Ice Stone Child

06 The VISIT

“Bakit kailangan nating sumama? Dapat nagsisimula ka nang mag-ensayo.” Naiinis na sabi ni Shin Na. She also heard that Master Heo lent him extra energy. At kailangan niyang makontrol iyon para hindi na iyon bawiin sa kanya.

“Min Yu need my support. And I need you to train me there. Hindi tayo pwedeng magsayang ng oras. You were worried with my friend too.” Napansin niyang nataranta ang guro niya nang mawalan malay ang kaibigan niya.

Tinignan siya lang ng masama nito saka lumingon sa malayo at bumuntong-hinga.

“Any day, anytime, Master Heo will take back the energy he lend me. He was worried. Sabi mo mangkuwari akong may masakit pa sakin. He was just worried. Basic lang alam ni Min Yu ng panggagamot. Ayaw niya maabala ang mga taga-Gaenda kaya nagpresenta siya.” He explained.

“Exactly, anytime. Tapos sasama pa si Master Heo. You could have stop him. O kaya pwede naman tayong huwag sumama.” She was furious.

“Come on, I wanna see her too. Kahit ngayon lang. I’m worried about her too.” Sagot niya nakapagpabago ng mukha nito. He finally pursued her. She was obviously care for his friend. She like Min Yu and he likes Yui.

“You already sent the bracelet to help her. Tingin mo ba hindi pa siya magaling?” She sighed while looking at Min Yu.

He sighed too. “I just really felt something strange. Balita ko, tayo ang unang inimbitahan ng Reyna ng personal na rason. We have nothing to offer except our problem while Yui needs to be treated at her home when we have all the great healers in Daeyo.”

“Okay, pero magpapractice tayo agad pagkadating natin sa Gaenda.” Utos nito.

“Deal.” Nakangiti niya sagot. She is always easy to talk out like how they seal their Master-Pupil agreement.

They were at the river close to his house. Alam niyang nakasunod si Yui kaya nang maisip niyang silipin ang mata ni Shin Na ay kumilos siya nang di nito inaasahan. He walked closer than he should.

He sighed and smiled as he crossed the distance in their faces. Una palang ay may hinala na siya kung sino iyon. And he was right, their stalker would run away as soon as move his face to Shin Na.

Nang mapansin niyang tumakbo na ito ay mabilis siyang lumayo sa kausap niya. And followed the princess running by his eyes. “Infairness, effective yung gamot mo sa mata ah? Pero kailangan mo paring mag-ingat. Huwag kang tititig sa kahit sinong kausap mo, maliban sakin.”

Sinalubong siya nang mapanghusgang mukha ni Shin Na. “Alam ko pero ano yun? Did I missed something?” Naglakad ito papunta sa direksyon nang tinitignan niya. “Akala ko ba may importante kang sasabihin. Tutulungan pa natin sina Min Yu sa paghahanda.” Tukoy nito sa balak ng kaibigan niyang kalukin si Yui ng kasal.

“Si Yui sinundan tayo. I want to make our arrangement formal. Tulad ng plano ni Min Yu with Yui proposal.” Tuloy-tuloy niyang sagot.

Nagpalitan ng pagkagulat ang pagkalito sa mata nito. “Ibig mong sabihin, kanina pa niya tayo sinusundan. Bakit hindi mo sinabi sakin?” Akmang tatakbo ito para habulin ang prinsesa pero inawat niya ito.

“Don’t bother. Princess Yui and I shared a secret before. And I think we both know when to hide the facts about each other that are not good for this world.” Paliwanag niya dito habang nakamasid parin sa tinaguan nito. “So let’s just do what we need to do here so we can go back to my friends.”

“Okay, sabi mo. Mabuti nalang at umalis din siya agad.” Sagot nito. “I think she ran in a wrong way.” Muling bumaling ito sa tinignan niya kanina.

“I know, we’ll deal with her later.” Saka umatras nang limang hakbang palayo kay Shin Na. “Sa totoo lang, hindi ko naisip na makikilala kita agad. I have served 12 masters up until now. Ang alam ng lahat ay pinaalis nila ako. But the truth is I was the one who left. At dahil ngayon, nakahanap na ko ng tunay na guro na tutulong sakin na makamit ang gusto ko. I shall surrender and kneel before you as sign of my full respect. And I also swear to serve you forever, my true master.” Panimula niya sa ritual ng pagtanggap nito sa kanya bilang estudyante nito.

