Rιʂιɳɠ RҽႦҽʅʅισɳ

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥.

-𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢

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The Council Chambers at Legacy International Academy

The council chamber loomed grand and imposing, its high windows casting angular beams of light across the polished floors. At the center stood Maeve Murphy, poised like royalty. Her auburn hair perfectly styled and her arms crossed in a stance that screamed superiority.

Ngumiti siya nang may pang-aasar, ang tono niya ay puno ng pangungutya habang tumingin ang kanyang berdeng mga mata kay Camie, na pumasok sa silid kasama si Ari sa kanyang tabi. "Well, well, if it isn't the head of that ridiculous Misteryo and Hiwaga Club. Come to plead your case, Camie? I suggest you save your breath. The decision to shut down your little band of troublemakers is final."

Hindi nag-atubili si Camie. Naglakad siya nang may katiyakan ng isang taong may misyon, ang kanyang kulay-lilang buhok ay kumikislap sa liwanag ng hapon. Ang boses niya ay kalmado, ngunit ang apoy sa likod nito ay hindi maikakaila. "Final? Last I checked, Maeve, you don't have the authority to bypass the rules of the Academy. Declaring our club 'horrendous' based on half-baked rumors and sensationalized headlines doesn't make it fact."

Itinagilid ni Maeve ang kanyang ulo, nagkukunwaring nasorpresa. Napakunot ang kanyang mga labi habang nakasandal sa mesang nasa harapan niya, na para bang ninanamnam ang kapangyarihang hawak niya. "Rules of the Academy? Oh, I'm quite familiar with them. And guess what? They're also on my side. You see, Camie, hosting a club that leads to something as grisly as the swamp incident—you've crossed a line. Investigators found bones, skeletons, and horrors in that swamp, and it doesn't look good for your little ghost-hunting escapades."

Humakbang si Ari, malambot ang kanyang ekspresyon ngunit ang tono niya ay matigas sintalim na bakal. "It wasn't our club's fault, and you know it, Maeve. The swamp was already a site of local legends long before we investigated it. You're just using this as an excuse to get rid of us because you don't like the attention we're getting."

Ibinaling ni Maeve ang malamig na tingin sa kanya, halata ang paghamak nito. "Attention? Attention doesn't cover up bad publicity, Ari. The school doesn't need students dabbling in the grotesque or stirring up local myths like Tikbalangs. It's embarrassing. The Dean agrees with me, by the way."

Camie narrowed her eyes, her voice now cool and calculated. "The Dean, huh? Is that who you'll go to next when your threats don't work? Or maybe you'll go higher—how about the Secretary of Education?" Lumapit si Camie, ang kanyang kalmadong kumpiyansa ay bahagyang nagpagulo kay Maeve."But let me tell you something, Maeve. Misteryo and Hiwaga isn't going anywhere."

Humalakhak si Maeve, bagaman may lumitaw na pag-aalinlangan sa kanyang tingin."Big words. But let me warn you, Camie, this isn't just about rumors. It's about the image of this Academy. And as long as I'm president, your club will remain disbanded. Keep pushing, and you'll face consequences far worse than a mere club closure."

Hinatak ni Ari ang manggas ni Camie, nag-aalangan na bumulong "Camie, maybe we should... I mean, she might actually go to the Secretary."

Inilagay ni Camie ang isang nakakapanatag na kamay sa balikat ni Ari, ang kanyang boses ay matatag. "Let her try."

Napawi ang mala-tagumpay na ngiti ni Maeve nang maglabas si Camie ng makapal na binder mula sa kanyang bag. Hinampas niya ito sa mesa ng konseho na may malakas na tunog na umalingawngaw sa silid. Sa isang galaw, binuksan niya ang isang nakamarkang pahina, ang kanyang kumpiyansa ay sumisikat.

