Illuminare 2013

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TIMEPIECE Diverse pieces of time Thoughts and interests echoed Imagination forms an artistic theme Noted the splendid culture of the elite: Inspired by literature

TIMEPIECE ILLUMINARE 2013

The Wesneco Torch 2013-2014 Elmer John E. Basa

Editor-in-chief/Layout Artist

Ma. Cristina V. Garcia Associate Editor

Jodi B. Ambid Jr. Managing Editor

Quinn V. Pulohanan EB Secretary/Illustrator

Dale Richmond L. Chu

Assistant EB Secretary/Photojournalist

Ritzy R. Malo-oy Moderator

Editorial Assistant Mark Joseph E. Robles Illustrator Judy Ann G. Guilaran

Andrea Mae C. Libo-on Johnn Nelbert D. Dela Cruz Contributors

All rights reserved. No part of this folio may be used or reproduced in any mode without written permission from The Wesneco Torch.

All characters, names, places and situations used are completely fictional. Any similarity in these entities living or dead are coincidental.

All contributions, comments and suggestions should be submitted to TWT office, 5th floor, WNU main building. TWT Editorial Board reserves the right to edit or reject all submitted articles.

Printed in LNAF Graphics and Prints, Burgos St. Bacolod City

Illuminare

Foreword

Illuminare. A Latin word which means to illuminate or to light up.

Light plays an important role wherein it devours and reveals what the darkness may hide - divulges ambiguity and answers the mystery. It serves as an idea to eliminate ignorance.

Light travels from different eras in history to luster the beauty of literature and reality. “Let’s illuminate the world with the theme: TIMEPIECE...!”

Timepiece is an instrument that measures time, a chronometer. We appreciate, value and study works from the classical age, medieval, renaissance to post modern era. Across the centuries, literature tells that they are fascinating whether oral or written. It relates to us the emphasis to uncover our common humanity. Some writers today are inspired to create stories with the core from different periods of literary works and express striking themes, conflicts and viewpoints.

Literature requires flexibility and open-mindedness to interpret its soul and to understand the author’s point of view and style in writing (perhaps suspension of disbelief and poetic license). We are in the world of beauty and art. Time after time, we are bound with the universal concepts which can define the beauty of life – human experiences, struggles, adventures, emotions, challenges etc. to release the creative spirit.

Like the queen on our cover, it symbolizes the crown head of time, the lights which surround her connote the glory on what literature has achieved through years. Inspired by the elegance of Victorian patterns, we compiled our ‘timeless’ pieces, photographies and artworks in this Illuminare 2013 issue.

Here is it. We humbly present this portfolio to the Wesnecans and we hope you will like it.

Basa, Elmer E. Elmer John E. Basa Editor-in-chief

CREATE & EXPRESS The Wesneco Torch

The Official Student Publication of West Negros University

COVER PAGE

Illustration by Quinn V. Pulohanan Layout by Elmer John E. Basa

Table of Contents POETRY

2 Alam ko na 3 Astrayed Past Forever 5 Bakit Kaya?

Blindness 12 Bote at Buhangin 13 Broken Melody

I glare 14 Cinquain: Beauty and Art 15 Companion in Reverie 16 Crowned

Demystified 18 Denied Paradise

Departure 23 “In the Midst of Doubt�

25 I was nothing

Method Harmony//Gaia_Extracting 26 Looking through Unveiled Eyes

On Rush...

27 Just a dream 28 Me, Myself and I 29 Nasayang na mga sandali 32 One Summer Morning

A Beginning unto an End 35 Palatandaan sa Bolpen ni Juan 40 The Unhappy Speaker

The Waiting 41 Pasasalamat 42 Remember Me 44 Selfishness Speaks 46 Society Today 47 Tiempo 48 What Faith CanDo 49 Subaybayan 51 Despite Distress

Pathetic Apathy 59 Undefeated 60 Wrong Beginning

Travelled Path

PHOTOGRAPHY 1 21 22 34 43 61

Neues Rathaus - Hannover, Germany Wind Grinder Beethoven House - Bonn, Germany Gottfried Wilheim Leibniz Universität Hannover Magellan’s ceiling in Cebu Slottet Royal Palace - Oslo, Norway

SHORTSTORY 6 Adah: The Defendant 20 Dogtag 36 Lost Anamnesis 52 The Violin of the Phantom 62 Touching the Sky

ILLUSTRATIONS 4 “GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!” 17 Celtic Siren 19 La Pucelle D’ Orleans (A Maiden of Orleans) 24 What my world is wishing for 30 Springtime: Rebirth (Spreadsheet) 33 Belle of the Ball 39 KIERRA 47 Band Princess 50 False Eden

Photography by RITZY R. MALO-OY

Hannover, Germany. The New Town/City Hall or the Neues Rathaus was opened on July 20, 1913, after having been under construction for 12 years. It is a magnificent, castle-like building of the era of Wilhelm II in eclectic style at the southern edge of the inner city (outside of the historic city center of Hannover). The building is embedded in the 10 hectare Maschpark. The Old Town Hall is no longer used as the main seat of administration, houses businesses and the registry office.

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Alam Ko Na JUDY ANN E. GUILARAN

Walang makikitang pag-asa sa buhay kung puno ng pagdurusa; ‘Di alam kung ano ang paroroonan, ‘di alam kung ano ang babalikan.

Lahat ng mahal sa buhay ‘di ko kayang pagkatiwalaan; Sino ang tatawagin ng puso kong puno ng pighati at pagdurusa?

Naging bulag sa liwanag na naka atang sa aking harapan; Salat sa pagtuklas ng katotohanan.

Na ang aking sarili ang tunay na kalaban; Anong kinabukasan ang sa aki’y naka abang?

Lahat sila’y iniwan ako, iniwang nagdurugo ang aking puso; Ngunit alam ko na may isang nilalang, na sa aki’y tunay na nagmamahal.

Iyon ay ikaw aking Maykapal, ang aking tagapaglikha; Pagmamahal na kailanman ‘may hindi naramdaman ninu man.

Ngayon ako’y malaya na at napagtanto ang lahat; Nasa huli man ang pagsisisi ang importante ang mali ay maitama.

Ngayon ang buhay ko ay masaya at payapa.

Salamat sa Maykapal na aking tagapagligtas.

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Astrayed Past

MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES

Forever

DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

All I knew was struggle All I knew was pain, Caught in the fallacies of life, I drove myself insane

I didn’t know what to do then, I didn’t know where to go, The slightest trace of hope abandoned me, Until I found you.

Suddenly, my life made sense I began to see color out of the usual gray, I began to embrace my life, Living each moment with mirthful laughter every day

Picture of Him is everything I see Every time I want to change the wrongness in me I hate to recall all that I have done ‘Cause it really strikes me just like the rays of sun.

Hiding and escaping are running in my head Making myself not to be called bad But whenever I lay down on my bed It’s just like I want to be seen dead.

I really want to delete it all Forgetting what makes myself not delightful Always treated as a fool

I repented it already to Him There’s no night I never ask to be redeemed These feelings are keeping on lingering me Can’t determine why I’m not still able to see?

Almighty can you please lift me up?

Can you make me feel that I can still survive?

Take away all my transgressions Make me a new being and have a clear vision.

You gave me something sweeter than your smile, Something a million times brighter, That made everything worthwhile Words failed to describe Whatever it was we shared All I knew was that you had set me free From the trap that almost ruined me.

There is no truer thing Than what you’ve let me feel, I’ll forever keep it here in my heart, Where you will always remain dear.

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“GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!” Quinn V. Pulohanan 4

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Bakit Kaya?

MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES

Naranasan niyo na bang masaktan?

Magmahal nang lubos at iniwanan?

Tiniis ang lahat ng sakit Pero balde ng luha ang ipinalit?

Naranasan niyo na bang mag mahal?

Itinuring siyang bigay ng Maykapal?

Halos hindi makayang mawalay Na kahit buhay kayang ialay?

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi bago sa atin Sa murang edad ito’y mararanasan din Sa maraming beses na ito’y ating natikman Maraming beses din ang kasawian Mapagtukso talaga ang pag-ibig Akala mo’y tubig na umiilig Nang walang katapusan at hangganan ‘Yon pala ika’y nagging bulag-bulagan

Sa pag-ibig maraming mararanasan Saya’t lungkot ay laging andiyan Kahit anong gawin mo para ‘di maapektuhan Hahabulin ka nito hanggang katapusan.

BLINDNESS MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES My eyes were opened Widely awaken People dying Surrounding’s crying.

Evil’s over powering Helpless beings are suffering Killing instead of loving I can’t live smiling No trace of mercy All things are in misery Mindless of sovereignty

When would it be stopped?

Who could take it back?

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Adah: The Defendant

Photomanipulation by Elmer John E. Basa

“Whose beauty is envied by the immortals”

SHORTSTORY

Adah: The Defendant ELMER JOHN E. BASA

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One day, Adah, queen of the Southern Kingdom (Athens), was bathing at the blue shore of Cytherea with her loyal maidens. A moment after, in her enjoyment, she saw a splendid radiance reflecting and gleaming on the water and eventually came out three revered beautiful goddesses. With the harmony of the sound, one was singing. They were fair-cheeked and had rosy arms. They glanced at Adah with their eyes full of love and joy. Adah’s maidens were enthralled to see deific forms. The goddesses presented gifts to Adah. They were the Charites; Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia, the attendants of the goddess Aphrodite who bestow charm, beauty, mirth and joy. They were drifting on the water, dancing with joy. The gifts were like bright beads that gracefully surrounded Adah. Aglaia gave flowering glory and beauty, Euphrosyne sprinkled good cheer and Thalia took both hands of Adah and gave joy and happiness. Adah was honored like a goddess. She was amazed on what she saw and received.

Suddenly, a peafowl with a crested head and had very large fan-like marked tail with iridescent eyes landed in front of Adah. There appeared envious and furious Hera, with her titanic and majestic appearance, the queen goddess of Heavens. Her noble form made the Charites bowed and later disappeared. Adah’s maidens trembled but kept themselves in the water.

“MORTALS!!! Go down on your knees!” Hera exclaimed.

They all bowed.

“HOW DARE YOU ACCEPT THOSE GIFTS?!” Hera confronted furiously.

You! CONCUBINE of ZEUS!” Hera continued exclaiming disdainfully while pointing a finger with raging eyes to Adah.

The mountains and rivers shook with all nymphs and pans panicked for it produced an earthquake with the aid of Poseidon, god of the seas and earthquake, within Adah’s kingdom. In Hera’s fury, she destroyed the Golden Cornucopia, the horn that supports bountiful harvest and life.

Adah did not give a single word but her heart felt bereavement and defiance. It seemed it was hopeless for her.

“Your beauty is a form of distress so IS YOUR CURSE! Experience loss, famine and destruction!” Hera said scornfully and disappeared with golden brilliance and also the peafowl flew away. **********

Adah stood and carried herself off dishonorably from the water with the maidens. The maidens blamed her to what had just happened thinking the gifts which Adah had received was a torment to the kingdom. They thought that was the exchange of accepting gifts from the gods. When they reached the palace, the maidens echoed everything in a form of a gossip. Then the people inside the palace were a little bit cynical to Adah.

In the palace, there was a man whose love was spurned by the beautiful queen Adah, Himeros, Adah’s right hand and was also the successor of King Lucius. He even tried to assault Adah sexually but it was unsuccessfully done when she stabbed him with a dagger at his pelvis and sentenced into an exile for three months. After his exile, he vowed before Adah not to do it again. He strongly desired to be the king to avenge King Lucius’ death.

