CHAPTER 3: MORTAL REALM

The Mortal Realm

Freewoods City, Narra Park

As my dizziness subsided I felt the familiar dewy texture of the ground beneath my feet. I dropped my suitcase as the portal dissolved into the air.

"I didn't even eat and yet I might throw up everything from my gut."

After I spell out the spell to the sacred key, an elongated portal will appear before me. The feeling inside of it is almost blinding, as if I was seated next to the sun.

"Find the heir of the Winter Kingdom and bring him to the palace."

A chill suddenly ran past my skin as the direct order of my king echoed in my ear. Nang matapos ang pag uusap namin ni Jack Frost ay mabilis akong umalis sa kanyang harapan.

Nang makalabas sa throne room ay ginamit ko ang sagradong susi para makapag bukas ng portal. As if I had to use a haste rune to get out of his sight. I just couldn't bear being alone with him knowing his secret. 

Or was it really a secret? 

Napailing ako ngunit kahit anong paggising ko sa aking sarili ay hindi mababago ang mga nangyari sa palasyo. My mind instantly dive into a maelstrom while Jack Frost was oblivious about a small threat in his kingdom. However, it was enough to shake my world since my family is involved.

Napalitan ng galit ang pangambang naramdaman ko ng maalala ang mga sinabi ni Draven. "That damn Horvath. What did I even do to him to scare me this much?"

The rustle of trees and the noise from crickets snapped me out of the rumbling thoughts in my head. The scent of dry soil enveloped my nose and I scratched it. Even the afternoon breeze from the Mortal Realm isn't helpful to ease the troubles in my head.

"And to add some thrill to my quest is that… Jack Frost didn’t give anything about the whereabouts of his kid."

Kasabay ng aking pagbuntong hininga ay ang pag ihip ulit ng kakaibang hangin mula sa mundo ng mga mortal. Sa aking pagkakatanda ay nasa maliit na bayan ako ng Freewoods.  Ang bayan na mayroong malakas na enerhiya ng mahika. 

Malawak ang ika apat na mundo, maraming bansa na may iba't ibang kultura, pananaw at kinikilala. Ngunit hindi pa ako lubusang nakakalibot sa mundong ito sa kadahilanang hindi ko nais kilalanin pa ang dahilan ng pagkasira ng aking pamilya.

"I just have to push my luck. If I can't find any traces of that demigod at this place. I have to find another country." I swallowed the lump on my throat.

When I collected the remaining sanity of myself. I gathered my strength to move forward. Tinungo ko ang masukal na kagubatan. Kung tama ang aking pagkakatanda ay makalampas sa mga punong iyon ay isang parke.

It’s been five years since I set foot in this place. It took a while before a cemented pathway appeared before my eyes. A little later, a few mortals became a nuisance in my sight. My eyes gazed upon the horizon painted with orange and yellow colors.

The sun is almost set and soon, the moon will finally shine its beauty.

A realization hit me. "Now… where could I possibly stay?"

Sa mga natanggap kong misyon noon ay hindi ako inaabot ng ilang araw. At ang maghanap ng mabilisang matutuluyan noon ay hindi rin mahirap. But my king's order meant I have to stay in this realm in order to roam around.

"I hope my gold coins can save me from this little problem of mine," I whispered to myself.

Whosh.

A playful yet strong presence tapped me with familiarity. When I turned to the right, I noticed his sandy brown hair and its cute curls that kept bouncing with the wind. The playful smile on his lips made my heart beat calmly as if he was singing a lullaby.

"It's been a while, dear Lady."

I bowed in a fine manner. "Greetings, to the mischievous and clever Greek god. Lord Hermes."

He chuckled. "Lady Zana, the people around us might think you are a creep. I appreciated your formality but we are in the Mortal Realm, courtesy is not really a must."

Mabilis akong tumunghay dahil sa sinabing iyon ni Hermes. Napalingon ako sa mga mortal na nakamasid sa amin. I am quite surprised that they can still notice us in this area. The place where we at was quite dark and surrounded with tall bushes. The only source of light is the lamp post not too far from us.

"Of all places, why are you here Lady Zana?" he questioned with a hint of egearness. 

I chewed the inside of my cheek as the need to lie in front of a god's face scared me. If I make an alibi… will my name be spared in the scroll of the Underworld?

