TRES - CHAPTER NINE - GUARDIAN OF HAPPY HOMES

The companions stared.

“How did you know it was here?” Bea asked.

“I always knew,” with a grin, Bulagao answered, gesturing for everyone to follow him towards the building.

There was an atmosphere of protection that embraced each one as they stepped through the gate. It was as if a warm embrace engulfed them as soon as they entered Sta. Fe. Anrhu realized that this used to be a resort, a resort that was popular with the kids; himself included. But it was different now. For one, the building that they were headed was new. The pathway that ran straight towards it was lined by Nimh trees, tall and straight and thick that it was impossible to see if there was anything behind it; proud, like sentinels that guarded and flanked the visitors.

Bantay, running around, circling the companions as if to say that he was excited about something.

The walk was short. But the effect on the companions was almost immediate. What tension and strain they must have felt on the escape from the shelter was almost non-existent when they arrived in front of a large wooden doorway; a brass knocker in the shape of a huge crocodile’s head holding a ring in its mouth the only fixture that broke the smoothness of the unadorned wood.

Beatrice went directly to the knocker, lifted the ring and pounded.

The sound of thunder echoed inside. Then nothing. The dog barked in greeting.

“Maybe, you have to do it again,” Anrhu said, gently pushing Beatrice to the side and lifted his arms to knock again when the door swung open silently.

Bantay barked again, turned back and ran towards the trees.

It opened to an airy room filled with wooden furniture. It was done in antiques and very well kept. Obviously, someone was living in this mansion hidden at the center of this newly grown forest. They entered, the peace seeping into them that the safety that they felt outside only magnified. A soft sound of music drifted from somewhere higher.

At the center of the room was a majestic staircase that curved towards the upper floor. With careful steps, everyone stood right at the foot of the stairs and looked around. It was a very large room that further, they could only see the shadows lurking like silent hosts observing back even when the large crystal chandelier high above them was blazing with light. Electric lights.

“Who lives here?” Dong whispered. His voice, faint and soft had a tint of longing, like he was remembering a memory that seemed to hurt him.

“You’ll see,” was the reply from Bulagao who stood stoic, his gaze frozen on the demigod, a look, almost expectant on his face.

The door slammed shut. And from the second floor came the sound of something swishing like that of a huge bulk being dragged on the tiled floor. Everyone looked up to see the head of an enormous live crocodile ambling towards them. It was huge. Dark green in color, the plated back glistened as if wet, the swishing sound coming from the ten-tail that dragged on the flooring.

A stifled cry came from Zoriah as she fell in a faint; fortunately, Dong reacted quickly enough to catch her before she hit the hard tiled floor. The crocodile opened its large mouth, showing three-inch long teeth and bellowed. It suddenly rushed forward. They companions was rooted on the spot.

“Stop,” roared the kapre. “We have come in peace.”

The croc continued to come but when its clawed feet touched the tiles of the ground floor a curious thing happened. In place of the beast was a beautiful elder lady with flowing gray hair and dressed in a green gown that matched the exact color of the crocodile it transformed from. She rushed towards the fallen pregnant woman, obvious tears streaming across her cheeks.

“Oh, Zoriah…I did not mean to frighten you,” she cried, taking the woman from the arms of a stupefied Dong. The others except for Bulagao were dumbfounded.

The woman cradled Zoriah in her arms, caressing the unconscious face with gentle fingers. Dong stared at her, his eyes large and unbelieving. It took him a minute before he whispered.

“Suklang Malayon?” he sighed, half believing at what was happening.

The woman looked into his eyes and gave a faint smile.

“I am sorry my nephew,” she said. “I never meant to frighten her like this.” She opened her arms wide and welcomed Dong for an embrace. He took it, tentatively but as soon as he entered the warmth of her hold, he clung to her in a tight hug and cuddled like a little boy.

Blood rushed towards Beatrice’s and Anrhu’s face as they blushed in embarrassment. It was not common for them to see the adult’s vulnerable side. The boy dropped his eyes and observed his shoes, realizing just then that his sneakers were worn out. Beatrice looked at Bulagao’s smiling face.

“He is her nephew,” she asked.

“She is the sister of his mother, Alunsina,” came the reply. “She is a goddess and the Guardian of Happy Homes.”
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“I have been here since the quake!”

They were all seated around a great table that was filled with food, all except for Zoriah who was resting in one of the many rooms of the sprawling mansion. Outside, darkness has settled as night covered Buglas once more to begin the end of another day in the chaotic world.

A few moments ago, Zoriah stirred awake and everyone was welcomed by Suklang Malayon. It was a bittersweet reunion for the aunt and nephew, a warm introduction to the others.

“Bulagao had always known about my being here, him having woken up near where we are,” the goddess was speaking, her eyes looking towards Dong, seated on her right. “It was I who told him not to tell you that I was still alive. I did not want to stop what was about to happen.”

“What do you mean?” Dong asked, his eyes betrayed the hurt that he must have felt.

“Your being here now, all of you is destined,” she added, glancing towards Anrhu as if she knew something but was unwilling to mention it. The boy did not notice but the demigod did, a look from Malayon silenced him into voicing out what he meant to say, instead he said.

“So, you chose to remain hidden so we could all be here.”

“Yes,” was the only reply.

Dong looked towards the boy, observing him as he shoveled food into his mouth. The girl, Beatrice was equally starved to be eating with her bare hands. Bulagao, gnawing on a piece of chicken leg, his plate stacked with food.

Everyone became focused on eating even while Dong picked on his plate. After a time, he pushed his chair back, silently stood and without so much as a word, went upstairs towards the room where Zoriah was.

No one even noticed him go except for his mother’s sister. But she just stared at his retreating back, a sad look on her face.

“Rest everyone,” was the goddess’ last words as she bade them goodnight.

“Rest and tomorrow we will talk,” her eyes lingering on Anrhu before she turned her back, transformed once more to the crocodile and disappeared amidst the shadows that lurked in corners.