The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 2 7

Seeing both women together, Amihan could begin to see the resemblances. There is a slight difference, however, in the flatness of Adhika's nose and Manisilat's more heart-shaped lips. But Adhika's beauty was her own, borne out of understanding and kindness. Amihan had yet to see the beauty in Manisilat other than her own outward appearance.

So far, what he could observe from Manisilat, or Tita Lei, as Adhika was fond of calling her, was that she was at least gracious to her sickly daughter. She held the younger's arm as she guided them into a secluded part of the path, where the pair would settle down in the grass. It is a gesture that seemed kind at first glance.

However Amihan has been so used to the presences of Hiwaga and Makisig that he already developed a sensitivity to dark energy, and he senses a slightest hint of it coming from Adhika. 'So her being part Divinity also made her have her own dark energy. It could be why Manisilat would've never found out that she was under a spell.' Speaking of Manisilat, her energy felt almost oppressive in terms of its output. It was heavy to the senses, especially now that Amihan was attuned to it.

Manisilat holds onto the arm of her daughter, and Amihan recognizes the flow pattern of dark energy to know that it's being utilized. 'Why would she need to use her powers on Adhika?' He wonders inwardly, despite knowing that Adhika's memories won't hear him.

Adhika, blissfully unaware of her Tita Lei's true nature, feels the tingle of power emanating from her and gasps. She says excitedly, "I feel you! This is wonderful!" Manisilat gives a light chuckle, "Nice, isn't it? This is my ability. What else can you feel?" Her hands remained clutching Adhika's arm in a rather gentle hold. Adhika looks giddy in her seat as she exclaims, "I feel...the grass beneath my feet, and I can taste honey. I can also feel the wind breeze! Oh, it's been so long!"

'She can also project her thoughts back,' Amihan remembers Hiwaga's words concerning the extent of Manisilat's power. He ponders a bit more. 'Could it be that Manisilat is using her ability of telepathy...to stimulate Adhika's missing senses? For what reason?' Amihan is still wary of Manisilat, despite the deed itself almost sweet in its own way. And one couldn't blame him; after all, niceties are always so easy to fake. Take Bayog Magat as an example.

Manisilat eventually lets Adhika go, although there is a hesitance behind the movement. Amihan is almost mortified by what he sees, not at what Manisilat was doing but a reflection in her eyes.

Her whole being seems to soften, as if she truly cared about the person in front of her. Manisilat's eyes remind Amihan of an aching fondness, as a gentle hand comes sweeping at Adhika's unruly curls. It is a gesture he's seen many times, except Adhika was Likha and Manisilat was Banawag. There is a little stabbing in his heart, almost throbbing painfully at the similarity. 'You both hold her like she's something to be worth protecting,' Amihan's throat bobs, 'And she is. Yet look how we're all failing her.' He shakes those thoughts and reaffirms himself, 'I won't fail her. Banawag and I won't fail her. Not anymore.'

The Divinity sighs and begins to say, "Adhika. My child, I would like to offer you a chance." Adhika moves her head to the side a bit, a little confused by what her Tita Lei is saying. The elder continues, "I can help treat your illness, as long as you leave the Alliance." Amihan staggers, "What?"

The words don't stop, and Manisilat holds Adhika's shoulders rather tightly. "Life here in this Alliance is useless! If you come with me, I would be able to help you get your senses back! Don't you want that?" Adhika gets jostled around for a bit but she answers with the grace of a princess, as she is. "I'm...sorry, Tita Lei. But I cannot leave Dagangbulan compound. It is my home, and Father will miss me terribly if I leave him." Amihan feels a wave of guilt, remembering Ginoo Kabay's severe yet sad face. 'He does. I think he forever will.'