The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 1 8

Even Banawag heard Hiwaga's claim and came closer to observe the handwriting in the codex. And what little they've seen of her writing using sigils, they too have to agree. "How is this ancient? When did you write it?" Amihan asked as Hiwaga looked away, "It is ancient because I wrote it 300 years ago, back when I was still mortal." She takes a deep breath.

"Before I became the Divinity you all knew as Death, I was once a simple High Priestess. It is why, despite being a Divinity, I can cast holy spells. And I was interested in how miasma and dark energy worked. Everything concerning its properties and its possible usage. It became my life's work." Both Amihan and Ligid froze; approaching such a topic while being a Babaylan was a dangerous game. Peer any closer and they'd be outcasted as a witch and executed publicly.

Which is exactly what happened to Hiwaga. "I was executed, and even my husband was not spared. He too was killed afterwards, just by mere association, despite being a humble medic." Amihan feels a sense of pity for her. 'So that's why she said she was a married woman.'

"But instead of apparently destroying my work," her harsh eyes look over the codex once more, "someone must've stolen it and passed it down to other heretics." She closes her eyes and averts her attention, "I made that as a collection of all my studies. From the Divinities to even some dark creatures and their classifications. Everything I did for this book was purely for educational purposes. However, things were taken out of consideration and I was persecuted regardless."

Seeming to gain his nerve, Ligid asks "T-then, how were the Divinities mentioned if you weren't one yet?" Hiwaga seems gobsmacked at the question, as if it was a stupid notion. She turns to Amihan and says with a mocking tone, "My goodness, has your esoteric knowledge failed you this much?"

She gives a frustrated shake of the head and says "All the Divinities were generational in a sense. Once a more powerful foe is presented, the old one is disposed of. Haven't you checked the section about that? The four Divinities before us were War, Greed, Insanity and Deception."

Ligid defends, "I've never opened it! Master forbids it! It was always kept by his side and the leather bindings around it were made by him himself. The only reason why the book recognizes me is because it grew accustomed to me, but I would never dare touch his work!" The way the fear was so palpable and the way his body seemed to shake made Hiwaga soften. It seems that the boy had to learn the lesson the hard way. Amihan doesn't believe it but the evidence is clear. 'Maybe' he reasons with himself, 'Maybe Bayog Magat is like Hiwaga. He simply was just curious and never wanted to utilize dark energy at all!'

It was an honest enough admission and Ligid even tries to give the codex back to its rightful owner. Hiwaga brings a hand up, "Stop. I know you wish to do what you think is right, and there is knowledge in my codex that could be helpful for us in this journey." She brings down her hand, "I simply ask that you don't give it back, because I cannot promise that I won't destroy the thing that destroyed my life."

No one speaks and they are alerted by the sound of a small child yawning. Little Likha opens her eyes gently and sleepily says, "...Mama..." Banawag lifts her up and says, "Hello, little star." Likha rubs her eyes slowly before stretching her arms downward towards Banawag. "Hug." She pleads. Banawag melts for her and grabs her in a secure and tight hug. Ligid, having seen this, stammers, "Wh-what?"

Amihan sees the mischievous glint in Banawag's eyes and before he can even tell the man to stop while he can, Banawag grins. "But of course! I told you she's my daughter, isn't she? I had to carry her for months and then give birth to her once we got out of that dreary prison!" He presses his cheeks against Likha's, "Don't you see the resemblance?" Ligid just watches in shock, before giving a shocked "Ooohhh!" Amihan doesn't know if he actually believes it or if he's just playing along.