IKALAWANG KABANATA

THE DAY THE PROPECHY IS FORETOLD.

Trigger warnings! This chapter includes discussions on mental health, abuse, cruelty, and hate speech. Please be advised.

"KUNDI BA naman bwisit, bwisit!?" Si Serissa nama'y nagpapadyak na lang sa likod, at si Rebel ay walang kaalam-alam sa pagbabanta na ginagawa ng babae. She could only curse at him without a pause.

"Baka 'di mo yata alam na naririnig kita and I can nearly picture you making faces, pasalamat ka na lang at maganda ka. Attitude, ah?" Banggit ni Rebel sa kanya habang naglakad 'to sa harap niya and lit his cigarettes at bumuga. 

Rebel's eyes glimmered with a spark of gold as he felt something drawing near. It was a threat; he noticed the mist enveloping them, and dark magic suddenly surrounded them—indeed, it was those tainted souls—illuminated by their glowing red eyes. He could hardly believe it, but now that they were right before him, he can't just stand there and do nothing.

"Hoy, mga tukmol! Nandito ako, oh!" Ngisi ni Rebel sa kanila, "Sa'n ba kayo nakatingin?

Lumapit si Rebel nang dahan-dahan and the air inside him became stifling as his eyes narrowed, entering a state of intense concentration while he enveloped himself in a volcanic fury. He reached out with his arm, his fingers radiating powerful energy that filled the space around him, causing the atmosphere to resonate with the searing intensity of the sun.

His eyes landed on the corrupted souls, all decked out in those red hoods. The way they flickered in and out of sight was already unsettling. They were mumbling in a language that Rebel couldn't make heads or tails of. As they clutched their death scythes, he noticed a tattoo on one of them that totally caught him off guard.

What does that even mean? Is it some kind of symbol? Are those corrupted souls just there to take him out? But why? So many questions are swirling around in his mind, and he can't make sense of what's happening in his thoughts right now.

'I suppose I have to sort this out with a fight.'Rebel's lips curled into a smirk, and the energy around him surged, making him feel invincible in a battle.

At this point, he realized the sun's power was overwhelming, and as he unleashed that energy, the wall next to him started to melt and drip from the sheer force of the sun's power he was controlling.

He then swung his arms, shaping them into a punch as the energy of the sun surged into his fist. This powerful solar energy radiated heat, creating a glow so intense that it caused the corrupted souls to cry out in agony.

With every motion he made, the sun seemed to scorch everything in his vicinity, as if he had summoned an inferno of his own. Everything around him had succumbed, and no one stood a chance against his power. With one final strike, the corrupted souls were reduced to ashes, as if they had never existed.

"Do you understand who you're up against? I'm the son of Apolaki, you fools. Kung gagawa kayo ng gulo, just charge me when no one else is around."

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

Napatingin si Rebel kay Serissa at binigyan 'to ng senyas, na akala mo'y parang walang gulo, saka ito ngumisi sa kanya That made Serissa jump at her own shadows. "This is bad. They've found us. For now, protect me, Serissa."

Kailangan niyang mag-ingat. Marami siyang kalaban na 'di niya pa alam kung sino. And Rebel was confident of this because he's Apolaki's son.

He must uncover the reason behind it. For the time being, he needed Serissa's presence.

"Are you suggesting that I need to defend some princess?" Serissa moves in closer, a smirk crossing her face. "What if...I choose not to?"

Her eyes spoke volumes. Ayaw niya. She swallowed with great difficulty.Walang may alam sa kanila the extent of the weight she carries and the pain she has been enduring, which began as a result of this prophecy.

Nasabi na sa kanya na tanging siya lang ang may kakayahan ng lahat para protektahan ang lalaking nasa harap niya. She clearly had no option. She hissed at the thought as she remembered memories she had desperately tried to erase.

It was precisely ten years ago, if she can recall it at all. Bumaba siya mula sa malaking upuan para ipakita ang mga grades na nakuha niya. Marami siyang nakuhang stars sa kamay niya na inilagay ng teacher niya. She was carefully holding her papers, and one of them was rustling softly one after another at tumingkayad siya para ipakita sa tatay niya ang grades niyaand all she can offer him is a smile.

"Ano ba 'yan?" Nilahad niya ang kamay niya at mabilis na hinablot ang mga quiz papers niya and a hiss came next.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

And she was standing there, kahit na madumihan na ang green dress na suot niya, it doesn't mean much to her. He didn't seem particularly interested in Serissa's grades. All she could do was look down; she had been conditioned to believe that emotions had no place in her life.

As far as she could recall, those were the lies her father wanted her to accept as truth.'Naging matigas lang ako dahil sa mga trato niya sa 'kin.' These thoughts crossed her mind, leading her to constantly ensure that her actions appear acceptable to everyone. This stems from her fear of not being perfect.

