GRASPING HIS BED SHEETS, Rebel tossed and moved about his sleeping area. There was no place for him to sleep comfortably. He wanted to forget these nightmares, but they are back to haunt him. 

Memories flashed into his vision. Was it an image of what the prophecy said was going to happen? That was undoubtedly his grandfather alerting him to the fact that he was a Demigod.

"Nakatakda na ang lahat, apo. Isa ka sa nakatakdang anak ni Apolaki. Kaya't kailangan mong umalis dito at hanapin ang iyong protector."

That again.

It's the same dream.

It's the same prophecy.

How I always haunted by those dreams,

I've hated it all.

Paulit-ulit na lang.

He's had similar experiences in the past, and this is probably not the last time.

He sat there, slowly opening his eyes, and all of a sudden his room was glowing. And it's a result of his radiant aura. His hair had the same brilliant radiance as the sun. 

His eyes seemed different, like they were made of different orange and red pairs. He was undoubtedly aware that he was raised as a Filipino, but his appearance set him apart from other kids.

He is too special to be treated like an ordinary person, so his room wasn't like the other kids'. The entire rock structure that serves as a wall is noticeable, as is his unusually bright roof that was sculpted into a bright sky.

There are also mesmerizing walls that act as a magical barrier; from above, they appear incredibly bright, reflecting the sun's radiance throughout his room.

It feels like something's about to happen. He's certain of it.

What's with those dreams anyways?

His eyes turned to his arms, where he noticed his old tattoos were also glowing like the sun. It's the usual reaction. Sa tuwing may nakikita siyang panaginip, those prophetic dreams seem like a message from someone rather than just trying to appear for strange reasons. Parang may nagsasabi sa kanya na mag-ingat.

Was it his father? That's not even going to happen, so he shook his head at the thought. He didn't really know him, and when was the last time he had seen him? He wasn't able to tell either because all he could remember is that the man had finally left him. It was time for him to move on from him. He wasn't worth all the trouble.

He extended his arms in the direction of the table, which had an oak finish. It's a really solidly built hardwood that will withstand years and years of regular use. The majority of what you throw at it will not break it. The grain of oak is also well known. Long, thin lines that run the length of the wood define the grain pattern of oak.

He put his paper down now and drew everything he saw. Lalo na 'yong babaeng makikita niya dahil sa propesiya.

His attention shifted to the paper as he held his mouth open. It's an image of a gorgeous woman. Her golden eyes and orange hair make her the most beautiful person he has ever seen. He was undoubtedly drawn to her by her charms. Yes, that's definitely her! Siya 'yong makikita niya ngayon.

Nakatakda silang magkita ngayong araw. sapagka't siya rin ang magiging protector niya.

Rebel held onto his paper tightly as he attempted to understand everything he had just witnessed. Something changed the picture, making it appear as though a grim reaper was chasing after demigods at the moment. Corrupted souls. Those are the creatures who seek his destruction. And from those monsters, that woman will keep him safe.

It'because's because of his blood. That's why this tragedy has took place. And only if he really had the option to simply flee those souls, he would. Lalo na 'yong mga Aswang, Mandurugo, and in the worst case, those two women, a Black Lady and a White Lady, whom he could not bear to look at! 

Kaya naman kailangan niyang magtago. He was the target because he's Apolaki's son.

Hindi pa rin niya alam kung bakit niya napapanaginipan ang babaeng 'to, ngunit isang bagay ang malinaw at 'yon ay kailangan niya 'to. For his survival.

He knew those were prophetic dreams. But, of all people, why does he have to see all of this?

All that he ever wanted is to get some answers. Palagi rin niyang kinukulit ang kanyang lolo na sabihin sa kanya ang totoo, ngunit palaging sinasabi sa kanya na maghintay sa tamang panahon. Damn it, he just wanted some answers! Why does he think everyone is lying? He wanted answers! Fuck that.

He simply wanted to know what was going on. And he always wanted to learn everything from his grandfather, but how could he do so when the old guy was already in the US dealing with some serious issues? Oh, if only that were true.

He gripped his fist At halos magsalubong ang kilay niya. He clinched his teeth, balled his fists, and punched his pillows. He tapped his feet on the ground and grunted, like an impatient child. Hindi alam ni Rebel kung kailan babalik ang kanyang lolo. And that pisses him off.

