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ANIMALANDIA<\/strong> A thin layer of sweat covered the nape of my neck, wind whipped my long, dark brown hair back from my face as I rushed towards the school.\u00a0I\u2019m late, again! For the third time of the week!\u00a0<\/em>As I ran, something caught my eye, which made me pause for a while. It\u2019s a pitiful dog, whimpering as a middle-aged man kicked him.\u00a0Should I just ignore him? Or should I save the dog?\u00a0<\/em>I was about to choose the latter when something stopped me.\u00a0No Vala, you\u2019re not supposed to intervene because it\u2019s his business. As a teenager, I shouldn\u2019t be meddling with adult business.\u00a0<\/em>I chose to turn a blind eye and continue rushing to the school.<\/p>\n I felt the racing beat of my heart pulsating under my fingertips as I wipe the sweat from my face. I looked at my watch \u2013 7:30, 30 minutes since the class started.\u00a0<\/em>I cleared my throat before slowly entering the classroom.\u00a0As expected, everyone\u2019s looking at me.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m late.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I bowed down my head and lowered my eyes.\u00a0\u201cTake your seat.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The teacher disappointingly said. I went to the only vacant chair near the window.<\/p>\n The teacher continued the discussion that I interrupted a while ago. However, it\u2019s not the discussion that piqued my interest. A dirty white cat limping as it crosses the soccer field. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the student players running towards the direction of the cat and it seems like they haven\u2019t noticed it! I closed my eyes as I debate with myself.\u00a0I must save the cat! But\u2026 I\u2019m in the middle of a class. I can just warn the players though. But\u2026 I\u2019ll just ruin the discussion again.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMiss Vala, are you sleeping in my class?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I quickly opened my eyes as I heard my name.\u00a0\u201cN-no Ma\u2019am! My eyes\u2026 they just got tired so I rested them for a while.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I reasoned out.\u00a0\u201cOh. Okay let\u2019s go back to the discussion.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The teacher stared at me suspiciously for a few seconds before she resumed. I gently sighed as I looked at the piteous cat for the last time.\u00a0I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m too shy to help you, kitty.<\/em><\/p>\n The sun started to go on its way down the horizon, revealing the mellow and beauteous clouds in the sky. The classes have ended, students are walking along the street together with their friends. I sighed as I quietly walk to another alley next to the school.<\/p>\n \u201cVala~\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I quickly turned around to see where the voice came from but there\u2019s no one here in the alley. Creeped out by the situation, I walked fast in order to get out.\u00a0\u201cVala~\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The voice stopped me from walking.\u00a0Why can\u2019t I move?!\u00a0<\/em>I panicked as my body stood in the middle of the alley like a statue. Suddenly, a familiar cat leaped in front of me, which made me startled.\u00a0It\u2019s the one from the soccer field!\u00a0<\/em>\u201cVala~\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>w-what? The voice came from\u2026<\/em>\u00a0\u201cY-you\u2026 what\u2026 A TALKING CAT?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I must be dreaming. How could a cat talk?!\u00a0<\/em>\u201cCan\u2019t you hear me? I\u2019m calling you.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The cat licked its paws calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cW-why are you talking?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I shakily said in a high-pitched, shrill voice.\u00a0\u201cCan\u2019t you chill for a while? I\u2019ve been travelling for days just to find you and that\u2019s how you\u2019ll greet me?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The cat stopped licking its paws and intensely stared at me.\u00a0\u201c<\/strong>Meow-nyway<\/strong>, I need to\u2026\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0Its voice became vague as my vision started to dim and my head got heavier.\u00a0\u201c\u2026Animalandia\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>Animalandia? What\u2019s that?\u00a0<\/em>That was the last thing I remembered before the darkness consumed me completely.<\/p>\n I squinted my eyes as the rays of the sunlight touched my face.\u00a0I must have slept accidentally last night.\u00a0<\/em>My eyes remained closed as I stretched my arms and legs. I felt lightheaded as I lazily entered the bathroom. I washed my face, which feels quite weird.\u00a0Wait\u2026 Something feels wrong.<\/em>\u00a0\u201cMeow~ Aaaahhhh!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I covered my mouth with my hands\u2026 or paws.\u00a0Why\u2026 Why am I a white cat?! And I talked like a cat!\u00a0<\/em>I slowly glanced at the weirdly moving thing behind me.\u00a0Eek!<\/em>\u00a0I have a tail!