"Here's the thing about rules, Maeve. When you read them carefully—and I mean carefully—you find interesting little details. Like this clause."Matagumpay niyang tinapik ang pahina."Legacy International Academy bylaws state that no club can be disbanded unless there's definitive proof that it has endangered its members or the student body. Which, in this case, there isn't."

Sumandal si Maeve, sumulyap sa pahina, nag-aalinlangan ang kanyang kumpiyansa habang sinusuri ang teksto. "And what about the swamp? The bones? The investigators—"

Pinutol siya ni Camie, ang kanyang boses ay matalas at hindi sumusuko."Were investigating an unrelated crime in the area. Nothing ties it to our club. In fact, our documentation shows we left the swamp before any of that was uncovered. You can spin this however you like, Maeve, but the truth is on our side."

Ngumisi si Ari, tumabi kay Camie, bumalik ang kanyang alindog habang nanunuya siya kang Maeve."Looks like you're stuck, Prez. Maybe you should've read the rules more closely before you started swinging your gavel around."

Mahigpit na kinuyom ni Maeve ang kanyang mga kamao, unti-unting nawawala ang kanyang kalma habang ang pagkabigo ay kumukulo sa ilalim ng kanyang perpektong anyo."This isn't over, Camie. You may have found a loophole, but I won't stop until your little horror club is a thing of the past."

Malamig na ngumiti si Camie, kumikinang ang kanyang mga mata sa tagumpay."Good luck with that, Maeve. Because while you're busy plotting, we'll be busy thriving. Misteryo and Hiwaga will continue uncovering the mysteries of the school—and there's nothing you can do to stop us."

Padabog na lumabas si Maeve mula sa silid, ang kanyang galit ay ramdam sa alingawngaw ng kanyang umaatras na mga yabag. Nagpalitan ng tingin sina Camie at Ari, na may halong ginhawa sa tagumpay nang tuluyang mawala ang tensyon.

Padabog na lumabas si Maeve mula sa silid, ang kanyang galit ay ramdam sa alingawngaw ng kanyang umaatras na mga yabag. Nagpalitan ng tingin sina Camie at Ari, na may halong ginhawa sa tagumpay nang tuluyang mawala ang tensyon.

"That was... amazing,"sabi ni Ari, na nakangisi."You just took her down like a boss."

Camie smirked, her confidence unwavering. "We're just getting started, Ari. Misteryo and Hiwaga isn't just a club. It's a legacy. And no one—not even Maeve Murphy—can take that away from us."

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Inside the Club Room

Ang mainit na liwanag na dumadaloy sa bintana ay hindi gaanong nagawang pawiin ang lumalaking iritasyon ni Ari. Inip niyang tinapik ang kanyang mga daliri sa gilid ng mesa, ang mga mata ay dumikit sa orasan sa dingding. Sa tapat niya, tahimik na nakaupo si Camie, nag-i-scroll sa kanyang telepono, ang kanyang ekspresyon ay puno ng sinanay na pasensya.

"Are they coming or not? I'm getting hangry na, as in makakain ko na nang buhay sina Waki ​​at MaKo,"bulong ni Ari, sabay sulyap sa mga bakanteng upuan sa paligid ng kwarto. Ang tono niya ay labis, pero ang kanyang pagkainis ay totoo.

Tumawa ng mahina si Camie, umiling. "Let me text them again," she said, reaching for her phone. But then her fingers paused midair. "Oh wait—shoot, let me call Max instead."

"Oiii, Camie, iba na yata yang galawan ninyo ni Max ha." Yung totoo—kayo na ba? " Ari nagbiro, ang kanyang mga labi ay umikot sa isang mapanlikhang ngiti.

"Not yet," sabi ni Camie, medyo masyadong mabilis. Pagkatapos, parang napagtanto niya ito, tumawa siya at nagdagdag,"But quiet... almost there." Ang kanyang mga pisngi ay bahagyang namula habang siya ay ngumiti, ang kanyang mga iniisip ay nahahalata.