And coping with her aunt right now has left him in a deep mess. Rebel couldn't tell if they wanted something from him, which is why she had to keep him. When he returns home, his aunt frequently lashes out at him, becoming enraged and beating the crap out of him.

Even if he was being bullied, he would see his aunt taking drugs and drinking, and she would approach him and beat him. At sinisisi lang siya ng tita niya. He never felt loved. No. Not at all. He felt as if he was spared because they needed something from him.

Despite these precautions, he constantly experienced the need to protect himself from his own family.

He knew she didn't like him.

At hindi siya ganoon katanga para 'di maramdaman kung gaano siya kasuklam sa mga mata ng kanyang tiya. Ramdam niya kung paano niya 'to tignan. Napipilitan lang siyang alagaan si Rebel dahil sa bilin ng kanyang lolo.

He set down his sketches and swiftly grabbed his red oversized shirt to put on. Rebel's smirk was plastered on his face as soon as he came down from his room and saw his aunt. And there she is. A woman simply crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at him.

Halatang-halata sa mukha niya ang pag-irap niya habang ngumiwi para lang iparamdam na nandidiri siya rito. Sukang-suka siya sa pagtitig niya sa pamangkin mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Andito na 'yung dagdag sa pasanin ko!" She hissed. Good thing is that I don't fucking care, okay? He scowl at her at agad naman siya nilampasan ni Rebel.

"Martha naman! Ang aga-aga bunganga mo na naman maririnig ko. Isa pa sinabi na ni Lolo Antonio na kailangan natin siyang protektahan—"

"I'm not eating here if that's what you worry about. I won last night's fight so you can keep that damn pig's food on your own, Martha."

Sa ugali niyang pinapakita ngayon, hindi siya karapat-dapat tawagin na tita d'yan sa mga inaakto niya. Hindi siya karespe-respeto.

"Lakas ng loob mo! Tignan mo nga sarili mo! You're disgusting!" Sigaw na lamang ng Tita niya sa kanya.

Ngumisi na lamang si Rebel sa kanya at kuminang ang kanyang buong katawanan sa nagliliwanag na aura enough to make her aunt to feel so afraid while looking at him. Alam na niya ang mga ganyang tingin. 

᯽_____᯽𖣔⁂_____𖣔

REBEL CAREFULLY CLENCHED his fist and clicked his tongue. She wouldn't be able to understand how he really feels. He runs both of his hands through his hair at tsaka niya ginulo 'to.

"I've always hated...my blond hair. I looked different from everyone else. My eyes, my hair, even how I look."

He doesn't make eye contact with her. He could no longer stand her! He despised her! For ruining his life. He could not take it anymore. He grits his teeth at mas lalong sumama ang tingin ni Rebel.

"And what I hated the most was that my damned father abandoned me and went off to war without telling me anything!"

Sun God, Apolaki..

This is your fault.

She looked so scared right now as if she got some bundle of nerves the heck out of her. Lumapit lang ito sa kanya dahilan para mapaatras pa siya, at nang mahulog sa harapan ng lalaki, ginamit niya ang mga kamay niya para makalayo. Takot na takot siya ngayon.

Rebel didn't really care about her so he just grabbed his bag at dinaanan lang niya 'to ng basta.

"I'm not going to do anything if that's you're worried about. Andito lang ako para kunin 'yong gamit ko. Tch, weakling." Irap naman ni Rebel sa kanya tsaka siya dali-dali naglakad paalis.

He then quickly left for his home. He put his arms across his face when he saw the moon. He despised seeing the moon. As the moon shone brightly towards him, he moved faster to avoid it. Perhaps for most people, the moon will always be their light. This isn't for him.

There was a beach alongside him, with water splashing together and immense waves. He rested his arms on his pocket and hated the sight of the moon and the sea. Reminds him of the two girls he used to play with as a child.

"Tch," He took a rock and threw it intensely into the sea. Reminds him of a dream in which he meets his mortal foe.

Rebel couldn't hide how angry he is. Hindi naman niya kailanman hiniling na magpaalaga o pakainin siya ng tita niyang walang ginawa kundi abusuhin siya. Dahil kahit wala naman siya, kargo na niya ang sarili niya.

He had to be responsible and work from an early age in order to finish his time in college. In order to cover his expenses, he must become a boxer. He kickboxes at night.

Rebel paused when he noticed his caller ID. It turned out that it was his friend Galileo.