“The Golden Cornucopia is destroyed.” Said Himeros, who had evil intentions of overthrowing Queen Adah, to the people inside the throne room where everyone gathered.

“Athens is now in famine.” He said. “Hera, the queen goddess had confronted our queen for dishonoring her. Our queen has an affair with Zeus, king of Mount Olympus.” He said continually persuading the people – provoking to rise against Adah. “We are now here to attest the purity of our QUEEN. Her depravity of having an affair with the god, Zeus, brought us suffering, plague and scourge. Adah has committed a crime against the gods!”

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“Ye…es! Yeee…ees!”

“Our Queen is IMMORAL! FILTHY!!! INQUITOUS!!! Our queen is selfish and greedy!!!” Blinded with the truth – the people were shouting while thrusting their clenched fists upward in front of Himeros.

From a door not too far away from the throne room peeked Adah where she heard her people and planned to revolt against her. Later, she decided to leave and hoped to find a solution. She rushed outside the palace wearing a violet cloak with her crystal necklace. The Charites guided her as Aphrodite ordered.

Himeros was flattered and revered while the people were agitating. Triggered by Himeros, they later rushed and moved to execute their queen to replace her. Himeros led the people to Adah’s royal room but they did not find her.

“She escaped!!! How did it happen?!” A servant of Adah said to upsurge aversion. Himeros ordered to his soldiers to find Adah as soon as possible.

After how many weeks of Adah’s absence without leaving an heir, Himeros as the right hand of the queen before, proclaimed himself as the new king of Athens and grabbed the traitorous servant as his queen, perhaps his prostitute, and so the kingdom rejoiced and merried not thinking of the annihilation of the Golden Cornucopia. Their rule became tyrannous and cruel. Their legion changed the Athenian democratic government into an autocratic control. Their reign was the age of starvation and scarcity.

Adah was banished into the forest. It was night when she was starving and found no food to eat. It was a cold evening. The icy winds from the northern forest swayed to feel the misery and grief. The wolves were howling. The pain of betrayal crushed her soul. She sat on a giant stone.

“O beautiful is the night, the stars are twinkling, and I know you are starving. I guess you need food to eat and shelter. I know the gods have reasons in meeting you.” Said an old woman with a coarse voice carrying a lamp. Adah was frightened because of the old woman’s grotesque features and foul odor.

“I invite you to come and offer you a dinner.” Invited the old woman as she smiled genuinely.

“Yes. I love to.” Adah did not doubt because she believed that an old woman could do no harm to her. But her appearance and warm invitation was kind of suspicious.

The old woman was very hospitable to Adah as she bid her to sit. While the old woman was about to prepare the food when she asked, “Beautiful maiden gone in the forest at night, why are you alone and depressed?”

“The treasure of the kingdom is destroyed.” Adah said wearily.

“You mean the Golden Cor…nucopia? But how did it happen?” The old woman asked as she coughed as a sign of her fragility. “The goddess Demeter bestowed that Horn for the nourishment of the kingdom if anything bad happens to that treasure, famine will arise.” She continued.

“YES. You are right and Hera destroyed it!” Adah replied. “Accusing me for an extramarital affair with his husband, Zeus!” Adah continued as she told the story to the old woman on how it came about.

“It was a sunny afternoon beside a marsh in Cyprus when I alone decided to dip naked. At that time, a dove was carrying a rose in his beak flying. It flew around me like it was attracted. It perched on my shoulders. I was bewitched by its beauty and sallowness and caught it. I pulled off the rose and whiffed it.

Its aroma might have a hypnotic drug and caused me to be drowsy and eventually I slept on the ground.

Not knowing I was clasping and embracing the dove, later I woke up with a handsome man cuddling me. His appearance was majestic and noble. He was also sleeping undressed just like me. To my horrible surprise, I shrieked with all might and that caused him to wake. He sat in an erect position and ogled me with his lovely eyes as he even caressed my shin up to my knee. Then the malicious touch was stopped. He stood

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Illuminare and smiled as the thunders roared and the skies turned gray. The winds were becoming gustily as his both arms raised along with his head heavenward. And he just disappeared. I was left perplexed about what was happening. I felt there was someone looking so I turned back and I saw a tall woman wearing a magnificent chiton (a long garment for Greek noble women). I predicted that it was Zeus who came as a dove. The oxeyed goddess, Hera…at the time when I was bathing at Cytherea, the Charites gave me godly gifts then she arrived on the scene just to scorn me…”

“Dinner is served!” Said the old woman with her funny coarse voice.

When the old woman placed the dishes in front of her, Adah was surprised on what the old woman offered to her for dinner.

“This is AMBROSIA and NECTAR…” Adah said with amazement and stood off from her chair, and made a single step backward and asked:

“WHO ARE YOU? YOU SERVED ME FOOD OF THE GODS.”

The old woman smiled to her and said, “I have blessed you with my gifts. Don’t you recognize me?” as she pulled off her ‘old woman’ disguise. The haggish old woman appearance turned into a goldcrowned beautiful goddess…

“I am APHRODITE my child.”

Adah knelt down.

“Forgive me for I haven’t recognize you right away and also in suspecting you at first with your old woman appearance.” Adah apologized.

“It was Zeus who came for your irresistible beauty and mortal comeliness. Men are like that by nature.” Aphrodite said. “Hera’s accusation has no root, perhaps she punishes the women whom Zeus after.”

“HaHaHa...” as she chuckled and continued. “I see your clean heart. You won me with your innocence, HaHaHa…” Aphrodite said flippantly.

“Save your kingdom…there is still another Golden Cornucopia. Amalthea the goat, ask her for another horn at Elysium, in the Underworld and let Zeus bless it. Then return to Athens and dethrone Himeros by summoning Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, and her warrior maidens to regain your crown.”

Aphrodite said to fortify Adah.

Aphrodite did equip her with Ares’ sword, the sword of Attila, an armor and borrowed from Athena, the shield, Aegis. Aphrodite’s jewel-encrusted golden chariot drawn by a team of doves came for her. After she left, Adah then descended to the world of perpetual night, the Underworld. **********

“Hermes, the swift god of speed, bring me to the Underworld as I wish.” Adah whispered as she closed her eyes. Suddenly, a blast of air enveloped her body and in just a glimpse, Hermes sped her there.

She met an ugly bearded man with a conical hat and tunic, Charon, the ferryman who received souls from Hermes. He guided Adah across the river Acheron to the Asphodel Meadows.

The atmosphere was eerie and lifeless. Millions of dead encircled the streams, moans and endless wailings she had heard. Human suffering entangled to those who lived unblessed. She came across the howling Cerberus, the three-headed guardian beast hound of Hades. She felt the blue in her heart to see the wretchedness and hopelessness of the weary and troubled souls.

“Do you care if you tell me your destination, young mortal?” Asked the dreadful Charon.

“I intended to see Amalthea, the goat, at Elysium.” Adah replied.

There they stopped at the entrance of the Asphodel Meadows where flowers grew and the souls were neutral. The winds were breezy. She observed that this world was null and empty having no emotions from the souls. She stood before the pale trimmed bushes of these plain fields but she disregarded them just to reach Elysium.

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Illuminare “To the Elysian plain…where life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain, but ever does Ocean send up blasts of the shrill-blowing West Wind that they may give cooling to men.”

— Homer, Odyssey

The waters from Elysium she heard where Cronus the god of time dwelt, no ending of rule before Radamanthus, she beheld. The sun was brightly shinning, there were hills and a sun that never sets. Mortals had joy and never touched by sorrow. Far from the deathless gods, they flourished thrice a year to be born and be ascended to the Islands of the Blessed, the Paradise. Hera could not penetrate here.

Adah remained standing as she reached Elysium to view the symmetrical hills. The ethereal winds swayed her cloak and to her dark-brown hair. The plains were nurtured and fostered by the spirits of the Underworld. Along with the flowing waters from one island to the other, she saw a hill, where Amalthea the goat with her single horn was rejoicing. She ran quickly to Amalthea and plead to ask for her last horn.

“You are using my skin, the great shield of Zeus. Who are you?” Amalthea asked.

“I am Adah, queen of Athens. The goddess Aphrodite lent me this armor. I ask for your spare horn, please, O Amalthea.” Adah begged. “My kingdom needs you, with your horn.” She continued.

“Contented with the everlasting hours here, I find peace. I no longer need my horn. You can take it.” Amalthea said in wonderful tone. Adah detached the horn from Amalthea’s head.

Amalthea fainted. Adah was bolt from the blue when she saw Amalthea became weak. An intense gust of wind exploded, even the ghosts and Hades were rammed. Adah was awed to what she saw. Amalthea was revived miraculously. Her two horns were restored. Her body was ascending heavenward up to Islands of the Blessed (Paradise). Adah embracing the horn, stood. As she turned back, she saw Hermes floating with his winged sandals.

“You are gone for fifteen years on the upper world.” Hermes said worriedly.

“What? But I have only been here for fifteen minutes.” Adah replied anxiously while carrying Amalthea’s Horn.

“Come I will send you back. Aphrodite ordered me so.” Hermes said.

And they whisked off back to Athens.

As Adah came back, she witnessed unexpectedly that Himeros was proclaimed king. War rose from city to city. The tyranny of Himeros resulted destruction to Athens. The shedding of blood made Adah enraged to kill the king. Famine took place with the loss of the Golden Cornucopia. Crimes were rampant.

Injustices prevailed to the conventional people. People became beggars on the street. The whole kingdom was in turmoil. She thought that it would be unwise to speak with Himeros. Words would not prevail with Himeros. **********

One night, in a quiet hall where everyone was sleeping, King Himeros was doing an affair with one of his maidens. When suddenly Hera appeared amidst them. They were three of them at that time. King Himeros was disgraced. In terror, the maiden ran away. While Hera despised him to what he did moreover she came to warn Himeros about Adah’s return. Himeros was upset when he heard it. At the next morning, Himeros decreed to search the whole kingdom to find and arrest Adah. Men searched every home in Athens but it became a futile. They found no trace of the queen’s return. The entire palace was alarmed about the return of their queen.

The next day, it was afternoon when an old seeress came to enter in the palace of King Himeros.

She sought the king to deliver a vision. The guards allowed her. She saw the wickedness of men inside the

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Illuminare palace, their gluttony caught her attention. When she reached the throne room where the king was seated she said, “Everyone!!! Listen. Flee now this place, the QUEEN of ATHENS will deliver her people.” Said the seeress exultantly to the king.

“Who is this queen? Adah? Ridiculous!!! HAHAHA!!! Are you serious??” Said Himeros as he splatted the wine from his calyx to the face of the old seeress.

“We searched every domiciles in Athens and we found no shadow of her existence.” Said Himeros.

“What else do you see, old priestess? HAHAHA!!!” As he mocked the seeress.

“LET ME REVIVE THE LIFE THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN…” The old seeress said as she pulled out from her pocket inside her cloak the horn of Amalthea and raised it then the skies turned grim and the clouds assembled like a maelstrom. From the heaven of Mt. Olympus sent forth a lightning bolt and struck the horn of Amalthea where it changed into a golden horn perhaps the Golden Cornucopia. Zeus had blessed Amalthea’s horn and the whole kingdom was revived. The old seeress removed her ‘old seeress disguise’ and appeared to be the lost queen Adah at last. Adah was holding the golden Cornucopia and immediately, from a beautiful maiden she transformed into a green tree nymph.

A signal made by means of a lightning, the amazons entered and attacked the people inside the palace. Adah cleansed her castle from mischief. Adah’s loyal soldiers and attendants had a chance to rise, to enrage and to avenge from Himeros’ disreputable legion.