“Meron ako dalawang kondisyon.” Tanging sagot nito.

“Ano iyon? I hope their doable.” Natatawa niyang sagot.

“Una, walang dapat makaalam ng tunay nating relasyon. This stays between us and no one else. Pangalawa, ang pagiging guro at estudyante natin ay hanggang sa maging tunay at magaling na salamangkero ka na habang tinutulungan mo akong mabawi ang dati kong lakas. Until I’ll become Nakki again, I will no longer be your master and you will not be my pupil.”

“Can I know why you want the second condition?”

“Dahil kapag nangyari na iyon, di mo na kong kailangan protektahan at di ko rin kailangan itago ang kakayahan ko.”

“I get it, somehow. You want to leave me once I have no use for you. Ginagalang at tinatanggap ko ang mga kondisyon mo.” He was kinda sad but he knew it was better.

She stepped towards him. “Ngayon, pwede ka nang lumuhod.” And stared at him.

“I, Jang Yeon Seo, your pupil, will serve you and protect you with all my heart until I get to my best.” He pledged to her after kneeling.

Lumapit ito sa kanya. Pinatong nito sa balikat niya at espada nito noong si Nakki pa ito. “I, Nakki, your master, will train you at my best until we no longer need each other.” Pinatayo siya nito saka nagsimulang maglakad pabalik sa kinaroroonan nila Min Yu.

“Sandali? Akala ko ba susundan natin si Yui?” Awat nito.

“Let’s check on her guards first. Baka nakauwi na sila.” Paliwanag nito. Then she started walking.

“Why? Baka di pa siya nakakalayo.” He was confused.

“Anong sasabihin natin kapag kasama nating bumalik si Yui mamaya?” Tanong nito.

Napaisip siya. “Tama ka. We should check them first.” Saka hinila ito palakad.

Pagdating nila ay hinanap agad nila ang prinsesa ngunit wala ito. Shin Na was right. Nagkatinginan sila at sabay na naglakad palapit kay Wooshi nang bilang umuga ng lupa.

Mabilis niyang hinanap si Shin Na para lapitan ito at harangan ang anumang maaaring bumagsak dito. But Min Yu already got on her side and hugged her head. Nasa likod lang kasi ito ng nilapitan nilang bantay.

“Shin Na, ayos ka lang?” Tanong ni Min Yu sa katulong niya nang tumigil ang pag-uga ng lupa.

Tumango lang ito saka pinagpagan ang mga dahong nahulog sa ulo ng kaibigan. Saka sumenyas sa kanya na tanungin ang mga bantay nito tungkol kay Yui.

“Asaan si Prinsesa Yui?” Sigaw ni Seong Cheol matapos iikot ang mata nito paligid.

Nagkatinginan ang mga ito saka mabilis na tumakbo si Dino para ikutin ang buong bahay na tinutuluyan ni Yui na parang hangin. That must be his powers. Ilang segundo lang nila itong inantay at bumalik din ito.

“Wala siya dito. Hooshi.” Baling nito sa kasamahan nito.

Tumango naman ang kausap nito at pumikit. May lumabas na dilaw na enerhiya mula kay Hoshi. It formed a thread when he open his eyes. “Nahanap ko na siya.”

Nagsimula silang maglakad maliban kay Shin Na at inawat pa siya nito. “Bakit sasama ka pa sa kanila?”

“The more the merrier.” Sabay hila niya dito. But the earthquake struck again.

Nagpaiwan sina Master Park, Master Heo at Jin Ru kung sakaling makabalik si Yui nang wala pa sila.

Muli silang natigilan saka pinakiramdaman ang paligid uli. Hanseol sighed. “Bilisan natin.”

Huminto sila sa kalagitnaan ng paghahanap nila nang marating nila ang dulo ng dilaw na sinulid na makalutang. “I can’t find her anymore, this the end of thread. ” Usal ni Hoshi.

“Let’s split up. Something stopping you in reaching her.” Komento ni Wooshi habang tinitignan ang dalawang daan naghihiwalay sa silangan at hilagang bahagi ng lupain ng pamilya niya. “Dino, Mingyu, Seung Kwan, Seong Cheol at Ginoong Min Yu samahan nyo si Hoshi dito.” Turo nito sa kanan. “Come with us, Young Master Jang and Shin Na.”

