The Curse of Piratia Shiamira

TCOPS 11: The Chronicler

CASSANDRA

Two years have past after the night we left the island, where I first met the Childe. Also, I turned ten while Shia turned twenty this year. The adventures or journeys that I have read at the chronicle before had happened.

Rivalry, bounty, party.

Yes, everything at the chronicle that my Dad told me before happened before my eyes.

I kept track of time as much as possible. And I can clearly hear the voices in my head.

Minsan sumasakit ang ulo ko, minsan naman ay hindi dahil sinasanay ko na ang sarili ko. Today, on my tenth birthday, I heard that woman's voice again. Telling me that she is the Sea Goddess and instructing me to keep a close eye on Shiamira at all times. It is a lot to take in again but I trusted the woman inside my head.

Tell me, Cassandra, do you believe in curses?

Here she is, talking to me again. Napabuntong-hininga ako habang nakakulong sa silid na ngayo'y binigay na sa akin ni Shiamira. "Yes, I do. Well—somehow I do believe in some curses."

Do you think that you can break Shiamira's curse?

"With all my willpower, I would. I will find a way. I care for her."

Good, child. But I must remind you, you have limited time. Your body from your real time is only in coma, there's a chance for you to still go back to your real time.

Napayakap ako sa sarili tapos kinagat ang ibaba kong labi. I don't want to believe this part of our conversation. My real body in coma while my soul travelled through space and time, controlling this tiny body owned by another soul.

Cassandra?

I heave a sigh, "Hindi ba pwedeng manatili na lang ako rito, Sea Goddess?" I find it more comfortable in this period than my real time.

Hindi maaari. Cassandra, hindi ito ang totoo mong panahon. Nawa'y maintindihan mo ang punto mo rito. Kaya naman sa susunod na mga araw o buwan o siguro—taon, kung maaabutan mo pa, alamin mo ang katotohanan sa likod ng sumpa ni Shiamira.

"Ha? Anong katotohanan na sinasabi mo? I already know she is cursed. What else is the truth about her curse?"

Alamin mo ang katotohanan sa sumpa ni Shiamira. Paalam.

Before I can speak another word the voice was gone. Humugot ako ng hangin tapos naisipan na umalis na sa pagkakahiga ko sa kama. Baka hanapin na ako ni Shia at utusan ako nito sa barko. Nang makalabas ako ng silid ay sumalubong sa akin ang masarap na simoy ng hangin.

"Child." My back ran cold by the call. "Mabuti at lumabas ka na rin sa kwarto mo."

"Bakit? Anong meron, Shia?"

She pointed at the sea. I saw an island along the horizon. "Malapit na tayo sa lupa."

I snap back to her and smile excitedly, "Shia!"

"Don't 'Shia' me, Cass." Pailing nitong saad tapos ginulo ang buhok ko. "Hinahanap ka na pala ni Ymah at Oka. They've been pestering me to wake you up since dawn. I almost gave them a beating to it." I gasp and she cough as an excuse. "Nasa stern deck sila. They've been waiting for ages—their words, not mine." She pointed to the stairs so I followed her order.

Pagkarating ko sa stern deck lumapit sa akin ni Tito Oka. "Happy Birthday, anak!"

"Thank you po, Tito Oka!"

"Cass, happy birthday!" Napatili ako nang buhatin ako ni Tito Ymah tapos umikot pa kami. I giggle then embrace his neck. "Cass, bababa na ulit tayo sa lupa. Gusto mo bang kumain tayo sa labas?"