Hera came down to Adah. She said “You thought YOU WERE VICTORIOUS? NO!!! I will not grant you victory!!! Especially to Zeus’ concubine!!!” She screamed. She summoned the Harpies, the half bird and half woman with sharp claws to devour them. Aphrodite was pierced by a sharp claw of a harpy at her right hand, in retaliation she turned the harpy into a swallow. She came to her mother, Dione, about her misfortune and made Hera laugh at her. Poseidon sent a storm to Athens with Hera’s command. Aphrodite, the goddess of charm and beauty, charmed Aeolus to bind the four winds in order the god Poseidon could not use them in producing a storm. Aphrodite won the sanguine god of the winds and so it was done. No storm came.

Hera was infuriated. “I will transform her into…” as Hera’s word was unsuccessfully spoken when Zeus stopped her hand from brandishing a curse and said, “Not to my beautiful daughter, I have plans for her…if you love me, protect Adah.” Hera’s heart pounded when Zeus told her the truth. Adah was not at all a concubine, she was one of the daughters of the great god Zeus.

Adah used her sword and was fighting with King Himeros. Queen Adah was good in using the sword tactics and also in using Aegis but she was overpowered by King Himeros in physical strength. King Himeros got the chance to deflect Adah’s shield, and he scratched her shoulder. Hera appeared between them and this time she favored Adah. She used Adah’s hand with the sword and with a divine assistance Adah stabbed the sword ruthlessly through Himeros. Blood flowed from his body.

“Trai…tor!” Himeros whispered his last word to Hera. Hera smiled to him disdainfully as her response.

“I still love you...” Himeros said to Adah as his breath ended. Adah felt loss because she still loved him. Spurning Himeros was her decision because of his strong desire to become King of Athens. At this time, Aphrodite as the goddess of love did not bless them because many lives were destroyed which Himeros had brought.

Hera in her ‘sweet lemon’ picked the crown from the ground to where it fell and she proclaimed Adah as the rightful and pure queen of Athens.

-end

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Bote at Buhangin JODI B. AMBID JR. Naglalakad ako sa gilid ng baybayin, Aking inaapakan, malamig na buhangin, Sa lawak ng katubigan, ako ay nakatingin, Habang iniisip, mga panahong ginugol namin.

Mga panahong kami ay masaya, Hampas ng mga alon aming kinokontra, Hanggang sa paglubog ng araw, Sa maalat na tubig kami’y nagtatampisaw.

Iniisip ko ang bawat panahon, Noong ang buhay ko’y sa kanya nakatuon, Walang katapusang ligaya ang nadarama, Sa tuwing siya’y aking kasama.

Napatawa ako nang bigla kong naisip, Noong siya ay nakaidlip, Sinubukan kong sidlan ng buhangin, Ang boteng nasa tabi namin.

Na isip ko ng mga panahong yaon, Sana’y hindi maubos ang buhangin sa loob ng boteng iyon, Tulad nang pag-ibig ko sa kanya, Na kahit buhay ay handang itaya para siya’y lumigaya.

Ngunit ako ay nagkamali, Nang minsan ay aking nahawi, At ang buhangin sa loob niyon ay natapon.

Ako’y napahikbi…

Sapagkat naisip ko ang kanyang pagkasawi.

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Created by Quinn V. Pulohanan

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“Broken Melody” DALE RICHMOND L. CHU I was there staring at the stars As moonlight shone bright through the night Wondering why you were not there with me And it struck me for all the times I had been so selfish and arrogant Yet all I ever wish for you to see me Not what I use to be So hear this rhythm of my soul Honest and pure That even darkness comes Surely light will find a way To let the sadness fall away

Now it is time Harmony of the song be my guide Let my loneliness be gone For this is not what I intend I never want to fall even in my dreams So let not thy heart be troubled I’m still here Trying to fix the song Of this unending broken melody

I glare

ELMER JOHN E. BASA

Light that strikes the waves of crystal clear Winds whoosh like Boreas from North There I stand lonesome from a cottage, dazzling Resting my back on a firm mast – Rustles of coconut leaves I hear Thinking how God created these, Ambiance of calm breeze I feel When someone ask, why are you alone?

Pondering, I reply - Later propose to make a literary piece Out of this!

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Cinquain and illustration by Elmer John E. Basa

BEAUTY

attracts, captures splendid, graceful, elegant the most desirable thing

ART

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Companion in Reverie MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

She likes to talk about her feelings She likes to chat about her past She likes reminiscing So, I am her listener.

I enjoy her stories I enjoy her laughs I enjoy her excitement So, I am her friend.

I hope this will continue The reverie we share day by day May I continue to be with her A listener, friend, and her daughter

When the time comes that the windows to her soul dim when she starts to become forgetful I will still be here for her willing to listen Still a companion in reverie.

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Crowned ELMER JOHN E. BASA Achieved glory and fame With the skills – Triumphed various feats - -

Deluded to see one self differently – Produced egotistical Desires and Dreams.

As continued the journey Of crowning oneself, All became undesirable defeats.

DEMYSTIFIED JODI B. AMBID JR.

It was a beautiful morning I found my self lying On a firm ground Smooth grasses did abound.

I was in great confusion Am I suffering from a delusion?

How could I come to this land?

I am greatly surprised!

I stood up and looked around A fortress made of gold, I have found What a wonderful appearance!

It really shines in great brilliance.

Everything I have seen illuminates Caused by the rising sun’s rays It is really pleasant to my eye What a beautiful place, I sigh.

But where am I? I asked Him Him who is sitting on that fortress He demystified my thought “You are already in heaven” He said.

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CELTIC SIREN ELMER JOHN E. BASA

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DENIED PARADISE (A response to “Demystified”) QUINN V. PULOHANAN

I cough, I spit, I choke Of the air that reeks of metal rust The scorching, desolate winds Kiss my boiling skin Like stings of a thousand vipers

My bitter eyes gaze At foul, twisted structures That erect from the dead Earth, While below A swirling, fiery abyss Is filled with the anguish and cries Of the damned fallen As deformed horrors Grind their bones and flesh

I kneel, I weep, I beg Woe is me! Is there any deliverance From this nightmare?

When shall you redeem me?

But then, I realize All was for naught As Heaven is deaf to my prayers In this place

Departure

JODI B. AMBID JR.

The time was over, I am about to fly I wanted to reach the wonderful sky Every time I saw it, I sighed What a beautiful world you have created, Most High I stretched my wings, my feathers fell I was disappointed, I began to yell, I asked “why” to the Most High My tears started to flow from my eyes, I cried.

You know how much I was eager to see The wonderful world you created for me From up above, I wanted to witness The beauty of your golden fortress.

I waited for weeks for my feathers to grow, The leaves of the trees fall as the wind blow I tried to spread my wings again Yes I did it, how happy I have been.

But I am disgusted of what I saw Seas and rivers did not flow Swamps and lakes were already dry Tress and grasses were about to die.

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This was not what I have expected Mountains were already deforested Where could I live?

If this was the world they gave.

To them who lived before my existence, They have no heart and conscience.

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La Pucelle D’ Orleans (A Maiden of Orleans) Quinn V. Pulohanan

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SHORTSTORY

“Dogtag” JODI B. AMBID JR.

Nakatayo ako noon sa gilid ng tarangkahan habang pinapanood ang ragasa ng mga sasakyang dumaraan sa harap ko nang narinig ko ang malalakas na kalabog na nagmumula sa loob ng bahay.

Dinig na dinig ko ang bawat sigaw at iyak mula sa aking kinatatayuan at walang pagdadalawang-isip na pumasok ako sa loob.

Matinding takot ang aking nadarama habang papalapit ako sa kwarto kung saan nagmumula ang tinig nang animo’y umiiyak at nagmamakaawang babae. Nang nasa harap na ako sa pinto ng kwarto ay nakaramdam na ako nang paghihinala at nagsimula nang mangatog ang aking mga tuhod na naging dahilan upang ako’y matigilan.

Nawalan na ako ng lakas ng loob na pumasok hanggang sa narinig ko ang dalawang malalakas na putok ng baril. Nagulat ako! Bumilis nang sobra ang pintig ng aking dibdib at tuluyan akong pinanghinaan ng loob at naghintay na lamang ng susunod na pangyayari.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto at tumambad sa akin ang isang pamilyar na mukha ng lalaking duguan habang kinakaladkad ang isang kumot na puno ng dugo. Bakat na bakat sa kumot na may isang malaking bagay ang loob noon at makikita rin sa ekspresyon ng mukha ng lalaki na nahihirapan siya sa paghatak ng kumot na iyon. Itinungo ng lalaki ang kusina habang nagmamatyag kung mayroong parating. Walang habas ang kanyang paglingon sa pintuan ng bahay kaya hindi niya namalayan na nakalabas na ang maliit na parte ng kung anumang nasa loob ng kumot. Kinutuban ako nang makita ko ang mahabang buhok na kulay itim at isang nunal sa batok nito. Batid kong katawan iyon ng isang babae.

Halos mapaungol ako ng mga panahong iyon. Napaatras ako nang makita kong papalapit sa aking kinatatayuan ang lalaki na tila kampanti at mukhang walang nangyari. Nagtago ako sa isang sulok habang sinusundan ko ng tingin ang bawat kilos ng lalaki hanggang tinungo niya ang pintuan at tuluyang lumabas ng bahay.

Naghintay ako ng ilang sandali sa pag-aakalang babalik pa ang lalaki ngunit mahigit isang oras na ang lumipas ay hindi ko pa rin nakita maging ang anino ng lalaki. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kinaroro-onan ng babae at sinubukan kong kilalanin kung sino iyon. Habang papalapit ako, napansin ko ang ang isang pamilyar na bagay sa kanyang kamay. Isang bakal na mukhang kuwentas at may kulay pulang papel na nakakabit dito. Hinaplos ko ang kanyang mukha upang matanggal ang dugong nakabalot dito.

Namuo aqng luha sa aking mga mata. Napahikbi ako sa labis na hinagpis at panghihinayang.

Hindi ko akalaing nangyari iyon sa kanya. Napaluhod ako at ikinampay ang aking buntot upang ipakita ang aking pagka-awa sa kanya. “Baka buhay pa siya! Kailangan ko siyang gisingin”, sabad ko sa sarili.

Kahol ako nang kahol sa pagaakalang buhay pa siya. Ngunit ako’y nagkamali. Labis na lungkot ang aking nadarama sa pagkat hindi ko man lang matulungan ang aking amo. Ang aking natatanging kaibigan.

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WIND GRINDER DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

“The wind blows everywhere. Wherever you go, it is always there around you. You may not see it but can feel it. Like a strong tide whooshing against the leaves, making them rustle for a moment - seizing the touch of every breeze, then leaving them an emptiness at peace.”

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Photography by RITZY R. MALO-OY

Beethoven House. The Beethoven house in Bonn, Germany is a memorial site, a museum and a cultural institution serving various purposes. It was founded in 1889 by Beethoven-Haus Association - it also studies the life and work of composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven.

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“In The Midst Of Doubt” DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

All things come with a purpose.

Living in this world may not be easy.

Yet to realize what is important, And doing what you can for someone.

Everything will come to pass.

But your history will be kept in the lives you have touched.

For how could I be strong if everything I am is weak?

As I thought of it, all of the things I fought for was just for nothing.

Yet being bound to the doubts and fears wasn’t always the solution.

Having a purpose and meaning in life is what we live for.

Now I realized that I could rise up and see what I can do for everyone whom I care about.

Even in circumstance and hindrances I could do what I could even realize in this instances.

Because storm clouds could come and wash away all.

Still it will never take the things that you uphold the most.

