Samsara of the Divine Punishment

Chapter 34

Chapter XXXIV : Hunter

The mirror showed a clear vision of the sacred place behind it. With towering trees infesting the small and red temple with a beautiful statue of a woman made of stone. Nilingon ko ang dalawang kasama mula sa'king likuran na agad naman akong tinanguan na tila ba nagsasabi sa aking magpatuloy. Ibinalik ko sa malaking salamin rito sa nakatagong kwarto mula sa pader ng akademya ang tingin ko. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata bago inihakbang ang mga paa upang tawirin ang kabilang bahagi ng salamin.

Mabilis akong sinalubong na malakas at matitinis na huni ng mga ibon sa oras na lumapat sa lupa ang aking paa. Idagdag na rin ang tunog ng bawat nagsasayawang mga puno sa katamtamang lakas ng hangin. There's a familiar sound of dried leaves beneath my feet that fights the sound of birds chirping in the dark forest where the only light is the bright light coming from the moon. Agad na tumama ang tingin ko sa estatwa ni Kiranaya. Mula sa likuran ko ay naramdaman ko ang dalawang kasama na si Portia at Edzel. Both of them are quiet as if they're trying to inspect the whole place.

"I will create a barrier that will notify us if someone comes," Portia said. Tumango ako rito bago naglakad patungo sa maliit na temple.

"I'll help securing the place," rinig ko ring saad ni Edzel.

Malalim ang ginawa kong pagsinghap sa hangin bago pinagdikit ang aking mga palad sa harapan ng aking dibdib. Mabilis na lumitaw ang gintong liwanag sa mga ito na siyang nagbigay sa'kin ng mainit na pakiramdam sa magkabilang palad ko. I closed my eyes and utter the familiar chant.

"The doors of perception swing shut, the ties that bind our hearts grow taut, and the very essence of our souls becomes as a gateway unto the unknown. . ."

I felt the breeze of cold air starting to get wild as it tries to dance my hair in midair. The strong light coming from both of my palms became intense to the point it made the whole place glow. I've finally understand my power. The chant I did while cleansing the poor soul of Lady Mirabelle is not a simple enchantment that Zoe users could do. I opened the gate of paradise for them, that is something only Zohana could do with her amazing power.

". . . With the keys of power held firmly in my grasp, I unlock the secrets of the universe and fling wide the gates of realms. Bring me to the gates of divinity."

I felt my body float for seconds. Unti unti ay naramdaman ko ang pagbaba ng aking katawan at ang muling pag lapat ng aking mga paa sa lupa. The strong wind disappeared along with the sound of the birds chirping. The cold wind became warmer and a bright place covered in mist welcome my newly opened eyes. I remember this place, it is the place where Zohana begged for Kiranaya's forgiveness.

"You have come," An enchanting voice echoed in my ears behind me. Agad akong umikot upang makita ang pinanggalingan nito.

"Svetrana, the 35th life of my Zohana." The familiar lady with a knee length hair braided behind her uttered. Her golden pair of eyes are looking at me in awe. Mabagal ang ginagawa nitong paglakad palapit sa'kin. Both of her hands were hanging on each side as her feets never made a single sound. As if every step she made is smooth and filled with elegance.

"The Goddess, Kiranaya," naibulong ko habang pinagmamasdan ang angking ganda ng kan'yang kaanyuan. She smiled at me as she offered her hand towards me. Malugod ko 'yong tinanggap at sumunod nang maglakad ito patungo sa isang maliit na hardin.

Inside the mysterious and enchanting mini garden is a pair of chair and a single round table with two cups of teas resting on top. Dumiretso si Kiranaya sa isang upuan at iminuwestro sa aking maupo sa bakanteng upuan sa kan'yang harapan.

I don't have time for tea but who am I to refuse?

"You came here to ask for my help," puno ng kalmado ang kan'yang boses. Pinanood ko itong sumimsim sa kan'yang tsaa bago mabagal na umangat sa akin ang kan'yang tingin.