupa habang namimilipit sa sakit.

No, may sumipa sakaniya pabalik sa lupa.

A girl jumps down from the tree above Ryo. Her short, dark brown hair that reaches until her shoulders tangle messily with the wind.

"Kung ako sa'yo, hindi muna ako gagalaw. You don't want to stretch your wound, bud." Nasa likod siya ni Ryo habang pinapanood na magtiis ito sa kaniyang sugat.

Her black eyes stare like a dark void. Katulad ng lalaki kanina, nakasuot rin siya ng uniporme. May nakapatong rin na oversized brown chore coat sa itaas ng suot niya.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kutsilyo nang mapunta sa akin ang tingin ng babae. Sinimangutan niya ako. "You're being a real pain in the ass, you know? Pahinga pa naman namin ngayong araw."

Napaabante ako nang dumaan ang isang grupo ng stymphalian birds sa harapan ko. They conceal the arrival of the red-haired guy until he's already in front of me. Sumandal siya sa isang puno.

"Sabi sa'yo kidnap-in nalang natin siya. Ayaw mo kasing pumayag." Sabi niya sa lalaki.

The guy groans at her. "Eh 'di mas lalo tayong nagmukhang masama? We're Hellenes, not Katharsis."

I wince at the mention of that name.

"Whatever. Let's just capture her and be done with it."

Parehas na naglakad palapit ang dalawa patungo sa'kin. The girl's palm glows before a black pistol materializes on her hand. Ang lalaki naman ay pinitik ang daliri niya. The bronze birds perch on the trees, awaiting his commands.

Kumurap ako at agad silang umatake.

They're fast. But not fast enough.

Umikot ako paalis sa direksyon ng bala. I balance myself on the rocky soil, spinning the kitchen knife on my hand before attacking the girl first.

Mabilis na pumito ang lalaki. A stymphalian bird comes and attacks me but I swoop down before it can reach me with its talons. It flaps its wings, sending bolts of sharp feathers towards me.

Iniwasan ko ito bago magtungo sa babae. Nagpunta sa harapan ng babae ang lalaki. He must have thought that it would stop me, but I don't blink when I slash the knife on his abdomen.

Para lang akong nagsasayaw nang umikot muli ako at isaksak ang kutsilyo sa balikat ng babae. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya kaya hindi ko maiwasang mapangisi.

A streak of blood accidentally splashes on my cheek. My right hand is covered in red. Pag natatamaan ng ilaw mula sa buwan ang dugo nila sa katawan ko, tila ginto ito sa aking balat.

Crimson and Ichor. Mortal and Immortal. The blood of demigods.

I cuss when another wave of arrows come down from the sky. Naging patalikod ang mga hakbang ko para maiwasan ang mga pana.

"Just run, Kasdeya!" Napalingon ako kay Ryo nang sumigaw siya. His brown eyes are glazed over when he nods at me. "Just run. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko."

I don't hesitate. Bago pa man makabawi ang dalawa sa gulat ay tumakbo na ako paalis. I sprint deeper into the forest.

The trees and wild bushes spiral in my eyes. Para akong nahuhulog sa isang bangin sa bawa't paghakbang ko. Nang makalayo na ako, hindi ko maiwasang mapalingon sa likuran ko. It's all starting to drive me insane. Those people chasing after me...

It's like that night again from seven years ago.

Ngunit wala akong naririnig na sigaw. Kahit ang tunog ng patalim na dumadaan sa laman loob. Ang tangin maririnig mo lang ay ang takbo ng mga halimaw na hinahanap ako.

Muntik na akong madulas sa isang malaking ugat ng puno kung hindi ko lang pinigilan ang sarili ko. It causes me to slow down. Binalanse ko ang aking sarili kaya hindi ako makagalaw ng maayos.

Sa pagmamadali, hindi ko na napansin ang paglapit ng kung sino.

Hindi ko rin napansin ang isang matulis at malamig na bagay na dumiin sa gilid ng leeg ko.

"Don't move."

. . .