For in our darkest hours, we will find that there is strength in every weakness.

But your past will be kept on the lives you have touched.

Nothing could ever break that bond, Knowing that you strive with courage in your heart.

Because when all were falling apart.

You stood up in the midst of doubt.

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WHAT MY WORLD IS WISHING FOR Quinn V. Pulohanan

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I was nothing

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MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA Oh God, I cannot do it I do not have enough wit I was never been talented Can I be what You have wanted?

I am concealed in my shell Am I able to tell of Your glory and wonders?

And Your vast blessings that shower?

My knees and feet are shaking For the great undertaking My emotions are stirring My concealed fears are showing I give up, I surrender!

These weaknesses I ponder Did not help and delight You These only fortified my woe

Enough of the excuses Time to strengthen defenses From the wells of apathy

I am pulled by GOD Almighty!

METHOD_HARMONY:

//Gaia_Extracting QUINN V. PULOHANAN

To protect my precious you, O pitiful beings, You who paint my warmth With your blood, You who distort my smile With your hate, I shall sing this hymn To calm your sadness

O dear, restless children!

O humanity!

Sons of God, wielders of Power Why must you fight yourselves?

Why must you destroy?

If you truly detest war, If you truly detest selfishness, I shall offer this body of mine To shelter you from pain.

Though you strip me naked And leave me barren, Always remember In your laments, That my love for you Shall remain unshaken

Even when the lights go dim, I shall keep singing this hymn This eternal melody, Until you are laid to peaceful rest, My precious you.

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Looking through Unveiled eyes MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

Looking at them makes me so sick They are all becoming so weak They act as though they do not know They are blind and goes with the flow How can they see the very Truth?

When they focus on worldly wealth They are doing things foolishly Which leads to their melancholy Their purpose have they forgotten?

Is the Alpha and Omega still honoured and being worshipped?

You came from the dust remember?

Man, open the eyes of your heart Before all the chances depart

Stop wasting your life to vain goals Or you’ll end up one of the fools

Will you enjoy now and suffer later?

Or Will you suffer now and enjoy later?

Live your life now for the Saviour And in His eyes you’ll find favour.

On Rush...…

JODI B. AMBID JR.

I am already late, I have to run, Projects and assignments are left undone, How can I catch up?

I think I need to double time, Need not to stop!

Rush hour! It’s time to hurry, If I will not pass, mama will get angry, Asking why?

Without thinking how much I try, The sweat and tears I left dry.

The time has come, I need to be calm, Time to confess what I have done, This is over! Holding my arm, I am shaking, I started to cram.

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Mom, I’m sorry! I told her, I was not able to pass, I got failed, Please give me another chance, Another chance to do it right.

Learning, I have now acquired.

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JUST A DREAM MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES

Sitting together on that tree house Where we made each other vows That whatever tragedy comes our way Still both of us will work out every day Promises we made were still there Laughters and tears we have shared Memories that can’t be easily undone When together, we had so much fun

…

In that tree house we first fell in love We let it fly like a dove Witnessing how our love being blessed by our God above It’s just that this world is so unfair We thought everything’s all set And our feelings were far away from regrets But in a blink of an eye All our dreams and hopes died The very image of that tree house went dim Concluding it was just a dream.

Created by Quinn V. Pulohanan

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Me, Myself and I

JODI B. AMBID JR.

I am here, totally isolated Living inside this barricade From steel it was made To assure I was not able to escape.

In this secluded room I laugh, I scream, I hum I enjoy talking to them Those strong and compact beams.

I am in melancholy Even to feel sorrow I was not free But I am still happy Enjoying my company.

It had been years that I am here Hearing those words that sound unclear From the hallway I can hear The rumours of a jail officer.

Yes you are correct I am a suspect But I never committed a crime I’m just the person present at that time.

That time that my wife died And her blood was left dry Caused by a bullet on her head I shut my children because they cried.

I thought it was a clean murder I was wrong, a witness took over By the time I pulled the trigger He ran faster.

He attested to what I’ve done To the judge my life was gone They put me on this cell This barricade made of steel.

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NASAYANG NA MGA SANDALI

MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES

Anak ba ako na maituturing?

Nararapat ba ito sa akin?

Saan ba ako nag-kulang?

Bakit ba sa lahat ng bagay ako’y palpak na lamang?

Iyak dito, iyak doon Paano pa ba ako nito babangon?

Halos lahat ng pagkakataon ay naaksaya ko na, Tingnan niyo ako, may pag – asa pa kaya?

Dumurugo ang mata sa kaiiyak Katawa’y wasak na wasak Sa pagdurusang tagos hanggang buto May natitira pa bang saysay ‘tong buhay ko?

Kung oras sana’y aking iningatan Na maging anak sa aking mga magulang Hindi sana ako ngayon nangungulila Sa kanilang pagkawala.

Pagmamahal ay hindi ko man lang naipadama.

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t

John E. Basa lmer E y n b o i t a sr illu

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One summer morning MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

I had walked this path almost everyday There were green grasses and bamboos that sway I breathed in the sweet air and thanked the LORD While pondering about His Holy Word Just then my ears heard these cheerful voices From children with smiles etched on their faces Found on their hands were plastic containers For a day, they will be beetle seekers Off to the trees they run to shake it well A good number of creepy-crawly fell

Unaware that tears in my eyes were formed Watching those innocent kids, I was moved This was a revisit to my childhood With its dear pieces, time has kept for good As the tears finally flowed down my face I turned around and continued my pace.

“A Beginning unto an End” Dale Richmond L. Chu Walking through the path we have chosen to take That every day we live up to our own expectations Wondering where would it take us

For we are bound by the rules of every generation Building up the bridges of all ages And restoring the chronicle of the unforgotten Coz’ we are not here to be left behind But put a footprint in history Where everybody will see

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So till that day comes Always remember that in every journey There is a beginning unto an end

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BELLE OF THE BALL JUDY ANN E. GUILARAN

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Photography by RITZY R. MALO-OY

The University of Hannover, officially the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universit채t Hannover is a public university founded in 1831. It is one of the largest and oldest science and technology universities in Germany. In 2011-2012, there were 22, 236 students enrolled, of which 3, 138 were from foreign countries. The university is named after the 18th century mathematician and philosopher.

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Palatandaan sa bolpen ni Juan JOHNN NELBERT D. DELA CRUZ

Aking kababayan, inyong tatandaan; Na kayo ay may angking kakayahan, Na muling pumili ng kapitapitagangPinuno para sa ating taong bayan.

Huwag mong kakaligtaan, Kalagayan ng ating kahirapan, Tayo ay lugmok sa kahirapan, Nangangapa sa karimlan.

Huwag magpagamit at magpalinlang, Sa kinang ng salapi sayo’y ibibigay, Tandaan na ito ay panandalian lang, Kaysa sa isang terminong walang saysay.

Mangatwiran at makibaka para sa pagbabago, Pangalagaan ang sagrado mong boto, Ipaglaban ang inyong mga karapatan, Dahil ngayon, sa kamay mo ang katarungan.

Sa darating na halalan, huwag mong kalimutan; Na iyong kinabukasan ang dapat isaalang – alang, Sa iyong kamay at sa dulo ng iyong tinta malalaman, Ang panibagong bukas na iyong inaasam‌

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Illustration by Judy Ann E. Guilaran

Lost Anamnesis

SHORTSTORY

Lost Anamnesis 36

JODI B. AMBID JR.

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It was late in the evening, the stars shone brightly as the midnight sky was illuminated by the full moon. The night seemed so silent and the cold wind blew so swiftly and gently pampered his face. It caressed his skin so softly until his eyes started to close. His eyebrows flickered, trying to defeat the pain that the darkness was causing. He felt the smooth breeze of the air that caused him to fell asleep.

His mind started to enter every compartment of his whole day experience. Reminiscing every single time that he had spent with his girlfriend, Arcee. The time was over; it was about time to stand up and wake up. He gently opened his eyes and had seen nothing but darkness.

His knees were bent, his hands were stretched forward and he began to throttle. He didn’t know where to go!

He was totally distressed by the absence of light, until he heard a voice, a very familiar voice of a young lady screaming for help. He tried to find out where the voice was coming but he did not prosper. He thought it was just an illusion, a premonition within his mind.

“Hello Richard! I am so glad that I have met you; it has been a long time since we haven’t seen each other. I hope you can still remember me.”

His eyes projected great fear while his eyeballs were about to spill out of its sockets. He was totally confused. A lot of questions started to form inside his mind.

“Do I know her? Who is she? How did she know my name?” He thought.

“I am disgusted. How dare you, silly man? Don’t you remember that night? That wonderful night that we have shared before you have made my body cold!” A voice answered angrily.

Richard began to cry out. He did not know how he could get out from that very horrible happenings. He could not totally distinguish who would be his refuge.

“Are you really sure that you don’t know me? I can read your mind Richard! I have been living here after what happened that night. Try to figure it out. I don’t believe that you can not remember the time that we were walking along the hallway as you tried to explain the meaning of those bloody paintings. Think about the time that we entered the room and...” The voice briskly continued but slowly disappeared.

Richard found a little bit of comfort. He tried to move his feet as his eyes were closed, expecting that the surrounding was still dark until he felt the heat that penetrated his eyes.

He laughed.

“It was just a dream, a bad dream” He said.

He saw himself lying on his bed. He tried to recover his memory until he decided to get up. He discovered himself totally naked holding a sharp knife on his right hand and a woman’s hair on his left. The knife was covered with blood which smelled fresh and it scattered around the whole room that even he was infused with blood.

“Hi Richard! I brought you here. This is exactly the place where we have shared the last minute of my life. This is the place where I gave all of my trust to you but I ended in loss. Even though I am a psychologist, I was not able to determine your motive.” The voice started to recur from beneath the window of his room.

He rapidly ran through the window expecting that somebody was teasing him. He was disappointed as he did not see anybody but a painting hanging on the wall.

“What’s this? I haven’t seen this kind of painting since then.” He murmured.

The painting was framed by wood and artistically carved with curves and straight lines. The image was a young lady lying on the bed expressing in pain while a man stabbed her with a very sharp knife. The canvas had a blood- like colour that made it more realistic.

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Richard tried to interpret the painting and distinguished himself on the picture.

“Now Richard, have you already figured out what you have done?” The voice appeared again.

“I never know somebody witnessed my crime. I am a psychopath and I have never thought that there is somebody that can destroy all my plans! I am not finished yet! I still have to kill Mercy” Richard replied.

“I thought it would never happen anymore”. The voice confidently answered.

“Are you sure? Ok tell me, how would you do that? You were not able to reveal yourself to me?”

Richard retorted with a great laugh.

“Never underestimate my capability ridiculous man. Wake-up and look at yourself. You are still dreaming. I have brought you in a dream of a dream. Now, it’s time for my vengeance. I have loved you Richard but you never loved me back.” The voice replied.

The voice was right. He was still dreaming.

He opened his eyes and felt the pain caused by a bullet in his left arm. He presumed that it was still a dream but he was wrong! It was already a reality.

He found himself lying on the floor in his own blood caused by the bullet in his left chest, he was anguish, and was trying to breathe faster. His injuries were fatal and he already had an intuition within his mind that he could no longer survive.

Finally, he heard a sound of a siren of an ambulance. He lost his consciousness with his eyes closed.

“Where am I?” he asked the nurse.

“You are in the hospital Sir. You have a fatal wound with two bullets but were casted out from your left chest.” The nurse replied.

“Good evening sir!” A chesty strange voice entered the conversation.

“I am Major General Corpuz from the National Bureau of Investigation. We would like to ask you what happened last night when you were found lying on the floor full of blood.”

