The whole breadth of the dimension bathed in white, gold, and hues of rainbow that illuminated from the end to end of the falling waters. The skies were filled with winged creatures, skin emanated with amber glow, making them immersed in full grandeur and holiness. In front were warrior angels, although scarred, they were sheathed in golden armours. Their swords, and few of their searing items that could evidently slice off one's head when swung, were held ready as their arsenal against unexpected evil deeds. 

Counting from these thousands of warrior angels were led by Archangels, Cherubims, and Seraphims. Their wings were as white as high-class ivory, either came in two-pairs, three, or six. They were much brighter than the rest of the angels, robes flew by the angelic wind as their designated weapons skimmed through past the picturesque views that humans only glimpsed on their imaginations. The heavenly, celestial music that would easily make anyone pause and absorb the light-filled tunes. 

Archangel Michael eyed over me. He was beautiful, comparable to the brightness of the sun to the reflected light of the moon. He was sometimes referred as the sun's incarnation, such brilliance, such intelligence and power. He had the three aspects of the Second Hierarchy of the Angelic Choir: Power over the Devil, Domination of the rest of the Angels, and Direct Power over Angels. Powers, Dominions, and Principalities to be much precise. His glow was different against the six of his brothers. However, how much bright he was, his eyes carried a weight, resigned pity of someone facing a grand sacrifice no humans expected for millennia. 

Blood continued trickling from every archways of my body. The skin that was once supple, ivory white were now draped in crimson resulted from my wounds. I was in pain but I surprised myself that I continued to endure until this time. My forehead creased in torture, oblivious of how to end the agony I was feeling. But I could not move. I had to do this, even if this was not ordeal, just for the sake of everyone I loved. Both of my hands were dreadfully spread upon the wood, and my feet bounded together, nailing myself into the cross. I had been here for days, or what I dimly recalled. I tried myself to straighten my vision, but as time went on, my sight flew hazy, white blur as I gazed upon the depth of light.

A little bit more would I be able to endure the crucifixion. 

However, I was astounded to see the dimension warping for an opening. Those people who were once humans, now turned into souls either living or dead, started to march themselves precariously inside. I managed to give off a smile. I was waiting for this to happen. And so, it began. If this was humanly limited intelligent quotient, they would interpret this sudden assembly as the harvest of souls. It was not entirely incorrect, however, still there would be an appropriate word to describe.

It was Judgement Day. 

An event where most had feared. They were born sinners but they were not inherently evil. They could do misdeeds as much as they had the capability to choose goodness. As growth rode the identity, downfall resulted from bad decisions were always present and great opportunities belong to the rarity. The life of Humans were sometimes presented as Push and Pull. Majorly, in most Humans would be welcoming to the fact, considering of their thought that their religion had already saved them. Yet, it was supposed to be faith that would. 

I already had known that their sins would be weighed to their belief towards God. And those who didn't believe, may God gave them mercy. This day would be the end of an era, judgement of where should a living being reside. 

Souls continued filling in the Holy Land of Light. As I looked down on their line had I finally seen them. Their mouths were hung a little bit ajar in shock. Aside from the truths that they had finally stepped on sacred grounds and seen divine existence, they were jolted with surprise upon seeing me in the cross, bloodied and severed. Then, their distress morphed into bewilderment, perplexed of what had I been doing here first and in a terrible situation. 

I could not blame them, for this scene should only be watched on movies or read on holy books and novels. 

I shown a leer, reassuring and warm. Nevertheless, they had not understood it correctly. 

Eva and Celeste, sworn parents of my current life, born with modernistic names had looked at me in an episode they had been dreading to witness.  Indeed, no parents would like to see their child suffering and mine was no exemption. They had tried to proceed on my direction, going astray on their lines, but they had been quickly stopped on their attempt when Archangel Barachiel approached them.

"Hast shall not reach the sacrifice. May thou shall respect patience." The Archangel told, stopping them with his silvery lightning sword and a staff that was similar to his height. His voice was soft and caressing, as if it was a music I could listen to for hours and never get bored. His silver-gold armor shone with different hues as he stared at two souls in front. 

My parents was left with no choice but to only see me in my present state and go back to where they lined. It was only given that definite respect swiftly occurred just by listening to the Archangel's voice. Barachiel was an Angel of God's Blessings and was the Heavenly Virtue of Patience. The Archangel was friendly, kindhearted angel but he was also seen cold. I had rarely seen him, or might be once. But basing from what I heard from Archangel Michael, his pupils would flicker in a white blue color when pissed off and was the only thing that could tell he was displeased. Unlike from other angels, he was calmer than those who would result thousands of thunderstorms and bolts of lightning worldwide, striking down on people as a form of punishment against their misdeed's audacity. 

He flew back to his station, grudgingly ogling at Michael who was still looking onto me piteously. The Chief Archangel might be upset, seeing me in a trance to experience my endeavor and God's willing. As expected; he was my Guardian Angel after all.

"Seraphiel!" Someone had called me loudly.

Everyone turned their gazes onto her, including mine. And there I've seen my best friends whom stood together with other of my acquaintances. My eyes flickered in recognition seeing who it was. 

"Carmela..." I whispered under my breath. 

