*Season's P.O.V.*
So this is the spring that he's talking about. It looks more beautiful than I thought it would be, considering the fact that it is located in a rather gloomy forest. It seems to be the heart of this mystical place where magic is both visible and tangible even to a human person like myself. "It's beautiful..." I exclaimed. It's definitely worth the very long walk.
Then, I started noticing figures being formed by the swirling lights like constellations formed by the stars in the night sky. Infront of me, I saw something like a dragon, turning to my right, there's something like a bird. And as I turned all the more, there seemed to be a tiger, and lastly, a tortoise. I swiftly averted my gaze to Kaloy as panic rose in my system. Those four figures. Those four animals rather, I've seen them in the same arrangement in a circle before. In that dream that I had on my 20th birthday! And they were also the same monsters that were present in my nightmares.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" I asked, referring to those animals. He just looked at me in confussion.
"Most likely." He answered. But I don't think he understood what I meant as he led me out of the magical body of water and into its banks. Then he knelt ceremonially, dipped his right hand into the crystal clear waters before he raised his head to the sky in prayer. He mumbled something I couldn't quite decipher but after a minute of silence, a mist appeared all over the spring that is three meters in diameter. When it cleared, the waters projected something like a mountain. A certain place even and once again I'm amazed. Kaloy moved his hand and the image projected was zoomed in and I saw a huge entrance at the foot of the mountain like an entrance to a mine. Then it projected engkantos gathered in a room, some attending to the wounded, others doing their own chores. Before I could ask though, Kaloy snapped his fingers and the projection disappeared. Woah. "I got it. They're in the mines."
He held my hand and within a minute we were transported from the magical spring into a dark cave. He almost fell out of balance if I wasn't there to support his weight though. "Didn't I tell you we should refrain from using your powers?" I scolded as my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit... Mineshaft. Yes, it has got to be a mineshaft, adorned with old fashioned lamps.
"It's a lot easier that way. Turn to the left, I'm certain they'd all be in the main hall." He said as if he memorized the place by heart. But probably he did. So I just followed his instructions as I helped him walk down the said hallway. To be honest, this mineshaft doesn't have railways like the ones I knew of so it looks more like an underground covern with winding hallways and various chambers. Perhaps mine complexes are slightly different in here.
About five minutes into the walk, and three turned corners according to his instructions, my lips broke into a smile as I saw a door. But as soon as I took a step towards it, two ninja-like figures appeared from the shadows and attacked us with their swords. We were nearly hit, it's a good thing I still have reflexes and managed to duck Kaloy and I to the ground. I was going to stand up and defend us because it looks like they're going to lunge another attack but...
"Wag!" Kaloy exclaimed and they halted.
"Ang mahal na prinsipe!" One of them said and they both hurriedly helped him up. Ummm, hello? Am I invisible? I just pouted as they didn't give a damn about me so I just helped myself up.
"Season?" Kaloy turned to me and I just gave him a nod as one of those men opened the door as the other one entered with Kaloy. At first the room was buzzing with worry and stories of trauma but as a beautiful girl spotted us and their prince most especially, she screamed.
"Ang mahal na prinsipe!" Much like what the other man said. All their heads turned towards the door and everything seemed to stop. Two women rushed to where we are, one is quite familiar while I haven't seen that other one before.
"Kaloy! Aking kapatid!" When that familiar female spoke, I instantly recognized her. She's Kalista, and wait, kapatid? Does that mean, I was right when I assumed they were related the first time I saw her? I mean, she's literally the femal version of him. I could just look at the way the siblings held each other as relief flashed on their faces, thinking about my own brother. I know he'd hold me that way when I come back. Of course. When they let go of the hug, the other woman who I haven't seen before wrapped herself in his arms. She's beautiful with dark blonde hair, light blue eyes, porcelain skin... Yes, she looks very engkanto, or was that engkantada? The way she held him elicited a different feeling in my chest, especially when their foreheads connected in a rather intimate manner. I just have to look away and divert my attention to the other engkantos who looks really happy to see that their prince is alive and well. Yeah right.
But I can't help the bitter thoughts that plagued my mind when I saw how the, should I say, girlfriend of the said prince led him to sit in the other side of the room, beside her as Kalista and some other women gave him water and food. Right. I'm thirsty and hungry myself. But I did not dare to move from my spot just a meter to the right of the door at the back of the room. So that's why I'm reduced to a friend. He found someone new. Someone who's like him. Beautiful and all, so perfect for him. And I can now see that there's no place for a human like me among these creatures. And perhaps it's just right that I stayed away back then. But of course, fate is cruel. It really is. Maybe another five minutes passed of me just sulking in here before someone disrupted my solemn annoyance.