I do hope so.

"Ah," I faked a laugh. "M-my father realized t-that—to further hone my skills. I finally have to take missions in every realm."

"I see," he hummed. "May kasama ka ba rito?"

Itinago ko ang aking pagkabigla sa kanyang tanong. All gods have the whole knowledge of every language, even the ancient and the dead ones. But hearing it from him with an accent was nice even though I am not used to it.

"This is a single mission, Lord Hermes," I replied.

A glint of annoyance appeared on his face. "It's about damn time your father loosened his hands around your neck huh?" 

Mabilis na nagtungo ang kanyang mga mata sa akin. Inalis ko ang lahat ng emosyong maaari niyang makita sa aking mukha. Pakiramdam ko ay mahuhuli niya akong nagsisinungaling. 

Humigit ang aking hawak sa laylayan ng aking damit. "Ah, if you don't mind Lord Hermes. Why—"

His brow furrowed. "Aren't we friends, Zana? You can drop the formalities."

A splash of heat crept on my cheeks. "Sorzencia, Lor—I mean… Hermes."

"There's no need for you to be shy. Magkaibigan tayo at hindi ko nais na mailang ka sa akin."

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil sa kanyang sinabi. Matagal na noong huli ko siyang nakita at nakakataba ng puso na hindi pa rin nagbabago ang turing niya bilang kaibigan sa akin.

"Flirting is not really your cup of tea, Hermes," a baritone voice piqued in. 

Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang makarinig ng panibagong boses. Nang maramdaman ko ang init at seguridad sa kanyang presensya ay napangiti na lang ako.

Sa aming likuran ay matikas na nakatayo roon si Apollo habang nakapamulsa sa kanyang itim na pantalon. Hakab na hakab ang malapad niyang dibdib sa puti niyang pang itaas. While his shoulder length hair looked like gold waves through the wind. 

"Lord Apollo!" Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib.

Ang dumidilim na kalangitan at ang mga berdeng puno ay mas nakadagdag sa kanyang hulma at dating. Para siyang isang napakatikas na nilalang sa loob ng isang larawang ipininta ng mahusay na mangguguhit.

"You will melt me with your stare, Lady Zana," Apollo chuckled.

A blush made its way on my cheeks. I felt ashamed as I bowed my head. 

"A little shy now, little tiger?" he teased. 

"I'm not a little tiger anymore," I argued as my cheeks still burned.

"Cut it out, toasty. Zana and I are in the middle of a conversation. And your blinding hair is quite a sore in my eyes, you know?"

"You want to start with me, Hermes?"

"Bring it on, Sunday."

"Achreíos." 

I coughed when Apollo called Hermes a scoundrel in the Greek language. If I don't do something, their bickering might trouble this place.

Prevent a volcano to erupt.

"Pardon my intrusion dear Lords. But what do I owe the pleasure of having the presence of the two mighty gods of Olympus?" Ngumiti ako ng tipid nang halos mabasag ang aking boses dahil sa pangamba. 

Hindi ko alam kung saan nagsimula ngunit kami ay naging magkakaibigan. Kahit ilang beses ko na silang nakasama sa masaya o mahirap mang sitwasyon ay hindi pa rin ako mapalagay sa kanilang presensya.

I still need to watch my words around them. 

"I was delighted by the sight of you in the place you abhor, little tiger."

My brow arched at Apollo. "You're here because of curiosity?"

The Sun god shook his head a little. "Quite the opposite."

Napakunot ang aking noo sa kanyang naging sagot. Marami ang nabibighani sa taglay na kakisigan at pagiging maamo ng mukha ni Apollo. Na tila hindi magnanais ng masama sa kahit na sinong nilalang.

Ngunit ang katotohanang kaya niyang sumilip sa hinaharap ay napakalaking sandata. Para sa akin ay mahirap paniwalaan ang lahat ng kanyang sinasabi.

Since I became a friend to him, I got to notice a few scary things about him. He may be the god of Prophecy but even their higher ups title, they are still allowed to lie or jumble the truth. I can't still figure out if I was blessed that he considered my presence as a companion.

"Ang mga chismoso ay hindi nababagay mapalapit kay Zana," umagaw ng atensyon ang sinabing iyon ni Hermes. 

