The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 2 2

Author's Note: I just know this is the moment EVERYONE'S been waiting for.

"Banawag," Amihan says, "I need to talk to you." The other man looks up to where he was trying to cover Ligid in one of their newly bought blankets. Banawag took it upon himself to tuck them in, properly. Hearing Amihan's somewhat somber tone, he alerts quickly "Why, what's wrong? Is there a problem?" Amihan grimaces and Banawag fears for the worst but Amihan immediately shuts it down quickly. "There's nothing wrong, really! I just need..." His words fail him. Amihan feels like a child again, tongue-tied and shy. "I need..."

Banawag looks around the camp and then spots Hiwaga and Makisig sitting by the fire. "Hiwaga!" He bellows and Amihan wants to slap his mouth shut. The High Priestess responds however, answering back with a "Yes?" Banawag shouts, "Look after the children!" Hiwaga gives an affirmative nod before Banawag grabs Amihan's hand and drags him away from the camp. He finds a good enough area and whispers, "What's wrong, you're getting nervous."

Amihan, all of a sudden, feels overwhelmed and chooses to be a coward. He chooses another topic he had in mind. "Likha! It's about Likha. Makisig mentioned that in order to restore balance, they have to k-kill..." He stops there. He can't bear to say those words. 'Look at what you've done, Amihan. You traded discomfort for pain.'

Banawag sees the sadness in Amihan's eyes and moves closer, rubbing his shoulders and arms in comfort. "Shhh, it's..." He changes his approach and instead, hugs Amihan. Burying his face in Amihan's hair, he whispers "We'll find a way. She will live." Amihan clutches the lapels of his clothes and responds, "I've told that to Makisig as well. He, oddly enough, gives his blessing." Banawag pulls away from Amihan's head, "I thought he was intent on getting rid of Likha." Amihan bits his lip and looks away, "It's a long story, and I found out by accident. But trust me, both Hiwaga and Makisig aren't fond of the idea as well. They'll only do it as a last resort." Banawag relaxes as that; he too was not ready for Likha to leave them. He places a hand on Amihan's cheek and caresses his face, "Let's hope it never gets there."

Amihan remembers how Makisig held Hiwaga and he couldn't help but jump away from the embrace. Banawag lets go immediately but Amihan can see the worry in his eyes. "Amihan, are you alright?" He asks oh-so kindly. 'Not those eyes, don't look at me with those eyes.'

Amihan steadies himself, "Banawag!" He shouts. "Come the future, where will you go?!" He had already asked this question, but he needs to hear it from Banawag. At first, he thinks Banawag would come up with a smartass remark. He knows the answer as well, that Banawag would travel far away once more, free of burdens. Yet, Amihan aches, aches and aches.

Banawag sees Amihan's glassy eyes and feels that he can no longer hide. He feels raw, and out in the open in front of the one who he keeps coming back to, no matter how late. His stupid mouth opens, "Anywhere! Anywhere, as long as it's with you!"

Something in Amihan stills, the festering in his chest slowly growing along with the silence. "That..." Amihan feels faint, his voice becoming more shaky as time progresses. "That wasn't your answer before." 'No, no! I don't understand!' Banawag's eyes trail to the ground but he doesn't say anything. Amihan presses, "When you see your future, do you see me in it?" There was no movement for a while, but eventually Banawag nodded his head. A tiny thing that felt like both a weight and a relief at the same time.

Hope was often so cruel to Amihan, and he often finds it dangerous. But it fills his senses, as he takes steps closer to Banawag. His hand finds Banawag's breast pocket, and without looking, he grabs the old agimat in there. The one both of them have shared, time and time again. 'It seems Fate always brings this back to me. And oftentimes I dreamt that it would drag you back with it too.'