The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 1 3

(Author's Note: What's the 13th Major Arcana?)

"By the time I was fully conscious", Banawag whispers, "she was already gone, I was already captured by Fourth House and sent to Kiling compound." He squeezes Amihan's hand in comfort once more, "When I tried talking about it, for some reason, I was choked as well. I realized that it was useless." Giving a humorless laugh, Banawag spits out "If I couldn't prove my innocence, what was the point? I was going to die anyway." His hand slips away from Amihan's hold, almost like realizing he wasn't worthy of holding him again. "But at least, I had the final opportunity to meet you." Banawag gives an infuriating grin, "At least for that last time, I could at least die knowing that I got to see you again."

Devastation enraptured Amihan's whole being, 'And where was I? Standing against you?' He weakly asks, "Is that why you kept...annoying me?" It was a question of pure curiosity rather than malice. Banawag shrugs as if it was nothing, "I wanted you away. If I was disgraceful before as a fallen Prince, even more so now that I'm a killer myself." And Amihan bought it, every single taunt and spat out words in the cell. Amihan was fooled into believing him.

Amihan brings his knees up to the bed and he kneels, before Banawag could stop him, Amihan bows. His head was pressed on the soft bedding as he said "I know that what I've done is unforgivable." He hears Banawag actually panic a bit and his hands try to lift Amihan's body back up. Amihan doesn't budge and continues. "I've blindly followed what I thought was right, without properly analyzing things. I've already apologized for my hurtful comments, but not yet for the prejudice you had to endure in the prison chambers.

"I don't expect forgiveness. I just want you to know, I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused you." Amihan stays bowed for a bit before rising, and sees Banawag's shocked face. Amihan, unlike himself, huffs a bit in fondness. He doesn't understand why he enjoys looking at Banawag's various facial expressions, but it leaves him wanting to see more. Wanting more.

Amihan knows that even if the slim chance that Banawag fully forgives him, Amihan won't forgive himself. How dare he assume those things about Banawag, and nearly insult Adhika's last good moments with him?

Banawag in front of him remains still before clicking his tongue, "Amihan, I would forgive you for anything. Especially this. I purposely let you hate me, I needed you to hate me." Amihan, feeling lost, crumples a bit. "Why?" Even in those moments in the prison chambers, Amihan never hated him. Resented him for what he'd done, maybe. But he knew deep down that he couldn't hate him at all.

If anything, if Hiwaga never came, Amihan would've hated himself for not saving Banawag.

His friend gives a sad smile, "I'd rather you hate me than get hurt at the fact I died." Amihan snaps at him, "Don't talk as if you're dispensable!" He removes himself from the bed and turns to the window, he doesn't want Banawag to see how upset the notion was to him. He hears the rustling of clothes and the soft touch of Banawag's hand on his. Amihan fondly notes, 'We've been doing this more often now.' Shamelessly, he secretly likes it.

Banawag whispers, "I'm sorry too." Amihan turns to meet his face and sees his friend's somewhat sheepish face. "I know I provoked you too. So you deserve this apology as well." Banawag leans forward and just as Amihan's heart wants to immediately burst out in his chest, Banawag nuzzles his nose against Amihan's forehead. They stand still like this, and something seems to piece together in Amihan's mind. 'You're welcoming me. You're opening yourself to me.'

His heart is still drumming madly, but Amihan has never felt this calm for the longest time. It was almost hypnotic how at peace Amihan felt this close to Banawag. He even tilts a bit so Banawag could get closer to him. It makes Banawag chuckle, his chest rumbling. Amihan feels an arm snake around his waist and pulls him flush into Banawag's body. He hears from above him, "Amihan?" "Hm?" He replies. Banawag begins, "If you're my sky..." Amihan flushed at his outrageous declaration earlier at the shores of Ma-i. That was probably the worst embarrassment of his life.