Serissa held her skirt and looked up to meet her father's gaze. 

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

"Dad, it's my grades! Isa ako sa mga top ngayong second quarter." she explained, though Serissa felt quite hesitant to meet his gaze, noticing the way his eyebrows were tightly furrowed together.

Her father was not happy with the information she shared. Noticing the shine in Serissa's eyes, all he could do at that moment was glare at her. "At kinakailangan talaga akong guluhin sa kalokohang 'to Serissa? Wonderful, you've spoiled our night. Pagod na nga ako, dagdag ka pa! Ha!"

This wasn't unfamiliar to her. "Dad, gusto ko lang po na maging proud kayo sa 'kin."

He has no patience for this little girl's complaints. And just look at her golden eyes—no ordinary human has eyes like that. It's as if he's raised a true monster, and the depth of his disappointment is beyond words. "Shut up."

"Don't waste my time. Go to your room and stay there. O gusto mong hampasin kita gamit ang sinturon ko!?"

Naglakad na lang ng palayo si Serissa, 'di alam kung ano'ng gagawin. Her father's anger was unmistakable, and she didn't want to provoke him any further. She yearned for him to accept her and show that she was willing to try, she found herself unable to do so. Sa galit na nakikita niya sa mata niya, alam na niyang impossible pa siyang tanggapin nito.

Naglakad na lang si Serissa, at napatingin sa buwan and her face betrays no hint of emotion. It seems as if her world has been falling apart for some time, and as she gazes at the moon, a tear slips from her eye. 'Kailan ba ako mamahalin ni Dad? I just want him to love me pero bakit kahit ano'ng gawin ko, 'di ko maramdaman ang pagmamahal niya sa 'kin bilang anak?' Her body shook uncontrollably as she walked, unsure of her destination. All she wanted was for the pain to end.

Serissa's body shook as she ran her hands over her face, unable to stop the tears from flowing. Napahawak na lang siya sa palda niya at narinig ang iba't ibang kaluskos hanggang sa may lumitaw na batang may gintuang buhok at bigla na lang siyang natumba sa putikan.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

What a fool. That was the first time she met him.

"Tulong...hindi ako..."

"Mukha ka nang tanga! Ano bang pinagagawa mo sa sarili mo? Halika nga rito! Kung saan-saan ka napadpad. Gabi na, bata. Ano bang ginagawa mo rito?" sabi ni Serissa habang pinunasan niya ang mukha ng batang may gintuang buhok.

"Kapag nakita mong may gintuang ang buhok, 'yon ang dapat nating bugbugin!"

"Nagka-black eye ako sa kupal na 'yon par! Nasa'n na 'yung bubwit na 'yon!?"

"Apoian! Lumabas ka rito, hayop ka!"

"Ah, ganun?" Napatingin si Serissa sa batong inaapakan niya at umupo nang saglit at dinampot 'to. "Eh kung kayo ang mga banatan ko! Kung mambubully kayo, h'wag sa bansot, ha!" She clutched the rock tightly, then swung her small arms to hurl it forward, using her air magic to guide it straight toward their heads.

"Hindi ko alam kung magpapasalamat pa ba ako o 'di na lang!" She pointed at the blond kid's face several times, his cheeks flushing deeply as he hissed at her.

"Ayaw mo? Edi don't! Pinipilit ba kita!?"

"Mga hayop—"

Serissa clicked her tongue, slowly glaring at the kids. A powerful breeze began to swirl around her hands, cutting through everything in her vicinity. With a swift motion, she thrust her hands forward, sending a gust of air that shoved the kids away, sending them floating and scattering to different spots. The boys screamed, utterly terrified by the sudden chaos.

᯽_____᯽𖣔⁂_____𖣔

THIS WAS the first time she had argued with that kid. She couldn't quite recall how it all started, but that day, he had rescued her from the terror that had haunted her. He became her beacon of hope that night, and it was a memory Serissa would never forget.

Lumipas ang ilang mga araw, both kids got along wonderfully, frequently meeting in the secret spot known only to them. It brought her a sense of peace that she longed for, and she wished for things to remain this way.

She always cherished his company, even if his words sometimes came off as reckless. With him, she discovered the companionship she had always longed for—a bond like that of a brother she had always wished for.

It wasn't until she received an invitation to the museum that her life took a turn. That day, she met Lawrence Antonio, a middle-aged man with long hair who often exuded an air of mystery. He was far from a typical businessman. His deep grey eyes mirrored the tumult of a storm, shrouded in intrigue. He always carried a cane and frequently invited her to share tales of the gods.

'Di alam ni Serissa kung ano'ng mga kalokohan ang sinasabi ni Lolo Antonio sa kanya and she wondered if the old man had perhaps watched too many soap operas on television. He constantly reminded her that she would eventually become the protector. Protector of whom?

