Brewing Trouble

Both of my hands reached up to cup his face, there were lines of scratches from his forehead down to his neck, there were burn marks on the side of his cheek, and his eyes...there weren't anything in there but blackness, as though his eyeballs were carved out of him.

I let him go, dropping the mask; letting it make a silent thud on the wooden floor as I my fingers pressed my forehead. I couldn't take it. Something kept telling me that I needed to let this anger out...but I didn't know how. I squeezed my palm, returning my gaze to him but I ended up looking away...for there were no longer any eyes for me to meet. And I hated the sight of it. I despise the fact that I couldn't do anything about it.

"I'm asking you, Jarvis." I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself down. "Who...did that you?"

"Why?" He questioned as though it was the most puzzling thing he had ever heard. "Why are you so angry, Ke'ala?" He raised his hand, trying to get me into his reach, and he did. He caught me perfectly in his arms once again.

"Because I couldn't be there when you needed me to." I buried my head against his chest, wishing for more familiar warmth.

"I didn't want you to be there."

"I remember you wearing a mask when we last met."

"That time when Silverrium descended." He recalled, feeling me nod. "I healed your eye around that time."

"Why were you with the Black Clan?"

"I had no choice. I needed aurhority."

"By being one of the blacks?"

"Yes." He answered. I stepped back, my eyes still fixated on his blank stares. "I can't always be on your side forever, Ke'ala."

"I don't need you to be."

His hand graze just below my temple, as though trying to reminisce what I look like. There were a few strands of my hair that met his fingers, but he snuck passed by them as soon as his thumb brushed my lower lip. He let out a sigh, I knew it was dismay.

"Nararamdaman kong malaki ang pinagbago mo."

"All of us did."

"Hindi ko kailangan ng mga mata para malaman kung ano ang mukhang pinapakita mo ngayon." Ngumiti siya, pero pilit lamang ito. "Huwag kang malungkot, Ke'ala. Dahil nalulungkot din ako sa sitwasyon ko."

"Ano ang ginagawa mo dito?"

"Enchansia is known for its Black Market, the Black Clan owns thirty percent of businesses in here." Lumapit siya sa may lamesa at kinapa-kapa ito hanggang naabot niya ang drawer. May hinugot siya mula dito, isa itong scroll, katulad na lamang ng sa akin na ngayon ay hawak ni Celeztie. "The Clan needs money, and so do power. May mga tauhan din kami sa iba't ibang bansa. Malaki ang sakop ng Black Clan, at mas lumaganap pa ito nitong mga nakaraang taon."

"What do you need power and forces for?"

Nilapag niya ang nakabukas na scroll sa ibabaw ng mesa, medyo malayo man ako pero nakikita ko ito. Maraming mga itim na marka dito, nay mga pangalan din ang nakasulat pero mabilis din itong nawawala. They represent candidates who already died, and blacks dots reprsent those who will be soon. There are also red dots across the whole map terrain, they represent the places where the relics can be found.

"I think you know the answer to that." Mahina niyang sagot. "We're going to a war, Ke'ala."

"Is Exodus involve in this?"

"They have long been involved in this. The West Mages Association is on our side, and Exodus strengthening their own forces. The World's Organization...all races will come join the war, every living thing in this world is involved." He showed me a grin, and it made my skin crawl. "And once that organization is eliminated, that's where the real battle begins. The New World Order."

"So you're all joining forces to defeat a single enemy." It wasn't a question, but he nodded. "Which side will the Clan be?"

"There are two versions of the New World Order. The first one is where irregulars should dominate, they call it Irregularity Order. The second one is where there should be no more irregulars to save the world from crumbling down because of too much energy, the Regularity Order." He leaned over the edge of the table, crossing his arms. "I may be an irregular, but the Clan has decided to join the Irregularity Order. That's why we joined forces in the first place."

"I thought both factions are against each other?"

"We are. But we're currently in a truce. I need to save our own kind, Ke'ala. Normal humans will never understand the discrimation we've been though. The world isn't fair, and we're only playing by its rules."

"Does Father knew of this?"

"Cursed Bloods are prepared to join the war against the Regularity Order, but they chose to sit back against the World's Organization. Your father is will not take a risk fighting an enemy who might just ruin our kind when found out That's why we are hidden in the first place."

"No matter which side will win, the world will still be saved. Millions will die in that war, Jarvis."