Si Ari ay napahagikgik nang dramatiko. "Hala!" Blush! Grabe, confirmed!

Hindi siya pinansin ni Camie, sa halip ay itinuon ang pansin sa tono ng tono sa kanyang tainga. Nang sumagot ang mahinahong boses ni Max sa kabilang linya, siya'y tumuwid.kabilang linya, siya'y tumuwid."Max? Where are you guys? Ari and I are about to eat the furniture waiting for you."

"Sorry, Camie. We're at the school gym. Waki and MaKo are still finishing up their basketball practice," paliwanag ni Max ang kanyang karaniwang kalmadong tono ay may bahid ng bahagyang kasiyahan. "I'll keep them in line. Don't worry."

Ibinaba ni Camie ang tawag at ipinasa ang impormasyon kay Ari, na napaungol ng malakas."Ari, they're in the gym. Why don't we go find them there?"

Bumuntong-hininga si Ari ngunit kinuha pa rin ang kanyang backpack, isinukbit sa kanyang balikat."Fine, but they owe me. And I mean, like, food. Big time."

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At the Gym

The gym buzzed with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor, basketballs bouncing, and laughter ringing out. As they walked in, Ari wasted no time shouting at the top of her lungs.

"Hoy, mga kabute! Ba't hindi niyo kami sinabihan na may practice pa kayo? Namumuti na ang mga mata namin ni Camie kaka-antay sa inyo!"

MaKo turned, grinning wide as he leaned against the bleachers, a towel slung around his shoulders. "Hoy, nuno sa punso—este, ang duwende pala sa nuno sa punso! We didn't think practice would take this long," he teased, his laugh echoing across the gym.

"Ok lang yan, Ari. Cute ka naman na duwende," Waki chimed in defensively, giving her a sheepish smile. Then, turning to Camie, he added apologetically, "Sorry, Camie. We didn't notice the time. Kung hindi kami sinermonan ni Max, di pa talaga titigil sa pagdi-dribble si MaKo."

"Excuse me!" MaKo interjected, pretending to be offended.

Camie shook her head, unable to hold back her smile. "It's fine, really. But since the club activities are finally back on, we need to talk about our next adventure or activity. Any ideas?"

Max, who had been leaning silently against the wall, finally spoke. "What about something meaningful? Something that will make that student council president eat her words?" There was a glint of challenge in his tone, one that made Ari and Waki exchange curious looks.

"Ohhh, alam ko na!" MaKo's hand shot up like an eager student. "Para may kabuluhan naman ang club natin—what about a concert for a cause? It'll raise our club's fame and honor and my popularity. Aka pogi points." He finished his sentence with a satisfied smirk.

"Great idea, MaKo! Finally, you're using your brain." Camie nodded approvingly, her mind already racing with possibilities. "We can donate all the proceeds to a charity, or maybe use them to fund the construction of new classrooms."

"Natural! Ako na 'to, nu!" MaKo declared proudly, then turned to the others. "Camie, why don't you organize the tickets and the program? I know you're good at that. Waki, we'll need your ultra-star connections—get us some big celebrities for the lineup. And Max, I'm sure you've got some hidden talents we can finally put to use."

Max crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "I'll only agree if we—MaKo, Waki, and I—put together a band and perform in the final part of the show."

"Whoa, slow down!" Waki protested, his eyes wide. "Sure ka ba na kaya natin 'to? Parang nakakahiya!"

"Yey! I'll be your cheerer!" Ari interrupted excitedly, clapping her hands together. "I'll make placards, bring a fan banner, and maybe borrow Camie's butler and bodyguards to wave pom-poms!"

"Of course we can do it," Max said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "MaKo's on guitar, I'll do vocals, and Waki—you're on drums."

"T-teka... sure na ba 'to?" Waki stammered, but MaKo threw an arm around his shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.