"Serissa, you've arrived at just the right moment." He used his cane to make his way toward her at pormadong-pormado ang hitsura niya. He seems to have a background like that of an old mobster or something similar. "Would you like to hear some stories today as well? It's great that you share the same interests as my grandson. Are you curious to learn more about the history of Idiyanale?"

"Absolutely!" Serissa was uncertain about the nature of these stories, but she knew she had to engage with them. Occasionally, she found herself increasingly intrigued by history and art, all thanks to Lolo Antonio's tales—it's how she had always felt in those moments.

She paused in front of the painting, clearly recognizing it as her mother's picture.

"It was the painting of Idiyanale. Are you intrigued by her picture?" He asked Serissa, offering her a warm smile. "C'mon, I'll help you up para makita mo siya lalo."

"Mmm!" Serissa giggled at lumuhod si Lolo Antonio para buhatin 'to para ipakita ang litrato ng kanyang inang si Idiyanale.

"Serissa, tignan mo 'to." sabi ni Lolo Antonio habang ipinapakita ang litrato ni Idiyanale and she was really mesmerized by her beauty, Idiyanale, also referred to as Idianale or Idianali, occupies an important role in Philippine mythology as the goddess of labor and good deeds. She represents the ideals of hard work, dedication, and moral integrity. In various myths, she is viewed as a symbol of the cultural values and societal norms of pre-colonial Filipino communities, where the significance of labor and virtuous actions was widely acknowledged.

"What makes her captivating is the way she embodies the significance of work and values within Filipino society. Various forms of labor are acknowledged across communities, whether in agriculture, craftsmanship, or daily life.

It's not just about physical work; it's also about living with integrity, helping others, and upholding one's principles. Idiyanale is more than just a deity to invoke during challenging times; her qualities are intricately tied to the Filipino connection with the land, making her a vital figure in numerous agricultural rituals and traditions."

I don't own any of this; credit goes to the owner. Wala po ako mahanap na picture ni Idiyanale para mapakita, 'to lang eh. Kayo na lang po ang bahala na mag-imagine hehe.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

She focused on the picture, her eyes shining with admiration as she gazed at it. Serissa usually didn't engage in conversation with strangers, pero ibang-iba 'pag kasama niya sina Lolo Antonio, she felt safe and believed she could be herself around them.

For once, she wasn't preoccupied with what her father would say or the potential problems awaiting her at home. Yet as she gazed at the images, she realized that everything was intertwined in a single moment, and she understood that she was meant to delve deeper into the history than she ever imagined.

"She's cool," Sabi ni Serissa at ngumiti 'to.

"Marami ka pang dapat malaman tungkol sa kanya." Sabi nung matanda.

"Hm! Tulad po ng ano?"

Napahawak si Lolo Antonio sa kanyang baba at tumingin sa kanya and he appeared to be lost in deep thought, as if the weight of unanswered questions surrounded his mind.

"Discussing how Idiyanale's descendants explore the intriguing stories and importance of Dumakulem and Anitun Tabu, the offspring of Idiyanale."

"Isa 'tong kalokohan Idiyanale!" Memories flooded back to her, and Serissa's golden eyes sparkled as she was enveloped by a powerful gust of wind the moment she set her gaze on Anitun Tabu. Nang malaman nila na si Serissa ang magiging protektor, isa sila sa mga gods and goddess na tumutol dito. 

Dahil sa propesiya na ang taong pinoprotektahan niya'y maari niya maging kalaban. 

Was that just a coincidence, or did it really occur? The moment Serissa arrived with Lolo Antonio, her powers began to surface despite her reluctance. Maybe this is just the beginning of her true calling.

"Here she is: Anitun Tabu. In Philippine mythology, she's a celebrated goddess, honored for her control over wind and rain. Anitun Tabu's roots can be traced back to ancient Tagalog culture, where her importance and impact were profoundly embedded.

According to the legends, she was thought to bring about the phenomenon known as "ambon," a gentle rain essential for the agricultural prosperity of the region."

Certainly, everyone was familiar with her. The wind dances softly, murmuring her name, a gentle voice resonating in the atmosphere. As the rain descends in steady beats, it feels as though the heavens are answering her summons. Her presence is unmistakable—a natural phenomenon, a reality she has always embraced. Her origins trace back to the Panay-Bukidnon community in the Philippines, where she was initially honored and cherished.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

She isn't merely a character from a myth; she embodies a force of nature, with her essence woven into the land, the waters, and the air. She serves as a reminder that the origins of the wind and the rain spring from her being.

As the winds blew, the farmers diligently toiled, their hands rhythmically working the soil. Occasionally, they would look up at the sky, not just to assess the weather, but to discern the moods of the goddess who governs it. Anitun Tabu demonstrates her dominion over the elements, with her emotions thought to influence the weather patterns. However, when the weather becomes severe, storms rage, or the skies withhold rain, the farmers realize that her temper may have flared, and they must patiently await her favor once again.