"Everybody knows, that's why this war must happen. Ito lang ang pinakamabisang paraan para hindi tuluyang masira ang mundo." Humarap siya sa akin. "What about you? What are you planning to do?"

"I am a candidate. The organization will always keep their eyes on me. I can't make a move now." I smiled lightly. "You know, don't you?"

"Na pinalitan mo din ang emosyon ko noong una pa lamang sa isla?"

"Na mahal parin kita bilang matalik na kaibigan."

He paused before crouching lower to the floor, sensing where the mask had fallen off. He got it seconds later as he turned around, finally wearing the mask against his face. I smiled bitterly at myself as I wait for his reply.

"I do." He summoned his own weapon, it was a long pole with pointed blades on each ends, and sides were edgy, as though a razor. "And you do know as well, don't you?"

"That the Clan and Exodus are responsible for the most candidate deaths?" I chuckled. "I figured much after seeing that scroll."

"Lumalakas ang World's Organization dahil sa malaking bilang ng mga candidates nila. Hindi din biro ang mga kandidato na ito. They are strong, some are regulars, some are not. The organization deceives them into believing that they will get some kind of wish when they win that World's Battle."

"Humans will do anything for their desires."

"And that's what makes them strong, also weak." Tinutok niya ang weapon niya sa akin, kasabay nito ay ang pagliwanag nito. "That's why I'm killing you before that organization make you act like a dog just like what they did to the rest and use you against us."

"You're lying." Ramdam ko ang pagkagulat niya sa sinabi ko.

Tinaas ko ang kamay ko para gumawa ng barrier sa paligid ko matapos kong maramdaman ang isang palapit na lance. Nabasag ang barrier sa lakas ng enerhiya na nakabalot sa weapon, pero hindi ito sapat para masaktan ako dahil bago pa man ito tumama sa mukha ko ay sinalo ko na ang lance.

"Sabi ko na ngaba, alam mong may iba pang tao dito." Wika ng isang pamilyar na tinig.

Nakasuot siya ng mahabang itim na cloak, kasama ang anim na taong nakasuot din ng itim na cloak. May simbolo ng Black Clan ang likuran nang cloak nila nang bahagyang tumalikod ang isa para lumapit kay Jarvis. It's a black flag with a skull on the middle designed with BC.

"Jass Ji." I referred to her name, throwing her back the lance. Of course, it disappeared through thin air before it could come in contact with her.

"It has been a long time, Ke'ala Feyree." Another familiar voice called our as they all one by one took off their hoods. "I've been longing for another battle with you. The last has been...well, unfortunate."

"Philip Yanderson. Seems like your whole gang is here." I looked around, studying their faces. I recognize some, but I can't remember the names. "I remember capturing the two." I added, referring to the girl and the boy on the corner.

"Ash Yanderson." Said the girl with a smile. "And this is Charles." The guy nodded, but said nothing as Ash held his arm rather possessively.

"Surely you haven't forgotten the woman who almost got you." Said another, crossing her arms, a smirk visible upon her face. "Francia, nice to officially meet you, Ke'ala Feyree."

"Klint." Wika nung isang lalaki sabay tango.

Napunta ang tingin ko sa isa pang lalaki na ngayon ay nasa tabi ni Jarvis. Pamilyar ang mukha niya na parang nakita ko na noon, pero hindi ko alam kung saan. Lumapit siya sa akin at tumigil halos isang metro sa unahan ko. Nagkatinginan lang kami hanggang sa tinaas niya ang kamay niya, offering a hand shake.

"Ke'ala Feyree." He greeted with a smile. "I've always wanted to meet you." And somehow, I didn't take him as somebody who would do anything harmful at the moment so before I knew it, my hand was already clasped with his. He smiled, and it felt nostalgic.

"I can tell."

"My name is Demsel." He let go of my hand, slightly bowing his head. "Demsel Erevera."

I sighed, stripping a sudden wave of nostalgia away before it would come engulfing all my other senses. There was silence that followed as all of our eyes went to observe each other. Their gazes were penetrating, the whole room was filled with such huge amount of their energies blended in together—as well as that murderous aura.

But perhaps it's because I'm so used feeling people's hostility against me that I only smiled, taking their desires of my death lightly. I know I'm outnumbered, and I'm also obviously aware that they are no—in any manner—light opponents that could easily be taken down.