"Season?" I looked at the person who said my name and saw...
"Teodoro." I responded with a light smile. Yes, it's Teodoro, the albularyo's father who was taken by the engkantos.
"The prince is looking for you." He said, guiding me through the once again busy engkantos who resumed their activities.
"Oh, was he now?" Hey, that sounds as bitter as you feel Season, tone it down a bit.
"He is, because you came with him ija." The man chuckled. I noticed how his English improved, he must've been learning for some reason. Which is good for me really. We eventually made it to where they are and I heard them talking while eating something like a loaf of bread.
"Talaga? Mabuti naman at nakaligtas ka." The girlfriend responded to something that Kaloy said.
"Ng dahil sa kanya." He said, looking at me. Me? What did I do?
"Sino siya?" She asked, looking at me with scrutinizing eyes. "Isang tao?" Oh... Here we go again.
"Oo. Isa syang taong ligaw. Natagpuan nya akong duguan sa kagubatan sa labas ng palasyo at tinulungan nya akong makarating sa Bukal ng mga Pangitain. Ang pangalan nya pala ay Season." He introduced with yet another lie. For sure. Kalista and Teodoro didn't say anything though. Which means they knew exactly why he had to say what he said. Remind me to ask them later. But then from a friend, I am yet again reduced to just a 'taong ligaw' perhaps it's our connection that actually became a stray for him. And not me. Gosh!
My ears buzzed with the unfamiliar tone and language spoken by the creatures around but for the meantime, I didn't worry much about it as I opted to quench my hunger and thirst first. Their bread tastes a bit different as well as their water is a little bit bitter but, it has to suffice. After a fulfilling meal, I found myself just fiddling my fingers, feeling more out of place than ever. I mean, if we talk about looks, I wouldn't feel so out of place because we almost have the same complexion but, if we talk about the way that they dress? Well, I'm so underdressed with this decent swimsuit!
"Season?" I turned to my right when I heard Kalista sit beside me. By the way, she's wearing a dirty white long dress embedded with little blue precious stones on the neckline and the waistline, told you I'm underdressed.
"Yes?" I answered.
"Do you, perhaps want to change? I mean, those clothes aren't really suitable for the weather in here." Finally somebody offered!
"If you'd be so kind, I do want to." I replied with a smile. She smiled at me too, leading me somewhere to the leftmost part of the large common room where there's a door , opening to yet another hallway, but this is quite different from the one that Kaloy and I passed upon entering this place because there are a couple of doors on each of the sides instead of just tunneled earth. It really is a whole underground building.
We entered the fifth door in the right and I looked at the underground chamber in awe. Now, it isn't shining with precious gems like the other dwellings I've been in, in this realm but, the intricate stone pillars and chiseled stone furnitures in it matches very well with the neutral color of the dug up Earth, giving me an ancient vibe. "Here." I have to seize my wandering eyes as I received the folded garments from Kalista that she got from the leveled stone counters that forms something like hanging shelves. "I'd wait outside."
I stripped out of my previous outfit and wished I could take a quick shower before changing buy I don't see any bathroom around here so I just opted to wipe my body with my used clothes before trying on the grey gown she had provided me. Yes, it's a freaking gown, a set actually, complete with the undergarments, belts, and shawls. Wow, I've never worn anything like this in my entire life! I mean, when I was younger I had imagined being a princess for a day but that was just my silly imagination and Sean cannot afford to buy me a gown or a beautiful dress before, that's why it remained on my imagination. However, now that I've grown up and wants nothing more but a simple and peaceful life, my childhood's dream was just fulfilled, in a way. I smoothened the edges of the gown and adjusted the belt to the fitting that's fit for me and also fixed my hair to suit my new outfit before doing a twirl. I totally feel like a princess! And by the way, I previously assumed this thing would feel hot but it isn't really, it's fabric is rather cool against my skin and it provides the right amount of comfort around my body.
Folding my swimsuit and placing it to an empty lower shelf, I finally decided to open the door. Kalista was waiting anxiously for me outside and her jaw dropped when she finally saw me. "What?" I asked as I followed her wandering eyes.
