In The Arms Of An Angel (ON HOLD)

CHAPTER 6

Richard continued to observe the group from his perch on a huge boulder above them. The group has resumed their accent to the mountain's summit a few hours after the incident at the ledge.

He was observing the young woman's face as her group trekked along the imposing rocks and tall shrubs along the path. He can see from the way she walked that she is already exhausted and that she is not used to such physical activity. He wanted to reach out to help her somehow but he restrained himself.

Ever since joining the guardians, Richard has always maintained an objective interest in his subjects, going about his work as a guide and nothing more. He knew better than to get too attached to anyone who is part of his missions.

But for reasons he himself cannot fathom, this young woman had him doing and feeling things he never thought he'd do for any subject of his missions just within minutes of meeting her. He had even broken an important rule because of her.

Richard was never the type to disregard rules even in his former life.

"Manong Jimmy, may iba pa po bang grupo na umakyat dito sa bundok ngayong araw na ito?" He heard the young woman ask the local guide who accompanied them for this trip. Richard put his full attention on the conversation.

The man answered her query. The woman looked as if she is not satisfied with the answer given so she asked another question.

"May mga tagarito rin po ba na umaakyat din dito sa bundok?" The woman seemed to be waiting for a particular information. He wonder what she is thinking. The guide answered again but the woman still looked unsatisfied with the answer.

The conversation turned to the topic of mysterious creatures and events that happened on this very mountain.

Richard was observing the woman's face as the guide told them about the local people's beliefs and respect for the mountain. He watched her face turn from that of avid interest to that of indifference when the conversation turned to supernatural beings.

"Anong klaseng pangyayari po? Multo po? Lamang lupa? Engkanto, ganun?! Wahhh! Ayoko na talaga dito, Dei. Uwi na tayo!!!" Richard's attention was caught by the other woman. He smiled to himself.

"Dei pala ang pangalan nya..." He looked at her face again and saw her change expression when the local guide told them of the tale about the 'guardians'. Richard sat straighter on the rock.

"Ibig nyo po sabihin may mga parang espiritu na gumagala sa bundok na ito? Pero may nakakita na po ba sa kanila dati? Nakausap? O kaya po nahawakan?" Dei skeptically asked after the guide described the guardians.

The guide answered in the negative and he saw how Dei lost interest again in the conversation. She commented on the other woman's reaction which made the whole group laugh but after that she kept already to herself seemingly immersed in her own thoughts as they continued the trek.

Richard can't say if he was relieved or disappointed that she seemed not to believe in the existence of the guardians.

Later that night, Richard followed the group back to their camp. He observed the group as they ate dinner. They were talking animatedly about the events of the day.