Kalahating oras na sila nagpalakad nang harangin sila ng isang grupo ng ibon. May hawak na dahon ang isa sa mga ito. “Galing ito kay Seung Kwan. It says they’ve found Princess Yui.” Basa ni Minghao sa nakasulat nang abutin iyon ibon dito.

Nahinga sila nang maluwag at naglakad pabalik pinaggalingan nila. Naabutan nilang magkatabi sina Min Yu at Yui. He stared at her until she looked back. Nagtagumpay naman siya pero umiwas ito agad ng tingin at hindi na muling bumaling sa kanya.

She was avoiding him until they reach the house. Yui was nervous about something and he was so curious about it. Nakalimutan niya lang iyon dahil hinila ito ng mga alalay nito sa silid nito. They were preparing her for the surprise.

Tumigil ang mundo niya ng nakangiting lumabas na si Yui sa kwarto nito. She was wearing a white dress with scattered pink flower on its bottom part. She was so beautiful that he thought it was their wedding day. Pero dirediretso itong naglakad palapit sa kaibigan niya. That made him suddenly awake from his daydream. Yumuko siya nang may panghihinayang.

“I felt like I was the unluckiest person in world. She literally owned the world.” Komento ni Jin Ru habang nakasandal sa balikat niya. And tapped his back lightly.

“Para saan yun?” Tanong niya dito habang nakatitig kay Yui.

Nawala ang ngiti nito nang tuluyan itong makalapit kay Min Yu. But she stepped back like she saw something in his eyes. Kinulong nito ang mukha ng kaharap nito sa magkabilang kamay nito.

“Yeon Seo?” Pukaw sa kanya ni Jin Ru sa kasalukuyan. Nakasakay sila sa isang barko kasama sina Shin Na, Min Yu at Master Heo papunta sa bansa ni Yui.

It’s been a week since Yui went home. Natanggap sila ng imbitasyon mula sa Reyna ng Gaenda. After Min Yu got well, they started the one day journey.

“Ano na naman kailangan mo?” Naiirita niyang baleng dito. Kanina pa ito tanong nang tanong ng kung ano-anong bagay tungkol sa Gaenda.

“I just wanna ask if the Gaenda was more beautiful than Daeyo. Marami akong naririnig—” He stopped him.

“Halatang ngayon ka lang nakaalis sa Daeyo.” He sighed and answered his friend. “I think so but it’s been five years since my last visit. Malamang marami nang nagbago.”

Natatawa siyang niyakap nito. “I am really thankful to have Min Yu as a friend. At nadamay ako sa ganitong opportunity. Alam mo bang hindi basta-basta nakakapasok sa bansa ni Yui. No, invitation, no visit. Mabuti at nakapunta ka doon bago pa nila mapatupad iyon.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Matipid niyang sagot dito saka tinulak ito palayo sa kanya. “Kaya si Min Yu dapat ang yakapin mo.” Then turned to Shin Na. Master Heo gave her a motion sickness medicine.

“Kaya lang mukhang kailangan niyang mag-isa. Look at him.” Turo nito sa kanya.

“You’re right. Sandali, kausapin ko lang si Shin Na.” After he looked at Min Yu, he returned his eyes to his maid/master.

Tulad ng usapan nila, nakayuko nitong tinanggap ang gamot at ininom nang makalayo na si Master Heo. Nilapitan niya ito. “Kamusta? Akala ko talaga ayaw mo maabala sa pag-practice natin. Yun pala, di ka sanay sumakay ng barko.”

“Mamaya mo na ko kausapin.” Saka umupo sa gilid ng barko at pumikit.

So he just stood next to her and watched the ship moving.

Nang makarating sila sa destinasyon nila ay sinalubong sila ilang sundalo ng Gaenda at pinasakay sa karawahe. It was like a one day trip. Mabuti nalang at kahapon pa sila bumiyahe kaya umaga sila nakarating nang sumunod na araw. Ilang sandali lang ay dinala sila sa kwarto nila. His room and Shin Na room were close. Kaya pinuntahan niya iyon agad nang makakita siya ng magandang lugar para mag-ensayo kaso di pa ito tapos bihisan ng mga katulong doon.

“Shin Na, mauna na ko sa baba.” Paalam niya dito agad nang mabagot siya sa pagkakaupo sa likuran nito.

“Mabuti pa kayo, simple lang damit nyo.” She sighed. At nagkumaway sa kanya.