"Praktis na tayo mamaya! Let's head to my house!" MaKo announced cheerfully, dragging a hesitant Waki toward the door.

As they left, he turned back to wave at the small crowd of girls waiting by the gym railings. "Bye, Camie, Ari, and bye, mga baby girls. Sorry I couldn't come to Pulse tonight!" (Pulse, a legendary night club in the heart of the city, is a mecca for the raving party scene.)

As MaKo and Waki made their way out of the gym, pulling the crowd's attention with their usual flair, Camie and Ari lingered behind. Tamad na isinabit ni Ari ang kanyang backpack sa isang balikat, namumungay ang mga mata habang pinagmamasdan si Mako na ginagabayan ang grupo ng mga batang babae na nakakumpol sa may rehas.

"He's impossible,"bulong ni Ari, umiling-iling."How does he always manage to make leaving such a big production?"

Bahagyang tumawa si Camie, habang pinagmamasdan ang eksenang na nagaganap nang may kasiyahan."He wouldn't be MaKo if he didn't."

Lumingon sila kay Max, na kanina pa tahimik na nagmamasid sa gym mula sa kanyang pwesto sa tabi ng dingding. Ang kanyang tingin ay mapanlikha, ang kanyang pilak na buhok ay nahuhuli ang bahagyang kislap ng mga ilaw sa kisame.

"I think this concert idea could be big for the club," Max said suddenly, his voice steady but laced with determination. "Not just for us, but for the people we can help. It's time we show everyone, including Maeve, what Misteryo and Hiwaga is really about."

Tumango si Camie, mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya."Exactly. She might think she's silenced us, but this will prove otherwise. We'll remind the Academy—and Maeve—that what we do isn't just about chasing legends or myths. It's about uncovering truth and using what we find for something greater."

Napatingin si Ari sa pagitan nilang dalawa, nagliwanag ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito sa pananabik."Ooooh, dramatic much? But I like it. Especially the part where I get to make placards and cheer you guys on. Seriously, I'm going all out—glitter, streamers, maybe even a megaphone!"

Lumingon sa kanya si Camie,nahuhumaling."You've definitely got the enthusiasm part down, Ari. But we'll need your organizational skills, too. We'll make this concert flawless—and unmissable."

Tumingin si Max sa kanyang relo, unti-unting bumabalik ang kanyang kalmadong anyo."We should start planning as soon as possible. Let's meet tonight to figure out the logistics—venue, lineup, budget. I know it'll be a challenge, but we're ready for this."

Napangisi si Ari,siniko si Camie nang may kalokohan. "And here I thought all you were ready for was texting Max. Looks like you're stepping up, girl."

Inilibot ni Camie ang kanyang mga mata ngunit hindi maitago ang pamumula na gumapang sa kanyang mga pisngi. "Focus, Ari. We've got work to do."

Habang nagsimulang maglakad ang tatlo patungo sa exit, ang mga echo ng gym ay tila mas tahimik ngayon, napuno hindi ng kawalan ng katiyakan kundi ng determinasyon. Hindi na lang sila miyembro ng isang club—isa na silang team, pinag-isa ng iisang layunin at handang harapin ang susunod na hamon.

Sa labas pa lang ng gym, habang naghihiwalay sila ng landas para sa gabi, saglit na nag-alinlangan si Max. Pagkatapos ay bumaling siya kay Camie, mas mahina ang boses, halos nag-aalangan."Camie... about the concert. There's something I wanted to say."

She tilted her head, curious. "What is it?"

Max's gaze held hers, steady but vulnerable. "This isn't just about proving Maeve wrong for me. It's about showing everyone—especially you—that I believe in what we're doing. In us. In this club."

Napakurap si Camie, bumibilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso sa kanyang pagiging maalab. "Max..."

Ari, oblivious to the deeper moment unfolding, chimed in cheerfully, pulling Camie's attention away. "Okay, lovebirds! Save the sweet stuff for later. We've got a concert to save the world with!"