"What are you doing there? Why... Why are you there?" Her eyes were welling up with tears. Clearly, she could not accepted what the dimension unfolded in front. She saw herself as my best friend, whom I always argued with. Honestly. As I grew, things between the two of us had gone distant. I could not understand her anymore nor her attitude and beliefs. There were times that oppression overtook me when she's around and I could not express myself really. Why was she worried?

"Please, come down. Sera, why?"

"I can't." I simply murmured. My voice was faint and it was inaudible considering our distance. I was not given any food or water over the days I had been nailed on the cross. As my strength grew weaker, my voice had faded as well. 

"Please, please! Angels, now I know you're real! Please, get her down. I'm begging you!" she knelt.

It was to my surprise that Archangel Gabriel spoke in my behalf. "Carmela, I had seen you grown over all of your incarnations and you had not been changed. You would always refuse that we don't exist. And after you realized you were wrong, you would still stand on your pride." My friend silenced. "However, the inner of your heart was an outstanding care for your loved ones that even you were betrayed, your treatment towards them was caring but you cover it with hostility. But hence of your genuine plea, you will not succeed on your prayer. Seraphiel was needed on the cross. She shall not be interfered."

"But—" 

"Carmela. Stop." Another person spat, made her halt. It was my other friend who's named was Carol. Behind her were Angelo and Zara whom now cowering in fear in results of Carmela's great valor.  

Indeed, it would be seen as arrogance if she would not stop on her words towards the divine. Archangel Gabriel was one of my guardian angel's brothers, one of the Seven Archangels of Heaven, and the holder of Monday. He was the Heavenly Virtue of Diligence and a messenger of God. He was also the one who delivered the message to Mother Mary to bear a child of His Holiness. I had learnt that it was him who guided the souls to the gates of Heaven and along to a path of good life. Like Barachiel, he was very kind but he had deep love towards Humans. If the situation warranted it, he would be cunning and serious. Nonetheless, he was humorous.

I sneered, letting them know that I had not regretted the pain I was feeling. I raised my gaze and slightly tilted my head into another flank. And my eyes flicked in identification, knowing that they were my other friends which I respected so highly. I saw him, his soul was tainted in dark in contrast to his other members. But it was no surprise. He was a celebrity, loved by millions of Humans around the Earth, but he was not entirely kind. He was influenced by evil, soul inhabited with a devil. He was a real sinner, covered in both envy and lust in which the devil fed on. 

And I saw his taint was fading. 

A smile crept out from my lips. I was assured. 

However, even how much I tried to remain my eyes open, the drowsiness subtly filling me in the midst of my torment. I was getting more and more tired, hence, concluding me to close my eyes. I had already accepted my fate but I was not ready to let go yet. I need more time.

"MICHAEL!" One voice was heard on the distance. The sound was as fast as the speed of light when it lingered in every corners of the dimension. 

Although my eyes were shut, I could feel the atmosphere quickly changed into darker, harshly cold. I had heard of that voice. And the familiarity I felt of his appearance was enough for me to know who he was. He who was once a seraphim and named Lucifer. He was the first born of the light, the brightest, the strongest, the number one protector. But he was also the first born of darkness, the sovereign leader, power no one could bar. He was God's favourite and his features was in perfect manifestation of God Himself. Had I remembered what I learned down when I was a human. 

Those people who were filled with negative emotions: fear, anger, lust, treachery, and greed; these would be channeled to create newer demons. The demons that were borne out of Human's negativity were the ones who were most closest to the Man. Their connection might be huge but they had already gobbled some of Humans. Most of those who couldn't understand the disappearance could only place these missing identities as murdered or kidnapped. Little of their knowledge, these people who were only announced missing were actually eaten.

Moreover, major of the demons were once angels that inhabited in Celestial Realm; the three-fourths of the entirety that followed the supreme twelve-winged creature. They had acknowledged Lucifer as their Chief Leader, the alternative God. His treachery led to the Great Celestial War in which he lost. Due to love, God sent him in the lowest realms, which he ruled for span of light years. His brotherhood towards Michael was stripped off but my Guardian Angel was compassionate enough to understand him. 

"Release her this instant!" Lucifer commanded.

I flung my eyes open, my eyesight was obscured. Yet, I could still discern the different figures in front of me. The Fallen was flying in his five-pairs of wings, inky colour. His horns were as dark as the midnight sky and hard as huge steel. His eminent power was overflowing against all of his dominions. Humans looked at them with terror registering in their eyes. But the rest of the angels did not waver or was surprise of their arrival. 

Of course, it was a requirement for them to enter in the Judgement Day. 

"I can't." Michael told. 

"Why not?" It was a hiss. There was a distinct undercurrent of suppressed anger arching through his question. 

The Archangel sighed. "The crucifixion was part of her fate. She, who wanted to save everyone on her own and to replenish those pure souls who were damned, was designed for this occurrence. I'm sorry, brother. But you shall not interfere."

"Prophecy, again?"

"Indeed, brother."

"NO!" The Fallen snarled loudly. "I would not let her do this! You are his guardian angel, how could you see her in this state?"

"It was saddening to see my guarded human suffering in her fate. But, what had been written shall be followed. Please understand, brother."