“Pasenya na, binibining Shin Na. We really have weird clothing here. Pero para lang sa mga kababaihan.” Paliwanag nang naaayos ng buhok nito.

Nang makababa siya ay nilibot ang nakitang lugar. He found a familiar path when he get down on garden. Papunta sa malapit sa ilog. They need to practice near water form. He followed the road and he found a familiar barrier. Hinayaan niya ang mga paa niyang kumilos.

It was Jin Yu falls where he and Yui first met. He smiled and put his hand in the foggy shield. Nakalusot siya uli sa harang ng talon. He immediately ran to the center where the falls is.

Naabutan niyang naghahagis ng iba-ibang hugis ng armas si Yui sa isang puno. He can’t help but smiled. She was wearing a light violet dress with a blue outline. She was like a warrior princess. Natigilan ito sa ginagawa at lumingon sa kanya.

“Yeon Seo?” Gulat nitong pagkilala sa kanya saka naglakad palapit sa kanya.

“Yes, it me. Kamusta pakiramdam mo? I sent you—” Natigilan siya ng yakapin siya nito. She hugged him as if she missed him like he does.

“I am so happy to see you. I am fine, in fact, I am great!” Tuwang-tuwang sabi nito. “This helped. I mean, the bracelet. I asked Wooshi to hide it, in case my enemies found out what it was. Thank you so much!” Muling siyang niyakap nito. And she returned to the tree, to continue her practice.

Naiwan siyang nalilito habang pinoproseso ang mga sinasabi nito. He walked towards her. “I think you need rest.” Umupo siya sa malaking bato sa gilid nito.

“I do. But I still need to check how long the energy I got in falls directly, last. Kailangan mo nang bumalik sa palasyo. My mother prepared something for you and our… Why do you seem different?” Naglakad ito palapit sa kanya saka siya pinatayo. “I’m sure it wasn’t because of your energy. There is…” She looked at him from head to his stomach.

“It wasn’t mine, it’s from Master Heo.” Paliwanag niya. And lead her to sit.

“Aah, kaya pala. It was a good energy from a good breathing style. Kailangan mo lang malaman kung paano huminga si Master Heo para mag-merge ang enerhiya mo saka iyong enerhiya niya. You can—” Inawat niya ito ng isang yakap.

“You are really the smartest. Hindi pa namin naisip yan. Thank you so much.” He hugged her again and lifted her.

“Sssshhhh, wag kang maingay—” Sasawayin sana ito baka marinig ito ng mga bantay nito.

“I know. Tell them ‘hi’ for me.” Binaba niya ito at tumakbo pabalik sa palasyon bago pa dumating ang mga bantay ng talon. He didn’t stop until he saw Shin Na.

She found her waiting for him at the side of a river.

Hinila niya ito at sinabi ang suhestyon ni Yui.

“You told her our plan?” Nanggigil na bulong nito sa kanya. She was shocked.

Napaisip siya. “I didn’t told her exactly. Sabi ko lang, hindi pa natin naisip ang sinabi niya.”

“How will I know you’re not lying.”

“I never lie—”

“Tama na pag-aaway nyo dyan, lovebirds. Tawag na tayo.” Singit ni Jin Ru.

“Lovebirds?” Gulat na baling niya dito. “Why? I mean how can say that?”

“Why not?” Balik-tanong nito. “You two like each other, that is why you were inseparable?”

Kunot-noo niyang tinignan si Shin Na mula ulo hanggang paa. “Siya? Magugustuhan ko? You know me, Jin Ru? Hindi—”

“Yabang nito?” Bulong ng katulong niya.

“Anyway, let’s go.” Tulak ng mga ito sa kanila. “Min Yu and Master Heo is waiting for us.”

Dinala sila nito sa dining room ng palasyo. The servants lead them to their seats. Nakaupo sa dulong bahagi si Master Heo habang magkatapat sila ni Shin Na at sina Min Yu at Jin Ru naman ang magkaharap.

“You might be wondering why I invited you all. You see, my Princess, have a little incident in your country. Gusto kong humingi ng paumanhin sa lahat ng pang-aabala o gulong dala niya sa inyo. I wish we can all put them behind and not talk about it to others, except you all.” Panimula nito bago umupo sa umupo sa kaibilang bahagi ng lamesa. “Let’s have a toast.”