[euthyrias]

Chapter 1: The Orphanage

The Orphanage's Director once told me that only lucky people can remember their dreams. Lagi niya sa amin sinasabi na sulitin namin ang aming mga panaginip dahil hindi namin ito maaalala sa umaga.

So, why do I vividly remember every dream I had?

Dumausdos ang isang luha sa pisngi ko nang dumilat ako. My back feels sore. Sobrang sakit ng katawan ko. As I rise from my uncomfortable sleeping position, sunlight slowly pours into folds of silk over my face. Napapikit ako nang tumama ito sa puti kong mga mata.

Napadaing ako nang umayos ako ng pagkakaupo. Narinig ko ang pagtunog ng likod ko sa bigla kong paggalaw. I'm barely an adult pero pang matanda na ang buto ko.

I wipe the single tear on my face before fixing the old music sheets on top of the piano cover. Hindi ko namalayang nakatulog na pala ako kagabi dahil sa pagtugtog sa piano. And now, my back has to pay for the price.

Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng paghikab nang may marinig akong kalabog sa likod. I quickly turn, my senses sharpening at the harsh sound. Nagising bigla ang diwa ko.

Pero nang tumalikod ako para tingnan ang kabuuan ng attic, wala akong nakita. The Director donates everything he doesn't use anymore, kaya walang laman ang kwarto. The only thing left here is an old grand piano at the center of the dusty room, barely lit by the morning sun.

Kumunot ang aking noo. I could have sworn I heard something fall...

Baka imahinasyon ko lang.

I blink once. Twice. Thrice. Until I get rid of my sleepy state.

Pagkaunat ko ay tumayo ako mula sa upuang nasa harapan ng piano bago bumaba ng attic. Hindi ko alam kung anong oras na, pero sigurado akong gising na rin ang iba.

Tumunog ang ladder na tinutungtungan ko habang pababa sa attic. I set my foot on the wooden floor with a silent jump, but dust still erupts from the gaps on the floor. Inayos ko ang pull-down stairs bago bumaba patungo sa unang palapag.

Rinig ko na ang ingay nila kahit malayo pa ako. The other rooms are empty already. Mukhang late na ang naging gising ko. Kahit ang mga bata ay naririnig ko nang nag-iingay sa baba.

I fasten my pace to reach the kitchen. The wooden floor thuds faintly with every step. Nang makababa ako sa unang palapag, binagalan ko ang paglakad.

Everyone says that I'm too quiet. Sobrang tahimik daw ng paggalaw ko kaya nagugulat sila sa akin. I would walk pass them and they won't even notice. Hindi naman ako nagtatago pero naging habit ko na ang patahimikin ang bawa't kilos ko.

When I reach the kitchen, I stand at the entrance, watching the members of Fortuna Orphanage panic around like headless chickens.

"Nasaan na ba si Blayze?!" Malakas na sigaw ni Gunner habang inaayos ang mga streams ng crepe paper sa gilid ng ceiling. I tilt my head in confusion. Anong ginagawa nila?

Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Raya. "Lower your voice, idiot! Baka magising si Kasdeya!"

Tumaas ang dalawa kong kilay. Sumandal ako sa pader at humalukipkip habang pinapanood sila.

"Ito yung unang beses na late ang gising ni Kas pero siguradong magigising na rin yun. Bilisin niyo na!" Sulpot ni Blayze mula sa gilid. She's holding onto a box with a ribbon wrapped around it. Hindi ko na nakita ang kabuuan ito dahil hinatak na siya ni Aithne.

Nagsitawanan ang mga bata habang pinapanood ang mga ate at kuya nila na tarantang-taranta habang nag-aayos ng kusina. They're helping too, but they are having too much fun to freak out like the older kids.

"Asan na si Ryo?" Tanong ni Aithne habang lumilinga-linga sa paligid. Because she looks at the entirety of the room, she sees me standing at the entrance. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

Napapigil ako ng isang tawa dahil mukha siyang tanga habang nakatitig sa akin.

Bumaling sakaniya si Gunner. "Kausap si Sir Riggor—" Natigilan rin siya nang makitang tulala si Aithne. "Hoy, anong nangyari sa'yo?" Sinundan niya ang mga mata ni Aithne kaya nakita niya rin ako. He mirrors the epitome of horror and dread when he sees me.