Tumawa si Max, bahagyang umiling. Si Camie, na nakangiti na ngayon, ay nauntog ang kanyang balikat kay Ari habang magkasama silang naglalakad palabas.

"Hoy, teka! May utang pa sa akin yang dalawang yan—big time!"sigaw si Ari, ang kanyang boses ay umabot sa buong kampus habang tumakbo siya nang mabilis. Ang kanyang backpack ay sumasayaw sa kanyang mga balikat, ngunit wala siyang pakialam; ang paghihiganti (o baka mga meryenda lang) ang nagbigay lakas sa kanyang determinasyon.

Sakto namang napatingin si MaKo sa kanyang balikat upang makita si Ari na tumatakbo patungo sa kanila na parang isang maliit na bagyo. Sa isang ngiti, tinapik niya si Waki at bumulong nang sapat para marinig nito, "Looks like our cute duwende isn't letting us escape that easily."

Napaungol si Waki, kunwaring naghahanda para sa impact."Should we run, or do we face the wrath?"

"Sa tingin mo malalampasan mo ako, ha?" Sigaw ni Ari habang sinasara ang puwang, ang kanyang matagumpay na tawa ay umalingawngaw. "Maghintay ka lang hanggang sa lamunin ko ang lahat ng iyong meryenda at iwanan kang gutom!"

Pinagmasdan ni Camie ang eksena mula sa pintuan, umiling-iling na may nakakatuwang ngiti."Poor Waki and MaKo. They should know by now—there's no escaping Ari's hangry wrath."

Max stood beside her, his silver hair catching the light as he crossed his arms with a subtle grin. "She's like a force of nature. Honestly, they're lucky to have her keeping them in line."

Camie glanced at him, the corners of her lips curving slightly. "And we're lucky to have all of them. Even if we have to bribe each other with food sometimes."

As Ari finally reached MaKo and Waki, launching into a playful lecture about their food debt, Camie couldn't help but smile at the ridiculousness of it all. She had a feeling the concert for a cause was going to be the next great adventure for their club—and, as always, they'd tackle it together, no matter what.

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Inside the Club Room

Ang silid ng klub ay puno ng mga nagkakalat na usapan habang nagtatrabaho ang grupo sa mga plano para sa kanilang nalalapit na konsiyerto. Lumipas ang mga araw sa gitna ng mga guhit, props, at mga talakayan tungkol sa ilaw sa entablado. Sa gitna ng kalat, napansin ni Max ang isang makintab na magasin na basta na lang itinapon sa mesa. Kinuha niya ito, binuklat ang mga pahina nang walang malay hanggang sa mapansin ang isang gabay sa horoscope na nakatago sa huling bahagi.

Breaking the relative quiet, Camie spoke up, her voice slicing through the hum of activity. "Oh, everyone, I just want to let you know that you're all invited to my birthday party. Make sure to clear your schedules for November 1st. I know it's still months away, but my dad's been nagging me to start preparing for it," she said with a dramatic eye-roll.

Ari smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Ay, iba talaga! You're celebrating your birthday on Araw ng mga Patay? Camie, ikaw na talaga ang tinaguriang Queen of the Night."

"Okay, cool," Waki chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "Is this going to be a black-tie affair? Do we need tuxedos or what?"

Ari perked up, her mind spinning with possibilities. "Ohh, hala! Kailangan ko na bang tahiin ang damit ko? Ano bang theme, Camie?"

Camie waved her hand dismissively. "Wear anything, guys—no pressure." She opened her notebook and began jotting names. "Speaking of birthdays, let me list all yours here in my journal. I don't want to forget to get you all gifts." She looked expectantly at Max.

"When's your birthday, Max?" she asked, pen poised.

Max straightened with unusual enthusiasm. "October 13. Libra. Symbol: Scales. Element: Air. Ruler: Venus. Personality Traits: Librans are known for their charm, diplomacy, and ability to seek balance and justice. Social, artistic, and a sucker for harmony," he rattled off with an impressive level of detail, leaving the room stunned.

