The Shadow of Eudaimonia

Chapter 31: Alea Iacta Est

Calvin thought he had gotten used to the crowing of the roosters at the slightest trickle of light after waking with it for days now. But then, this morning, and like the previous ones, he remembered how much he wanted to make a soup out of that chicken. Lazzi, on the other hand, had always liked it. He wakes up to it as if it is the gentle chorus of a mythical ave and he was a lucky eavesdropper.

"Good morning Woody." Lazzi croaked. Calvin blinked away his sleepiness before he came to admire how the soft light from the fresh sky canvas of dawn had dyed Lazzi's skin blue and matched his brilliant aquamarine eyes. These including the shadows that had formed valleys and slopes on Lazzi's body made Calvin feel like a star-eyed tourist—never to get tired of exploring him.

"Woody?" At first, Cal thought he was in a different reality. But then he realized what he actually meant. "Oh no. I'm very sorry."

"Can I touch it?"

Cal scoffed. "You're such a pervert!" But then he looked around and saw Aling Apring and Rita was nowhere in sight. Calvin sneaked in a secret smile and took Lazzi's hand and directed it towards where they both wanted it to be. Lazzi whispered to him a concoction of rigid words and effervescent sounds only meant for his ears. Calvin, meanwhile, kept his eyes closed, his fingers pressed on Lazzi's chest, reading the beat of his heart like a code.

***

After their little morning routine, Calvin and Lazzi head out and meet with Mang Fernan. The calm ocean gifted cold and soothing wind that made Calvin wish he was back in bed.

"Good morning boys," Fernan greeted.

The two smiled in response. Calvin, for the past few days had been accompanying Fernan when he fishes. And thanks to Calvin's Obelisk, Fernan brings home bountiful amount of fish that he would later sell. On the other hand, Lazzi stays at the shore and help Aling Apring and Rita on the household chores.

"Hey." Lazzi whispered and gave him a nod. Because of the circumstances, the two were forced to learn to speak of their affection without uttering a single word—the occasional side glances, the meek smiles, the discreet nods, and when they're lucky, they would be able to hold each other's gazes for three-seconds or more, but even so, all of which has an infinite degree of meanings and syntax—it rivals a well-written romantic novel. But today, Lazzi felt brave. "Stay safe out there."

"Hey I'm Veross. Literally nothing bad can happen to me."

Lazzi shook his head. "Cocky bastard. Still, be safe, alright?"

Calvin looked up and gazed at the lofty bluish gray clouds drifting across the sky. "I will be. Please stay safe too."

"Hey boy, we're ready to sail. C'mon!" Mang Fernan yelled. Calvin nodded good bye at Lazzi and jogged towards the waves. Midway, his lips felt icy. He looked back at Lazzi and gave him an I-know-what-you-did smile.

***

Calvin was picking on his chapped lips as he and Mang Fernan continued to sail further northwards. Mang Fernan was chatting with him but he just responded with timid yeses. His head was not present at the moment as he was trying to focus on his plan. Even up to this point, a part of him still debates if he chose the right path.

"We should get back as soon as possible. Those ships aren't looking that friendly"

"Yes." Calvin once again absent-mindedly responded. "Wait-what?"

"Those ships coming to our direction. What are those up to anyway?"

Calvin's eyes widened and his heart seemingly sank into the salty sea. Six naval ships were cruising their way, presumably, towards Agutaya island. "Oh fuck, they're here. Shit."

"What did you say boy?"

"Listen to me Mang Fernan. Let's go back to shore—"

"What about—"

"I'll give you all the fish you need! But right now, please, let's go back home." he begged.

Mang Fernan was about to contest again but he stopped as he saw Calvin's eyes glowed blue. Fernan, out of confusion, scrambled and maneuvered his fishing boat to go back to the island. He kept glancing at Calvin, hair wild with the winds, eyes filled with not only light but also an insurmountable intent.

Calvin, with his right hand, reached for the sky. At first nothing was happening but gradually the silver clouds drifting above them darkened into a rageful dark grey. As if a warning, thunderclaps bellowed around the area near the naval ships they saw. Rain had also begun to fall, gentle at first; heavy and vicious, mere seconds later. A sudden gale blew in random directions as the waves had become a child throwing a fit, tossing around everything at the surface. At this point, Calvin couldn't see the ships anymore.

"Boy, are you doing all of these?" Mang Fernan cried.

"Yes," this time Calvin answered with a full-spirit.

"Then stop it please. My boat is not built for these strong winds."

"Don't worry we're going to be okay. So please, sail us home Mang Fernan. I know you can do that" Calvin pointed at the clouds; swiftly drew a line in the air that ends where he last saw the ships. Just as he does, a streak of lightning stretched across the sky and followed the direction of his fingers. An ominous thunder blared right after and a distant glow of fiery orange light glinted at the horizon.

Mang Fernan held on to the edge of his boat with his trembling hands until his knuckles turned white. "Jesus. Who-who the hell are you boy?"

Calvin frowned. "I'm Veross, the Obelisk of Odds."