"Kasdeya!"

Awtomatikong napunta sa akin ang tingin ng lahat. The small kids stop whatever they are doing to come towards me. Ang mga matatanda naman na sina Gunner, Aithne, Blayze, at Raya ay naestatwa sa kanilang mga pwesto.

"Ate Kas!" Bati sa akin ni Jianne, isa sa mga pinakabata sa'min. She takes my hand and squeezes it in a comforting manner. "Happy birthday po!"

Sunod-sunod ang naging bati ng iba sa akin. Ah, I almost forgot. Today is December twenty-two.

My eighteenth birthday.

"Surprise po!" Another kid says while showing off the entire room. May ilang mga crepe paper na nakalawit at halatang hindi pa tapos isabit sa ceiling. The kitchen counters are all dirty with flour, spilled batter, and used piping bags. "Kami po nina ate at kuya ang gumawa nito!" Dagdag pa niya.

Nginitian ko silang lahat bago ilagay ang isang kamay sa tuktok ng ulo ni Jianne. "You didn't have to do this. Alam niyo namang hindi ako nagce-celebrate ng birthday ko."

"Pero hindi po p'wede yun!" Protesta ng isa. "Everyone likes birthdays! 'Wag na po kayo mag-lie sa amin."

I try to keep my smile. Tumingin ako sa apat na taong hindi pa rin gumagalaw sa mga pwesto nila. Tinanggal ko ang kamay sa ulo ni Jianne at pumameywang. Bago pa ako makapagsalita, nagturuan na sila.

"Si Ryo yung nag-isip nito!" Sabay-sabay nilang sigaw. Sakto naman ang pagdating ng taong pinagbibintangan nila sa likuran ko.

"Ako nanaman yung tinuturo niyo."

Lumingon kaming lahat sa lalaking nagsalita. Nakataas ang isang kilay ni Ryo habang nakatingin sa aming lahat. Nang mapunta sa'kin ang tingin niya, ngumiti siya. "Pero tama naman. Ako nga yung nag-isip ng surprise party."

Raya sighs. "And we failed kasi ikaw dapat yung look out pero hindi mo manlang sinabi na andyan na si Kas!"

"Kasalanan ko pang 'di niyo siya napansin? Hindi naman siya nagtatago pero hindi niyo pa rin nakita si Kas."

"You're so bad at this!" Blayze screeches.

Umirap si Gunner sa hangin. Napailing nalang ako dahil nag-aaway nanaman sila. "Ikaw yung nag-isip pero ikaw rin sumira ng plano. Tanga ka ba?"

"Pre, wala kang karapatang magsalita dahil pinagtakpan kita kahapon nung nasira mo vase ni Director."

"Kasalanan mo yun kasi tinulak mo 'ko."

"Hindi ko kasalanang 'di ka marunong maglakad. Mas magaling pa si Jianne kesa sa'yo eh."

"Buti pa si Jianne marunong din magtago ng surprise. Pero ikaw hindi? Tumalon ka nalang sa bangin."

"Mauna ka na, gago."

Nagsimula nang lumapit sina Gunner at Ryo sa isa't isa. Alam kong malapit na sila magsusuntukan... sa harap pa talaga ng mga bata. Bago pa namin sila mapigilan ay nakarinig kami ng panibagong boses.

"Ryo, Gunner, huwag kayong nag-aaway sa harapan ng mga bata."

Napatingin ako sa lalaking nakatayo sa entrance ng kusina. I step aside to join the others, pati ang mga bata ay sumama sa akin dahil nakita nila na may kasama si Sir Riggor.

Inikot ni Sir Riggor, ang Director ng orphanage, ang kaniyang tingin sa kabuuan ng kusina. He mimics the way I looked at the mess earlier. He stands with grace, a kind and comforting aura emitting out of him. He's the same, gentle man who brought all of us here at the orphanage.