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHello!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I turned around when I heard a familiar voice.\u00a0\u201cY-you! Why am I like this?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I said, freaking out as I point to myself.\u00a0\u201cFirst of all, I have a name. Figaro is the handsome name of this stunning cat in front of you.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>Figaro, a white cat wearing a white shirt and blue joggers, confidently said with a smirk.\u00a0I didn\u2019t know cats can also be arrogant.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSecond, I don\u2019t even know you. You just magically appeared here in my room.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>What he said made my forehead pucker.\u00a0\u201cWhere am I?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I walked toward the window located in the room I woke up in. It\u2019s the same surroundings \u2013 roads with busy cars, trees, animals walking\u2026\u00a0ANIMALS WALKING?!\u00a0<\/em>\u201cYou\u2019re in Animalandia.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAnimalandia?! What kind of Earth is that?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I freaked out once again while still looking at the unfamiliar view.\u00a0Elephants on the streets, walking while wearing clothes?! Piglets wearing uniforms?! Dogs driving cars?!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s Earth\u2026? Wait, are you another crazy cat?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>He suspiciously glared at me so I glared back.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s your fault why I\u2019m here!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I yelled and then I told him what I remember before waking up here.<\/p>\n \u201cEh? So, you mean you\u2019re not from Animalandia? You\u2019re an alien coming from Earth?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>This time, it\u2019s not me freaking out, it\u2019s him.\u00a0I guess I\u2019m an alien?\u00a0<\/em>Putting aside my thoughts, I sat down on the bed as well as Figaro.<\/p>\n \u201cHow am I going to go back?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I looked at him with sad eyes.\u00a0\u201cThe Figaro from your world probably knows but the stunning Figaro here doesn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I frowned during the time he said he\u2019s stunning.\u00a0\u201cDo you want to go outside?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>He offered which I agreed on. I changed into a yellow silk dress while he wore a jacket on top of what he\u2019s wearing a while ago and then, we went outside his place.<\/p>\n Instead of being shocked when we reached outdoors, I can\u2019t help but chuckle.\u00a0I can\u2019t believe animals rule the world here while the humans are treated like how the animals are in our world.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to go somewhere?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>He asked as we walk towards his car.\u00a0\u201cDo you have any suggestions?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I asked.\u00a0\u201cHmm\u2026 We can just drive around the neighborhood?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>Due to my curiosity on what this world looks like, I nodded my head fast.<\/p>\n While Figaro was driving, I browsed his social media account. But what caught my attention are the reports:\u00a0A rare man from the forest was shot dead by trophy hunters, a young child left tied in chains in an abandoned house without food and water, a pregnant woman ate a pineapple filled with firecrackers. What\u2026 Isn\u2019t this the reports about animal abuse in our world?<\/em><\/p>\n The car stopped suddenly, which made me drop the phone.\u00a0\u201cWhat happened?!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I shakily asked.\u00a0\u201cThere must be an accident. I\u2019ll just check.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>Figaro went out of the car while I remained seated.<\/p>\n I looked outside and noticed a familiar scenario. There\u2019s a pitiful man, whimpering as an aggressive dog kicked him. My heart raced as the man looked at my direction and stared at me with its sad eyes.\u00a0Should I\u2026?\u00a0<\/em>I inhaled deeply as I closed my eyes. But then the reports flashed in my mind.\u00a0I\u2026 I can\u2019t let any human or animal get abused again!<\/em><\/p>\n My body started to move on its own. I rushed out of the car and ran towards them.\u00a0\u201cStop!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I went between them in order to block the dog.\u00a0\u201cThis isn\u2019t your business, you cat.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>The dog glared at me so I glared back.\u00a0\u201cIt is! I can\u2019t bear to see another life form be abused! Nobody deserves to be mistreated!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I angrily declared with tears flowing down my cheeks.<\/p>\n The area suddenly became quiet. I was shocked when I looked at the dog who\u2019s now smiling.\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re happy that you finally found courage to defend the weak.