"To form a Contract...was to sacrifice a soul and the witch's own body, in order for the witch to have access to powerful dark energy. It is a solemn exchange, one of extreme importance; if one party lacks their due, then the Contract is off. And the dark entity is free to do as it wishes.
Even taking recompense in the form of the witch who summoned them."
Such were the words that were written in the Grimoire of the Damned, a well-fitting name that encompassed everyone who had come across it. Starting from its author, a High Priestess wrongfully executed, to a cautionary tale of a humble man dying due to its curse. There is a delicate balance, and it must never be broken, lest one side overpower the other.
They always said to fear the dark, and yet it is the light that blinds one's eyes to reality. A reality, Bayog Magat was no longer acquainted with.
Down on his knees, hair as messy just as he was mad, and yet he stayed paralyzed. Left under the mercy of a Divinity whose cloak was as dark as the night and a bone necklace that seemed to be calling for an addition to the collection.
Mangagauay the Pestilence floats above, looking down on Magat like a cruel god. "This is not fair to you, is it not?" He slowly lowers himself down to the floor as he continues, bare feet touching the cold stone. "You have given me my due, paid in full. And yet, here we are..." Mangagauay suddenly moves, face to face with Magat. "...lacking in the one soul you offered me in exchange."
'Ah yes, the Princess Adhika.'
Mangagauay rises, "No matter, no matter. I will simply take what is needed. As we have agreed upon." His beady eyes bore deep and heavy into Magat, "In accordance with the ancient rules, with this Contract, your body is mine to utilize."
The Bayog laid still, and yet his posture was tense. But nonetheless he replies, "Consider it done, Divinity most Exalted. I am yours to use."
'I don't care what happens to me anymore, as long as they destroy the Alliance. Even if it means taking me with it.'
***
"There is a breach in the Underworld." Makisig tells the group and Banawag pinches his nose, "Oh gods, wonder why." He says with a dry tone. Amihan taps Banawag in the chest, hard enough to elicit a grunt out of Banawag. "There is no time for your snark, Banawag." Amihan turns his attention to Hiwaga and Makisig, "Is there anything we can do to help?"
Ligid raises a very polite hand, "Any other entities you may know, Ama? Anyone who can help?" Banawag, who's apparent life goal was to annoy Amihan every minute of the day, teases his dear, "Yes, Ama. Pray to your ancestors, see if they help."
Amihan was just about ready to hit Banawag's head, earlier affections be damned. 'Why do you have to be so annoying now?!' If Banawag was getting this mouthy, he'd rather have the mother-henning from earlier than this. Maybe for a moment, Amihan relates to Mangkukulam; he too feels like throwing Banawag against the wall. 'At least Ligid gave productive advice!'
His inner monologue interrupts itself with the sound of Hiwaga's voice, full of disbelief, "...What?" She sends a heavy stare to Amihan, "Amihan, you haven't tried?" Amihan crosses his arms, "No, not as of yet, why?"
Even Makisig looks at him in pure shock, as if doubting the words Amihan was saying. "Why haven't you tried?" Amihan replies back, "My mother had done numerous rituals to ensure all the warriors of the Fourth House would enter Kaluwalhatian. Even if I did try, they're not in the Quietus Keep." There is a pensive silence before a whisper is heard.
"But she is." Amihan turns his head to meet Banawag's gaze. This time, his lighter mood from earlier was gone, replaced with a mask of deep thinking. He even begins rubbing his chin, as he speaks in a serious tone. "Your mother died in a conflict, right? Same war as your father. Unless someone did the same elaborate rituals as Babaylan Maya, she should just be in the Quietus Keep."

YOU ARE READING
The Land In Between
Historical Fiction[COMPLETE!!!] "Banawag killed the Third House's Princess!" Once forward and headstrong Amihan found out that his childhood friend killed his closest companion, Adhika, he was left in a flurry of emotion. Fighting against a friend he once knew, he wa...