The circular park was a hub of activity, with lush greenery encircling a grand fountain at its heart. Vendors lined the perimeter, their stalls offering everything from trinkets to snacks. Families and festival-goers lounged on the grass, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Leigh caught her breath, taking in the sight.
At the edge of the fountain, the boy bent down and picked up a fallen tree branch from the ground. With a flick of his wrist, the branch vanished, only to reappear moments later as a string of ribbons fluttering in the air. His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as if every gesture carried a deeper meaning. The small crowd around the fountain clapped and cheered, but Arden stood frozen, his instincts screaming that this was no ordinary performer.
The boy’s gaze shifted, locking onto Arden. A slow smile spread across his face—a smile that carried both warmth and danger. “Ah,” he said, his voice melodic yet commanding. “My name is Dominic, and it seems like The Fool has found his way to me.”
Leigh’s eyes widened. “The Fool? What is he talking about?”
Arden stepped forward cautiously. “You know who I am?”
The boy chuckled, drawing a card from his sleeve with a flourish. The image of The Magician stared back at him, eerily similar to the boy standing before them. “I know much about you,” he said, his voice lowering. “The Arcana are stirring, Fool. The world is shifting, and your role is only just beginning.”
Before Arden could ask more, the boy’s expression grew serious. He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only Arden could hear. “The balance is tipping. Darkness moves faster than light. Find the others before it’s too late.”
He pressed something into Arden’s hand—a beaded bracelet adorned with tiny charms matching the symbols of the Tarot. “This will guide you when the time comes. Trust it.”
“Wait,” Arden began, but with a final flick of his wrist, the boy vanished in a burst of shimmering light, leaving only the faint scent of incense behind.
Leigh ran to Arden’s side, her face pale. “Who was that boy? What just happened?”
Arden stared at the bracelet in his hand, his mind racing. “The first Arcana,” he murmured. “The Magician.”
The two of them made their way back to the VIP Platform, where they were met with warm smiles and cheerful chatter from the Governor and the other VIPs. Leigh’s girlfriends couldn’t hide their admiration for Arden, gushing over his rugged yet charming appearance. Their comments made Leigh visibly irritated, though she managed to hide it behind playful jabs and light laughter.
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Despite her mild annoyance, the group’s lively banter brought a joyful energy to the platform. As the festival continued, the vibrant performances, music, and camaraderie left everyone in high spirits, creating a day filled with fun and laughter.
After the event at the Cebu Sports Center, the Governor extended an invitation to continue the celebration at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. The renowned luxury hotel, situated on Nivel Hills, offered stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea. With its elegant banquet halls and terraces, it was the perfect venue for a high-profile gathering. Political figures, VIPs, and dignitaries mingled in the lavish setting, enjoying the exquisite cuisine and the breathtaking ambiance as they celebrated a victorious Sinulog Festival in style.
Among the mingling guests, an incident began to brew. A son of a wealthy family, his face twisted in jealousy, approached Arden with an air of superiority. The boy, envious of the attention Arden was receiving from the VIP daughters, began to hurl veiled insults.
“You think being admired makes you special?” the bully sneered. “You don’t belong here. You’re just a charity case.”
Arden raised an eyebrow, remaining calm, but before he could respond, another boy stepped forward. He was smaller and less confident, clearly an outsider among the elite crowd. “Leave him alone,” the boy said, his voice trembling but resolute.
The wealthy boy turned his ire on the newcomer. “And who are you? Another stray?” he mocked, shoving the boy back.
Arden stepped in before it escalated further. “You’re really good at talking down to people. Ever thought of joining a comedy show?” he said, his tone light yet cutting. The onlookers chuckled, their attention drawn to the confrontation.
The bully’s face turned red with anger. “You think this is funny?”
Arden smirked. “Hilarious, actually. Maybe you should try practicing kindness—it might suit you better than tantrums.”
The bully, flustered, swung his arm to shove Arden, but Arden sidestepped with ease. With practiced calm, he caught the bully’s wrist mid-motion. “You’re upset because I’m not bowing to you. That must be exhausting,” Arden said, his voice steady yet firm.
The commotion caught the attention of the Governor, the General, and other political figures. As they approached, the bully froze, realizing the gravity of the scene he’d caused. The Governor’s voice rang out with authority. “What is going on here?”
The bully stammered, his confidence crumbling under the weight of the adults’ gaze. Leigh, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but grin as Arden turned the situation around.
“It’s fine, Governor,” Arden said, stepping back and releasing the boy’s wrist. “Just a misunderstanding. We were... getting to know each other.”
The General exchanged glances with the Governor, both clearly unimpressed with the bully’s behavior. The Governor addressed the boy sharply. “This is not the behavior we expect from our guests, especially at such an important event.”
The bully mumbled an apology before retreating, his friends following in embarrassed silence. The crowd slowly dispersed, and the Governor gave Arden an approving nod. “Well handled,” he said. The General, smiling faintly, patted Arden on the shoulder. “You’ve got a way with people.”
Leigh sidled up to Arden, her grin mischievous. “You just can’t help making an impression, can you?”
Arden chuckled. “I aim to please.”
The atmosphere returned to its celebratory mood, the confrontation quickly fading into a story that would likely be retold among the guests for days to come.