"Stop calling me that! I am no longer your brother!" He shouted back; so, in turn was the silence from the Archangel. "Please, Michael. I'm willing to lose my wings for her." That was a plea from Lucifer. His benign, silky demeanor had long vanished. His voice cracked with absolute trepidation. My eyes were close, held in a canopy of darkness as blood travelling from all over my body. I was stood shocked even in my situation. Losing wings was equivalent of losing his capability to live and reincarnate. And he was doing it for me. Had I not known that he loved me so dearly, and he's willing to risk a sacrifice. Why?

"If you wouldn't release her, then I would."

Before the warrior angels could act was the fallen already teleported in my side. He used his incredible power that I only seen rarely to get me down from the cross. His six princes barricaded him down to protect us against the angel's upheaval. 

"Lucifer! Put her back on the cross!" roared Archangel Uriel.

But my soulmate did not dare to listen. 

He placed me in his warm embrace as his wings covered us from the scene. I felt his warmth, and his smell that subtly filled my lungs. 

I let out a smile. How did it turn out like this? 

I squealed in glee upon gazing on one envelope in my hand. The opening was originally brown but I seared the seal open, resulting it be torn white due to the peel. But I had not regretted it. I was only filled with absolute excitement on my desired university, whether I had entered successfully or refused into doom. For days and weeks had I been manifesting, praying to all supernatural entities that they could grant my wish. In result to my worry was my hair continuously falling down. I rarely brushed my hair because of that reason, yet even from a touch of my hand would strands of hair went along.

I was terrified to be bald.

Although, I had already imagine what must it felt like to have no hair. Would it be fresh for the head? Would it be airy, creating a freedom effect? Or would it be dangerous to go around and burn the head from the heat of the sun or rather have birds plucked their beaks against the shine? I squashed that thought away. It made me shudder in horror just having its remembrance.

I managed to slide out the letter carefully. I drew a hard breath, then sighed. I wanted to calm my nerves and seemed that breathing exercises was effective enough. When I discern the fact that I was ready, I unraveled the folds and read the content.

Hello Seraphiel,

This is Neinhart University and we are pleased to tell you that you had passed to the course you desired. Congratulations! To confirm your slot, please comply all of the requirements listed below and submit all of this before xx-xx-xxxx. Failed to pass the requirements, the university will erase your name from the enrollees list.

(1) Birth Certificate

(2) Original Copy of the Grades

(3) Good moral.

All of the documents shall be passed in a white folder, sheathed with brown envelope.

Thank you for pursuing Neinhart University.

Yours truly,

Dr. Democrito

I squealed once more. And my heart was pounding so fast, creating a reverberating sound. How did I become so lucky? It was rumoured that among all of the applicants, tens of thousands I heard, the university would only accept a thousand. Which meant that those people who had been selected in the said school would be extremely intelligent and immense luck that sided within.

Exuberant, I strode away from the mail box and reached my mother who was bewildered of my sudden jocundity. My mother was a businesswoman. Upon puncturing my eyes on her, there I figured she was working on countless of documents that she brought from work.

"What happened to you? Why are you shouting in a broad daylight? Had you not—"

Before she could go on in her no ending sentiments and long minutes of lecture, I intervened quickly. "Ma! I got in!"

"You got in what?" Eva asked in perfunctory, raising her eyebrows.

"Neinhart University!"

Her suspicious gaze were long gone and on those sockets morphed widened in surprise. She looked at me, owl-eyed.

"Really?!" She exclaimed. "You must be so proud."

We were both smiling. "Of course! Around a hundred thousand wanted to apply and I was one of the lucky ones that passed the one-thousand cut off!"

She clasped both her hands then applauded in awe. Her eyes now gaped on me with astonishment. "Wow. My daughter is so smart. By the way, is that through letter? How about Carmela, your friends?" she pondered.

I returned a hum. My eyes gazed involuntarily upwards, thinking. "I don't know." I looked back at her. "I should call them and tell you the results later."

I sprung up my feet and lumbered down to my room. Had I heard my mother calling her husband on my way. Her voice was too loud that I doubt our neighbors could not hear. Guess the high volume of her voice was needed as my father was working on the fields. He was a househusband and went around doing all chores inside the house. He had also been keen of the gardens, my mother was also was. With both decisions they built fields, different vegetables planted in each column of the grounds. Celeste had fancied the products.

The more I was close to my room, the loud excited voices were getting weaker. Taking no further notice, I swung the door knob and pushed the door, enough to permit my entry. I entered without making too much noise and then shut it behind my body.

I dimly recalled where had I placed my phone. My eyes skirted around the walls that kissed each other in the corners, and eventually found my device. It was laying on the pile of books I put on the side of the table. The light that streamed through the unshuttered windows passed on the screen, creating rainbow hues on my ceiling. I stared at its direction and quickly wide-eyed when I realized the reflection slowly burnt the wood, making the terra cotta colour faded into black. I creased my eyebrows and ran towards my phone. I snatched it back.

Upon examining the entirety of the item, I saw no damage, making me grateful that I placed protective plastic on the screen. Although, I was not entirely wary that the plastic could effectively help to avoid any damages.

Heaving a sigh, I scrolled on my contacts and called Carmela first. I was planning to call Carol at the beginning, but my best friend's name was on the top. Nevertheless, I could still manage to contact them one by one.

"Hey, Carms!" I greeted after three rings.

Carmela had lived nearby. She was my neighbor for consecutive years in this lifetime and, although, there were times we fought on most simple things, we still made up in the end. We both figured that when we were in a bad blood, all we needed was space. And only space.