“I was walking on the garage of a mall when a young lady approached me and shot me.

I remembered when she dragged me into her car….and I could no longer remember what happened then.” Richard answered.

“Ok. Thank you for your participation. You may now take a rest.” The general answered sarcastically.

Richard closed his eyes. He seemed comfortable now. While he was trying to take a sleep he felt that his body seemed paralyzed. He opened his eyes and saw Arcee’s image.

“Take a rest Richard! I am done.” Mercy said.

Yes it was Mercy, the culprit. She was the one who shot Richard and injected a paralytic drug to him.

“Mercy was the nurse. He should be the next victim of this pathetic psychopath. She is the best friend of Arcee and she knew what had happened to Arcee.”

“Your turn was over, Richard! It is my time to fight for my best friend.” Mercy continued.

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KEIRRA “Audrey”

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The Unhappy Pleasure-seeker MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

She was the envy of her worldly friends Who were always with her to meet their ends She’d spent her time and money to parties Not minding the outcomes of these false bliss

She’d go from place to place seeking for more Wanting to have what most people adore At the end of the day, she was still sad.

The Waiting MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

I prayed to GOD for a very long time Hearkened to love songs that often would rhyme While anticipating for you to come Many times I have felt very lonely Which made me faithful, patient and lowly To Him I had surrendered everything One day, I discovered my waiting’s done My dear companion came, my gloom was gone Thank the Lord, my waiting was not in vain.

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Pasasalamat JODI B. AMBID JR.

Sa aking paglalakbay patungo sa tagumpay Si ama at ina ang aking kaagapay Bawat pangaral nila’y aking hinihimay Upang makamtan ang mithiin sa buhay.

Sa bawat hirap na aking dinaranas Haplos nila ang tanging lunas Upang maghilom ang bawat sakit Na dulot nang karanasang mapait.

Karanasang humubog sa akin Upang makamtan ang mithiin At mapalitan nang walang hanggang saya Ang ilang taon kung pagdurusa.

Walang hanggang pasasalamat ang alay ko Kay ama’t inang naging inspirasyon ko Ang aking tagumpay, sa kanila ko ibinabalik Kasabay nang matamis na “I Love You” at simpleng halik.

MOTHER&DAUGHTER QUINN V. PULOHANAN 41

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Remember Me JUDY ANN E. GUILARAN

It had been months already since I gave my heart to you; Even though your words were unfaithful, I was willing to forget it and accept you.

For understanding may be the key for our relationship to last.

Darling, you’re the only thing I won’t regret in my past.

Remember me when I left and said goodbye; Gone with the shattered dreams we’d shared yesterday.

Sorrow of endless misery I only endured; Hiding in my deepest shadows made me feel secure.

If I only knew your promises were made to be broken; I could only wish death would come peacefully like Heaven.

When you could no longer hold me now by your hand; My devotion to you will be buried under the ground.

I should know forever won’t last a lifetime; Being in love to a liar like you is my unforgivable crime.

You never saw these unhealed scars that I once had; I only hope you would remember me and be sad.

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Illustration by Judy Ann E. Guilaran

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Photography by ELMER JOHN E. BASA

Magellan’s Cross “This cross of Tindalo wood encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on this very site on April 21, 1521.”

The octagon mural ceiling painted above the cross shows two important scenes happened on April 21, 1521. The baptism of Rajah Humabon and his family - the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines; and the implantation of the wooden cross on the shore of Cebu - a symbol of three-century spanish colonization.

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SELFISHNESS SPEAKS MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA Do you know me?

Of course you do For I am within you Filling your thoughts And deceiving your heart

You might be very Aware of my existence or not But I influence the evil Courses in your mind Most of the time Every time you think About your own interests And you forget about others I am the reason behind it

Do you know why you self-pity Instead of counting your endless blessings from above It was me who caused it Every time that you are angry and hold grudges With other people Not forgiving their offences I grow even more

Do you know that both anger and fear root from me?

They are all a part of what I am They are my agents in making your life miserable

If you’re not on guard I will take everything from you At the expense of your life When that moment comes There will be no moment of return.

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“Society Today” DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

Poverty, what is it?

For it spreads like a disease Without us knowing That it has become our way of living

Like mothers still tend to get pregnant Even though she already has ten kids Having no jobs to suffice the need Children don’t go to school anymore Instead they are already forced to do hard labor

So is it possible to stop this unending epidemic?

People stealing to the extent of surviving Inhaling solvents to ease the hunger For not having anything to eat for days

Where is the justice that our society brought to existence?

Is it really there? Or it is just a front?

To delude the citizens from reality Blinding them from adversity And destroying them through insanity.

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Tiempo

JODI B. AMBID JR.

Ilang dantaon na ang lumipas, Simula ng ika’y unang matuklas, Ang bawat pangyayari na aming dinaranas, Ay dala mo sa amin, munting ORAS.

Ang sabi ng nakararami, lilipas din ang panahon, Upang ang sugat ay tuluyang maghilom, Ngunit batid kong ang bawat kabiguan, Ay may kaakibat na kadahilanan.

Ang bawat pangyayaring ating hinaharap, Mula sa umaga, hanggang sa paglisan ng mga ulap, Aking napagtantong ang mga naganap, Ay parte lamang ng ating paglalakbay patungo sa pangarap.

Kaya’t huwag mag atubili na ibigay ang lahat, At dapat na tayo ay mamulat, Na ang bawat minutong ating ginugugol, Sa bandang huli ay may kakambal na hatol.

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BAND PRINCESS JUDY ANN E. GUILARAN

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“What Faith Can Do” DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

In a world where differences are common we see ourselves blinded by an unfading pretense Drifted away upon these unfathomable anxieties for we can never believe in what we are.

Now as you think of the times that you’re bounded Let the faith in you, do what it must Coz’ impossible is not a word, It’s never too late to let the dreams become reality Miracles can just happen every day even in a simple way Standing in the midst of nothing bringing what you have been missing a new beginning upon every ending Find what can move you And see that life is so much more No one can ever put you down except yourself Just keep on believing and put all your fears behind I know you’ll find what you’re searching for that you’ll be surprise of what faith can do

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Subaybayan JODI B. AMBID JR. Sa panahon ngayon ating mahihinuha, Kaliwa’t kanang patayan,saan mang sulok ng bansa, Pagnanakaw, aksidente at iba pang sakuna Ay karaniwan ng laman ng mga balita Mga carnapper at holdapper ay naglipa na Mga batang paslit biglang nawawala Mga tinedyer sumasama sa barkada Sa mga kabarit, doon sila’y makikita Habang ang kamay ay may hawak na bote Nang beer at alak habang may katabi Mapa babae man o lalaki Hindi mo naman sila masisisi Kung ang ina at ama’y inaabot ng hating-gabi Sa burol ng kanilang kumpare.

Kinaumagahan, sasakit ang iyong pandinig Sigawan at murahan ang iyong maririnig Sa pagsikat ng araw sa daigdig Iyong makikita bangkay na malamig Dahil si bunso ay naiwan sa bahay, Walang sino man ang may balak magbantay Sa sahig siya ay nakahandusay Hawak ang bote ng gas sa kanyang kamay Sa ngayon, si inay ay nanlulupaypay Habang si ama sa kanya’y nakapaypay Si ate nama’y nawalan ng malay At si kuya ay may anak na inaakay Sa kanilang mata ay namumuo ang butil ng luha.

Pagkat si bunso ay biglang nawala.

Sino ang maaring sisihin sa nangyari? si bunso ba na pinabayaan ang sarili?

O ang pamilyang naging makasarili?

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FALSE EDEN QUINN V. PULOHANAN

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“Despite Distress” ANDREA MAE C. LIBO-ON

The cries are deafening It sends me a chill and fearful feeling What have gone wrong?

What made them stayed on the doom?

I cover my ears I want to stop hearing those voices When would it be gone?

I want to leave, I want to run

But alas, I can’t stand it any more I feel my courage within me grows I must listen to voices, hear the cries Open my mind to what is not in sight

What we need cannot be found on tangible things Money, power and popularity can’t satisfy our craving I must shout, I must proclaim Believing in HIM only defines glorious living…

Pathetic Apathy MA. CRISTINA V. GARCIA

You are there, just one of the spectators A person observing behind his doors Allowing the time to pass by quickly Planning to do all things so sluggishly

You are good in hiding your emotions Your dark eyes are blank and without notions Circumstances are not for you to know You prefer to sit and on status quo

Don’t you know that you are being sightless?

You are just pampering your selfishness When will you learn to become proactive?

Be a part of the solution and live

People are not gifted of reading thoughts So speak your mind now and grasp the results Life is more meaningful outside your world So cast yourself now on the Master’s mold

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Illuminare Sketch by Judy Ann E. Guilaran Photomanipulation by Quinn V. Pulohanan

SHORTSTORY

The Violin of the Phantom JUDY ANN E. GUILARAN

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A 16th century plague urged the people to transfer to the old town of Florence, Italy. After two days of travelling, the excursion steamer had been disembarked to the shore of Versilia coastline. The number of the passengers including me who survived the plague was excluded from the time we migrated. As we landed on the coastline, the start of a very unfortunate event occurred to one of the passengers, and it was my duty as a witness to uncover this unexplainable aftermath.

There was one polish family on the excursion steamer, a father, a mother, and a very ill daughter whom I met during Dutch war. The family had come to Florence to escape the plague, also, to send away their daughter and to spare her to their relative in Florence.

The silver coins they would be receiving would be spent to buy a house in London and some stocks for the incoming winter. Their relative named, Aunt Josephine, a vulgar hotel owner of a small hotel named, The Rose Pavilion, spotted near the Palazzo Vecchio, a famous coffee house in Florence.

From that day onward, the daughter who was slightly ailing for her severe illness became a servant of the hotel owned by her cruel and selfish Aunt. The beautiful pale young lady named Catherine Blaire Chevalier was either just recovering from a severe illness or else she had been infected and had various symptoms of the plague. She had been a very fine and exquisite young lady, with a curly blonde and silky hair, her eyes were blue as a serene ocean, and her skin was pale. But her condition made her naïve and brittle. She always wore long floral dresses.

In the midst of autumn, dawn of twilight, after the massive chores was done, Catherine had been intertwined to a great slumber and was interrupted by the tune of a melody that conquered her within her soul.

“Where is this creation of music come from?” Catherine said in whisper tone.

She followed the melody and found herself towards the pavilion, the core of the hotel, where the sanctuary of white roses bloomed magnificently. The air from the breeze was clear as a diamond, so smooth, so caressing, that her whole soul swung upon it into the distance of a mysterious shadow.

Little by little, she had a glimpse of a mysterious shadow upon her distance. In a blink of an eye, she saw a Romanian, rather a youthful man, playing a violin standing inside the pavilion.

She was charmed by the harmonious music of a secretive man, aside from being a violinist the man was probably an artist, judging by the portfolio beside his feet. Long black locks dropped to his shoulder, his face was so pale, and his black eyes were deeply set in their sockets. The way he dressed as if he was born during the renaissance age, so vintage.

At first, he did not recognize Catherine’s presence. But when she walked away from him, he finally noticed her.

“Who’s there? Hey you, young lady. Come out from that branch. Who permitted you to stay in my secret place?” He said to her in an angry tone.

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Illuminare “I’m sorry I was just listening and I was captivated of how you play your violin.” Catherine said.

“Would you like to come over here and listen to my music? I can teach you to play violin if you want to.” He offered.

Catherine accepted his offer and she was happy to join him. He taught her how to play violin, laughed with her in a simple gag, danced with him under the moonlight.