Not to mention they have Jarvis on their side. But it's not like I'm afraid of facing them all at once, it's just that in this moment, I'm in no mood for any fight. But that doesn't mean I can't defeat them all at once though.

I lifted my hand and as I did, Klint already had his magnum gun pointed at me, Francia with her arrow ready to let go, and they all had their attentions alarmed all of the sudden which made me chuckle. Perhaps that startled them, but I moved up my hand behind me, hearing the lock clicked.

"You're all too restless." I said. "You don't trust me, do you?" That question was mostly intended for my best friend, or we even still?

"Bakit naman namin gagawin 'yun?" Jass replied. "I knew something was up with you when we first battled, pero hindi ko inaasahan na—"

"Jass." Philip warned.

"Oo na, oo na." Napabuntong-hininga ito. "I'll let the boss do the talking."

"Why don't you finish off that sentence?" I frowned.

"She doesn't have to." Jarvis immediately said. "There's no need for any further flashbacks nor do we need to discuss something."

"So you plan to kill me without even telling me the reason why?"

"I told you, we don't want that evil organization to use you katulad nang ginawa nila sa ilang candidates—"

"You know I won't buy that lie. Tell me what's happening, Jarvis, otherwise—"

"Otherwise, what? Papalitan mo ang mga emosyon namin? A real threat, indeed."

I clenched my fists, but then I let my irritation loose knowing they won't tell me anything no matter how far I push. I wasn't the only one who changed, he did too. Along with that expressionless look he kept throwing me were emotions that made him hesitate, care, affection, and there was that sadness and remorse too. He hid them all so well through the pretence of that blank face.

"Do you..." I smiled bitterly and I was so sure he's aware of it. "Do you really think I'm all that bad? Immoral?"

"I know you as Ke'ala who would do anything she believes is beneficial for her. You have changed, but that part of you never did." He rounded up his sharp-edged pole through his fingers. "You were never a good person, Ke'ala. You push people away because you didn't want to sympathize with them, because you didn't want to burden yourself with their emotions."

"At sinasabi mo na mali 'yun." Sabi ko sabay sangga ng paparating na hangin na ginawa niya mula sa pagpaikot ng weapon niya gamit ng isang barrier, pero madali lang ito sirain para sa kaniya. Enough the sharp cuts of the wind made a pass through the side of my shoulder, causing a small bleed. "Parang sinasabi mo narin na dapat ko nalang pahirapan ang sarili ko."

"What I'm trying to say is that you only ever thought of yourself. I tried to set you straight, thinking it was due to to your childhood, but you ended up erasing the concept of hate within me. You made me care about you to the point that I'm regretting doing this to you."

He didn't need any eyes to see me as he launched himself forward toward my direction, his weapon beaming in light shade of blue, waves of energy layering up over his body. He was right though, he didn't need to say anything for I could understand his feelings completely.

He loves me as his precious best friend, he had always treated me like I was the most fragile being there is. He was the light at the end of a dark tunnel whenever I found myself thinking about things that should have been, things that I didn't want to think even now. He had always made sure to make me happy everyday, to experience things that I could never find myself enjoying with just myself.

But he's starting to think that those memories of us happy together were fake, thinking I was controling him, leading his emotions on which would benefit me greatly. He's thinking that, that love he has for me is actually hate...and that he had already long despised me.

But still, whatever grudge, anger, and however he deems of me as evil, twisted, immoral, selfish...I could never find myself hating him, getting angry at him. I could never—even if he ends up killing me at this same exact moment.

"Why do you suddenly feel so sad, Jarvis?" I asked, barely whispering enough for him to hear when he suddenly stopped in front of me, his weapon just a few inches away from my chest. "Why do you suddenly feel like crying?"

He was reading my mind, knowing the thoughts that have long been running through my head. He was always good at using his ability on me, where I didn't even need to use words directly to tell him everything.

Sa isang iglap ay may nabuong magic circle sa ilalim namin. Kulay itim ito, hanggang sa may lumabas na usok mula dito. Ang enerhiya na nagmumula dito ay nanggagaling sa kaniya, hindi ko alam kung kailan siya natutong gumamit ng mahika pero, hindi na ako nagulat. Sa umpisa pa lang ay alam ko nang marami pa ang magagawa ng lalaking ito.

