"The Adventures of the Depunggols" is a 12-chapter anthology featuring the stories of 12 different characters. Each chapter offers a unique perspective and genre, celebrating the theme of adventure through the lens of quirky, clumsy, or awkward char...
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Prologue: Stars Within Reach Voyager Third Person POV
"Kanina pa tayo rito, ah," wala sa hulog na sabi ng lalaki. Napakamot siya sa noo sabay baling sa katabi. "Palubog na ang araw, oh. Sigurado ka bang pupunta 'yon?"
Ronin, wearing his usual plain shirt and worn-out pants, darted his gaze at the peach-colored horizon. He tightened his grip on the bouquet of roses, feeling a sudden weight in his chest. "Pupunta 'yon, Tino. Hintayin na lang natin."
Bumaling siya sa kaibigan at sa bitbit nitong gitara. Ayaw niya man na makaabala, batid niyang hindi pa siya ganong kabihasa sa pagtugtog. Precious, the girl he had been courting, used to be in their university's acoustic band. Maybe if he showed enthusiasm for music, she would take an interest in him, too. Hindi naman siguro malayong magustuhan niya ako, 'di ba? he thought.
Maybe, just maybe...if he tried his best, they could end up together. Or at least, that's what he hoped.
"Naku, pinapaasa ka lang yata nun. Pusta ko pa 'yong mga bangka namin," bulalas ni Faustino.
Ronin's brows furrowed, his jaw clenching. "Hindi naman siguro."
Nailing na lang si Faustino. "Sus! Ang sabihin mo, masyado ka nang nahumaling sa Precious na 'yon," sambit niya habang hinihila ang lambat. "Hindi ka nga sinipot noong nakaraan. Malamang sila na nung lalaking 'yon. Maniwala ka sa'kin. Alam ko na 'yang mga ganiyan!"
Ronin's scowl intensified. Memories from the other day loomed over his mind like a monstrous beast. His hands balled into fists as the image of Precious being all lovey-dovey with someone else resurfaced once more. He shook his head, trying to shoo away the unpleasant thoughts.
"Mauuna na ako sa pampang," pagpapaalam niya, at nagsimula nang maglakad.
"Ang lambat–hoy! Teka lang!"
Halos padabog na ang bawat hakbang ni Ronin. Hindi naman ganun si Precious. Hindi ganun ang pagkakakilala niya sa babae. His feet dug into the white sand, leaving deep footprints along the coast. As he gazed at where the boats were usually moored, his eyes widened in astonishment.
Pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang misteryosong bagay na nasa harapan niya. "A-Anong..."
In a swift second, a golden platform dangled from the gigantic structure. It landed straight into the sand. Ronin took a step back, covering his face as a blinding light rushed out from the door.
Just as he thought things couldn't be more mind-boggling, a striking woman in uniform emerged from the large vessel. She stood at the entrance with a beaming smile, gesturing inside. "Welcome aboard the Stars Within Reach Voyager!"she greeted warmly.
Part I: The Hopeless Romantic RIONA'S POV
The melodious sound of violin and cello filled the hollow space of St. Mikaela's Cathedral. My gaze fixated on the bride, who donned a mermaid dress adorned with delicate lace embroidery, gracefully gliding down the aisle.