Was it?

There were moments that I wonder, on what extent would we stay like this. Nonsense fights then made up. And then, for another simpler things, fights of no notable basis sprung.

"Yow." She simply replied with a tone of placidity.

Was she playing games? I playfully thought on my mind.

"I got in, Carms." I told, surprisingly calmer yet expectant with an excited response. But my aim was failed when she hummed in a familiar questioning tone. "I passed in Neinhart University!" I clarified, now in much higher voice.

My grin were as wide as the clown's. I had hope she would be extremely thrilled on my news, and her response obviously imbued with trepidation answered me.

"What? Really?" There were sounds of clacking, as if they were sounds coming from biting the nails. "Oh my, I still don't know if I got in."

"Go to your mail box, quick, quick! I wanna know the results!"

"Okay, fine. Wait." She said.

Sounds followed her foot steps and I was therefore assured that she was indeed going for her mails. I waited patiently. Although, I could scarcely hide my joy of this news. Just by thinking of it, my smile would creep out from my lips; it was as if they had minds on their own.

My phone vibrated. I wondered what it was. As I checked on the notifications, a message from Angelo was viewed. I shrieked.

"AHH~ CARMS, CARMS!" I called her repeatedly.

"What? Your voice is too loud!" moaned Carmela.

"Angelo also passed. My goodness, if you and Carol passed, we'll be going together!"

"Hopefully, Zara too. Just wait, I see a brown email. Is this it?" I confirmed, nodding even though I knew she wouldn't see it. "Wait, lemme open it . . . OMG! I GOT IN!"

My eyes flickered in happiness as I jumped around the ground. "Oh my, Oh my. I'm telling ya, we'll be together in the university. Congratulations!"

Our conversation went on and on and on. Several topics transpired within the call and it was really dreading that we could not see each other regardless of the near distance of our houses. We were too tired on going out, as if we had been stricken by the curse of sloth.

Though, in the midst of our girlish giggling was a message from Carol who passed as well and Zara who passed and been whining why couldn't we be contacted. Perhaps, I replied that Carmela and I had been calling and the phones automatically refused more incoming calls.

I was correct indeed in my assumption.

We both hung up from the call. I lightly threw my phone on the soft, white linens of my bed as I stared on the outside from my windows. My mind started wandering off into hundreds of thoughts, scurrying around and riding the train as I tackled my imaginations. The white, silky curtains flew back with the gushing wind, birds chirping in symphony of wondrous tunes.

I stared in the surroundings with nonchalance.

My family and I had been living in this small, peaceful village for years. My father bought this when he had been still working, but when I birthed from the womb of my mother, he had resigned to take care of me hands on. Both Eva and Celeste had not favoured to hire someone to babysit and detested on what could be the outcome. So, with careful thinking and considerations, my father quit his job. However, as time went by, he was happy in his decision. He had always wished to work on the fields as just a hobby and not work that filled with absolute vigor.

The lands were draped in green and brown; carabao grasses healthily growing around as the ground was as ember as the colour of the mud. Although, the surface rarely turned into a mire. Rain poured down, either heavy or light, and puddles would be its usual result. So, as the villagers and home owners, we could only care less.

However, as I resumed in my sightseeing, my mind rekindled a thought. The moment I entered the grounds of College would I miss this hometown view. Though, I had not completely understood why Carmela resented this town. Had she grown tired of the daily panoramic landscape of the lands? Or had she now bored of her routine-like life? Either way, it might had been both. Compared to Zara, she was a half-eccentric person. She liked to travel and settled on one country, then go another when grew bored.

I heaved a weary sigh as I placed my chin on my arm. I was worried. I grew with only parents around, not that I was worried to live alone but because I was about to leave my parents in another city few miles away. They were already in their late fifties, and I was an only child. Surely, they would miss their daughter and live in painfully quiet. Had I remembered they told me before, they felt like seemingly alone when I wasn't around. It was only a one-month vacation, in which Carmela greatly overjoyed.

A notebook caught my eye. It was the same notebook that I had written with all of my supernatural notes and beliefs. I had never shown this to anyone, not even to my parents or Carmela. Unlike my friends, Carmela was not entirely acute on the idea that unseen entities were real. Instead, she used to call them as products of Human's imaginations, transparent, and foolish illusory.

However, I did not believe her.

I had known in myself that they had exist. Angels existed, Devils as well. Spirit Guides, Soul Mates, Twin Flames, Archangels, Archdemons, Ghosts, Dwarves, Fairies, and more that I could no longer name. But there were times that I could not understand. Humans had so many beliefs: Gods that differ from names and power, Religions of different interpretations, and silent faiths of spiritual people. So many known individuals had formulated theories and imaginations. Though, even how much people tried to connect, still ended up with unexplored questions.

My father was included. Hence, I thought it might be from him that my indulgence against spiritual things did not cease.

There were also astrology, stars that gave meaning of one's birth. I had tried to connect them countlessly on my learnings, aliens included. But I was concluded with the same results. Therefore, I was ascertained that the capacity of Human's Intelligence was limited. Only those who thought they already knew everything were the ones who knew nothing.

I skimmed through the pages of my notebook. Its smell lingered through my nostrils, oblivious if it was purely from the leaves or the combination of the ink written on it.

A topic caught my eye.

Lucifer.