Magkakasalubong pa rin ang kanyang kilay. Panay rin ang pagtapik ng kanyang mga daliri sa nakahalukipkip niyang braso. Pinigilan ko ang aking sarili na mapangiti dahil gumamit siya ng kakaibang salita gamit ang kanyang Greek accent.

"It seems like you've been in this realm too often as you become familiar with their language, Lord Hermes."

"Who knows?" his shoulder shrugged. "Perhaps, I just want to hear you speak in this language too?"

"Considering your hate for this realm—precisely on this certain land. You still studied their language well," Apollo added. 

Kumibot ang labi ko. Paano nila nalaman na inaral ko ang lenggwahe ng bansang ito? At base sa kanilang mga tono ay may nais silang iparating. 

"Indeed. I even studied forty languages of this realm but there is no need for me to be boastful about it." I slowly shook my head to brush off my worry. 

"Very well." Apollo slowly clapped his hands. 

We have a nice distance from each other. Both gods are from my side but there was an invisible grip on my neck. It was hard to breathe.

Was it a tension? 

"Relax, Zana."

"Tigilan mo ang panankot sa kanya Apollo."

"Says who?" Apollo answered with a glare. "Says the one who would flirt with anyone who has breasts?"

"You dared to taint the glory of the breasts, sunburn?"

"Pervert."

"Stalker."

Hindi pa rin ako nasasanay sa kanilang pagtatalo. Noong bata ako ay naikuwento ni ina na hindi maayos ang pakikitungo ng dalawa sa isa't isa. Dahil likas na maloko si Hermes samantalang si Apollo ay maginoo. Kahit ilang bilyong taon ng magkasama ang dalawa ay hindi pa rin nila kayang pakitunguhan nang maayos ang isa't isa.

And yet the familiar presence of them arguing seemed to calm my doubts. But why are they suddenly here in front of me? They haven't even visited me for months. The possibility that Apollo knew something was really scary. But the Sun god is always straightforward to me. If he want to ask me for something, he will go for it.

Besides, the god of Winter is a sneaky one too. He is too mysterious and neat to keep his secrets. Jack Frost may not have the power of darkness but he can keep his secrets and troubles in the dark.

Napailing ako at isinantabi na lang ang aking pangamba.

Hermes snorted. "I've been meaning to ask why your annoying presence is here, Apollo."

"I would like to ask you the same thing, mailman."

"Nauna akong nagtanong, sunburn," may inis pa rin sa boses ni Hermes.

Mabuti na lang at hindi na sila pisikal na nagsasakitan dahil magiging magulo sa Olympus kung mangyayari iyon. Maaaring maghatid ng ilang sakuna ang pagtatalo ng dalawang makapangyarihan nilalang.

"It has nothing to do with you. Stop putting your nose on my shoulder, curly tops." Apollo glared back at Hermes.

Hinawi ko ang ilang hibla ng aking buhok at inipit iyon sa aking kaliwang tainga. I already hate the air in the Mortal Realm. It is so polluted and sticky. 

I cleared my throat. "My Lords, I appreciated your concerns towards me. The hostility and your charms are indeed a blessing for a Lady like me."

Bahagya akong yumuko para itago ang nakangiwi kong labi dahil labag sa loob ko ang aking mga sinabi. May katanungan pa rin sa aking isipan kung bakit sila dumating sa mismong pagtawid ko sa mundong ito. Ngunit wala na akong pakialam kung may dahilan sila o wala. Dahil mas gusto ko ang makapag pahinga na lamang.

"It may be rude to say this, but I am tired. I still need to find a place to stay."

Hermes moved a step closer to me. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi? I can help you with that."

"She should have been in a house if you didn't interrupt her, Hermes."

"Kanina pa ako iniinis sa ‘yong presensya, Apollo."

The air suddenly became thick and hard to breathe. Something might start and someone would definitely back out in defeat. I know that signature smirk of Hermes. 

"My Lords—"

"Perhaps you being here has another purpose." Hermes rubbed his chin. "Ah, I almost forgot Zeus' order since I didn't think it was a priority."

Apollos' face turned to a scowl. "And what is that?"

Hermes clicked his tongue. "Our father wants you to find Hera, she has been gone for so long now."

"Why didn't you say that earlier?" I asked worriedly as I stumped my feet.