Catherine felt the comfort of having a friend in the most unexpected time. But she didn’t know what the young man’s name nor if there was a chance to see him tomorrow. Right at the time, Catherine wished that time would never stop for her to be with a new friend.

That night changed Catherine’s life forever.

As the sun rose on the east, Catherine yawned. Asking herself why on the earth was she doing at the attic of the hotel. She was going to do all the chores but her mind was still on the young man she met last night. For the result, she got clumsy, unfocused, and smiling alone while cooking her aunt’s breakfast.

Aunt Josephine got angry at her.

“Catherine what’s wrong with you?” Aunt Josephine asked her.

“Nothing my dear mademoiselle…but, I’m not feeling well last night.” Catherine replied to her.

“Well then beside from cleaning the hotel, you will also clean the pavilion and plant more white roses around the pavilion. Tonight…then clean again the rooms of the guests.” Aunt Josephine ordered her.

“But mademoiselle, can I take some break to get some sleep after I clean the pavilion?”

Catherine asked her Aunt Josephine.

“No you idiot. Follow as I order you what to do. Remember I owned you for a silver coins.

You owe me your useless life. Now, follow the one who save you from great despair.” Aunt Josephine said to her.

She bowed down her head while tears were falling from her lonely eyes. She walked away to her Aunt Josephine. Suddenly, Catherine realized the cruel reality of her life.

She did not deserve to have a friend nor a lover or a family of her own because she was a prisoner of her family’s ambition. Again, evening would paint the sky. As her aunt’s order, the unfortunate maiden planted the trunks of the white roses around the pavilion.

She suddenly grasped and the thorns wounded her finger when she heard again the familiar sound, the melody of the violin. She stood and was frozen as she faced the young man playing a sad song through his violin. Only for her to feel that she had a companion to lean on.

“Stop!!!!!” Catherine shouted while her tears were falling.

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The young man stopped playing and was looking on the ground with his eyes was full of grief and melancholy. He was looking on the ground walking towards Catherine.

“You’re not the only one who is in grief right now. I am too; I am more alone than you.” The young man confessed.

Catherine was shocked about the mysterious man’s confession. Tears did stop from running through her weary eyes, then guilt struck her heart.

The secretive man told Catherine about his bride, his running bride. The tale of their unending romance ended with treachery. In the day of their wedding, the bride did not appear and left a note; “I’m in love with your twin brother. I only accepted your proposal because of your wealth. I am happy to tell you that you are the most disgusting jerk I have known. I played you the whole time and your brother was the mastermind. Just try to forget me, us. I want you to set me free.”

Margaret

The mysterious guy cried out loud and then kneeled on the ground. As the rain fell from the black sky, it was like the heaven was sympathizing to the mysterious guy who felt grief. Catherine hugged the mysterious guy as tight as she could to ease the pain.

“It’s alright Mr., I am here, cry as long as you want, be free to get angry but remember to forgive.” Catherine said.

As the rain stopped, Catherine lifted the mysterious man’s feeling. From that day, Catherine admitted to herself that she was in love with him. Every night they saw each other.

The guy sketched Catherine but he didn’t finish the portrait. The guy also fell in love to the ill maiden but he didn’t admit his feelings, for only two reasons, he was afraid to love again and also, of his secret.

Every morning was a nightmare for Catherine, doing all chores in the hotel considering her ill condition because of the sleepless nights. She was a like a walking dead but unbelievably beautiful.

One day, Catherine was sweeping the elongated stairs of the living room of the hotel. Its center was a huge shining diamond chandelier. One old lady sitting on a wheelchair caught Catherine’s attention. The old lady was staring the pavilion of white roses.

“Good day mademoiselle, are you comfortable staying in our hotel?” Catherine asked the old lady courteously.

“Yes little girl, I always visit this hotel before the spring comes.” The old lady replied.

“May I know the reason mademoiselle?” Catherine asked.

The old lady was about to say the reason but Aunt Josephine pulled the strands of Catherine’s hair.

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Illuminare “You idiot don’t disturb my precious costumer, just do your work and don’t irritate her.” Aunt Josephine scolded her.

Night was about to come and Catherine was very excited to see her one and only love.

The sketch of mysterious man was about to finish. Catherine was so excited to see the outcome of her portrait. The mysterious man didn’t let Catherine see the portrait, but instead he lent Catherine his violin and their night was spent together in laughter and happiness. Catherine was playing the violin, suddenly; the mysterious man kneeled on the ground.

“Miss Catherine Blaire Chevalier, you who open my heart to love again, you who encourage me, you who give me another life, you are the one I have been waiting for a long time. Miss Catherine Blaire Chevalier will spend your life with me? Will you marry me?” The mysterious guy proposed.

Catherine was astonished of the mysterious guy’s proposal. She was speechless.

“I understand if you will not answer. I’ve waited for you so many years. I will wait for you tomorrow evening if it is okay?” The mysterious guy said while smiling

The mysterious guy walked away to Catherine. Without saying goodbye, He was looking downward grinning. Catherine didn’t know that ‘evening’ would be the last evening for her to see the mysterious guy.

Morning came. Catherine was excited for the evening. She was excited to tell the mysterious guy about her feelings. Catherine was singing and dancing in the pavilion. She noticed the blooming of a white rose inside. She was picking the rose and suddenly, a loud familiar voice echoed.

“There she is, the lunatic, seize her!!!” Aunt Josephine ordered the two gentlemen from the asylum.

They seized Catherine. She tried to escape but she was forced to wear a straight jacket used for mentally-ill persons.

“Mademoiselle what’s this? What is this all about? Catherine asked Aunt Josephine struggling.

“You are crazy you must be placed in the asylum.” Aunt Josephine said.

“I’m not crazy I swear mademoiselle. Please release me. I have an important appointment this evening. Please release me.” Catherine pleaded.

“Liar!!! I see you every evening; you are talking alone at the pavilion. You are lunatic.” Aunt Josephine accused her.

“What are you saying mademoiselle? I am with my friend every evening. He is playing a violin and sketching me the whole time at the pavilion.” Catherine replied.

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Catherine was placed in an asylum. The doctor speculated that the cause of Catherine’s insanity is from the plague and misery. She tried to escape from the asylum that night but she did not succeed. Her attempts were futile.

Years passed and spring was about to end, Catherine was still inside the asylum.

Until one day, she had been released and escorted to the hotel. Catherine was shocked to find out that her Aunt Josephine was dead. Doctors said she died in a heart attack. Her last wish was to release Catherine in the asylum. Catherine did not bother to visit her Aunt Josephine’s grave. She was at last free from being a prisoner. Evening was about to come to Florence, Catherine was still hoping to see that mysterious guy, again. Suddenly, the old lady on the wheel chair she once met appeared to her.

“Condolence my child. Your words marked my mind from the day you were put into the asylum until today. The guy with a violin, does he have a sketchpad?” The old lady asked her.

“Yes, madam, he has a sketchpad.” Catherine answered.

“Do you know his name, child?’ The old lady asked her again.

“No, madam, I don’t know his name.” Catherine replied.

“Oh I see, very well then maybe I was wrong.” The old lady concluded.

Catherine did not completely understand what the old lady was speaking.

The old lady stood from her wheel chair. But as the wind blew, she fell to her wheelchair. Catherine was frightened not just because of the old lady’s suspicious action, but the picture of the mysterious guy from the wallet of the old lady. She assisted the old lady to stand up and later Catherine asked the old lady.

“Madam, why do you have the picture of my lover?”

‘What are you talking about, my child?” The old lady asked nervously.

“The mysterious guy I was talking about madam was my only friend and my lover. Why do you have his picture in your wallet, madam? Is he your relative?” Catherine asked her.

“Child this picture was taken during 1527. he was my groom to be.” The old lady answered.

“What? I’ve met him and his age was 17 years old. He proposed to me.” Catherine said.

“Impossible… he died the day of our wedding.” The old lady said.

“Madam is your name, Margaret?” Catherine confirmed.

“Yes child, Margaret is my name, Margaret Brown.”

Catherine didn’t understand what was really happening but she tried to comprehend the situation. She asked the old lady about what happened. The old lady said that she was been abducted by the mysterious guy’s twin brother. She was forced not to attend the wedding.

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Illuminare His twin brother made the mysterious guy believe that she betrayed him. Margaret was kept away by the twin brother’s mansion in Venice, Italy. One day, The twin brother reported her about the mysterious guy’s death the night of their wedding. He committed a suicide. She cried while the twin brother was laughing devilishly.

“He died without knowing the truth.” The old lady said.

After that, the old lady led Catherine to the cemetery where the mysterious guy was buried. Catherine found out the mysterious guy’s name:

R.I.P Tristan Daniel Valdibvridge Born: April 13, 1510 Died: November 18, 1527

Catherine found out that the hotel owned by Aunt Josephine was the former family mansion of the Valdibvridge family. After the said wedding, Tristan made his suicide inside the pavilion. His blood flowed to the ground and sprang out white roses. After 72 years, Tristan’s soul was not yet in peace.

Catherine became upset of the unexplainable event and after one week Catherine decided to leave the hotel, The Rose Pavilion, where all of her dreams came true and also this hotel changed her life forever. Before she left, she slept in one room of he hotel.

She was on her bed, in her dreams, she saw Tristan inside the pavilion. Tristan played the violin under the moonlight. They danced inside the pavilion. He gave the selfportrait to her. Tristan proposed again to Catherine and this time she accepted his proposal.

They had kissed but Tristan disappeared completely. Catherine woke up crying, knowing that she wouldn’t see Tristan forever. She shrieked out in fright. She was horrified when a folded paper appeared beside her. She knew that her dream was not a normal dream. When she opened the paper, she saw herself, sketched in a crayon with her eyes closed and a wreath of myrtle on her brow. She held Tristan’s hand while the other embraced the violin, the symbol of their love.

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-end

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UNDEFEATED DALE RICHMOND L. CHU

Did you hear my voice?

Calling out your name That it seemed I walked in this lonely road once again.

For many times, I wandered around, To a wilderness that would never be found.

Just like the wind that was passing through.

My time wasted and my efforts denied.

It was a struggle not for survival, But to renew my strength and realize, Where I really meant to be, Day and night, Consequences rendered their vengeance, Still I have to go on.

Even it would be rough and hard to hold on.

Life didn’t matter much, things were never easy.

Shrouded by darkness and anxiety.

Yet now, I’m beginning to rise Facing a new horizon, And believe for something for more.

For as I look up to the sky, Unraveling the things inside my mind for so long.

It made me realize, Though troubles and pain may be present everywhere.

People can always choose to live Because there is nothing worth losing We always have a chance to make it right.

Standing still in patience and taking courage, Even under the pressure of circumstances and hindrances.

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WRONG BEGINNING MARK JOSEPH E. ROBLES Ang puno’t dulo ng lahat ng ‘to, Maling pag-unawa ng isip mo!

Bakit ito na lang ba ang natira?

Wala na bang maisip na iba?

‘Di lang ikaw ang nahihirapan!

‘Di lang ikaw ang nagdurusa ngayon diyan.

Anong akala mo sa paligid mo?

Mga estatwa’t, may pusong bato?

Mag-isip ka nga?

‘Di ‘yong puro ka bunganga.

Buksan mo ang mga mata mo, Iyong makikita, kay ganda ng mundo.

Buti na lang ‘di ka natulad sa iba Buhay mo’y binigyan pa ng pag-asa.

Paano kung kinuha ka na?

Ang lahat ng ito ba’y mababago mo pa?

Ang buhay natin ay isang milagro Sana naman, pahalagahan mo.

Para naman ang mga taong nagmamahal sayo, Maging masaya at malaya na sa gulo.