Ginaya nila ito at ininom ang alak na nakalagay sa wine glass na nakatapat sa kanila.

“For the record, Yui didn’t really cause any troubles. Kung tutuusin tinulungan niya ako madalas. I am the troubled one, to be honest.” Komento niya. After drinking the entire glass.

Tumawa ito nang mahina. “Well, Master Jang trained my daughter to be kind and help with anyone who needs assistant. Kundi dahil sa kanya, wala kami ngayon sa kinatatayuan namin. Ikaw si Jang Yeon Seo, ang anak, di ba?”

Natigilan siya. He wanted to talk about the Princess more but now the Queen mentioned his father. “You know my father, your highness?” Sa iba na niya tinuon ang atensyon niya.

“Very well, he helped us established my daughter’s position. Bago siya umalis nang magsampung taon na ito. We were so happy to be able to invite you here. Kung alam ko lang na darating ang araw at magkakikilala ka namin. I would have—”

He stopped her. “I guess, I was more welcome here than I imagined.” Then he suddenly stood. “If you’ll all excuse me.” He ran outside the castle to the forest as fast as he could to stop his thoughts.

Huminto siya nang matanaw niya ang Jin Yu falls. Papasok sana siya nang biglang lumabas si Yui doon. Nagpagpag ito ng damit.

“Bakit naman kasi ang damo sa part na to?” Tanong nito habang nililingon ang pinanggalingan nito. Nawala ang ngiti nito nang makita siya.

Natunaw rin ang galit na nararamdaman niya nang mapansin na siya nito. Kusang lumakad papunta dito ang mga paa niya at niyakap ito. Wishing he was there for a different reason. Nakahinga siya nang maluwag ng yakapin din siya nito.

“Is something wrong? May maitutulong ba ako?” She asked while tapping his back.

He hugged her tighter. Saka huminga ng malalim bago ito pinakawalan. “Can you show me my father?”

She was confused at first. Pero nag-isip ito sandali bago ginagap ang kamay niya at hinila siya papunta sa talon. She stopped at the edge of the falls.

“You can stay there. Natutunan ko nang gamitin projector ang kahit anong tubig.” She smiled and let go of his hand but he take it back.

“I need some strength.” Sagot niya. Then gently pulled her in the water.

Tumango lang ito saka hinawakan din ang isa niya pang kamay. Then she dipped their hands in the water while holding each other. Ngumiti ito uli saka pumikit.

Pinakita nito ang iba-ibang mukha ng ama niya. May nakangiti, seryoso, naluluha, nakasimangot at tumatawa. He can’t help but cry. His father abandoned him and took care of her. Nakadama siyang ng inggit sa dalaga. Wala sa loob niyang nabitawan ang mga kamay nito.

She opened her eyes to check on him. Umiwas siya ng tingin habang pinupunasan ang mukha niya. She took his hands again and dry them up.

“Nabasa mo lang lalo ang buong mukha mo.” She said with teary eyes. Saka naglakad sila papunta sa lupa.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He followed her.

She continued walking for a few steps then turned to him. “How is this?” She tried to smile.

Napangiwi siya saka bumuntong-hininga. “That’s more irritating. Nevermind. Bahala ka na.” Saka siya naglakad palabas sa gubat na nakapaligid sa talon.

“Yeon Seo, sandali.” Hinabol siya nito saka niyakap mula sa likod. “I know this will not help you anything. Pero gusto kong sabihin na nandito lang ako kung may kailangan ka. Just ask me.” Mayamaya ay pinakawalan siya nito.

Hinarap niya ito. “Kahit ano? Are you sure?” Nakangiti niyang tanong dito. He suddenly forgot about his resentment towards his father. Gumana na naman ang kapilyuhan niya.

Tinikom nito ang labi nito para mag-isip. “Just don’t ask me to teach you my transformation spell. Anything—” Hinila niya ito palapit sa kanya.

“Anything.” He was looking at her lips.

Sa gulat nito, tinulak siya nito. “Hindi rin—"

He crossed the distance between their faces then pulled her body closer to him. Hindi na ito nakakilos. He’s been curious how her lips really felt on his but he never entertained the idea before, just recently. He’s been thinking about her before they landed at Gaenda. And he missed her so much even though he had a lot of things in his mind.

She pushed her with all her strength when his kiss got deeper. Tumalsik siya palayo dito. But she stopped him in mid air and put him down slowly.

