Chapter 1: An Old Book

"Hey, where are you going?" my classmate Limwell asked.

"Outside. Call of nature," my emotionless response.

"It's forbidden to leave the tent at this time. You know the rules at this camp."

"What do you want? My bladder to burst?"

"It's up to you. I just warned you. When Dean Sumaway sees you, you will be suspended for a week."

I didn't answer anymore and went out of our tent. The cool breeze greeted me. I looked at the tents I passed as I headed for a large tree not too far away.

"It's okay here," I whispered. After I peed, I was about to go back to our camping tent when suddenly someone grabbed my arm. My legs shook when I saw who was holding my arm.

I saw an old man with a wrinkled face. He had a long beard and was dressed in rags. In short, he was a hermit.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" I stuttered.

He tightened his grip on my arm which made me even more nervous.

"You're the one who needs me, Ezekiel," the old man said, smiling.

"Do you know me? Who are you?" I asked a tough question but I was still obviously afraid of him.

"Take this," said the old man as he handed me a book. It looked like an ordinary book but I was shocked when it shone inside.

To my surprise, I let go of the book.

"You shouldn't just let go of that book. You have to take care of it as you take care of yourself," he replied once handing me the book again. How did he get the book on the ground and hand it to me without even bowing?

"Grandpa, I'm sorry, but I can't understand you. Why are you giving me that? I already have a lot of books."

"But it's different. This is the book that will be the way for..." The old man couldn't continue what he was going to say when suddenly someone spoke.

"Who's there?" echoed a familiar voice.

I suddenly ran behind a tree. I knew that voice, it's from Dean Sumaway. All the students on our campus were terrified of her including me.

My heartbeat quickened when I heard the footsteps of his feet getting closer and closer to where I was.

Those times made me sweat profusely. He couldn't see me because I don't want to be suspended.

"Dean, I caught a 3rd-year student planning to get out of the woods!" I heard it near the tree I was hiding. It was obvious a student council was speaking.

I heard Dean Sumaway laugh out loud. "Another reprimanded student will be subject to a week's suspension!"

"Please forgive me, Dean. I don't want to..."

"Shut up!" Dean Sumaway cut to the student caught in the escape.

"Alvin, take him to Dean's tent! Now!" he added. His frightening laugh was not over yet.

I took a deep breath as I felt their footsteps moving away from me. Fortunately, they didn't see me.

The old man I was talking to came back to my mind. Where was he now? Why did he just disappear suddenly?

I just shrugged and walked back to the tent. I found Limwell and Jerome sleeping soundly. Limwell hugged Jerome as his right leg rested on the friend who was currently snoring.

I was about to go to bed when I realized I was holding the old book that the old man had given me earlier. I just smirked and threw the book and then lay next to Limwell. When I was drowsy, I fell asleep quickly.

The next day everyone woke up early for our homecoming. It would take us about twelve hours to travel. We were also trapped in the jungle for five days for this campus camping. I'm the only one who didn't enjoy it because I have no interest in such things.

"Let's not go home right away. It's still nice to stay here. It's very peaceful," Jerome said while fixing the tent we used.

"Seriously? Do you enjoy this forest?" I asked.

"Who wouldn't enjoy it? We have five days off, we don't have a book in hand. Isn't that fun? Plus a lot of talks yesterday." Limwell laughed.

Of course, yesterday was free time for all students. My two friends were ogling at girls while I was left inside the tent.

"And which of you two brought a book here in the forest?" Limwell asked with a raised eyebrow.

"A book?" I asked quickly.

"Who's the smartest of the three of us? It's probably Zeke. Isn't he always holding a book?" Jerome laughed.

"It's not mine..." I couldn't finish what I was going to say when I remembered the old man who gave me the book last night.

"Bro, I'll just put this book in your bag. Seriously, it's moldy with old age but you're still reading." Limwell smiled.I watched him as he put the book in my bag.

"The three of you, hurry up, the bus is already there!" A tall man cried. I knew him, Limwell's opponent.

"That arrogant Student Governor! Guess what! He wouldn't have won if he hadn't cheated," said an annoyed Limwell.

"Brother, it's been a year. Move on," Jerome said as we walked to the bus.

Annoyed, Limwell followed. I smiled as I remembered the scandal Limwell had caused when he had rushed to the Dean's Office. He could not accept that Alvin was appointed Student Council Governor. The whole campus knew that Limwell should have won but Alvin sat down.

I just followed them until we reached the bus. I was next to Jerome while Limwell was next to Rizza, who he was courting.

After about twelve hours of traveling, I arrived at our house. I was thankful that we had passed by our house so I didn't have a hard time getting home.

I dropped my bag and jumped on my bed. I gasped after feeling the cold comforter of my bed. It's different when you're at home. The feeling that you are secured and safe.

I was about to close my eyes when I noticed the inside of my bag glow. I was bewildered again. Why did it glow? I opened the bag and was shocked to see the old book the old man had given me last night.

I picked up the book and went back to my bed again. I peeled off its rough cover. Its edges are almost wrinkled with old age. This book has been tested by time.

"What do you have?" I asked the book. As if it would answer me. Out of curiosity I opened the book and saw a photograph printed on its first page. A large golden gate surrounded by leaves. I looked closely at the picture and noticed something written at the top of the gate.

"Loowa's Kingdom?" I whispered into the air. What kind of book is this? Loowa's Kingdom really? Who thought of such a name? Very bad.

