Once Upon a Nightmare

Chapter 2: Ring of Power

It's already my 18th birthday. The venue was fancy and I believe that mom and dad spent thousands just for this celebration.

I was looking at my reflection on the life-size mirror. I'm wearing a red off-shoulder gown and I hate wearing this kind of clothes.

For an unknown reason, fireflies flew inside my room. Voices started to whisper again. The fireflies compressed, forming to a shape of a lady. I was about to touch it when someone knocked.

"Miss Arabella, they're already waiting for you." I blew a deep breath before opening the door. Mom planned to have a grand entrance for me. All I have to do is take down the stairs and let them do the magic.

Flashes of cameras welcomed me. Everybody is staring at me with big smiles. Petals of pink roses started to fall at me. Lights dance through various directions.

The party started. They all greeted me and gave luxurious gifts. I am starting to get bored since they still talk about business. I just made my way to the garden. Maybe the smell of fresh air will calm my nerves.

I was humming while sitting on the side of the fountain. Thousands of stars are above me. It was a nice view, a silent moment which made me relaxed.

Sana ganto na lang palagi. May mga alitaptap na namang pumaligid sakin. Sumunod naman yung mga boses na tinatawag ang aking pangalan. Bakit pamilyar siya?

Muli na namang nagkumpol yung mga alitaptap na bumuo ng isang pigura ng babae. Nakakasilaw siya kaya tinakpan ko ang aking nga mata. Pagtanggal ko ay hindi na mga alitaptap ang nasa harapan ko kundi isa na talagang totoong babae.

Hanggang balikat ang kanyang itim at kulot na buhok. Nakasuot siya ng puting bestida na may disenyo na gintong palamuti.

"Sino ka? Kaibigan ka ba ni mom? Hindi siya sumagot sakin pagkat ngumiti lamang. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko sa kaba.

"Kamusta, Arabella." Napatayo ako ng tuwid at nagsitaasan ang aking mga balahibo. "Kilala mo 'ko?"

Tumawa naman siya. "Why not?" Ngayon ko lang siya nakita at kinakabahan ako sa presensya niya.

"I think alam ko na para makilala mo ako agad." Muli siyang lumiwanag at pinag-ikutan ng mga alitaptap. Sa pagkawala ng liwanag, bigla siyang naging si Lola Crisella.

Nagsiunahan sa pagpatak yung mga luha 'ko. After a year of being alone, I finally got to see her again. I didn't waste any second. I immediately hugged her tight. After a few seconds napabitaw ako sa kanya nang may mapagtanto ako.

Dinuro ko siya. "How come you became my grandma?"

She smiled warmly. "I already expected this kind of reaction from you but we're not formally introduced so I'm Justice, goddess of Truth. My duty is to tell you the story of Lux and Death, and of course to give you the last Ring of Power. That is why I changed my form to a different person and that's being your grandma." I felt my brain buffered. My grandma is a goddess? Ugh. My head hurts. Does it also mean that the story Grandma Crisella told me is real? I thought it's just a silly fairytale.

She snapped her finger then she changed back to her original form. "I'm sorry if you're confused right now but I really need you to listen carefully. Were running out of time. I'm sure the spirit of Death already controlled someone to spread darkness." Eventhough I'm still confused, I manage to listen.

"This is the only right time to tell you this. After the body of Lux turned into feathers, she divided her life which contains different powers. They were rings that are delivered to the chosen ones. Once you own that ring, you're carrying not just the power but also the trust of Lux. She believes that they can fight darkness because for sure Death is still out there, capturing souls and influencing others to become evil." Wow. Those rings hold a heavy responsibility.

"Once you wore the ring, you'll be transported into a different world. To be exact, that world is the ruined Orbis Luminis. It is now called Twisted Fate. The superior there is Caelum. Don't forget that name. She'll train all of you to improve your hand to hand combats and ofcourse, help you to know and control your power." Why is she telling me all of this? Am I a chosen one too?

"Remember the white box you took from the mansion? It has a ring and that is for you. Yes, you got it right. Lux also chose you so please don't let her down. Try your best to know your power. I know you're a very strong lady so I'm confident that you can overcome this." She kissed my forehead.

"You can do it, okay. Everytime you see a firefly, worry nothing because that is me, guiding you." Afterall this time, she is the firefly that I always see?

"Go, Arabella. Take it and wear it. They're all waiting for you there."

Even I'm wearing a gown, I rushed my way through my room. Visitors are greeting me but I ignored them. I stopped when I heard my parents talking with someone. I peek from the space of a slightly opened door to look at them.

I know it's bad to eavesdrop but something is pushing me to listen from their conversation.

"It's already her debut, Atty. Buenafuerte. She already reached the right age for us to receive the inheritance."

"Hold your horses, Mrs. Savedra. She still have to sign the contract."

"Understood, Attorney." Palabas na si Atty. Buenafuerte kaya nagmadali akong tumakbo papuntang kwarto. Muntik na 'ko doon.

Bigka may kumatok sa pinto. "Arabella, dear. Are you there?" Buti na lang na-lock ko. There is no way I'm signing that contract. Lumakas yung katok ni mom. "Arabella?" I remained silent.

"Catherine, baka wala sa loob si Arabella. We should look downstairs. Maybe she's entertaining our guests." Dad said. Mukha namang naniwala sa kanya si mom kasi tumigil na yung pagkatok.

Agad kong kinuha yung white box sa bulsa ng pants ko. Binuksan 'ko yun at mariing pinagmasdan yung singsing. Ang disenyo nito ay tila korona na may tatlong puting dyamante.

Mabagal ko itong isinuot. Baka kasi biglang magbago ang isip ko. Nang tuluyan ko na iyong maisuot, may malakas na hangin na tumama sa mukha ko kaya napapikit ako. Pagmulat ko ay nasa harden na 'ko na puro itim na rosas.

Ito na ba ang Twisted Fate?