Travelled Path ANDREA MAE C. LIBO-ON

A long winding road With so many wonders to behold I start to journey alone One step at a time, then on and on

Then I encountered twists and turns Crossroads but never U-turns And I continue all along Turning back is never my option

There were easy road Also the rocky ones Doubts and fears confuse my mind Will I reach a destination before my time?

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But as I look at the treasures I’ve found From the roads where I’d come It was more than I could ask The road of my life is worth taking again and again.

Illuminare

Photography by RITZY R. MALO-OY

Oslo, Norway. The Slottet Royal Palace was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of King Charles III who also reigned as king of Sweden and otherwise resided there, and is the official residence of the present Norwegian monarch. The crown prince resides at Skaugum in Asker west of Oslo. The palace has 173 rooms.

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Illustration by Quinn V. Pulohanan

Illuminare

SHORTSTORY

Touching the Sky QUINN V. PULOHANAN

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Illuminare A series of loud knocks pounded at my door. I sluggishly lifted my head and glanced at the stillbeeping alarm clock at the drawer on my left. It was 6:22 AM, and just about the time that I usually wake up.

“Stephen! Get up! You’ll be late!” Came a voice from behind the door. Well, that’s my cue. My name is Stephen Tan Elfa. I’m just your shamefully average sophomore. Who was the person yelling behind my door at this time of the day you ask? That was mom and her morning rollcall that she never seemed to get tired of. Paired with the usual honking of car horns, the barking of local vendors that could be heard from my lonely window, and my ma’s constant nagging, all of these has become somewhat of a daily routine for me.

After cleaning myself I changed into my school uniform then ran down through the creaky wooden stairs of our old Spanish-style home. There I found our humble family all gathered around the table eating breakfast, absorbed by their own busy matters, while listening to some chatter from the radio. I only took a few spoonfuls of rice and some pinakbet before I excused myself and took my leave for school.

Jeepney drivers. Barkers. Sorbetes carts. Street vendors. Aimless bystanders. Hurrying businessmen.

These were all part of the common rabble that made up our society, and I sincerely hope I will get to see something different for a change. Not that I’m complaining, but my life has been frankly monotonous all these past seventeen years. Every time something big happened like fiestas I will get so excited out of my wits, but sadly, even those seem to be controlled and regulated nowadays. Sometimes, I’m starting to think some dark government conspiracy is out there trying to make my life as boring and so ‘not fun’ as much as possible.

I idly stood by the nearby bus stop, clutching my back pack around my shoulder, waiting for my ride towards my school that was three kilometers away. I whistled with the gentle swaying summer breeze, drifting away green leaves and my hopes of being lifted from this cage of boredom.

Our high school was lively today, it wasn’t like these past few years and I’ll admit I was taken by quite some surprise. There were lots of new faces bustling in and out of campus, but I thought to myself that it was probably just because of some new education plan by the school director.

The school had been booming with regards to enrollees but I think all this fuss will slow down inevitably.

But nonetheless, I was definitely curious to see the new students and what they would be like, so I raced towards class. Our classroom was on the second floor and at the far left of the long winding corridor. When I arrived, homeroom had just started and luckily, I managed to bag myself a nice seat at the fourth row at the back. It was conveniently near the window where you could gaze at the school yard and doze off unnoticed when the teacher was delving too much on boring stuff like maths and classical literature.

So I made myself comfortable with my new ‘throne’ for the rest of the school year and immediately found myself glancing blissfully outside.

“What is this feeling?” I pondered. I wasn’t sure but my gut was acting up. Something about the atmosphere around me felt weird. It felt so…tense.

However, I wasn’t just about to let my hopes too high. All these years had me quite a bit cynical about change, and I wasn’t just about to let my guard off. Too much expectations were hazardous and I couldn’t let myself fall in that mistake ever again.

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Illuminare Our homeroom teacher was Mr. Dandy Suarez, the Arts teacher. Even though he was 61 years old, Mr. Suarez was very eccentric and quirky. The guy was everything you could expect from a person teaching how to make Picasso-esque art out of peeled bananas and mushed turnips. He started calling us one by one for a typical class introduction. So far all of the people here were my old class mates, so I thought the whole process was pretty much needless. We have been classmates since grade school, and trust me- I think we know each other a little too well.

When it was my turn to introduce myself I didn’t even bother trying to make an impression, but instead did it in my dullest tone possible. I was kind of disappointed that there was no new student that showed up so I just wanted everything to pass as quickly as possible.

I fell back to my chair with a sigh, until I realized it wasn’t over yet. Mr. Suarez stood straight then threw his glance at the door.

“My dear. Please come in now.” He called out. I held my breath.

Slowly, as if time had momentarily paused to a brief halt, ‘she’ entered the room.

It was a girl, looking no older than anyone of us. She had a small, delicate frame and short frisky pale blue hair that hugged the sides of her face. Her skin was untarnished like the finest ivory and seemed impeccably soft. Her large sharp eyes were a mesmerizing hue of golden yellow and her lips were a faint color of pink.

Even though it was dab in the middle June, she was wearing white winter clothes, adorned by expensive looking fur trims.

In a very soft and demure voice, she introduced herself as “Mir Pravda.”

Immediately you could feel that the entire class was enthralled by her presence, but not as much as the great astonishment that I felt. Whispers spread around like wild fire and everyone couldn’t get enough of her.

However, I was more worried of the fact that she was too different. Everyone was satisfied enough that she was a foreigner. But she looked far too outlandish to even be a slightest parody of some nation’s stereotype. The more I stared at her, the lesser she became human. She was too flawless to be considered one.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to take my eyes off her and keep my thoughts to myself. In my surprise, the odd girl named Mir took an empty seat behind me. I tried to greet her, but all I could pull off was a very awkward smile while beads of sweat trickled down my shivering face.

She didn’t speak, but just peered back at me with an uncomfortable, robotic gaze.

That marked the strangest homeroom of my life. But, for some reason, I felt happy and excited at the same time.

Quite few weeks had passed since I met Mir. She turned out to be quite the achiever, easily topping academic challenges and even dominating the field of sports without even trying. She had a very odd way of learning; she would just glance at any given subject and the next minute she’d completely understand the inside and out of it like she had hi-tech scanners built-in her eyes.

But before I’d give up and rely purely on my inner sci-fi knowledge, I did on many occasions try to converse with her like any normal human being. However, much to my chagrin, all she did was give me a cold, unemotional stare coupled with some nods and finger pointing.

Everything was pretty static between us until one dry afternoon; I decided to chill myself up on the school’s open roof top.

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With a small box of orange juice on my hand, I took a quick sip and flung my tired body at the roof’s wire fence. This place was very special to me. It was my own private ‘enclosure’. I had always dreamed of being up here and with something extraordinary happening, but until then I thought to myself jokingly that I would hold on to this small box of cheap juice.

Suddenly, I noticed that I wasn’t alone.

Standing a few meters away, Mir was glancing at the students playing volleyball at the school grounds. She greeted me with a soft “Hello”, but I felt a certain amount of sadness in her eyes.

She silently stood there without speaking a word, until she puzzled me by saying that she was here because of me. I couldn’t perfectly understand her since she was talking about heavy technical-sounding terms, but she was working for an ‘Overmind Administrator’. I then learned that Mir Ekaterina Pravda was in fact something akin to an alien, though very different to the ones we saw in movies.

She was, according to her confusing explanations, a “Purger Entity” tasked to protect the Cielsphere Server from dangerous rogue data entities. I guess in simpler terms, you could call Mir a anti-virus program with a body and a consciousness- and that virus she was sent to eliminate was me. It seemed my very existence was threatening the very fiber of reality due to my utter and abnormal normality.

I couldn’t take her seriously but I didn’t intervene and let her continue. Her emotionless voice suddenly gained a hint of sorrow and sincerity.

“I have been watching the entity known as Stephen Elfa since its conception and I have been curious on how relatively normal it lives. This entity lived a life devoid of all the troubles that plagued its predecessors…And yet it yearned to be different. Why is that?”

I slowly responded, with my face hung low. “Because…This entity you call Stephen Elfa, wants to enjoy his life living and experiencing how a man ought to have lived.”

“Isn’t being simply you…enough of a reason to live?” Mir responded.

“You don’t understand!” Suddenly I found myself shouting at her. I didn’t mean to, but I guess I wanted to share this pain to someone else all this time.

“I-I’m sorry, Mir. That was uncalled for…”

Mir didn’t answer, but I saw quick flash shine through her eyes, then she stared unto a nearby radio tower adjacent to the school. She gazed into the distance for several seconds then spoke.

“Be warned, Stephen Elfa. There are others sent to accomplish my mission. If you want more answers, meet me at this location at 1800 hours.”

And just like that, she vanished with the wind. It didn’t faze me, for I knew things were going to get even crazier by then.

I left home just after supper. I explained to my parents that we had a big rehearsal for a play tomorrow and I’ll be back around nine in the evening. Of course, mother almost did not allow me since our school was three kilometers away and by the time I’d be coming back there might be no jeepneys passing by our street. But it was fortunate that Pa understood my plight and eventually won the argument with Ma. When I arrived at the campus grounds, everything was completely silent. The school guard was sleeping in his post, not caring about a thing in the world, which made me wonder if the security agency even bothered training these guys. I snuck past him and hastily climbed up the low fence, and before I knew, I was at the main yard.

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Illuminare Slowly, my pace quickened until my ears caught sharp metallic rustling amidst the blanket of evening fog. The sound felt like ligaments of metal and chain links clashing together under some weight, moving closer and closer to me. I felt nervous that who or what it might be, I didn’t have anything to defend myself.

“Who’s there?!” I shouted. Though I wish I didn’t. It was a stupid thing to do. But then, my mind was not in the very least sane.

“Ahahaha~” Came a gentle chuckle from the darkness. The voice had a very classy, feminine tone.

“You look so hopeless.” The voice added.

Finally she revealed herself. She was clad in great steel plates, making her resemble like some European Knight. Her shoulder armor were topped by two miniature lion heads and her red ornate breast plate had words written in cursive saying Deus Ex Machina. She also wore a long tartan skirt that brushed against the ground with a side slit revealing her right thigh and her sleek armored leg. She had long curly blonde hair and possessed the same immaculate flawlessness as Mir. “You…You are one of them?” I boldly asked the mysterious figure.

She smiled then gave a short bow.

“Let me introduce myself, young man. I am known as Unit Interface-239, but please refer to me as Charlotte Le Fragrach.” Her voice was strangely soothing. It felt very calm and gentle. “…I am sure, UI-199 had already explained to you why I am here.” Suddenly Charlotte said as her motherly visage vacated her face and I could only feel deathly coldness. Her saggy, carefree eyes turned a grim shade of grey. Her comforting smile became a soulless smirk.

I wanted to run away at that moment, but my legs failed me. I was frightened stiff.

“Mystic Code…Calamity Edge//cchMod.exe…

Initiating. Secondary restrictions lifted.” Charlotte said; her voice was robotic like a computer.

A strong gust of wind raged wildly around her, kicking up huge dust storms in its wake. Then I could see bright sparks of light piecing up together in a straight line from her right hand. The luminous shower bathed her arm, but for brief second, I saw what was hidden in her grasp. It was a sword- a very beautiful sword. The hilt was dark red and it was shaped like dragon, with its stretched wings serving as the cross-guard. The blade itself was elegantly carved into perfection and had otherworldly rune-like markings etched unto the flat side of the sword.

“RELEASE!” She shouted, her voice boomed with resonating power.