That wonderful woman truly loves his husband to the core even if her husband is a womanizer. But knowing Hera, she would not leave her throne that long. Hindi nga ito nakakatagal na hindi makita o makasama si Zeus na kanyang asawa.

"Giatí egó? Do I look like a child of Hera? Why not Hephaestus? That woman maltreated my mother! I do not have the slightest care for her even if she is the queen."

"I heard that the queen is with your twin sister," Hermes added. "You know Artemis, she dislikes men and would not even think twice to kill any male who would get near her sacred paradise."

Apollo tsked and I could feel the heat coming from him. He really disliked the idea. And if Hermes was right, Artemis may be having a hard time letting Hera stay at her turf.

"You're the only being I think that might convince your sister—to let Hera return to Olympus," Hermes hinted as I caught his smirk. 

Apollo grunted as he took a step forward closer to me. "Lady Zana."

"Hmm?"

"As much as I want to stay with you and be your companion. I need to find the Queen of the gods.”

"I understand Lord Apollo. The queen's safety is a priority, as well as the king's peace of mind."

Ngumiti si Apollo bago niya dinampian ng isang halik ang aking noo. Hindi na ako nagulat dahil lagi niya iyong ginagawa kapag magpapaalam siya sa akin.

"I will see you soon, little tiger," he said before he vanished at the speed of light.

Hermes snickered. "Mga palusot ng lalaking 'yon."

I chuckled. "You accustomed yourself to the way mortals talk, Lord Hermes. This country must be one of your favorite."

"When you have the job to roam around in every realm, you adapt their language and even their accents." He put his arm on my shoulder.

"Alam kong inaral mo rin ang salita ng lugar na ito. H'wag kang mahiya kapag ako ang kasama mo," pahabol na sabi niya.

Tama siya ngunit tama bang maging impormal ako kapag kausap ko ang isa sa labindalawang tinitingalang diyos ng pitong mundo? 

"You can rest in my presence, Lady Zana."

"S-salamat…"

Ilang beses na akong tinulungan nina Apollo at Hermes sa aking mga naging misyon. Kahit tanggihan ko sila ay gumagawa pa rin sila ng paraan para mas mapadali ang pagtapos ko sa mga misyong aking nakuha noon.

It was shameful to finish those missions with the help of the gods but I cannot deny them. It was an utter disrespect and a war against their egoes if I turn them down. 

But deep inside, I am thankful for their presence. I see them as my guardians rather than my friends. 

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Nakamasid ang aking mga mata sa labas ng bintana ng aking bagong kuwarto. Isang two-storey house kung tawagin ang ibinigay sa akin ni Hermes na umalis na rin.

"I do hope my patience could last long. The mere sight of those blood from Adam are starting to itch my skin," a heavy sigh escaped my lips and it moisted the glass window. 

May ilan sa aking mga naging kasamahan sa iba't ibang misyon ang nagbahagi ng kanilang mga karanasan sa pananatili sa mundong ito.

Ang lagi kong naririnig sa kanila ay kung paano sirain ng mga mortal ang kanilang kalikasan. Hindi ko alam kung natauhan sila na mas kailangan ng mga puno at halaman kasya sa kanilang mga naglalakihang gusali.

"Mortals and their sickening minds." I rested my chin on the palm of my hand as I still roamed my eyes outside. 

Itinuon ko ang aking mga mata sa ibaba kung saan nakikita ko ang mga naglalakad na mortal sa tabing daan. Kakaunti lamang ang pinagkaiba ng aking mundo sa mundong ng mga mortal.

Nasa makabagong panahon na ang kanilang ginagalawan. Samantalang ang Senoas Realm ay umiikot pa rin sa Renaissance. Kung saan natagpuan ni Seasons ang minahal niyang mortal.

Our ancestors decided to adapt some of the mortal's cultures since our race is also from a mortal. It may be difficult to accept, but we couldn't deny the truth.

My eyes shifted at the shining moon and the twinkling stars above. It made my mind wonder until it led to my parents. If Draven's words are true... how could I even save my parents when in the first place they decided to leave me in the dark?

Wala silang paalam sa akin na para bang kinalimutan nilang may isa pa silang anak. 

"Why is this happening to me all at once?"

I felt the invisible weight of responsibilities on my back. And it hurts already. I never imagined that this mission could be as hard as the helmet of Athena.

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