Discovering Summerland

Chapter 3

ACADEMY
June 18, 2196

More than a week passed, and as I learn about Summer, I come to the realization that Lowell was right. It is simply impossible to survive if I have no identity here or if I just make up one, but that doesn't mean that I gave them my trust. I'm still wary and doubtful. Kapag gabi ay halos hindi ako makatulog sa kakaisip kung anong maaaring mangyari habang natutulog ako.

Although people here are very welcoming and everything around is peaceful, they still fear those who have the power of darkness or those who have dwelled in darkness. The diversity between Summer and Fall is uncanny, as if nothing can ever unite it.

Ngunit mayr'ong isang storya na nagsasabing may panahon kung s'an malaya pang nakakasikat ang araw sa mga Soulless, at hindi pa kailanman natakot ang mga Celestines sa kadiliman.

In a span of a week, I've learned so much by reading different books at the library of House Calafiore. Harden also thought me things and reminded me of what I'm supposed to do and what not. Although, I have not met their parents. Si Lowell at ang iba pang mga tagapagsilbi ang nakakasalamuha ko.

"We've arrived Celeste," ani ng helmsman ng barko. Celeste was the place where the Kingdom of Fall and Summerland Academy is located. It was another island or region separate from Stradon, so we needed to ride a ship. Mind you, this is not just a simple ship. It was rather fancy and the voyage was so smooth because the ship didn't sail along the crashing waves. It floated above the waters.

I looked around the island and I was welcomed by the beauty of the surroundings. My eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun, but I still couldn't help but feel psychologically being burnt by the sunlight. Bird of colorful feathers flew in circles above, and the winds whistled to a song. Indeed, Summer was peaceful.

Now that the real Heidi turned eighteen at this exact day, it would be her— my first appearance to everyone. Ang sabi ni Lowell sa'kin ay n'ong isang linggo pa nagsimula ang klase sa Academy, ngunit dahil hindi pa si Heidi maaaring lumabas ay pinayagan ang magkapatid na Calafiore.

Lowell glanced at me and he handed me the book that contained all the terms I needed to know. "Remember that you are not here as Georgia. You are Heidi Laquisha Calafiore."

"What does Lucifuge look like?" I asked.

Nag-iwas tingin naman siya sa'kin, at nagkibit-balikat. "Hindi mo naman siya makikita kaya't hindi na mahalaga kung anong hitsura niya."

"Bakit naman hindi ko siya makikita? Hindi ba't dito nakatira sa Celeste ang pamilya nila," saad ko at naglakad na pababa sa barko.

Lowell passed by me and walked down first, then he held his hand out. Napangiwi naman ako, at bumaba sa barko nang hindi tinatanggap ang tulong niya.

He sighed loudly before stopping at his track to walk behind me. "Lucifuge doesn't attend Summerland Academy."

Marahan akong tumango at nakuha na agad ang nais niyang sabihin. Maybe he doesn't Lucifuge, or something like that. Ang akin lang naman, gusto kong malaman ang hitsura niya para hindi ako mapahiya oras na makita ko siya. Pa'no pala kung kaharap ko na siya tapos bigla ko siyang tarayan? Paniguradong magagalit sa'kin si Lowell— hindi lang siya, kun'di ang buong pamilyang Calafiore.

There was a carriage in front of me, and there was no coachmen riding in the front or commanding the white horses. I noticed that their feets were also afloat the ground and I couldn't help but be amazed. Mayr'on din namang mahika sa Fall, ngunit hindi kasing mahikal ng mga nakikita ko rito. The carriage had gold enragvings that were designed in a very fancy way.

From afar, a high tower and a keep of a castle was seen then the rest were covered by clouds that seemed to be like golden mists. I wonder if that's the castle of the ruling royalties or the academy. Something inside me twitched, as if I was excited to witness magic and learn things. So far, almost everything that I've witnessed here in the land of Summer were firsts in my life.