“Shit!” She cursed and ran back to the barrier.

He wanted to follow her but he stay outside as he started to recall their reason of visiting. Min Yu and Yui engagement formality. She must’ve been feeling guilty of what happened. Bagsak ang balikat niyang naglakad pabalik sa palasyo ng hindi na bumalik ang Prinsesa. To look for Shin Na, his master.

“Shin Na, let’s go.” Hila niya ito palayo sa maraming tao. Naabutan niyang nakikigulo sa parada. She pulled her hand back. “Let’s go home.” He repeated.

“Hindi mo ba nakikitang nagsasaya kami. Home? If you don’t wanna join us. Ikaw ang umuwi.” Naiinis nitong waksi sa kamay niya. “Kanina ka pa bigla-biglang nawawala tapos babalik ka nang kunwari wala kang sinayang na oras. Can you make up your mind?” Gigil nitong sabi sa kanya.

He sighed. “I’m sorry. Just tell them I'm in my room.”

Kunot-noo nitong nilingon siya saka tumango.

Nagpalipas siya nang oras sa silid niya hanggang dumilim. They were invited there for a week. Pero unang araw palang ay gusto na niyang umuwi.

He was not embarrassed of what he did, clearly. Pero hindi rin niya alam kung kaya niyang panindigan iyon. He didn’t even followed Yui to explain.

Nang makadama siya ng gutom ay lumabas siya ng kwarto niya. He walked straightly at the castle’s kitchen. Kumuha siya mga makakain saka umupo sa bakanteng lamesa.

Pumunta siya sa kwarto ni Shin Na at kumatok. Wala siyang narinig na sagot mula doon kaya naisipan wala pa ito sa kuwarto nito. Namamasyal nalang siya sa paligid ng palasyo. She must be tired. Napangiti siya, noon niya lang nakitang nakikisaya ang dalaga at hindi ito seryoso o baka tulog na ito.

He walked outside of the castle. Para magpahangi sa hardin. He needs to think.

“Yeon Seo?” Tawag ng pamilyar na boses mula sa kanan niya. He sighed. Hindi pa siya handang makita ang prinsesa. “Yeon Seo, ikaw nga? Ayos ka na ba? Hindi kita nakita sa loob kanina. Sabi ni Shin Na, masama daw pakiramdam mo.”

Muli siyang bumuntong-hininga. Of all the people that he met in the castle's grounds but he realized it was her house. Malamang ay magtatagpo talaga sila doon.

“Ayos na ko.” Sagot niya nang lingunin niya ito. Nakasuot na ito ng damit na tulad ng Reyna pero kulay asul ang sa dalaga samantalang dilaw ang sa ina nito.

Sandali siyang pinagmasdan nito saka ngumiti pero nawala iyon nang magsalita ito. “Are you still mad at me? If yes, I could—" Inawat niya ito nang yakap. “Yeon Seo.”

Ilang sandali silang tahimik na nakatayo habang yakap niya ito. He let her go when she embrace him back. Tinignan niya ito sa mga mata at pinunasan ang mga luha nito.

“First of all, I was not mad at you. I am angry with my father.” He sighed. “Please, stop crying.”

“I was just sad about the fact that I didn’t know what you went through. Hindi ko naiisip na ikaw pala ang batang ikinukwento niya. Believe it or not he was watching you, not watching, more like monitoring. At natutuwa siya sa mga naging desisyon mo. If I knew he was your father and we will meet soon, I would have made him stay to wait for you.” She was over explaining herself.

“Yan ang huwag na huwag mong gagawin. He left me and my mother on her funeral. He must have not care as much as you think. At matagal ko nang tinanggap yun.” Sagot niya dito habang inaakay ito sa upuan malapit.

“Sorry. Pero iba ang pagkakakilala ko sa kanya. I can still help you both made up.” She suggested.

He sighed again. “You don’t get it, didn’t you?”

“Naiintindihan kita. But I was just thinking what if he have reasons—”

“What exactly his reason of abandoning me while taking care of you?” Napatayo na siya sa inis. “I am just a baby and his child. Kung anumang rason iyon, hindi ko siya papatawarin. He could’ve stay and make everyone believe that wasn’t from an affair!” Napasigaw na siya. He was arguing with her safe reasoning.