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>I looked from behind and saw Figaro smiling, which made me confused with what\u2019s happening. All of them were smiling while looking at me.\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re our only hope.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>He added. Suddenly, everything started to vanish.<\/p>\n A thin layer of sweat covered the nape of my neck, wind whipped my long, dark brown hair back from my face as I rushed towards the school.\u00a0I\u2019m late, again! For the fourth time of the week!\u00a0<\/em>As I ran, something caught my eye, which made me pause for a while. It\u2019s a pitiful dog, whimpering as a middle-aged man kicked him. Without any doubt, I ran towards them and stopped the man.<\/p>\n Since then, I volunteered in animal rescue and adopting centers. I realized that turning a blind eye would just worsen the situation. Everyone has the ability to make a difference, but without courage, it is impossible.<\/p>\n -The End-<\/p>\n OPHIR : CHILD OF LEVANT<\/strong><\/p>\n BY: SHANIA MATRIS<\/strong><\/p>\n (Intro)<\/u><\/p>\n \u201cHey, Uncle Samson! Where are you?\u201d a voice of a young boy can be heard in the distance.<\/p>\n \u201cFollow my voice, Ophir! I\u2019m over here!\u201d said the man as he frantically waved his hands in the air.<\/p>\n The young boy, Ophir, carried a bag of coal that he got back at home. He couldn\u2019t see well from the big crowd, so he followed his uncle\u2019s voice to not get lost again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is a bright and sunny day in the Kingdom of Elias. Children played and ran on the stone road across the other timber-framed, wooden and brick houses, and the markets are full of people buying what is necessary for their daily lives, such as food, clothes, herbs and spices. Ophir and his Uncle Samson sell coal for a living. The boy suddenly tripped. Hitting the stone, cold ground, he heard the townsfolk laughing at him, and a familiar voice.<\/p>\n \u201cHa! Ophir, you\u2019re so clumsy, you can\u2019t even carry a bag of coal. It\u2019s not even that heavy!\u201d said the boy.<\/p>\n It was the arrogant Jasper. Ophir knew he was trying to embarrass him once again. More voices are heard, but this time, they\u2019re from strangers.<\/p>\n \u201cPoor boy. He has no mother and his father left him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know who the mother is, but who\u2019s his father?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho cares? That boy is a \u2018nobody\u2019! His low confidence will never lead him to a bright future!\u201d<\/p>\n (Dangers We Must Face)<\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sounds of horns are heard from the castle. Ophir felt someone lift him up. It was a man wearing armor, and carrying a sword.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOphir, are you alright? You need to be more careful next time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The young boy\u2019s eyes widened. Seth the Glorious, the kingdom\u2019s hero, is standing before him. He always admired his brave and adventurous personality.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTh-thank you, Sir\u2026\u201d said the shaking Ophir.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Uncle Samson approached the two, worried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood grief! I thought you got lost again, Ophir. Thank you, Sir Seth,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnytime, Samson. There\u2019s an important announcement from the king. We must get going now,\u201d the noble warrior replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The big crowd waited in front of the castle to hear the news from the king. King Elias and his guards stepped out to the balcony.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy fellow townspeople, good day!\u201d yelled the King as the crowd cheered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is an important announcement for you all. I have received news that we are at risk. One, we have lost many warriors in three months as they ventured to Mount Erminhilda. This mountain is said to have the legendary Sunlight Sword of Levant. For those who don\u2019t know, Levant was the kingdom\u2019s hero before Seth the Glorious. I fear that there are creatures taking many innocent lives there. From this day forth, I forbid you all to take a step on that mountain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jasper was next to Ophir, poking his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI bet you can\u2019t even climb up that mountain. I\u2019ve been there dozens of times, and I don\u2019t see any monsters,\u201d he whispered to him proudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ophir shushed him while the announcement continued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I fear the most is Crimson the Ruthless\u2019 reign of terror. He has obliterated two neighboring kingdoms. Everyone must stay in their homes at sunset while our warriors patrol at night. That is all. Thank you!