A massive blast of white energy came out from the blade, causing the very air caught in its trajectory to crystallize and subsequently shatter in a loud combustion. I barely dodged the destructive beam but the explosion hurled me off the ground and threw me about eight feet away. I scampered away; disregarding the numbing pain at my back and my arm was probably broken. Escaping was the only thing on my mind right at that time. There was no way a normal person could have survived that. I guess, as Mir put it, I was ‘too’ normal for such things.

But at that moment, it wasn’t the time to celebrate my luck. Her blade soon fell upon me with speeds I couldn’t comprehend. Again, I barely dodged away from her weapon as it sank against the ground with enough force to rattle the very soil. She pulled it out swiftly then sent a horizontal slash at my direction. Granted, it did miss my chest by a few inches but it was still enough to tear open my shirt.

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Illuminare The sheer power behind the velocity of the swing felt like I got hit by a bull. I staggered away, coughing violently while trying desperately to gasp for air. The blow almost broke my ribs and would have even crushed my lungs and had it been a few millimeters too close. I fell to my knees, wrecked and in a pitiful state. She stood behind me, perhaps disgusted of my weakness.

I heard the sound of her lifting her sword once more, but this time I had a plan, albeit a cowardly one. Just as the weapon was way above her, ready to brandish and cut my head, I quickly turned around and threw dirt at her face. It was a cheap tactic I didn’t expect to work, but oddly enough, it did.

It bought me enough time to gather my breath and ran towards the main building. I had a faint hope that Mir might still be waiting for me at the roof top. It was a huge stretch, but I was willing to believe in anything right now.

But it did not take long before I could hear the familiar heavy, metallic footsteps trailing behind me. I was already at the third floor, about to open the door to the fire exit, when I felt Charlotte’s tight grip clutch me by the head and then she lifted me with one hand. She was about to thrust her sword through my chest, when I heard something near us was cracking. It sounded similar to the breaking of glass, but I couldn’t believe my eyes when I realized that it was the air itself that was shattering apart.

I witnessed how a locomotive magically came out of nowhere. Yes, a locomotive train of all things.

The steam engine rammed Charlotte until the train smashed her through the end of the corridor.

I heard a loud crash as both Charlotte and the machine hit the bottom.

All events happened before me were too sudden, I lost track of time and found myself atop the roof top. This time, Mir was with me.

“I am very sorry. She caught me before I could reach you. She took me by surprise and quickly defeated me, scattering my atoms all throughout eighteen dimensions…It was quite a miracle that I managed to reform myself so quickly.” Mir said in a very apologetic tone. I could see in her eyes that she had been blaming herself for all these.

“But…What matters is that you’re here right? Everything’s going to be fine right?” I asked, hoping for some reassurance from this alien girl…this alien girl who brought me a weird feeling of comfort.

“That I cannot guarantee…”Mir shook her head. “But I won’t let Charlotte go near you.” She added. This time, her voice felt full of courage and determination.

“My, my~…How bold of you Mir-dear.”

The voice came from Charlotte, who standing by the roof ledge. Despite being run over by a train, it did little to nothing but slow Charlotte down, judging from the clear lack of scratches or scars on her. She raised her hand and another weapon formed in the air. The night winds howled and screamed as red energies poured into her hand, and out sprouted a long crimson lance.

“FOMALHAUT: The Silver Chariot!” Shouted Mir as her eyes widened with alarm at the sight; immediately a silver revolver appeared at her hand using her own reality-warping powers.

“GUNGNIR.” Commanded Charlotte. I simply blinked and suddenly I found, to my horror, that Mir had been impaled by the bloody spear through her chest. Next came a loud, and powerful bang.

It was a difference of milliseconds, but it seemed speed did not determine the victor of this battle.

Mir fell to the ground as she agonizingly pulled out the lance from her body. Her winter coat was stained in deep red. However, her opponent Charlotte, only had smoldering fumes coming up from between her shoulders where her head was supposed to be. Slowly, her headless body disintegrated then fell from the rooftop until it was no more.

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Illuminare I rushed over to the pained Mir and held her up.

“Interesting…I don’t normally feel pain. But why do I feel it just now?” She mused, as blood dripped from her pink lips. Her face, despite this, retained is doll-like purity.

“Mir! Hang in there! Wait…I’ll call an ambulance! Hang in there!” I panicked.

She held my hand, signaling that she didn’t want me to go, and then gave a careful look on my face. I blushed at her sudden gesture, but interestingly, it was just then when I realized how pretty she was. Before, I thought of her as a superhuman that was too out of our league, but to see her in this state, she only wanted to be treated normally. It must had been why she was so curious of me.

“It’s no use…One cannot regenerate once being hit by the cursed lance Gungnir…” Mir weakly whispered. Her voice wavered as the once vivid glow of her golden eyes turned into a sad shade of yellow.

“But there must be something we can do!” I exclaimed.

“Listen to her, young man. You’d know better” Came a chillingly familiar voice from behind- a voice that shouldn’t be there.

It was Charlotte again, comfortably sitting atop a nearby ventilation fan. I had no idea how she survived after getting her head was blown off by Mir’s gun, but there were more grave matters I was worried about.

“Hey you!...Please..Save Mir!” I didn’t know what came over me to say that when felt I had a sudden boost of courage. I found myself desperately pleading at this figure that had just attempted to kill me earlier.

“And why do you care, human? She is just a disposable entity made up of physical data. The Overmind Administrator can just replace her.” Charlotte said as her voice was cold and harsh. “…I may not understand whatever is happening right now or do I care for an Overmind Administrator…But Mir needs help right now! I am the one you wanted anyway!” My eyes suddenly felt heavy. I couldn’t bear to glance at Mir’s suffering. It’s funny how I just met her, and somehow I felt connected to her just then. I guess this person filled the gap of that void in me.

Her entire existence suddenly balanced how impossibly normal my life was. Come to think of it, the moment she came to me everything had turned into a living paradox.

“Charlotte. Please save her.” I commanded her.

Suddenly, the blonde haired knight’s eyes glowed brightly and I just found myself falling unto the ground at that instant. There was no pain. I just heard a swift, sharp sound of slashing steel. It took several seconds for me to realize I that both my legs had been sliced off my thighs. I fell to the ground with an awful splattering sound; a pool of crimson painted the cemented roof floor. I gritted my teeth as I slowly succumbed to the pain, but then my gaze accidentally turned to Mir who was also staring at me with a pained and worried face. She didn’t worry about her damaged self, but to me.

Angered with what Charlotte had done to her, I disregarded my oozing wounds and crawled back up using whatever strength was left in my arms. I crawled towards the person so callously sipping tea while we were down and broken.

“Char..lotte. Heal…Mir…Right…Now…I…beg you.”

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Illuminare “Ahaha~” Charlotte chuckled. “I could just squash you right now, but this has been so entertaining.”

She said.

Without warning she impaled her sword through my back. I gave out a loud cry of pain as she twisted the blade still lodged in my abdomen. Still, I forced myself to reach her, managing to clutch at her heels and beg once more.

“Sa..ve…Mir. Give her…back..to…me” I could barely hear myself. My pounding heartbeat clogged my ears; my mind was getting numb.

“You’re very persistent, aren’t you?” The annoyed Charlotte twisted the blade even further, but my mouth was too weak to voice out another cry. I just laid there still clutching her foot. “…Stop it.” A weak voice came. “Please.” “…Mir?” I thought.

“My~…You’re still functioning? I never thought something so obsolete and outdated would still function for so long after being stabbed by Gungnir.” Sneered Charlotte.

A great burst of light suddenly shot out from Mir. The mighty spiraling pillar of energies climbed and climbed upward until it pierced the heavens, parting the clusters of clouds gathered above.

Then, a number of holographic squares written with unreadable texts, which I assumed were program codes, started popping before Mir. The letters glowed a strange spectrum of colors.

Bold, thick words were etched upon one of the panels saying “SYSTEM.//REBOOT:ArSpher e.Method EXTRACTING.cmd” “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Charlotte’s cool composure quickly shattered and devolved into a panicked state. “How did she hack into the Administrator’s power? Impossible!” She uttered to herself as distraught and fear distorted her face. She bit her lip so hard it started to bled.

“You will erase everything!” Charlotte screamed. She projected several ghostly swords beside her and rained them upon Mir like a storm of arrows, but all of it vanished into bits of raw data before they even touched the latter.

“Why you little brat-!” Charlotte pulled out a second Gungnir using her reality-warping magic but before the weapon could finish manifesting itself, her body broke down into pieces of binary code.

“MIIIIIIRRRRR!!!” Her voice echoed with seething hate as her face cracked apart and eventually dissolved into nothingness.

Even though I could feel consciousness slipping away, I saw the night sky quickly vanishing into patches of blackness. The world around us was dissipating and crumbling.

“This is the end huh?” I smiled. My last glimpses were of a column of surging light and a girl glancing at me with a similar smile on her face.

The rest of my memory then faded out into oblivion.

“STEPHEN! What’s the matter with you! You’ll be late for school!” A voice boomed. I weakly opened by my eyes, and to my surprise I was back at my bed.

“I’m…still alive.” I pondered and looked around. I tried to open and close my hands to check that I wasn’t just dreaming. I hopped off my bed then found myself back at the normal flow of things.

Everything was back to the way it was. For some reason, I felt an emptiness inside me.

Finally, the bell rang. It was recess. Students from every classroom poured out into the hallway with glee and excitement.

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Illuminare Then I remembered someone. It was an azure haired girl. She had beautiful golden eyes but was extremely shy. I bit my lip then trudged up the school rooftop sipping the same orange juice I had every day after class. “Perhaps…it was all just a dream.” I mused with a slight tinge of sadness.

I rested myself upon the iron fence and tried to remember the fateful events that sparked on this very spot. A single tear slowly trickled down my eye despite how I struggled not to get emotional.

Suddenly a strong wind blew and the juice box flew out of my hand. I chased after it as the wind drifted it away to the opposite end of the rooftop.

I was about to pick it up when I noticed someone sitting in front of me.

“Oh sorry! I didn’t see you there.” I awkwardly apologized until I saw her reading a book entitled “The Great Exotic Cuisines of the World”. Crystalline yellow eyes peeked out of the book and met my gaze.

I couldn’t help but smiled at that familiar face.

“Welcome back.” I happily said to her.

FIN-------Notes: ”Overmind Administrator”- It is a meta-physical entity that exists outside reality. It is programmed to record every data past, present and future. It maintains the balance of the universe and perceives everything as manipulable data that can be created or deleted. ”Cielsphere Server”- A massive network of countless data. It frequently lapses between the boundaries of truth and falsehood. To some, it is also the very universe we live in but humans are not capable of seeing beyond this illusion.

“Purger Entity”- They are data interfaces that seek out ‘viruses’ in the system. Originally, they have no form but will change their appearance based on their preferences. They work very discreetly and are the reasons for most of the sudden changes in human history. ”Deus Ex Machina”- It is Latin for “God out of the machine”. A literary device used to describe poorly explained or otherwise overblown solutions to a conflict. The origin of the term has its roots on Greek theater, where gods would inexplicably appear and solve a problem. The word appears in the story, though as a mere reference and is not used according to its proper usage.

It is though, a jab at Charlotte’s sudden appearance, how doesn’t die indefinitely, and how she continued to ‘intervene’ in her attempts to solve the conflict. She was only completely erased when Mir hacked into the Server’s database and reprogrammed everything.

Mir’s full name, Mir Pravda, roughly translates to “Hopeful Truth” in Russian.

“Gungnir”- It is the name of the fabled spear of the Norse’s chief deity Odin. It is said that it never misses its target and will always inflict a fatal wound to its victim. The Gungnir used by Charlotte is not the exact spear, but a mere replication.

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