Sa likod ni Sir Riggor ay isang babae. Her glowing skin against the blackness of her hair and redness of her lips make the kids look away in unease. Katulad nga ng mga sinasabi nila, she's like a modern-day witch. Dressed in all black and the enchanting look in her fake purple eyes. Ms. Amanda Marvell, the woman who teaches the kids here.

Napunta muli sa dalawang bugok ang tingin ni Sir Riggor. His light brown eyes are soft, but they turn grim when we do something he doesn't approve of, lalo na kaming pinakamatatanda rito.

Ryo, Gunner, Aithne, Blayzaine, Hiraya, and I are the oldest kids in the orphanage. So old that we had our eighteenth birthdays here. Maybe not that old, but we definitely are for orphans.

"Kayo ang mga ate at kuya nila," Bilin ni Sir Riggor na ilang beses ko nang narinig dahil ito ang lagi niyang pinapaalala sa amin. "Set a good example and refrain from fighting and cursing in front of them."

"We're teaching the kids how to behave and become good children. Hindi katulad ninyong muntik nang sunugin ang buong bahay noon." Pagtaas ng noo ni Ms. Amanda sa dalawang lalaki.

"Oh my god, Ms. That was one time." Sabay na sambit nina Ryo.

Umiling si Sir Riggor bago hilutin ang kaniyang sentido. He looks so done with the two. Kung hindi lang siguro siya mabait, baka tinapon na niya sa labas ang dalawa. I know I would.

He lets out an exasperated breath. "Alright, I don't want to ruin Kasdeya's day any longer." Lumingon siya sa akin at ngumiti. "I want you to enjoy your day. Huwag mo na muna alalahanin ang ibang mga bata. Nandito si Amanda para alagaan sila."

I nod. The Fortuna Orphanage is always severely understaffed. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ayaw mag-employ ni Sir Riggor ng ibang tao, he only trusts Ms. Amanda to come once in a while and take care of the younger kids.

Siya rin ang nagtuturo sa amin. Whether it's English, Filipino, Literature, Math, or Science, she's good at any subject that are usually taught in elementary and high school level. If it weren't for her, most of our knowledge would've been rudimentary.

Sabay sabay kaming kumain ng mga niluto nina Blayze. Sumama na rin sa amin sina Sir Riggor kaya kahit maingay ang lamesa, hindi pa rin nauuwi sa away ang sagutan nina Ryo at Gunner.

Nakakuha rin ako ng regalo mula sa iba. Isang bati ang nakuha ko mula kay Ms. Amanda na may binigay sa aking isang maliit na box. She tells me to open it later. Even the younger ones gave me something, either a candy or a small trinket they find valuable.

"Happy birthday po, Ate!" Bati ni Nathan sa akin bago ibigay ang isang keychain. Tiningnan ko ito at hindi maiwasang mapangiwi. I glance at him and he grins. "Binili ko po agad nung nakita ko kasi naalala ko po kayo!"

I unconsciously clench the keychain in my hand. It's a moon charm.

"Kakulay po nung moon yung mata niyo." He says happily, pointing at my white eyes.

Mahina akong natawa bago ibalik ang malaki niyang ngiti. Nagningning naman ang mga mata niya sa reaksyon ko. "Thank you, Nathan. It's really pretty." Sabi ko sakaniya.

Tiningnan ko na rin ang ibang mga bata. "Salamat sainyong lahat. I'll treasure all the gifts you gave me."

Pagkatapos kong magpasalamat sa mga bigay nila, mabilis akong tumayo mula sa upuan ko at nagpaalam na pupunta sa banyo.

Mahina kong sinarado ang pinto nang makapasok ako. I inhale and exhale before walking towards the sink. Nang mapadaan ako sa isang basurahan, tinapon ko roon ang moon keychain.

Hindi ko tiningnan ang aking mukha nang matapat ako sa salamin. I plant my hands on the edges of the sink, clawing on it as if my fingers are made out of talons. My smile fades away.

Gods... Nagawa ko na ring makatakas.

Nakalimutan ko kung paano kahirap pakisamahan ang mga bata rito. I don't like staying near loud and messy children, but I have no choice. This orphanage is literally for parentless kids.