I angrily tossed the book on my study table. I was surprised to hear the strange sound of it falling. My eyebrows rose again as I looked at the book.

"What the heck, Zeke? Take a break first, why are you paying attention to that book?" I said to myself in disgust.

I hadn't even taken my eyes off the book when suddenly what was inside lit up again. I closed and opened my eyes a few times to check if it was the trick of the light but it kept flashing.

I approached my study table and opened the middle of the book. I was shocked when I saw something.

A medallion.

I took the medallion and examined it. There was a large rock in the middle of it that glowed black and twelve small stones were surrounding its edge. All in different colors.

I flipped the medallion over and raised my eyebrow again at what was written on it.

Dark Mind

I gaped at the medallion with utter curiosity. For some inexplicable reason, I wore it around my neck.

"What are you doing Zeke? You look like a fool!" I whispered to myself.

I was about to remove the medallion from my neck when I felt a headache. Very painful. The pain I had never experienced in my life. I removed the grip on the medallion and scratched my head that almost exploding in pain. I couldn't take the pain anymore so I bent on my bed.

I was screaming with a headache but no one could hear to help me. I was crying from the extreme pain I was feeling but didn't know what I should do. I kept pulling my hair as I sank into my bed.

For a few minutes, I endured the pain of suddenly disappearing. I didn't know what was happening to me. I felt like I was making excuses.

I suddenly felt drowsy, and for some inexplicable reason, my vision suddenly blurred causing me to fall asleep.

When I woke up, I could no longer see the medallion on my neck, only the old book was on my bed. I looked for the medallion throughout the room but I could not find it. Maybe the flashing of the book, the medallion, and my headache were just a dream. I didn't feel weird when I woke up.

I was walking alone in the hallway when I heard voices talking. I looked around but I didn't see anyone.

"Zeke, you're just too excited!" I whispered into the air.

"Hey!"

"Son of tofu!" I screamed in shock. I saw Limwell almost die of ridicule.

"What is it? Why did you surprise me? Are you crazy?" I said angrily.

"Oh Bro, relax. Because you were talking to yourself!" he said still laughing.

I ignored him and continued walking. He followed me and tapped on my shoulder.

"What's his problem?" I heard Limwell say.

"I have no problem," I said with no emotions flashing on my face.

"Huh? Did you read my mind? I didn't say a word. Well, you know me well. I like you! High-five." He stopped and raised his hand waiting for me to high-five him but I didn't.

I continued walking. Is what he said true? That he did not speak? I didn't even see his mouth open but I heard his voice.

I met a man who looked angry. In his uniform, he was a graduating student.

"Get ready for me, that arrogant governor!" he said angrily.

I also didn't see him speak but why did I seem to hear his mind? Can I read people's minds?

I looked for other students and tried to read their thoughts. I saw a man holding a bouquet.

"Hopefully this time, Norilyn will answer me," the man said happily in his mind.

I was amazed at what was happening to me. What was I? A fairy? I knocked my head. Maybe I was going crazy.

"What's going on with you?" I heard Limwell say and then he took my hands and lowered them. He was right in front of me now, next to Jerome, with a raised eyebrow.

"Did you drink last night? Looks like there's the right foam!" he said laughing.

I ignored them and approached the man holding the flower.

"Hi. I just have a question. Are you dating Norilyn?" I asked, to his surprise.

"Yes. Why? Who are you?" he replied, annoyed.

"Nothing." I left as he stared at my retreating figure in surprise. I turned to my friends who were just as shocked.

I tried to read their minds and I wasn't wrong, I read the thoughts of the two. They were surprised and at the same time worried about my actions.

I just shrugged and adjusted myself. I tried to be civil to them even though I was buzzing with newfound energy.

"Let's go in!" I said with a grin on my face. I just laughed when I read what the two were thinking. "Crazy Ezekiel!"

I couldn't focus in class because of the voices I could hear. I could read everything my classmates were thinking, as well as Professor Sta Ana's mind. I apologized to my Professor because I could no longer handle what I was hearing. I felt like my mind was going to explode.

I slapped my cheeks as I faced the CR mirror. What was happening to me?

Suddenly, a guard entered who I had never seen before. Maybe he was new because I almost knew all the guards on campus. He leaned over me and smiled at me in the mirror.

"Are you wondering what's happening to you?" he asked looking at my reflection in the mirror.

"Now you just need to learn how to control your power!" he said loudly, still smiling at me.

"Power?" That was the only word that came out of my mouth.

He turned to me, raised his hand, and pointed to my right temple which raised my suspicion.

"This mind of yours will be the answer to the coming war to come," he said firmly and then lowered his hand.

"War? What are you saying? Are you crazy? Can you just tell me what's happening to me?" I said, annoyed.

I turned my back on him and was about to touch the doorknob of the CR when he spoke again.

"They're all around. Find the twelve who own the medallion. Get ahead of the Director before he gets ahead of you. Read the old book. This will answer many of your questions."

His words made me more confused.

I looked at the guard but he was no longer inside the CR. How did he disappear suddenly when I was blocking the door? How did he go out?

I left the CR still wondering. Who were the twelve people I should look for? What medallions was he talking about? Are they like the medallion I wore last night? Who is the Director I should precede? What does the old book have to do with what's happening to me now? Who was the guard I talked to earlier and why did he know what was happening to me?

Many questions echoed in my mind that my understanding couldn't answer. I knew what was happening to me was not right. I needed to read what was written in the old book.