Nagulat ito sa pagtaas ng boses nito. Sandali itong natahimik. “You don’t have to shout, Yeon Seo. Ang sinasabi ko lang naman ay mabuti siyang tao. You can be furious of him but he is your father. I can see the resemblance, now. Kung hindi mo siya maintindihan, hindi mo ba kayang patawarin siya? He must have thinking about your safety.” Huling paliwanag nito bago tumayo at naglakad papasok sa palasyo.

Pinanood niya itong umalis bago kinalma ang sarili. He knows his father have explanations but he was also aware that he was not allowed to find that out. At ayon ang kinakagalit niya tapos kinampihan pa itong dalaga.

Mabilis siyang tumakbo para sundan ang dalagang kausap niya kanina. He doesn’t want her to be mad at him. Pero kapag nakikita niyang naaawa ito sa kanya, umaahon ang sama ng loob niya sa ama niya. He was getting between them even though he was not here. Tulad ng ginawa nito sa kapalaran niya.

“Yui?” Tawag niya dito pero wala na ito sa paligid.

Napahilamos siya ng mga kamay niya. Naglakad na siya pabalik sa kwarto niya nang makita niya si Min Yu.

“Min Yu?” Kaway niya dito.

“Nakita mo ba si Yui? Kanina ko pa siya hinahanap.” Bungad nito.

“Oo, pumunta siya doon kaso ang bilis maglakad.” Turo niya. “Min Yu, meron sana akong sasabihin sayo. It’s just my thoughts. Kung gusto mo paring pakasalan si Yui, ayos lang naman.” Awat niya dito nang akmang tatakbo na ito sa diretsyong tinuro niya.

“Ano yun?” Huminto ito at nilapitan siya.

“I like Yui.” Simula niya. “It’s not that I know her feelings but I want to know that I want to be with her too.”

Walang bakas ng pagkagulat dito pero halatang hindi ito masaya sa narinig nito. “I have noticed it. You were too obvious. Let’s just wish each other luck. Hindi ko babaguhin ang plano ko kaya ko pinuntahan dito si Yui.” Hinawakan siya nito sa balikat. “Magkaibigan parin tayo kahit sino pa ang piliin niya satin.” Saka tinuloy ang paghabol kay Yui.

He was glad that he finally told his friend his feelings when he heard someone’s clapping from nearby. It was Shin Na.

“I’m so happy I caught that.” Natatawa nitong sabi. “Pakiramdam ko nanonood ako ng pelikula. Don’t worry, I am rooting for you and Yui.” She smiled while winking.

He looked at her with disbelief. “Obviously, you like him. Siyempre, gusto mo mawala sa landas niya si Yui. If I didn’t know, you were wishing them to call off the wedding, like me.” He sadly commented.

“Like you?” Her eyebrows were narrowed. “Yeah. Pero hindi ako desperado. I know my place.” She sighed.

Sinabayan niya ito nang buntong hininga saka akbay dito at sinama ito pabalik sa palasyo. “Let’s just be happy, they look good together, for now. Bukas na tayo mag-isip.”

Malungkot itong ngumiti saka nagpatangay sa kanya.

***

Kinabukasan, nagising siya kaguluhan sa palasyo. Nawawala daw si Yui. Kahit si Hoshi ay hindi ito mahanap. He immediately stand to join the search. Dumiretso siya nag takbo sa alam sigurado siyang mahahanap ito agad, sa loob ng talon.

She found her swimming in falls. Pinagmasdan niya ito nang ilang sandali. Before calling her attention.

“Yui.” Tawag niya dito.

Tumigil ito sa paglangon at lumingon sa kanya. “Bakit nandito ka na naman? Ano na naman kailangan mo.” She swam into the land to get off the falls. Saka pinatuyo ang suot nito at nilapitan siya.

“Grabe ka naman. I wasn’t running to you whenever I have problem.” Niyakap niya ito agad. “Hinahanap ka nila kanina pa. Kinabahan ako ng sobra.”

Ginantihan siya ng yakap nito. “I was just here. Ayos ka na ba? Although I noticed something at barrier. May mga pagkakataong kumakapal ang hamog. Like it was covering something.” Tumingala ito sa langit.

“Is that all?” Tanong niya dito.

“Oo, di ko lang alam kung saan pa may problem. Most of the time, I just sit here. I didn’t usually roam around here.” Paliwanag nito.

Tumango siya biglang hudyat na nakikinig siya sa Prinsesa. “You should let them know you are here. Baka kung saan-saan ka pa nila hanapin.”

