Chapter 9: The Arrival of Dawn Part 1

Dawn, Maundy Thursday, Human Realm, Pan-ay Island, Visayas, Philippines

"Apo Lakay, the summoning is now complete." The middle-aged woman, wearing a black vest and skirt, turned towards the man behind her. She adjusted her sash, while the patterns and symbols woven into it glowed as bright as the Lantawan. "The aid from Apo Lawin, Apo Marikudo, Apo Talandok, Apo Ulay, Apo Dagit, Apo Dao, and Apo Ilajas are also traveling through the Lantawan. They are set to arrive after the Diwata and their troops from Kaibabawan," she added.

"Thank you Punong Babaylan. Words could not express how I am saddened but thankful for your group's sacrifice." Replied Apo Lakay, a short man built like a warrior. His upper body is adorned by a multitude of tattoos, his vest woven with gold threads and adorned with a different pattern than those of the Babaylans. His waist sports a belt, made of woven material and various bones and stones. A Kampilan was sheathed on his left hip, while his right hand held a spear, whose blade was made from an unknown animal's bone. His bag was made of animal leather, embroidered using a shining golden thread that had the same symbol and pattern as his vest.

"Please help the Punong Babaylan carry her sisters into their hut. Assist them in sending the souls of the sacrificed to the afterlife. After the blood moon, we will honor their souls as we make an Anito in their image." Apo Lakay turned and ordered his men.

The Alabays, who were bowing their heads down in sorrow moved forward. With the patterned quilt in their hands, they chanted a prayer while washing the bodies of the sacrificed Babaylans. After cleaning the bodies of the sacrificed, they wrapped the quilt around the bodies and arranged them neatly.

After they lined up the bodies of the fallen, the Alabays withdrew to the background. The remaining three Babaylans then moved forward. Each of them holds a smoking husked coconut. The charcoal inside it burned the sacred herbs and incense causing the place to be wrapped in smog. As they sang their prayer, the second in command then moved to each of the bodies. Using a citrus thorn as needles and burnt plant ash mixed with sacred oil as ink, she carefully tattooed the dead bodies of her sisters in faith.

Then, the second in command motioned for the tribe warriors to lift the bodies of the deceased to be taken into the praying hall. The Lantawan was a mere backdrop as they carried a procession of chants, hymns, and smoke.

Meanwhile, Apo Lakay just watched stoically. He didn't have the time to mourn their passing. His gaze trained on the Lantawan as it pulsed and glowed. Then, as an otherworldly horn sounded, Apo Lakay's pulse picked up as he watched a golden boot step out of the glowing portal.