Everybody had known of his name. He was sometimes referred to as Satan. However, how was it that I felt familiarity of his name? It was as if I had met him.

I shook my head.

I should not cater myself into the devil. Deeming it was the safest to conclude that Humans had no capacity to go against the demons, how much more its Leader? Lucifer was written in every books as someone who had infinite power. Archangel Michael was said as the only Angel who could bar him, in terms of both power and strength. It was once written that Celestial War had gone off long before Universe even existed and a lot of Angels that remained in God's side had been severed, smeared with their own blood fighting against him.

Later what happened was a mystery to Humans.

Some said that it was Michael who defeated him after long lengths of battle. Some told that God broke the war by banishing the rebel to the lowest realms. And some had spoken that it was Lucifer who surrendered and accepted his fate.

There were no truths that resided within. Interpretations were hazy, blurred of the natural ignorance of Humans. Even the factual sense of what could happen after death.

I strongly believed that there were several incarnations, its limit only known by prophecy. But some of my friends believed either dispersed in the void or turned to wandering phantoms.

If this went along to my assumptions, I had not feared death. After all, Judgement Day was the only thing waiting to occur.

"I wish more knowledge, Angels..." was the only thing I muttered as I gazed on the bluish skies.

∘₊✧۩۞۩۞۩✧₊∘

Two months had passed by from the announcement and we had been summoned from the university for freshmen orrientation. In haste, five of us packed our luggages and traveled from one city to another a week prior to the said date.

Zara's impressive connection had greatly helped us. She had known a kind family from the city we should be living for the rest of our four years and asked if they could find some huge apartment that would fit all of us. Cheap payment every month, filled with all necessities, and allowed Angelo to live with four women. They had found one. Its distance was not far from the university and actually near to convenient stores and supermart. The only thing we needed to concern ourselves with were the monetary budget that our parents give every week for allowance.

I was not used to budgeting.

That was the thing that bugged my mind. Once I get my hands on money, no matter how huge or small it was, I had liked to use it and buy a lot of food products. That resulted Carol to collect our money and act as the household's treasurer and auditor. She was the only one thrifty amongst the coven of shopaholic people. Though, if we had to ask for money, it was almost seemed as asking money from individual parents as she would fill us in with interrogating questions, even if it was our own money. It was helpful, somehow. It aided us to be mindful, but there were times we're dreading to get it.

My face was flat upon peering on the stage. The program was bound to soon begin and everyone was seated on vacant chairs. It was seven in the morning and the skies were already as bright as mid-morning. Although, wind brushed our skin, I was not really thrilled on this assembly, for my eyes could not adjust at the bright light.

My eyes were not even coloured. How did I become nocturnal?

A tap on the mic moped on every walls of the convention. Everyone's attention then perforated on a man seemingly be an emcee of the event.

I was not very excited as I was when I received my acceptance letter. I wanted to yawn, I was so bored and drowsy that we had to get up earlier than usual.

I flung my head against Carmela and Carol. They were much attentive, and saddening as it was, they were not relatively similar to me. Both women were used on waking up at the crack of dawn, either four or five in the morning. I was not certain of the reason that they slept so late and woke up extremely early. Was it body clock?

My gaze went onto another side and saw Zara yawning. I abruptly stopped her, slapping her arm.

"Zara!" I reprimanded in a whispering voice, careful not to draw attention. "Stop yawning. You're in a formal crowd. Did you see anyone yawning or doing any farcical acts?"

The opposite lass shook her head.

"See? So, stop that."

"But," she replied. "I did not get enough sleep last night. Come on, just this once, would 'ya?"

"What? No—"

A shush from Angelo, who was sitting reverently in front of us, interfered me. I eyed Zara with warn.

"Yawn when we're out. Not here." I finished before settling my eyes back in front.

My lips spread thinly straight as I listened on the shared sentences. I was also drowsy but unlike Zara, I had not permitted myself to open my mouth and let out a yawn, eventually eating what I told her. It would appear that my words had been potent that the woman had not did her act once more.

I tapped my thighs lightly, creating music in my brain to distract me from sloth. I figured that it would take more time for the speaker to finish his words. Had I not been familiar of the school rules, I would have been enthralled of what had the latter was speaking of.

A stretch from my arm then followed after it was announced that we would be toured around to avoid loss. I had been waiting for this to end. I let out a small yawn then groomed my white dress as I linked my arm across Zara's. She might had been seen as immature but she was a fine person. In front were Carmela and Carol who's posing for camera as they walked. Angelo was behind us, casually hid his hands on his pockets. He was seen complacent and gaping to people of what might he was already fascinated of.

As we scurried through the hallways, an obsidian silhouette caught the corners of my eyes. I ignored it, thinking I was only hallucinating it.

However, when we plodded in another turn, there was again the familiar silhouette that I saw before. I halted. Curioser and curioser, I wanted to find out behind the shadow.

"Is something the matter, Sera?" Carol asked.

I swung my head and poked my eyes on her. I laughed awkwardly. "Nothing. I thought I saw something."

"Really? Come on, we should get going. I want this to end already. My feet are swelling!" moaned Carmela in distress.

I nodded. "Sure, sure."

We began to walk. But my mind was already fugitive on the valet of nothingness.

"What was that?" I questioned.

I had believed in witches.

However, I would never thought that I'd met someone that day.

