VANGUARDIA

The Night Before New Moon

Regina's POV

It had been a dark afternoon. No death toll yet but the screams coming from the infirmary is kind of bothering.

It is just one day, and we'll get the cure. This is what we all have in mind with a big hope that every plan will fall into place.

Sana.

Ali and Ishna still have minor symptoms, so they rest early, reserving their strength for tomorrow.

Narda tried to help the healers again because it was so busy, but my mother is adamant of pushing her away from the infirmary to rest with me.

Pero pinauna ko sya sa kwarto when I saw Noah sitting in our usual bench sa gilid ng bahay.

Noah and I never had our alone time since we came home. We just acknowledged that big of a revelation that we are half siblings, but we never had time to talk about it.

He is opening a can of beer when he noticed me. He looked up and gave me a crooked grin.

"Beer?"

Umiling ako. Umusog siya sa kinauupuan niya.

"Saan mo nakuha yan? I asked.

"Tira pa nung dala ni Ishna, weeks ago."

We settled in a comfortable silence. A month ago, our view is filled with flowers. Colors were bright and very vivid even at night. Now, it's all dark nothing.

"Are you okay?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, just nervous. You?" I asked back.

He shrugged and raised his beer, "Pampakalma."

"Right." I giggled. "How are you doing about everything, Noah? We actually never had the time to talk about things." I asked.

He shrugged, "Okay naman ako. Don't worry. Not dwelling much on the fact that I am a Vanguardia and our father is like the most wanted criminal in this world. Sorry."

I chuckled.

"But I'm glad that my family circle just got bigger." He gave me a soft smile that I returned.

"And gueeeeessss what?!" He said as he bumped his shoulder into mine.

"What?"

"My bestfriend will marry my sister! What could be better than that?"

I laughed at his excitement.

"Hypothetical." I pointed out.

He snorted, "Hypothetical is just a word to keep her cool. She does want to marry you, Regina."

"I know." I smiled at him, and he nodded.

"So, what are your plans?" I asked.

He glanced at me, confused. "Plans for what?"

"After tomorrow? After all of these are over?"

"Hmm. I'm going home. I am allowed to do that, right?" Noah said and I'm a little bit surprised that he seems very sure, like his plans had been decided.

"Yeah, of course." I answered. "The rules for the gatekeepers are not much applicable to you as you are half human. And after all you've done in this world, I don't think there's much a say on where you want to live. You have the right to settle there."

He laughed a little, "Who even make these rules? The leaders?? Good thing, I am friends with the leader of Vanguardia's world. Yeah, I can do what I want, malakas ako sa management e."

"Knowing Ali, he will probably use you to go back and forth here. He's done a lot of secret illegal activities in the past, Vanguardia wise." I laughed.