She nodded. “You should go. Bago mawala yung makapal na hamog.” She sat on a tree root.

He waved goodbye and she just rised her hand. Napangiti nalang siya kakaibang relasyon nila ng prinsesa. They were acted concern with each other for a minute then disregard one another if needed.

Naabutan niyang nakatayo si Shin Na sa tabi ng ilog. She was holding a dry branch.  Nilapitan niya ito at hinawakan sa balikat.

Sa gulat nito nahampas siya nito. “Ano ba naman kasing nakain mo bakit ka nambibigla?” Tanong habang hinihimas ang napalo nitong braso niya.

“Alam mo bang hindi ako nakakatagal sa tubig na walang halong init? I easily get sick but right now, I can stand it.” Natutuwa niyang sabi habang nilalaro ng kamay niya ang tubig. He took off his shoes too to check his feet will feel good.

Nilakad niya ang mga paa niya sa ng ilog. He roved until he felt the coolness of the river. Tahimik namang nakamasid sa kanya si Shin Na habang nakangiti.

“I really have my gate of energy opened, I really felt different.” He happily said.

“Halata nga. Now for the plan to keep that energy there.” Turo nito sa tiyan niya. “Dahil kailangan nating malaman kung paano ang hinga ni Master Heo. We have options to directly get the style to the old man or Min Yu, his close relative. Lalapitan ko si Min Yu at ikaw naman bahala kay Master Heo.”

“Aye, master.” Saludo niya dito. Then he stood up when he saw Yui’s carriage.

She followed his eyes. “They’ve found her. Akala ko naman kung nasaan nagpunta si Prinsesa Yui. She lived up her name, the Wandering-Princess.”

Napalingon siya dito nang tumawa pa ito. “She have the right to wander. Naghahanap siya magiging asawa niya.”

“Alam ko.” Depensa din nito. Then pulled him out of the river. Mabilis na pinunas nito ang mga paa niya gamit ng dulo ng nga damit nito. And waited for the running carriage to stop in them. Huminto naman iyon agad. “Princess Yui, pwede ba kaming sumabay?” Tanong nito nang tumapat ang pinto ng karawahe sa kanila.

Nakangiting sumilip si Yui sa bintana at binuksan ang pintuan. “I was going to ask you two to get in. Buti nalang at napansin nyo kami padating.”

Masayang naunang sumakay doon si Shin Na. Sinundan niya ito. Nang umupo siya sa tabi nito ay tinulak siya nito sa tabi ni Yui.

“Naku, Young Master Yeon Seo. Madumi ang mga suot ko.” Turo nito sa mga basa sa damit nito na mula sa pagpunas nito sa paa niya.

Tinitigan niya ito nang masama sabay tayo. “Ano ka na Shin Na? Ayos lang sakin—” Natigilan siya nang hilahin siya ni Yui pabalik.

“I don’t mind.” Matipid nito sagot. And let go of his arm.

“Salamat po, Prinsesa Yui.” Ngumiti ito sa dalaga at kinindatan siya.

“No problem, Shin Na.” Sagot nito habang hinahanap ang librong nabitawan nito.

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila hanggang makarating sila sa palasyo. He was trying hide his excitement while sitting with Yui. Abala naman ito sa pagbabasa ng hawak nito libro na nanggaling sa gilid nito. Habang nagkukunwari naman tulog si Shin Na.

Sinalubong sila ng mga bantay ni Yui kasama si Min Yu. He stepped out first to guide Yui. Inabangan niya ito habang nakalahad ang kamay niya. Tinanggap naman iyon ng prinsesa.

Niyakap ito ni Min Yu nang makababa ito. Pero hindi niya binitawan ang kamay nito. Kusa namang nagbigay ng distansya ang kaibigan niya.

“Yui, mabuti at ligtas ka. I thought you were kidnapped.” Masayang sabi ni Min Yu.

“She was found in the falls.” Singit niya. That made Yui’s guard look at him.

Pinisil ni Yui ang mga kamay niya dahilan para kumalma ang umaahon si selos. He slowly let her hand go. Matamis na ngiti ang binigay nito sa kanya. Tulad iyon ng malaanghel nitong ngiti.

“Ayos lang ako, Min Yu.” Sagot nito sa kaharap saka bumaling sa kanya. She held his hand again. “May papakita ako sayo.”