Kanina pa ako nagpipigil ng inis sakanilang lahat. They keep touching me, bothering me, and talking to me. It's a challenge to stop myself from flinching while letting them do whatever they want.

Who do they think they are, senselessly bothering me without my permission?

Huminga ako ng malalim bago hugasan ang aking kamay. Nagawa ko na ring maghilamos para tumagal ako lalo sa banyo. I accidentally look up, catching a glimpse of myself.

Strands of charcoal-colored hair frame my face, adding innocence to my features. Hindi ko pa nakukulayan ang buhok ko. Ganito na ang itsura nito simula pagkabata palang. The tips of my wet, stray hairs hug my arms messily but I don't bother to fix it.

The rest of my hair is braided. I keep them in place on my back, making sure it won't get splashed by water.

From the natural pink color of my heart-shaped lips to my full eyebrows and long lashes, people always tell me how cute or pretty I am. Lagi nila iyon sinasabi pag nakakasalubong o nakakausap nila ako. They never fail to mention it.

I'm not their definition of beautiful. To them, I represent childhood innocence and kindness. It doesn't matter how smart or skilled I am. They'll always disregard and water me down as a fragile girl with a heart of a pure little kid. And I'm fine with that.

It's easier to manipulate the smaller animals when you appear weaker than them.

Bumaba muli sa lababo ang tingin ko bago pa ito mapunta sa aking mga mata. I close my eyes, feeling the white iris burning, like it's begging me to look at how bright it is.

I hate the moon. That's why I don't look in the mirror.

Piniga ko ang lababo bago maglakad palabas ng banyo. The time I spent to take a breather doesn't feel enough, pero baka hinahanap na ako ng iba at sundan ako sa banyo.

Sinarado ko ang pinto sa likuran ko. Kasabay nito ay ang paghatak sa akin ng kung sino.

I glare behind me and almost move my elbow back with a jolt, buti nalang at lumayo agad siya sa akin at tinaas ang dalawang kamay niya. Kung hindi siya gumalaw, mababali ko ang kaniyang buto.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Ryo. "Chill, Kas. Hindi ako magnanakaw. Wala kang pera."

Huminga ako ng malalim. "'Wag ka ngang nanggugulat. Baka mamaya, matamaan talaga kita."

Mahina siyang natawa. "It's going to take more than a jab from a soft girl like you to hurt me." Mayabang niyang sambit. He swings an arm around my shoulder and pulls me closer to his chest, his musky scent wafting over my nose.

"Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Let's get out of the orphanage." Sagot niya bago ako dalhin sa hallway. "Nakawin muna kita, ah? Para ma-solo kita sa last birthday mo na magkasama tayo."

I look up at him. Nakita ko ang paglungkot ng ngiti niya pero diretso lang sa daan ang kaniyang tingin.

Hindi ko siya maintindihan. Why is he sad? He's getting adopted tomorrow. Makakaalis na siya sa lugar na 'to. Isn't he glad that someone still wants to adopt an eighteen year old kid and they picked him?

"Okay lang ba sa'yo?" He glances at me.

Bumuntong hininga ako. "I'm sure the kids will like it more if you spend your last day with them."

"I want to be selfish and take you away instead." He shrugs before grinning. "And you know I don't take 'no' for an answer."

"Even if I scream and tell you to let go?"

Ryo snorts, tugging me closer. "Yes. Kidnapping nga 'to, 'di ba?" Saad niya habang tumatawa. "Halika na. Bago pa masira araw ko dahil naabutan natin si Leo."

Wala na akong naisagot nang bigla siyang tumakbo. Nagpahatak na ako. Everyone else is inside the kitchen, kaya walang nakakita sa aming dumaan sa tanggapan at entryway ng bahay.

Si Ryo ang nagbukas ng pinto. Mahina lang ito para walang makarinig sa pagtakas namin. When he exits, sumunod ako.

Hinatak ko pasara ang pinto pero bago pa man lumiit ang awang ng pintuan, nakarinig ako ng bulong sa hangin mula sa loob ng bahay.

"Hahanapin kita, Kas."

And then the door closes behind us.

. . .