It was two in the afternoon and sun was covered by the clouds. I had liked the scenery, the world was not relatively hot or cold. The temperature was right enough of my own desire.

Class was over for me that day and I had plodded myself towards the plaza. University had began their year and it was already two weeks that passed by since I had felt an eerily familiarity of the silhouette I saw. Until at this day had I always swung on the abyss of bewilderment of who could that be or what creature it was. My curiosity towards the supernatural had risen, and even for Carmela's continuous statements that they did not exist, I refuse to let my spiritual beliefs plummeting down.

As I freely skipped my way, a seemingly old woman approached me with a smile I was versed with. Her face had not shown any signs of crinkle due to aging as her features could make out after fashion. She was a dame of nominal fifty years, light-haired to my natural black colouring, and complected; age stilled beautifully on her face.

She spoke, revealing the lovely curves made by the bow of her lip, and the beguiling fullness of the lower. "Come, dear Seraphiel. I had known of something you don't know. Come and you shall seek what you sow."

If I was a normal person, I would have to slap myself and run away from the lady I was not acquainted with. But because of that atmosphere filled with familiar warmth, speaking my name with honor and trust, giving me enticement to let myself in indulgence. Though, I pondered quietly of what could be the reason had she known of my name. I was certain that never in my years had I spoken to her or even met. And, with just one glimpse, she already acknowledged of my presence.

Hesitant, I nodded in return.

How had I gone mad. I followed someone who was completely unknown, identity I was not even to comprehend. Her whole existence was full of mystery, and as I walked behind her, I suddenly submerged myself to pure dire. I was scared. I didn't know whether this person was truthful or just heaped with absolute perjury.

I recalled what I worn that day: a glaucous-coloured velvet tunic, strapless design in modernistic style that fully warded my bosom, and beneath, a white cloth that appeared to be made with soft linen. I strode on the way in nonchalance, disregarding the cool I felt as the hem tips of my dress flew by the whispers of the wind.

Into the dark passageway I went, in which we and the aged woman emerged, we were in a street brimmed with vastly harsh cold, a formidable ordeal that if children entered would they end up screaming away. The natural light of the sun had not given enough brilliance in our small venture. The adult female stopped in a canopy of which its ceiling was embellished in plastic, rubicund in color. Its walls were dressed in plastic with the similar red color of its roof and hung casually onto the ground like huge curtains. In front, there was an embroidered golden seal of an owl, wearing a frame of glasses, which slit in half for the cottage's opening.

She gestured me to enter in which I agreed, with a resigned reluctance of someone who was invited. In contrast to the living terror of the outside brought, the inside of the tent was comparatively darker and terrifying. On the right side laid a skull, coloured in ivory white that look old of its age; crystals from amethyst to opal tailored around it, as if they were rich jewels of someone who was born in a highest possible in nobility. I let myself took a sideway glance towards the other flank, and there I witnessed cards piled in different deck, distinctively dissimilar of their own color. The front was two distant posts of two white candles; its melted wax smeared in trail, like a red carpet of a bride.

Several scrolls and pages of scriptures written in language that was alien to me, hung in the archways of the entirety of this place. A thought swiftly crossed in my mind, assuming that those leaves were spells known to specific people.

I paused for a moment, rethinking my decision whether I should cancel and run away or remain, my exhilaration and dread both growing. My mind was afraid, yet my heart was taken by curiosity than fear.

"Come, Seraphiel. Please, have a seat." She pointed on one chair, wooden and surprisingly fine of how I expected it to be in gravely dismal.

I sat upon the sturdy lumber, seemed like instinctively sculptured by artisans. She reached for her cards, then some crystals. On her way back was her hand brought a lamp — added the brightness of amber in which its tag damped with olive oil and lit with natural fire. She put all of her items in the table, setting them up in front of me. The woman pulled one card on each deck and laid them thrice, crystals of respected red quartz, blue sapphire, and black tourmaline laid on the top.

That's the time I figured I had met a witch, perfectly skilled in using supernatural forces.

"Your dictum is correct. I, indeed, was a witch. I am in my service for 45 years." she confirmed my assumption.

Compared to films and novels, I had expected witches to be hunchbacked and teeth crooned ghastly, not this woman who had lived as one like far from the previous century. She was modern. I was a student of a course in Psychology, and even if the department included parts of Astrology, I brought my whole attention to the seer to allow her beckoning my spiritual faiths was complete.

The chalet was pregnant with silence, broken only by the kindled sounds of the lamp burning.

I decided to speak. "H-How did you know my name?" I asked profusely.

A leer from her lips replied in return. "Witches had their capabilities to know the names of their visitors, regardless of they do an introduction or not."

"So," I raised my eyebrow. "you can see the future?"

"I can see fragments of what the divine beings would let me."

"Does the government know you guys worked as vessels of wizardry? Or. . . Have you encountered someone who wailed outside just because they don't believe in you?"

"Yes to both." Her voice was low, yet it was welcoming. "But the second one, we highly discourage that."

The hairs of my skin uprooted as dank air brushed by, making me regretful that I had not worn any tabard that could potentially protect me from the cold. However, I remained composed, for I knew it was not the cold that made me shudder. It was her statement, leaving me in trepidation.

"Relax." she crooned. "I don't mean killing. Though, our methods shall dwell in secrecy. Magicians don't reveal their tricks."