"And," Max added with a sly grin, "I'm your type, Camie—I'm Type AB."

MaKo and Waki turned sharply to stare, their jaws hanging slightly. Max, the club's resident man-of-few-words, seemed utterly possessed, speaking as if an unseen force had taken hold of him.

Camie froze, her cheeks burning like embers. "Uh... okay, moving on! Back to the concert." She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, steering the focus back to safer ground. "Do you all think we should wear costumes, masks, or something else to fit the Hellfest theme? What's your take, guys?"

Ari leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, if it's Hellfest, then we have to go all out! Picture this: flaming wings, devil horns, and smoky eye makeup so intense it scares the audience."

"That's ambitious," sabi ni Waki, hinimas ang likod ng kanyang leeg. "Pero knowing you, Ari, nagdidisenyo ka na ng outfit mo, 'di ba? Let me guess—something skulls with bows, pink bats and candy-colored coffins or, like, fire heart patterns?"

Ari grinned. "You know me too well."

Max, who was still enjoying the aftermath of his unexpected outburst, shrugged. "If it's Hellfest, maybe we should do a masquerade twist—costumes with masks. Adds an air of mystery."

Camie's eyes lit up as she scribbled notes furiously in her journal. "Masquerade, huh? I like that. We could tie it into the concert visuals, like a dark carnival theme or something eerie."

Sa wakas ay nagsalita si MaKo, na kanina pa tahimik."Just don't make us wear something too elaborate. I'm not trying to trip over a cape while playing guitar."

Nagtawanan ang lahat, at tumango si Waki ​​bilang pagsang-ayon. "Yeah, practicality, please. I'll leave the drama to you, Ari."

"Hoy!" Si Ari ay nagkunwaring nasaktan, ngunit ang kanyang mapaglarong ngiti ay nagtaksil sa kanya."Don't worry, I'll make sure everyone looks amazing. Even you, Waki."

"Noted," tuyong sagot ni Waki, na nakangiti. "Ngunit kung ang sinuman ay magiging ganap na madrama, tiyak na si Max iyon."

Sa sandaling iyon, ang lahat ng mga mata ay ibinalik kay Max, na itinaas ang kanyang mga kamay bilang kunwaring pagsuko."What? I'm just saying, I already am Hellfest-ready. Libran charm and all."

Si Camie, na bahagyang namumula pa rin, ay napatawa."Max, you're impossible. But fine. You've convinced me—we're going with costumes, and masks are in. Everyone, start brainstorming your looks."

Ang grupo ay sumabog sa isang masiglang talakayan, nagtatapon ng mga kakaibang ideya para sa mga kasuotan, props, at disenyo ng entablado. Ang enerhiya sa silid ay tila mala-kuryente, at sa unang pagkakataon sa loob ng ilang araw, ang kanilang stress tungkol sa konsiyerto ay napalitan ng ibang klaseng excitement.

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Concert D-day

Dumating na rin ang araw na pinakahihintay ng lahat—Concert D-day. Ang campus ay umuugong sa lakas habang ang mga estudyante ay nagmamadaling paroo't parito sa isang ipoipo ng mga huling minutong paghahanda. Nakatakdang tapusin ng konsiyerto ang Sportsfest, na ginawang isang hindi malilimutang palabas ang isang nakatutuwang kaganapan.

Pabalik-balik si Camie sa concert hall, mahigpit na nakakapit sa kanyang mga kamay ang clipboard niya. Nilibot ng kanyang tingin ang bawat detalye, bawat sulok ng venue, sinisigurong walang nakaligtaan. Her nerves were on edge. She had poured her soul into organizing the event, and the last thing she wanted was for something to go wrong.

