The Majarlican Demigod

Suspicions

The Majarlican Demigod

Chapter 13: Suspicions

"For your homework, you will submit your own illustration of Kingdom Majarlika’s map, complete with the name of each place and its capital city." Maestro Thomas ended— our teacher in geography. "And let me remind you that you need to go to the TNGY club room for a meeting. See you tomorrow," and took his things with him.

That was our last subject for today, and it's time to go to the club room. I packed my things and went outside with Talia, Hans, and Rupert. The clubroom is across from our homeroom.

There were group of seniors that arrived before us who seated at the back. We took the seat near the Chief’s table.

"Hi, youngster!" Chalcedony greeted, "Our today's agenda is for our very first project. It's going to be a huge one because we are going to the forgotten village of Centralis." Chief said.

Chalcedony speaks of the Forgotten Village. The people in this place were not dressed like us, and the children were running. Some have footwear, some don't. The house is smaller than ours, so they do not have gates. In my vision, there are two or three wells that people go to get water, and also, the fish port is nearby. I never thought that Kingdom Majarlika had a place like that.

"By weekend, we will go there together. There will be carriages for us to get there. We will get back here within the day," Chief added. "Those people with the super strength, teleporters, and the rest of those who can carry heavy stuff will go with Vice Florentius. Then we will let those guys who can multiply themselves to be with my group in the feeding program.”

Saphrias added, “Our first charity project should be able to inspire you to make a better law that will benefit all those who are lesser fortunate than us. We are here for our literal powers to grow and our political power to be used for a better world. Remember that our goal is to make a better world for everyone, not for few."

A better world for everyone, not for a few--that mark on me. How many people could start sincere but end up being sincerely wrong? Will I be able to keep being good?

"For those who have practiced for their groups for another club, don't worry. I only have a few words to say," Chalcedony said, eyeing those who kept on looking at the door, "Our meeting place will be on the bench park, 7 in the morning sharp. Bring your own water jug. What to wear? The girls do not have much choice, but please choose a dress that has short sleeves and wear a hat. For the guys, please wear your combat wardrobe. No one should be late. Are we clear?" she asked.

"Yes, Chief!" an answer in chorus.

"Meeting adjourned, guys!" she said.

The seniors went out first. They seemed to be looking down at us for an unknown reason. My headaches again, and I hear the deafening sound again. I have to stop walking. Here comes the vision from the past. These seniors were the people who would not be able to make it to this first project.

"Althea!" I hear Kori's voice.

I was able to regain the strength to stand straight and face her.

"Ally, you need to see a Medicus," Hans holding me by my forearm, but I was able to stand firm again, "No, I'm ok."

"Ally, a word please," Kori said with the a straight face.

I walked towards her, and slowly, we stepped inside the next room. She gazes at me. I felt a shiver from the inside.

"I know why your head is aching, Ally." she sounded dead serious. Of course, she can read my eyes. I can only exchange looks with her, "You are having vision of the future, but how? You’re a kinesthetic, Ally. Tell me, how did you have crossover skills?"

I can hardly run my mouth. "Kori..."

I’m on the dead end, and I can only admit the truth. Kori and I have a tight bond and it is not that I do not trust her, but my life would be on line.

I looked down and took a deep breath, "My mom is not a mutant," I muttered.

Kori doesn’t seem to be shocked, "What are you?"

"Don't despise me, Kori." I tried to calm her down. "My mom is a goddess," my heartbeat went faster.

Kori was speechless and from the look on her face, it seems a lot makes sense now.

The room was silent than ever before.

"Maestra Kornalina," a voice called from the door outside.

It is Brighton Salazaria.

Kori looked at him, and suddenly, she lost her facial expression and walked towards Brighton. They are using telepathy—and I cannot seem to get through. They stayed like that for a minute.

Brighton left after that talk, and Kori called me to her with a different face.

"It's ok, Ally. I understand." she said, smiling at me.

We left that room with a lot of questions going through my head. She walked me to the dorm. Silent with no trace of confusion. In fact, she was smiling, looking around. She even clings to my forearm. I'm nervous that she might bring something up again.

Finally, we reached my room, so I let her in.

"I just really wanted to walk you here, Ally. Don't worry, whatever you told me in that room will remain secret between us." She told me.

"Kori?" I frowned. "You're confusing me. You were upset earlier and now you’re smiling it away."