Wala akong sinabi nang maramdaman kong bigla na lamang nagbago ang paligid namin. Wala akong maramdaman sa lugar na ito kundi malakas na enerhiya na nakabalot sa buong lugar. Wala din akong makita dahil nappaligiran ako ng kadiliman. Malamig din dito kahit walang hangin, at higit sa lahat ay hindi ko maramdaman ang sarili kong enerhiya.

"Your brother, sister...me..." his voice trailed off, echoing through the surrounding darkness but I couldn't pinpoint his location. "We've all realized what you've done long before, but we couldn't get angry at you for some reason. Kaya hinayaan lang namin ito, iniisip namin na wala kang ginawang mali."

"Because it never felt wrong, Jarvis." I stated.

"I started feeling so angry when you left, Ke'ala. I thought you trusted me, but you changed me, ruined my ability to hate you."

It's because of that exact reason I did that, because I don't trust anyone. I lived in a household where people despise my existence, always telling me that I shouldn't have been born, that I was always compared with people around me—especially how responsible my older sister and great my eldest brother is, and in that household where they always thrived to hurt me.

He swung his weapon from above, slashing me with intense force that could have broken my bones through a single contact. Pero madali ko lang itong inilagan nang humakbang ako patalikod at ramdam ko kaagad ang impact na nagawa nito sa sahig.
Mabilis niyang iniba ang puwesto niya at sinubukang tamaan ako mula pailalim.

Sinangga ko naman ito ng braso ko at dahil sa lakas ay napaatras ako ng ilang metro mula sa kaniya. May lumabas na dugo mula sa kanan kong braso dahil sa wasak na buto sa loob. Masakit ito, pero tila wala akong pakealam at nakatutok lang ang tingin ko sa kaniya.

People come to me with ulterior motives, and I felt that way the first time my sibblings came and get me out of that household. I couldn't trust them even though I wanted to, even though I know I should—but something inside me kept telling me that I mustn't, that they'd only try to betray that trust. So in the end, I erased their emotion to feel hate towards me, that whatever I'd do, they wouldn't mind it, they wouldn't despise me like others did.

Jarvis was the like a light at the end of every dark tunnels I've been through. He would always be there when I needed him, when I wanted his company, he knew everything about me without even using the words to directly tell him something. I even thought we were inseparable for he had always treated me like I was the most fragile there is.

I took another step backwards, letting his weapon pass by me as he immediately went behind, he was too fast that the sharp edge of his pole finally found its way through my back; the end of it protruding to my stomach. I fought the urge to scream in pain, biting my lower lip as blood rushed out of my mouth.

Hinawakan ko ang weapon niya mula sa unahan at binali ito kaya biglang nawala. Nakita ko ang paparating na sipa mula sa kaliwa pero hinayaan ko lamang itong tumama sa gilid ng tiyan ko. Nakaramdam kaagad ako ng sakit na parang tumunog ang mga buto sa dibdib ko nang tumama ako sa sahig.

My thoughts drifted back to earlier, that despise that, I couldn't trust him as well, I feared trusting people, and thus I altered his emotions. Everything felt perfect then, we were all happy, there were difficult times, but we all managed to see it through the end. Nobody could ruin that. We were a perfect family, we had a perfect friendship...and I didn't need anything else.

So when I found out I was adopted, I felt betrayed, I felt miserable—worse, I felt so guilty that I altered the emotions of people who aren't my real family, who don't consider me as one of their own. I hated feeling that way, and perhaps that was the reason I left. Turns out, everything was a lie. But because of that lie, I managed to find out truths about myself.

That I'm a coward, twisted, immoral, evil, a monster, soulless, and surely there'd be more to those titles. But am I really that evil for doing that? Was it that wrong to make something I had only desired possible? Why does nobody understand me? Why do they all look at me with hostility? With that intense drive to kill me? To end me?

And most of all, why am I alright with them feeling that way towards me? Why am I alright with the fact that I'm always being misunderstood? I get tired of it—of course I do, I'm a human too after all, I'm also capable of feeling pain. I'm exhausted about of all of this that I wanted to just die and leave everything behind. But I couldn't.

"What are you thinking?" His question snapped me back to reality. I managed to block out my mind before he could bring us to this place.

"Who knows?" I answered indifferently.

I sighed, pulling myself up as I watch him take his stance on a distance. A small magic circle appeared surrounding his left hand, its glow illuminating the surrounding darkness. The energy around me became doubled, its intensity almost burning me—suffocating me even.