This story has been shared across generations, reflecting her emotions in harmony with the changing winds and rain. A joyful mood suggests an abundant harvest is on the horizon, while her fury heralds impending droughts and storms. Thus, throughout each season, farmers bow their heads in gratitude during favorable weather, acknowledging that Anitun Tabu governs the future through the skies and the rains.

She isn't just admired for her ability to shape climate patterns; she is also regarded as a healer, frequently sought after to help mitigate droughts and illnesses. Her presence symbolizes the deep bond between the Filipino people and the natural environment they live in.

It seems that her mother, Idiyanale, was more deeply engaged in something significant than she ever realized. The memories are somewhat cloudy for her, marking a time when the gods had just discovered the adversary they needed to be wary of. He must die at all costs.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

Some claim that other gods had already voted for his removal, while lesser deities like Idiyanale and others opposed the war. They believed it would only mark the beginning of the realm's destruction.

She was uneasy about her role in the prophecy. Becoming a Demigod was never something she wished for. The thought of having to fulfill a responsibility she wasn't sure she could manage filled her with a desire to escape. Why was it her?

"At sa tingin mo ba talaga ay 'di ko malalaman ang tungkol dito?" As her father approached the bench where she was sitting, he moved closer to her. "Humanda ka sa 'kin, bata ka! Halika rito! Malilintikan ka talaga!"

Walang pag-aalinlangan, sinampal niya 'to ng malakas.

"Halimaw ka..."

"Ako pa ngayon? Binibilog ka lang ng dalawang 'yon! Mas pipiliin mo sila kesa sa sarili mong tatay, ha?" His dark eyes captured my attention at lumiwanag ang mata ni Serissa at may kakaibang itim na enerhiya na bumabalot sa kanya, "Uuwi na tayo, halika na!"

"No! Makikipagkita ulit sila sa 'kin, Dad! Pupunta kami ng museum!"

"Tantanan mo na 'yan!" Hablot niya ang buhok ni Serissa pataas, kaya't napahawak na lang siya sa kanyang tatay at napaluha dahil sa sobrang sakit. Bakit ba niya ako laging sinasaktan?

Every time she attempts to approach the truth, may tinatago ang tatay niya na ayaw niyang ipaalam, at ang masaklap pa, dinadaan niya sa dahas ang lahat.

"No, I'll go there!I'll go there!" Nagpupumiglas si Serissa sa kanyang ama at tumakbo palayo. She clutched her dress tightly at tuluyan na siyang napaiyak. 'Why can't you just love me, Dad? What have I done to deserve this?' Serissa yearned for the truth, even knowing it might simply bring her more pain. But as she looked at him, his smile unnerving, she sensed something was off. She couldn't quite grasp what it was—almost as if her father was under the influence of a dark magic.

She had wanted to escape from him for quite some time, and though she could have if necessary, she couldn't bring herself to abandon her father, despite the pain he caused her. 

All she could do was hope he would love her as his daughter.

᪥𖣔᪥𖣔

Lolo Antonio's stories seem like a journey for her to discover where she truly belongs. She realizes that none of this is mere coincidence. Why does the prophecy shadow her? What does it truly mean to be a protector?

Ultimately, every choice comes with its own costs. In the end, we all experience pain. Regardless of how much you care for someone, you'll often be the one left behind. I'm weary of having to justify my feelings, especially when it seems that others only dismiss me whenever I stand up for what's right. In the end, you're likely to face rejection.

Siguro nga sanay na akong makita silang iniiwan na lang ako nang ganun kadali, kaya't naging bato na lang ang puso ko. Pagod na akong masaktan. Only if she can only say this to her father out loud. One thing that terrified her was seeing how the shadows clung to her father. He had a tattoo etched on his arms, a mark that hinted at something perilous—something she could never fully grasp.

"Serissa, uulitin ko sa 'yo, umuwi na lang tayo!" sigaw ng tatay niya and he held his fist tightly.

"Para sa'n pa? Para paulit-ulitin mo na lang akong ihagis? Ilang bugbog pa ba ang kailangan kong pagdaanan sa 'yo ha!? I—Ilang sampal..at suntok....ang kaya kong tiisin sa 'yo, ha? Dad, did you really want to share a roof with me o gusto mo lang ba akong gawing punching bag?"

Those two deceived you. I gave them money, and they won't be returning. Kaya pwede ba—"

"Ayoko! 'Di ako uuwi kasama ka!"

He's lying.

Serissa began to flee.

With each small step she took, her eyes widened in curious wonder. The sparkling petals appeared to follow her as she moved, their vibrant colors radiating a warm golden aura. This sight felt oddly familiar, as though the flowers were beckoning her by name.