\u201d the king ended with a bow and stepped back inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n (Ophir\u2019s Origins)<\/u><\/p>\n At home, Samson was in the kitchen cooking roasted chicken and vegetables. Ophir sat still at the table with the need to talk to his uncle.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle Samson, I don\u2019t understand. I\u2019m already used to people saying I\u2019m \u2018nothing\u2019, but now, this is different. They say that my parents abandoned me, or they died from an accident\u2026 Please tell me where they are.\u201d<\/p>\n Uncle Samson paused from preparing dinner and sat next to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cOphir, I never wanted to tell you for it is a tearful story. Are you sure you really want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThose who say you were abandoned is not true. Your mother and father loved you dearly. They both served the king before you were born. Your mother was the king\u2019s chef. It\u2019s unfortunate she passed away from giving birth to you\u2026 your father, however\u2026 No one knew who he was, except\u00a0me<\/em>. Your father was a spirited warrior, praised for his gentle heart. He shined bright like the Sun. Sadly, he died during battle. Your father\u2026 was the heroic\u00a0Levant.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Ophir felt a chill go down his spine. His chest felt heavy. His tears flowed endlessly. He couldn\u2019t believe it.\u00a0He is the offspring of a hero.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI must tell you this again, my nephew. Don\u2019t let everyone\u2019s words break you. I know deep within that shyness of yours is a mighty hero waiting to come out of hiding. You\u2019ll shine bright among everyone, just like your father,\u201d and Samson hugged his nephew.<\/p>\n Ophir felt moved. If no one can put an end to Crimson the Ruthless, the kingdom will perish.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle, we need to get up Mount Erminhilda. We have to retrieve my father\u2019s sword right now! Crimson the Ruthless could strike at any moment!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s our only way to bring peace to the land, I\u2019ll go with you,\u201d answered Samson.<\/p>\n (Retrieving the Sword)<\/u><\/p>\n Samson and Ophir left while it\u2019s still dark. They would hide and go when no soldier\u2019s around. Minutes have passed, and they\u2019re now near the mountain.<\/p>\n It was tough finding the cave where the sword is. They passed by another cave, and this one already has light inside. There, they see the sword from afar. Skulls, bones, and fragments of armor surrounded the bright, golden sword. Samson inched closer to the sword, but was pulled up by an unknown creature. Up above was a large, ruby-colored serpent. Ophir was shaking, but he has no other choice but to immediately grab the sword and slay the serpent.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of my uncle!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n A gold aura surrounded the boy as he leaped in the air to strike the serpent. He struck here and there, and the serpent fell onto the ground bleeding. Ophir quickly pulled Samson out of the cave. The only thing left to do is to show the sword to King Elias!<\/p>\n (A Fight for Peace)<\/u><\/p>\n The king was astonished to see the legendary sword before him, and hear Ophir\u2019s origins from Samson.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard only the \u2018worthy\u2019 can retrieve that sword. As Levant\u2019s own son, you truly are the one!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n Part of the roof was wiped out by an unknown force. Crimson the Ruthless has arrived! Samson pulled the king\u2019s arm to bring him to safety, and secure everyone in Mount Erminhilda.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sword\u2026 so, you\u2019re the \u2018worthy\u2019 successor of the Spirited Levant? I\u2019ll wipe you out! \u201d said Crimson in a menacing voice. There is a gem on his chest, which could be the source of his power. Ophir leapt, swinging his sword, but a barrier was formed. Crimson raised his hand, creating a wiping gesture, wiping out part of the castle wall. Dark force hit Ophir against the wall. Two arms strangled Crimson from behind. Ophir looked up, rubbing his head, to see Jasper strangling the villain. Jasper lifted up his mask and tossed it on the ground. Ophir was dumbfounded to see his actual face.<\/p>\n \u201cS-sir\u2026 Seth\u2026 the Glorious?\u201d he uttered.<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u00a0I\u2019m Crimson the RUTHLESS!\u00a0<\/strong>This gem was from my adventures. Ophir, did you know your father and I were\u00a0\u2018good friends\u2019<\/em>? Seeing him achieve so much makes me so\u00a0mad<\/strong>! 15 years ago, there was a war. I told everyone he died while fighting, but truth is\u2026 I\u00a0cut<\/em>\u00a0him off of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n This made Ophir furious. The gold aura surrounding him grew larger as he leapt to strike him. A ring of sunshine formed as he did a backflip.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is for the kingdom, and my family! Burn bright!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>exclaimed Ophir.<\/p>\n The gem shattered, and flames engulfed on Seth\u2019s robes.