Winter Wonderland: The Powerful Locket (Completed | Revising)

Chapter 10: The Soul Manipulator

A/N:

Yes! Nakapag-update rin. Mabagal po ang update. As much as possible, 'di ko minamadali ang pagrevise sa bawat chapters kasi baka pagsisihan ko lang, pangit ang kalabasan haha. I'll do my best to update. Have fun reading!

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Chapter 10: The Soul Manipulator

AIRA

The three of us exchanged glances, simultaneously offering a respectful bow. I turned my gaze towards Mom, only to find that she had vanished from sight. An elderly woman stood before us at the moment. They also took notice of her presence, casting surprised glances in my direction. The old lady continued to walk, eventually passing by us. We fell into silence for a moment, processing the unusual encounter.

"Did you notice it too?" Tanong ko sa kanilang dalawa. Nagkatinginan silang dalawa at sabay na tumango. Ang weird no'n.

"It seems like we might have been hallucinating."

"No, I'm sure it was Mom we saw—"

"Let's just put that aside and concentrate on finding our way downtown so we can leave," Josh interjected, giving me a look.

Saglit kong pinagmasdan ang paligid, nagbabakasakaling makita ko si Mama pero bigo ako.

"Do you know of any other places?"

"Hold on, I've thought of something we can do," Lee whispered.

"What is it?"

"Let's hail a taxi and, once we're downtown, use your air teleportation technique, Josh, so we can make a quick escape because we're low on funds."

"That doesn't seem right."

"I know, but do we have a choice?"

"We shouldn't abuse our powers at the expense of others. The abilities we possess should only be used for good. You know that."

"If you weren't so stubborn, we could have already been there by now," Lee retorted.

Nabigla ako nang kwelyuhan ni Josh si Lee at tinulak siya. Nakita kong unti-unting nagliliwanag ang kamay ni Josh. Nakaramdam ako ng panic kaya kaagad kong hinawakan ang kamay niya.

"What did you say?" Josh inquired sternly, his eyebrows furrowing and a clear expression of anger on his face.

"Josh!"

Hinila ko siya papalayo kay Lee. Napatingin tuloy samin ang mga dumadaan. I felt nervous as Josh nearly unleashed his power. When that happens, things usually take a turn for the worse.

"Seems like you always rely on my powers. Well, your own abilities are rather feeble," Josh attempted to approach Lee, but I gently kept him at bay.

"Josh, calm down. Lower your voice."

Oh dear, they were still arguing. Josh's glare towards me was far from friendly.

"Nothing good will come out of arguing here. Learn to get along."

"Now it seems like I'm the problem here? Is it my fault?!"

"Josh, that's not what I meant. Please, calm down. Don't be angry." Bigla na lang siyang naglakad papalayo. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. Binalingan ko ng tingin si Lee.

"Come on."

We followed Josh, matching his brisk pace. He was clearly livid, his fists clenched.

"I'm not taking sides here," I softly stated, ensuring that both of them heard me.