The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 1 1

Amihan feels immediately ashamed for asking the question and almost tries to refute it. Yet he stops himself, because he knows that for them to move forward into this case, Banawag needs to reveal to them what happened the night of the crime.

It's not comfortable, nor is it pleasant. It was just a truth that needed to be acknowledged, no matter how difficult. Everyone in this group knows it, even more so Banawag himself.

Amihan's hand was shaky, still holding the agimat in front of him. There was silence as Banawag looked at it with an intensity Amihan had only ever seen once. He thinks Banawag would crack another sassy comment, but the other man just lifts his gaze to stare at Amihan.

He doesn't know how to label Banawag's stare. He's been on the other end of it for many, many times during this whole quest. But never had he seen such an open, yet vulnerable expression on Banawag's face. It frames his whole being, from the strands of hair that escaped his topknot to the mistiness in his eyes. It feels...intimate, private.

And incredibly dangerous to Amihan's heart.

Banawag's hands take Amihan's and makes it curl around the agimat, Banawag's larger, calloused ones were almost cradling Amihan's. Banawag murmured, "I can never deny you this." His voice mellow as he says in a reluctant tone "It's not a good story." Amihan settles himself beside him, "No, it is not." He agrees. "But..." There is a stutter in Amihan's breath yet he continues. "Nevertheless, I am willing to listen." It is not a demand like he once told Banawag in the cell, it was more of a request. That Amihan was choosing to hear what Banawag went through, with as little judgement as possible.

'Is this enough, Adhika? Can this be enough in your name?' Amihan wonders. 'Ditse, Ate, are you proud of my sense of justice, even if it goes against yours? Mother, am I doing this right?' These questions would never be answered but a small, fragile part of him waits for a response. There is none and Amihan accepts the disappointment like second nature.

Banawag's words feel like they bring Amihan back into reality, "Tonight then" He acquiesced and began removing his hands. Amihan doesn't understand why, but he reaches out and opens his palm. He grabs ahold of Banawag's hand, the agimat pressed warm yet cold in between them. Amihan smiles sadly, "Tonight, it is."

Banawag's shocked face is priceless, and if it'd been the appropriate time, Amihan would've chuckled. It's probably why he likes teasing Amihan so much. Despite the frozen expression, Amihan felt a squeeze on his hand and his heart soars as if he accomplished one of the greatest feats in life.

***

The teleportation spell caused little fanfare, as Hiwaga held both of their arms as she commanded them to close their eyes. "Unless you want to feel nauseous, I suggest you don't open them." It felt more like a gigantic leap off the already large teleportation sigil beneath them, and the moment Hiwaga tells them to open their eyes, they obey.

Before they knew it, they arrived at the shores near Ma-i. Hiwaga went ahead, saying "This time, I will find us a lodge. I will come by later to collect both of you." She swallows and pulls Amihan aside, "I don't know your friend well, I cannot be of help to him. I'm granting you this privacy." Amihan gets a little touched by her kindness; despite her usual spats with Banawag, she gives him some time. She waves before heading deeper into the mainland.

Amihan finds the area familiar, with a dingy wharf that matches Amihan's memory. Fourth House must've landed here once on boats. He breathes out, a little disoriented from the teleportation, "This feels...new yet old, don't you think?" He turns to look at Banawag, who was silent the whole time.