Despite her boundless energy, Camie was a self-proclaimed non-athlete,ang tanging kontribusyon niya sa Sportsfest ay ang hindi nakakagulat na pagkapanalo niya sa paligsahan ng chess. She skillfully avoided more physical events, leveraging her charm and knack for persuasion—or, as some would argue, thinly veiled threats—to convince the sports council to exempt her from races and relay teams. 'Why sweat,' she had said, 'when strategy and wit can win the game?"

Si Ari, sa kabilang banda,ay nagpalipas ng Sportsfest na namamalagi sa medic tent, humihigop ng matcha iced tea at nag-enjoy sa lilim. Sumama siya sa medic team para lang makaiwas sa pagod, isang desisyon na tahasan niyang inamin na may mapanuksong ngiti. Ang kanyang papel sa konsiyerto ay hindi gaanong tungkol sa lohistika kundi higit pa sa moral na suporta—at ang paminsan-minsang pagpuna sa fashion.

Habang papalapit ang oras, lumalamlam ang mga ilaw sa entablado, hudyat ng pagsisimula ng palabas. Salamat sa mga koneksyon ni Waki, itinampok sa konsiyerto ang isang lineup ng mga kilalang tao—mga mang-aawit, mananayaw, at performer—na lahat ay sumasang-ayon na ipahiram ang kanilang mga talento sa layunin nang libre. Naghiyawan at nag-indayog ang mga tao, tumataas ang kanilang pananabik sa bawat pagtatanhal.

Ang lugar ay nalugmok sa dilim habang ang entablado ay nabuhay sa isang nakakatakot na liwanag. Umalingawngaw ang isang malagim na himig, na kaakibat nang nakakatakot na melodiya nang karnabal na nagdulot ng panginginig sa mga gulugod. At the center, massive iron gates creaked open, unveiling a twisted carnival scene bathed in blood-red and shadowy purple lights. Smoke curled around grotesque props—a broken carousel and a towering Ferris wheel—setting a chilling atmosphere.

Suddenly, flames erupted from the stage's edges, casting dramatic silhouettes of performers dressed as sinister jesters and ghostly acrobats. Behind them, the LED screen displayed haunting visuals of swirling mists, fiery landscapes, and shadowy figures reaching out to the audience. The spectacle balanced chaos and beauty, creating a thrilling carnival-meets-Hellfest experience.

Then came the crescendo—the final act. The mashup trio band called TriVox emerged from the shadows, clad in dramatic outfits that screamed Hellfest rebellion. The crowd roared as the visuals deepened the immersion, pulling them into a world of mesmerizing darkness.

Max led the charge, exuding charisma in his fitted military-style jacket adorned with silver embroidery and skull-shaped buttons. His tailored trousers and flowing half-cape added an air of regal menace, while his full-face iron mask embossed with gothic crosses completed the ensemble. He looked every bit the enigmatic rock star.

Waki followed, stepping into the spotlight reluctantly but dazzlingly. He wore his half-faced oni mask tilted down his chin, his outfit sleek and effortlessly cool. MaKo rounded out the trio, donning a Phantom of the Opera-inspired mask and an all-black ensemble.

Ang mga unang chord ng kanilang orihinal na kanta, "Eclipsing Shadows," ay napuno ng hangin, na nagpapadala ng panginginig sa mga manonood. Ang boses ni Max ay dinala na parang bagyo, na naghahabi ng mga nakabibighaning liriko sa isang mapang-akit na kuwento:

Beyond the bloodlines, across the warring skies, 

They meet where the stars dare not disguise. 

Eclipsing shadows, a love so pure and bright, 

Breaking the curse, in this eternal night. 

Bound by the whispers, foretold in time's embrace, 

Their love rewrites the stars, their souls interlaced.

Ang mga gitara ay umarangkada ng mga electrifying riffs, inukit ang kanilang kapangyarihan sa walang bituing kalangitan sa itaas. Ang mashup trio ay humatak sa madla, ibinuhos ang sariwang enerhiya sa bawat salita at nota.