I nodded.

"Pick one of these crystals and I shall read you your future." she continued.

I looked down on the items presented for me, peering at it like some falcon hunting its prey. My mind began to swim with paths that could help me in my decision, and I had chosen the center at last. Its crystal was black tourmaline. I did not like that crystal but I thought it was calling me.

The seer pushed the objects I had not selected and focused herself on the deck of the card I picked. She shuffled the cards with her delicate fingers, leading them in a dance of the ether.

One card had skipped from her hand.

Its feature was a huge hand reaching from the silvery clouds, and over a verdant, bountiful garden, offering a golden coin that seemed a pentacle. Below it was a name, littered in rich obsidian ink: Ace of Pentacles. Another card had capered down. Its image was a disrobed woman, one feet touching on a pool filled with cerulean waters and the other stood firmly on the ground. She was pouring an orange jar of water down to the pool, and another one to the land. The landscape squealed green and few flowers unearthed. The card was The Star.

As the woman sitting reverently on the adjacent side, continuously jumbled the deck, two more cards then appeared. She halted, placing the four cards in front of us. One of both that fell down was the Ten of Swords. It pictured a man faced-down, his ten swords gathered in his back. The second one was the Three of Swords. Its sharp double ends pierced through a large red heart.

Her eyes flickered in recognition. I saw a faint reaction of the seer. Perhaps she inadvertently understood the meaning behind them, and interpreted it on her mind for me to hear.

"You will have the two contradictory luck. Incredible goodness and horrendous worst." She hoisted a weary, hard sigh; as if her tongue mysteriously curled, unabling her to speak carelessly. Or for what I learnt was perturbation. "Dear Sera, you will face a frightening tribulation, in accordance to the prophecy."

I stared at her in disbelief. I was hoping for good news, a great reading of what awaited me forwards. But I did not expect a reading that piqued my fear to trickle down on every inch of my body.

"How about love, career?" I questioned.

"Two men will break your heart and prime you for greater cause. Hence, you will meet the partner of your soul." The witch answered, painfully in honesty.

My mood anchored down to the grounds. I did not wish her to continue. I had thought of witchcraft as something bizarre, peculiarly oversees what held in the future. Perhaps I had met a scheming fraud, thus, resulting me to slightly waver my beliefs. I did not want to permit her.

"Seemed you are now bypassed on your own reverie." My mouth zipped back. "Fear not, that was the end of my reading. Seraphiel..."

She spoke my name in full, familiar to the adhering familiar insult. But, my heart was flattered the way her tone caressed my name. That was indeed fluttering, however, I was faltering to listen more of her foolish sentences. I eyed her with pure skepticism, dubious.

"Yes?"

"Take care on your course, or you'll hurt those who you love."

I paid her in obvious haste, adamant of getting out of what it looked like prison. My feet treaded on its way back to our apartment. I felt my head creasing in perplexity. I did not want to believe that who was called a seer. But why was it that I felt something a huge dispute of what I wanted to feel? I was feeling ambivalent.

A hiss swam out from my mouth.

∘₊✧۩۞۩۞۩✧₊∘

My fingers fiddled unconsciously on the air as I laid on Angelo's bed. He, on the other hand, was sitting in his chair facing the wooden study table. His glasses, which were not accompanied with lenses, held in the croon of his nose. A thick book unfurled on the center as his eyes glued on it.

As soon as I stepped my foot inside the house had I discovered that the rest of the ladies went on the mall for shopping. I sent them a text message containing my strife against their act. They had not dare to tell me where had they gone, but I was not entirely bothered of that. It was on the fact that they did not invited me to go along.

I threw an upheaval upon the arrival of Angelo. Regardless of the difference of our sexes, I was assured he would not dawdle himself on me, resulting in a disgusting sin. My eyes had just seen him as someone who considerably my male best friend, and, I knew that he saw me in that as well.

Angelo was three months behind my birth, in which made him the second eldest of our circle. He was neutral and saner among the rest of us. From Academics to Supernatural had I could relate with. He was smart in both brain and spirit, nonetheless, unwavering to stand in the ground as himself. Similarly, he had not really shown his interest to the supernatural when Carmela was around. As someone referred to as an occult, he oppressed himself and only communicate with me in terms we both comprehend.

Unexpectedly, I had not argued with him. Or at least for the things that were simple; and, his downtrodden, cowardice behavior. I did, when he wronged me for his worry and assumption that the only way for the university's admission was to advance. Obviously, he was stood corrected when we were called out. I was embarrassed that I believed in a thing that had baseless announcements. Nevertheless, time had healed my resentment towards him. And therefore led myself to mend our friendship.

"Long." A word rolled out from my tongue, calling him. That was my nickname to the latter and I was the only one he had let me to name him as such. "Long..." I called once more, now my voice trailing like wheat in the air.

"Hmm?" He answered a hum, not bothering to poke his gaze onto me. He was heedful on the words written on the pages, eyes punctured in every curves of the letters.

I continued. "Love you~" I purred, grinning.

My words were playful and held no attached strings. That's when I had finally caught the totality of his attention, flinging his head across my direction. His eyebrows knitted as he gaped with me. He might be curious.

Angelo spoke. "Alright," he closed his book. "now you caught my attention, what is it? What's bothering you?"