"It suits you so much! You could already pass as an engkanto you know." She complimented and we both chuckled.
"Don't you want to change those shoes?" She asked and I looked down at my converse, which I didn't really change. I planned to change into slippers on the beach but I didn't get to do it because of that infant devil.
"I'm comfortable with these thanks." I really don't want to wear those provided sandals. I feel like I'd slip on them.
"If you say so. Let's go back to the main hall and listen to my brother's instructions." She said.
"So you really are siblings?"
"Halfblood yes. We have the same mother." Her tone lowered towards the edge.
"Oh... My deepest condolence." I meekly replied. The memory of how the late queen exactly died flashed in my mind and I shivered at its brutality.
"Thank you." We were quiet after that and when we entered the main hall, I'm surprised that it is quiet too. From our position here at the leftmost side, I noticed how everyone is gathered with their attention on the platform where Kaloy stood with his right hand raised, a sign meaning silence, which is what exactly his subjects did.
When he was sure that everyone is settling, including Kalista who hurriedly went to her brother's side as I remained rooted near the door, he spoke in a manner full of authority. "Mga kasamahan. Batid natin ang paghahasik ng lagim ng mga Dalaketnon sa ating kaharian. At marami sa ating mga dadugo, kapamilya, at kapatid ang nagsakripisyo sa kanilang buhay upang protektahan ang ating kaharian, kabilang na ang ating reyna." He paused, sorrow reflected in his eyes but he regained his composture and continued. "Kaya hindi natin ito dapat palampasin. Sugatan man tayo ngayon, pisikal at emosyonal, hindi tayo magpapadaig. Bagkus tayo ay magpagaling, mag-ipon ng sapat ng lakas, at ating bawiin ang dapat na sa atin!"
The crowd erupted in cheers or maybe sympathy and then Kaloy barked out instructions to the, I guess soldiers which I didn't really understand and not long after that, he dismissed the crowd. People walked here and there to their own chambers I supposed until the only ones that remained are Kaloy, Kalista, Teodoro, the girlfriend whose name I caught up to be Alisya, Alisya's fther the nobleman who led the miners as what I overheard, and two soldiers or generals, discussing among themselves in the platform. And of course, me here in the corner. They soon parted ways and as usual, I didn't miss the way the lovebirds or whatever, said their goodbyes. Heh, whatever.
I stayed where I am until the trio that I know noticed me as they approach the door. "Mauna na kami." Kalista and Teodoro chorused and were on their way before we know it. My gaze fell on the only other person in the hall and witnessed how he looked at me from head to toe.
"Checking me out?" I joked and he chuckled, finally looking me in the eye.
"You look, enchanting." His compliment made my cheeks burn but I tried not to act so giddy about it. Hello? We're friends and he got himself a girlfriend who is just like him, you know?
"Is that your way of saying that, I could pass as an engkanto?" I responded, remembering Kalista's statement earlier as we started walking down the hallway.
"Hahahaha yes."
"Anyways, I heard what you said to your people earlier but don't quite understand it. What's your plan?" I asked conversationally. Did I mention how natural things flow whenever I'm talking to this person? It's as if the awkwardness is long gone and all.
"Well, first of all, it was clever of them to seek refuge in here because we're evidently more protected here. With all the entrances blocked and the cavern well supplied, it's easier for us to monitor everyone." True. "And as for the plan to get back Lumayan, we'll have to wait until everyone's okay and well conditioned before we engage ourselves in battle." Wise.
"Reasonable enough. Is there anything that I can help with?" I stared expectantly at him who is know dressed properly in a long dirty white robe and his usual black trousers. Because of the black belt that's wrap around his waist, I can't help but say... "You look like a martial artist by the way." A black belter to be precise.
He laughed. Phew, I'm glad his long and serious face lightened up now. "Right? And of course you can help, as long as you stay inside this cavern. Until everything's okay."
"Okay..." But that's not the kind of help that I'm talking about. Although, I don't want to stress him out all the more so I I didn't pursue the thought of joining his army as of now.
"As of now, let's try to get some rest."
"Yeah, where's the shower here by the way? I'd like to cool off first."
"Oh, if I'm not mistaken it's at the end of the other hall. By the way, it's something like a public tub so if you're uncomfortable sharing your bath with the other women, I suggested you go there at the late hours."
Right. "Thanks. Let's go get that rest."