Habang ang mga huling dayandang ng Eclipsing Shadows ay kumupas, si Max ay humakbang pasulong sa ilalim ng tumatagos na mga ilaw sa entablado. Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya, katugma ng dumadagundong na palakpakan na yumanig sa venue. Ngunit para kay Max, ang kaguluhan ay naglaho, ang kanyang atensyon ay nakatuon sa isang tao—si Camie.

Adjusting the iron mask covering his face, Max revealed his sharp features to the crowd for the first time. Gasps rippled through the audience as the enigmatic persona he had maintained was cast aside. This wasn't just a reveal; it was a declaration.

Camie stood away from the crowd with Ari, stationed near the lights and music booth. Ari had finally convinced her to swap her usual black attire for something softer—a gown befitting the night's theme. Her ivory silk dress, with silver floral embroidery and off-the-shoulder lace sleeves, shimmered like starlight under the spotlight. The voluminous ruffled skirt flowed elegantly, complemented by loose curls adorned with sparkling clips and matching pearl earrings. Camie evoked the image of a vintage bride, radiating the charm and timeless beauty of antiquity.

Ang ilaw ng entablado ay lumipat,bathing Camie in a celestial glow.Namumula ang kanyang pisngi nang mapansin niyang lumingon si Max sa kanya. Sa sandaling iyon, tila huminto ang oras.

Huminga ng malalim si Max, binasag ng boses niya ang matinding katahimikan. "Camie,"he began, his words resonating through the stillness.Pinalambot ng kahinaan ang kanyang tono, pinatahimik kahit ang pinaka-hindi mapakali na mga miyembro ng madla."You've always called yourself cursed, but to me, you're everything—everything I never thought I'd deserve."

Camie's wide eyes locked onto Max's. Napalunok siya, ang bigat ng pag-amin nito na bumabalot sa kanya na parang marupok na cocoon. Ang mga sigawan at hiyawan ay humina, naiiwan lamang ang nanginginig na sinseridad sa boses ni Max.

"I spent weeks writing this song," patuloy ni Max, habang sumulyap sa banda, "because there are things in my heart I couldn't say out loud. But now—here, in front of all these people—I need you to hear it from me, with no lyrics or melodies to hide behind."

Ang mga tao ay lumapit, ramdam ang bigat ng sandali. Kahit sina Waki at MaKo ay nanatili sa kanilang mga posisyon, ang kanilang nakasanayan na pagbibiro ay humina habang pinapanood nila ang kanilang lead vocalist na ibinubuhos ang kanyang kaluluwa.

Pagkatapos ay naging malinaw ang boses ni Max, tumagos sa musika."Camie! Will you make this official? Will you be my girlfriend? "

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. The crowd held their breath, the anticipation thick enough to weigh down hearts. Bumuka ang mga labi ni Camie, ang kanyang ekspresyon ay halo ng pagkabigla at kawalang-paniniwala. Ang tindi ng titig ni Max at ang sigaw ng daan-daang estudyanteng sumisigaw threatened to overwhelm her.

Max, one of Legacy International Academy's most eligible young men, had just confessed his love to the school's mysterious, gothic beauty.

Humakbang papalapit si Max, ginagabayan siya ng presensya nito patungo sa entablado. With a shy smile that bloomed like a fragile flower in winter, Camie nodded. 'Yes.' Max swept her into a dramatic embrace as confetti cannons fired, showering the couple in shimmering light."

Nag-strum si MaKo ng isang masayang riff sa kanyang gitara, nag-improvise ng isang celebratory tune. Ngumisi si Waki at nagbigay ng isang dramatikong bow sa mga nag-aalok na tagapakinig. The bandmates rallied behind their leader, basking in the magic of the moment.

Ang mga sigawan ay umalingawngaw, itinatatak ang gabing iyon bilang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng akademya.

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