I sat upright and recoiled my legs. My body faced him as my fingers still restlessly fidgeting. "Uhm... I was cornered by a witch today." I lied.

I was not entirely cornered, for I was the one who agreed to come in the end. However, I figured it would be best to put it that way.

His bored eyes changed, morphing into surprise. The sockets widened as he poked me a glare, owl-eyed. "What? Really? Where? How was the reading?"

As I had told, he was much fascinated in things which cannot be interpreted by Human Coincidences. Than being worried of my situation earlier, he was rather thrilled of hearing what had gone off in that average canopy.

My shoulders shrugged casually. "I... I was told to choose a crystal and she shall read my fate. But I could not believe her. Do you believe that I would meet good and bad luck in the future and I would be unsuccessful in love? That I would be broken, like I would be a sort of dolls played for entertainment to people, and to love someone who was so cruelly ignorant to deal of my feelings?"

He looked at me blankly before he swung his head down, fingers supporting his chin. I knew he was thinking and I was eager to know what it was. My lips puckered in agitation, waiting for his response.

"Well, the world revolves around good and bad. So, it was not a surprise for you to both receive the two. Things held no meaning unless there are value, reasoning, and upbringing. If it was fated for you to experience the Yin and Yang, two symbolisms that signified the light and dark, then it should be it." The male replied.

"But Long..." I sighed. "I was expecting to have great luck in terms of career, love, and spiritual paths! I knew it! She must be a fraud."

Angelo returned a shrugged as he leaned his back on the seat. "Maybe. But hey... Can I tell you something?"

"Sure! What is it?" My annoyance was as the same speed as the lioness' run when it turned to excitement.

Shy, he answered me a sly sneer. "Here." He scrolled down on his phone and clutched it in front, allowing me to see a picture with a woman I was not accustomed. "...Is she cute?"

I narrowed my eyes. I had known Angelo for years. He might be different to people I had encountered, it was evident enough for my mind to surface a realization. He had an admiration to the lady on his phone. It was a picture, similarly close-up and might be taken by him when they were sitting in opposite. His ears would turn red, and had I not forgotten his perpetual topic when he had desired somebody.

A smirk crept out from my lips. "You are in love!"

He quickly turned off his phone and thrusted it in the side. "No, no. I was just inspired of the song I was listening and she reminded me of that. Her face... it would always appear in my mind when I hear the song."

Great cover up, my friend. I muttered behind the back of my mind.

It was not the first he had done covering his true feelings of love. Might be he was confused in the beginning and then later realized it when a situation warranted him. This was the third time he had denied. And even if it was in that firstly, in the end would he end up head over heels towards a woman. Unfortunately, how much a gentleman he was, his love and passion was returned with rejection. The circle pitied him and wished for greater things.

"Sure..." I answered with a hint of mischief in my voice.

Another day had passed by.

I was on the school grounds where I was sitting individually in one table. It was made in concrete and little pebbles, then smoothen by transparent paint. The one I chose was serendipitously shaded under the shadow of the huge narra tree.

I had ignored every shrieking voices of people chatting, chattering murmurs that bottled gossips, and careless loud tones of group practicing debating. One professor of my course required us to submit a paper containing all of the answers. Had I went onto my memory, remembering Carmela's request of answering the questions together. However, I refused wholeheartedly. I wanted to do this on my own. We were on the same goal, and I couldn't permit myself to go behind. I would work harder, see if my risks could indeed reap great rewards in the last.

The windy aura of the environment lingered around me. Despite of all the disturbances, I quite enjoyed their company. Although, nobody dared to sit beside me. I presumably concluded that it might because they were on their groups. Or was my face penetrated with scare when I was writing. Nonetheless, I had not paid any notice of the probable reasons.

It was nearly three in the afternoon and the due time was also getting thinner of the time. I had written one last sentence on my paper before I packed all of my things. Upon the midst of processing my belongings, the corners of my eyes caught a figure.

I raised my gaze and saw Ferros.

My jaw clenched in vivid irate. Ferros was once our friend. My circle had met him since they were children, and Angelo who was once his best friend known him since infancy. But as time went by, situations made a drastic turn when I faced him. Stupidity had ruled inside me, I was smitten in love with him. There were ways I formulated to befriend him and I was successful on my endeavors. However, the intensity of my love was not reciprocated. Even for his bisexual character, he had not favoured me as someone who could be with him. Instead, he yearned for full friendship from me.

I was hurt, of humiliating course. But our connection was the catalyst to the break of our circle's friendship. When he was gone, peace was brought upon us. Yet, my heart could not still forgive, for was I not only unloved, he had severed the ties we had as friends — it was not just mine but him and Angelo's as well. He had the pride, and Angelo was a caring brother to me. Their immature, manipulative side had transpired within, which strongly seized like electrocution.

I felt my hand scorched in turmoil. I was mad, infuriated even. The moment I would see his face would I remember how much pathetic I was. How did I let myself fallen into someone like him? Him who had loved men over women. It wasn't truly his fault, but mine as well. I made advances on him who had no interest, and that I could not move on from the pain. My heart was seemingly marred with huge chains, imprisoning my heart and in wrong turn would it crush to ashes. The ghosts of the past had haunted me, pulling myself down as if my feet were tied with large boulder that sunk me, forgetting the beacon of light was like.

His brown eyes met mine.

I walked away. I did not allow myself to weep.