"Don't worry, Ally. I'm ok. Let's just forget about that. I won't let anyone know about what you've said," she looks weird, "Bye! Set your alarm for dinner."

I watch Kori walk away, smiling like crazy. I followed her discreetly to see if there would be a change in the way she walked. She's finally gone from my sight. I was standing behind a post.

"Lady Althea!" Brighton came to me.

This guy must've bewitched Kori.

"What did you do to Kori?" I asked him.

"Why are you telling her the secret?" he asked back.

"Answer my question first! What did you do to Kori?" I demand an explanation.

“You just told her what your mother is! You suppose to keep that until you defeat Artes." He is almost shouting at me.

"How did you... Why do you know that thing? Do you know Grimreaper too?" I asked.

"I don't have to explain myself to you, Althea. You know what you are supposed to do. Keep your little secret no matter what, and focus on defeating Artes. He's here for your information, and you're running out of time. His vessel is ready and is better this time."

I’m bombarded. Brighton Salazaria is telling me what Grimreaper said.

"You're not the celestial guardian. Are you?" I almost chuckled in sarcasm.

Brighton did not respond.

"Brighton, Ally?" Hans and Talia were watching us.

"Is that the staring game you two are playing? I didn't really count but maybe for 2 minutes." Hans said.

I looked at Brighton furiously. "He bewitched my cousin!"

He tucked his hands into his pocket, "Don't try to intimidate me with your position like you did to Councilor Kadeen, Lady Althea." he looked over his shoulders, "It's a baseless accusation that I bewitched your cousin. Show me proof and start persecuting."

"Woah, Woah, Woah!" Talia tried to get between us, "Do not shout here."

"Huh?" we've been... Wait. "So, you do not hear our conversation?" I muttered.

“You're delusional, Althea." Brighton left.

"What do you mean 'not’ hearing you'?" Hans asked, "You're gazing at each other. If looks could kill, well maybe, you two are dead."

"So you guys are having a secret conversation?" Talia commented. "Hmm..."

"We're not having a secret conversation. He's using telepathy on me." I defended myself. "He must have controlled my movement."

"Brighton must be very bright to be able to develop skills that fast," Talia said.

She's right. But my brain is telling me something else, that Artes might be Brighton. If he's not a demigod, then why he's not dead in my vision?

This is getting out of hand.

I will find out who he is, but how will I be able to? Ah! He had brothers who were younger than us. I ran to my room and got my pen and notebook. A plan came up to me: First, I need to find Artes and study him. Then, review all those who will show signs of being Artes. Third, look for my guardian. I will start by asking Rupert. He might not be the guardian, but it's better to confirm than to assume.

I rolled in my blanket and stared at the sky from the balcony. My upper and lower lashes hugged. The surrounding turns black again. The next thing I hear is the alarm. I fished it beside my bed without removing the blanket from me. I tried my best to open my left eye. It's...

Oh no!

I overslept!

I jumped out of bed when I saw that it was six in the morning already and heard my grumpy stomach protesting on me. How can someone miss dinner? By doing the same drill, I will take a bath and have breakfast.

Some people at our first dinner shared the same table, but this time, I had Rupert beside me, and I am sitting across Brighton Salazaria.

"I heard that a demigod is among us." Zera Foster tells the Pandoras and Ninna's crew.

I discreetly choked on that.

"He must've possessed one of the student's bodies already," Randall replied to Zera.

"I heard a rumor that he's working in the council," Zera said.

Most of us glanced at Brighton, and he didn't seem to care about it. Then he stared at me.

"What do you think, Lady Althea?" Brighton asked, slyly smiling, "I wonder how many demigods are here."

My face can't help but look furious.

"Brother," Brighton’s younger brother tried stopping him.

“I am not doing anything wrong, Indigo. I'm just asking the Lady of West about her thoughts of demigods. Is that a bad thing?" Brighton said.

"Is that how a junior counselor treats a lady?" Rupert commented with a tone of sarcasm, "I thought there was an oath taken by a councilor to always speak diplomatically and to never speak sarcastically. I guess it changed."

Talia is elbowing me gently on my forearm. I cleared my throat slightly aloud.

"Sorry, Ally," Rupert said.

"Brighton's right," I said, "There's nothing wrong with asking an opinion. So, let me ask you, Brighton, what is it like to have a demigod around?"-- I just thought of turning the table.

Silence.

We waited for him, but he didn't answer.

It just adds to my speculation about him that he is Artes. My investigation shall continue.

(To Be Continued)