II - Simula

3 months later...

The whole family manor had already lit up the lights early in the morning, except one. Down by the dusky part of their home, there is Naria exploring her grandmother's unlit bedroom. It is wide open, and unused, and its iconic modern architectural design with a touch of traditional never seems to be altered for a long time. As every bit of furniture still abides the place just as exactly how she remembers, except it looks smaller now that she's grown up, literally and figuratively.

After wandering around inside, she stands by the doorframe with her arms crossed, leaning all her weight onto it with her eyes closed. She reminisces and prays for a blessing and her grandmother's return.

"Ma'am Naria, it's time." Interrupts by a familiar figure casually wearing a set of gray fran suit, a professional uniform for maids.

She still hasn't opened her eyes just yet, "You don't have to call me that way." Naria flatly tells her childhood nanny, uneager to move and participate in the event that she's supposedly prepared for.

The nanny slumps, frowning upon the saddening fact that she can't turn away the dull and empty bedroom is being watched soulfully by the lone granddaughter in blue.

She remembers the good times too. This very room always used to never lose its light, this cozy light is the heart of their home. Together Naria being the only child and her couple of grandparents, warmth the wealth, and the world's cold gluttonous money.

How much the nanny wishes to tell Naria everything, and how this once sweet home changed in a second by a traumatic incident.

If only, but today is a special day. She thought she might have to wait for the right time to say it.

She checks over her wristwatch "Ma'am you're still in your robes, please get dressed as soon as possible." disregarding Naria's recent response.

Already, the girl in silk robes and towel wrapped on her head hums in discontent, sluggishly walking off the doorframe and about on her way to the dressing room.

"Wait.."

But then her nanny's retortion made Naria stop from her footsteps, unmoved and silent. The nanny shrinks from Naria's eerie sulking form, not even the light would illuminate her tall silhouette.

"Listen, my Nari." the nanny's voice wobbles "This is the last thing she's asking you for. Do this for your lola, for your home, for the family-"

"Would lola be okay with this?" Naria cuts her off and still does not move a muscle, "When is she going back home anyway?"

Neither did the nanny.

"Soon I'm sure!" She sputtered, along with constraining a laugh "She'd be happy to guide you attending this event, it's a family tradition you don't want to miss out this time! And, and.." She couldn't find any words to keep going as her constrained laughter shortly dies out.

Until then, an alarm beeped aloud on the nanny's wristwatch at the right time. Looking at it, the nanny beams and a light bulb sprung out of her mind giving her an idea "It's 5:35, I'll tell you everything once you get home."

Naria finally turns to look at her nanny, hope glints in her blue eyes.

***

"Good morning students. You might have already noticed the unusual scheduling of your school's field trip, and we hope you'll forgive us. Your beloved teachers have prepared so much for this exciting event.." The entire students orderly formed into a group, closely listening.

"Because today, on March 8th, you all are hereby invited to the 100th anniversary of the Arcangel Family for free! Repeat after me, The AR-CAN-HEL Family." Students repeated the following pronunciation of the family's surname mentioned by the enthusiastic Museum tour guide. It's crowded in the National Museum for both ordinary visitors and Elementary to College students learning about the renowned commemoration.

People are mostly drawn to the area where ancient relics are stored, especially the ones belonging to the Arcangel Family due to the anniversary occurring on this day. Phones and cameras are up high and low, stretched from their arms to take pictures and videos.

The students began to murmur, noticing the positive aspect when they waited for a year to attend their field trip.

"All the wait just for the museum?"

"I expected too much."

"We can visit the museum anytime, this is nonsense."

But some still haven't changed their mind.

"I see why we had to wait a whole year for this trip." says one hazel-haired student who joined in the gossip, promptly writing down on her notes, "And why is that then?" asks another.

The student kept her nose stuck on her notebook, busily writing down more while she was able to reply "Because it saves the school budget. The Arcangel Family encouraged people to visit here for free during the Anniversary, they said this might be even the last time they'll celebrate since the last owner of these relics went sick."

The other student nods. Usually, Philippine school field days are held between September to November, which is mainly followed in most schools. Shortly after, the two students went back to focusing on the tour.

"As you all may have noticed, they own a lot of ancient weaponry more than their jewelry and artifacts that are entirely made of gold." The museum tour guide loudly makes an introduction of the relics while he and the students he guides surrounded that area. "Besides building their own businesses, The Arcangel family of warriors and artists had begun supporting the Philippine Army for a long time. Inspired by the actions of our heroine here, Maria de Arcangel. Who sacrificed her noble title and secretly volunteered to be a soldier, defending the country during the Philippine Revolution."

The War Golok, also known as Gollock, a weapon that looks similar to a Machete but is the only sword ever existed without its pointy tip; is stored in the glass box and has become every teenager's favorite spot to take selfies, those the same people who believe this legendary weapon emits a badass essence. It's preserved perfectly even with its blade being bent and chipped, obviously in almost brittle condition due to being part of the war.

"This is the War Golok, this is used to be an agricultural cutting tool until eventually, it became a weapon for war-"

The tour guide is interrupted by his co-worker, rushing toward him and whispering closely to his ear. His calm expression hardened as they bolted off in the opposite direction. Although some people don't mind, the students watched the co-worker run off in a hurry and made a fuss in curiosity, "Alright alright, everyone. I apologize I almost forgot to make an announcement, we would like to welcome you special guests!"

Any minute now, the students turned to take a look at the loud group of footsteps they heard from afar. Less than a dozen bodyguards marched in their way, guarding the two mysterious guests for the museum today.