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Defeated by your own son, Levant? Outrageous! Everyone\u2019s supposed to bow to\u00a0ME<\/strong>!\u201d he shouted, while slowly turning into dust.<\/p>\n (Prosperity to the Land)<\/u><\/p>\n The townsfolk cheered as the king raised Ophir\u2019s hand. He\u2019s now the kingdom\u2019s hero. Samson now serves as the Royal Messenger, and Jasper was rewarded for helping Ophir by becoming a warrior. Jasper tapped on his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t told you this yet, Ophir. I saved you because I know you\u2019ll believe me. No one listened when I saw Crimson in the forests. When I saw you carrying that sword back to the castle, I knew you\u2019ll be our only hope. I\u2019m sorry for being very mean to you back then,\u201d said Jasper.<\/p>\n The sun shone bright on their faces. Ophir smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s leave that behind, because now, we must stay together to protect this land! I can\u2019t do that without you.\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd kept cheering as the two looked up at the blue sky, with Levant\u2019s spirit visible above the clouds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n PRINCESS MALAYA<\/strong><\/p>\n BY: JANEL GLORI<\/strong><\/p>\n Drenched in sweat while catching my breath, I gripped onto my sword tightly. As I come face to face with the enemy, who was ironically, the same person who asked for my hand in marriage not long ago. Clashing of swords and shedding of blood was evident in our surroundings, but in my perspective it was only the two of us who existed at this very moment. Who knew that this pale faced, angelic looking, Spaniard was capable of being so violent and hell bent? Memories of how all these events started to unfold all of a sudden flooded my mind, nostalgia hitting me hard like harsh ocean waves.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I remember the morning my older brother and I were called to the throne room, because father had urgent news to tell. \u201cDatu Kawayan, your children, Princess Malaya and Prince Dakila are here.\u201d Our father\u2019s messenger announces, as we approached him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou wanted to tell us something, Father?\u201d I spoke up, curious but slightly anxious about what news he wanted to bring. Judging by the looks of my father\u2019s face, he looked pretty serious and concerned about it. He started speaking up as Dakila and I listened closely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe white skinned invaders. They succeeded in invading Maynila,\u201d A lump on my throat started to form, feeling my heart swell in sadness and pain. Maynila was south from our kingdom, and we were good trading partners. My father continued. \u201cThey are currently heading up north, and their next stop, is us. Pangasinan.\u201d My heart started beating rapidly now, and balling my fists tightly in rage. I care deeply about my people and my land. And as their future ruler, after my brother reigns, of course, I must do something about this crisis we are about to face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just as I was drowning in my sea of thoughts, the messenger came in again and said, \u201cDatu Kawayan, a million apologies for interrupting, but we have guests.\u201d He gave my father an anxious look, while father himself nodded. Keeping his head held up high.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho are these guests, father?\u201d Dakila asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Father remained his poise, and replied \u201cIt\u2019s them.\u201d My brother gasped silently, and furrowed his eyebrows, asking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy entertain them if we could already finish them off right now?\u201d But father signalled him to stop talking by raising his hand up in front of Dakila\u2019s face. With ease, father responded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s hear what they have to say,\u201d Father paused, and spoke to the messenger, saying. \u201cBring them in.\u201d And so they did. Low and behold, these certain guests were none other than the invaders themselves. Dressed in polished suits and leather shoes, they walked across the hall. I noticed that they brought a commoner from Maynila with them too. He dressed like them as well, the only difference was he had a glint of sorrow in his eyes. Almost as if he was guilty.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGreetings, Datu Kawayan.\u201d The person from Maynila spoke, while bowing his head. \u201cWith me here is Duke Ricardo, a representative of the new rulers of Maynila.\u201d The Duke gave my father a rather warm smile, with a hint of slyness in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Father raised his eyebrows and shook his head. \u201cWhat is your purpose of coming here?\u201d My father asked firmly. With a foreign language, the Duke whispered something into the Maynilan\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs this your daughter? She must be the princess, I assume. I must say that she\u2019s very beautiful.\u201d Dakila eyed the Duke sternly, as he replied to our supposed fellowman, who was now on their side. \u201cAlright, I think I\u2019ve heard enough, Father. I fully understand what there true intentions are. They desire our lands and our riches. And they wish to subjugate us just like the island kingdom of Sugbu, and now Maynila. We will become lowly servants just like this Maynilan before you. I\u2019d rather go to war and die.\u201d The Maynilan man raised his hands and said, \u201cPlease wait and listen to the Duke\u2019s proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t plan on going to war with you all. We actually plan on agreeing with a much simpler plan,\u201d Pausing, his eyes landed on me again, as he said. \u201cDuke Ricardo wishes to take the princess\u2019 hand in marriage.\u201d He pointed to the white man beside him in pride.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd what makes you think my daughter will agree with your proposal?\u201d My father rose from his throne almost immediately, anger filling his eyes. But I approached him and calmed him down, making him sit back on his throne, avoiding the possibility of a fight. \u201cAnd do you think I would actually agree with that? How dare you have the courage to ask such a question!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFather, please. It\u2019s alright.\u201d I spoke up, with a confident look, I responded. \u201cI agree to your proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMalaya-\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Father. I agree to your proposal, but under one condition.\u201d The foreigner and the Maynilan listened carefully. \u201cYou will have to beat me in a hand to hand combat of arnis.\u201d Arnis was a martial art of the Philippines, and it worked with two sticks and consisted of hand to hand combat. It took a while before the pale foreign man gave his response, making sure he knew what he was about to face. Finally agreeing to my own proposal, according to the man from Maynila, I gave them a smile, leaving both my father and brother speechless at what I just did. I looked at my father once again, and told him, \u201cWe are the proud descendants of Queen Urduja. And you have thought me and my brother well in the arts of combat. Do not worry, my father.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fast forward to the match, I remember the entire kingdom watching this man from a country called Spain and I try to defeat one another through my country\u2019s martial art. Circling around each other, I think of what I should do. He tried lunging forward, but I instantly dodged it, almost making him stumble forward. What a clumsy man, I thought, as he tried again, hitting with his stick, but it clashed with mine, and I pushed him back. From my strong force, he fell back onto the ground, and was able to let go of his stick. I grabbed it from the ground, and pointed it to his face. A sign that I have already won, and that he had to accept that he just lost to me, the princess. My people cheered on, as my eyes searched for my brother and father in the crowd. I saw the two of them approach me with satisfied smiles on their faces, as the crowd started to lead us to the feast they had prepared for my expected win. But just as everything was going fine, something tragic occurred. Father started growing ill everyday. Eventually, he left Dakila and I and joined our mother and the gods in the heavens. This burdened the whole land, especially me and my brother. As we were mourning for our loss, the white men started attacking us out of no where, taking this perfect opportunity to stage their plans of conquest. Dakila was wounded by one of them, which made me realise that it was all up to me now to lead our warriors to this unexpected battle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before I got out, my brother grabbed my arm and told me, \u201cTake father\u2019s sword, Malaya.\u201d I nodded and immediately grabbed it from his bedroom, and made my way out on the battlefield. Alas, here I was. Face to face with the enemy himself. This is for you, Father. And for our beloved kingdom, and for the people who dwell in it. Duke Ricardo gave me a surprise by speaking in the Sugbu language. \u201cYou have shamed me before, but we are fighting with real swords now. I\u2019m giving you a second chance. Marry me and we will build a strong kingdom together!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Out of rage, I swung my sword towards the pale faced foreigner, my sword clashing with his. He tried slashing my arm but I dodged it at once, then kicked him hard to the core, making him fall to the ground one more. Just as I was about to stab his gut, he quickly got up and went for my head. Thankfully, I was quick enough to lower my head. I crouched and made my way to his back, kicking him from behind. Disarming him, I grabbed his hair and put the sword against his throat, slitting it open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The invader fell down and was no more.<\/p>\n
\nBY : DESTINY PIMENTEL<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/catherinekhoo.sg\/phillippineswp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/115805541_2627861304196509_4399238617316689311_n.png\")
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