He raised his eyebrows and imagined Galileo pounding him with questions. He's such a worrier at times, but he didn't mind much. Whether he was in danger or not, his friend was always willing to help him. He better answer his call before he starts acting like a damn father, even if he isn't.

Are you home?"

[Yes. And good thing I called! My sister miss you dude. Minsan seloso na ako eh, parang ikaw na 'yong kuya 'di ako! At nakalimutan mo na ba dude!? We are going to museum today. In National Museum of Fine Arts.]

"Hindi ako Comparative Literature student. Architecture student ako, sa pagkakaalam ko. At wala ako natatandaang meron akong subject about Philippine History." Sabi na lang ni Rebel kay Galileo and he frowned at him.

A smirk spread across his face. Just what he had expected. He is bound to see that woman in his precognition.

[Basta!I insist. Someone wants to meet you.]

"At sino namang—" Before he could even talk, Galileo decided to end it anyways. Para bang sigurado na siya na sasama si Rebel.

[It's decided, okay!? I'll tell her!]

He had no choice but to go to his condo because he was already here. The design was for a residential housing.

It includes four bedrooms, two kitchens, and a balcony. Curves enhance the interior decor, giving it a lively and gentle appearance. The curves in the ceiling design, as well as the neutral tones and high-end finishes throughout the area, create a serene and elegant environment, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and elegance for their leisure.

The important issue is to meet that woman.

Really, Galileo is being nosy again. He could guess he's arranging for him to meet a girlfriend. He truly didn't need one. He's certain of it.

Suddenly, Galileo's sister, Hanami approached him.

"Aba, 'di ka yata bugbog ngayon ha."She crossed her arms as if she's really checking if Rebel went to a fight. He just turned away to avoid the little girl.

"Bata ka pa para malaman." Rebel winked at her.

Kapag pinapalayas siya ng Tita niya, lagi siya pumupunta kina Galileo dahil siya lang naman ang handang tumanggap sa kanya. And everything happened since the start of the attack so he needs to hide and learn to fight to avoid them.

At nagkamalas-malas lang naman ang buhay niya dahil sa paghabol sa kanya ng corrupted souls.

When the monsters found them, Lolo Antonio wanted to make sure he would be safe, dahil alam niya na gagawa sila ng gulo sa tirahan nila, sisirain ang tirahan nila and by holding humans hostage, they would cause trouble Rebel, which only made Martha angrier with him.

And by doing so, his grandfather has already realized that Rebel is in danger and that he must take precautions to keep him safe. Kaya gano'n na lamang ang galit ni Martha sa pamangkin niya.

Dahil sa kanya, kailangan nilang magtago.

Dahil sa kanya, nawala ang payapang mundo nilang mag-asawa.

Dahil sa kanya, naging dagdag pasanin pa siya sa buhay ng tiyahin niya.

And because of that, Rebel just knew he ruined everything.

Rebel was deeply disheartened because he had no one else after that. He was very difficult to get close to at 'di siya palangiti at lagi pang galit and Galileo Castellan Abadiano was his only friend throughout his life—that is, until he showed up. 

And the burden of knowing how harmful his blood is puts him in a difficult position where he has to keep his distance from having friends. The only exception is Galileo; otherwise, he and Rebel were similar to two peas in a pod.

Galileo welcomed him into his family and told him that he had no other family except for his younger sister, Hanami. To him, Galileo was like a brother, and he had the full trust in him.

Galileo then gave Rebel some clothing. The fact that they were expensive clothes startled him. His friend handed him the clothes, and his eyes widened a little. He gripped them tightly. 

He was very reluctant to acknowledge them. Is it true that he had to prepare something like this after just meeting a girl? These kinds of expensive clothes are difficult to come by. So how was it that he gave him this?

Hindi mo naman makikita sa palengke lang 'yan o sa tiyangian. It was a Dior trench coat, dark brown, with a label. In addition to a white, lavish, loose-fitting casual pant and a black long-sleeve shirt. And some black leather footwear. And him handily disclosing it? Is this man for real?

"No way, dude!" Sigaw ni Rebel sa kanya

"Yes you're wearing it because you're going to meet her."He convinced him.

"And I want to give it to you. Think of it as a present. Lagi ka may regalo sa kapatid ko tapos wala man lang ako magbigay sa'yo. Keep it, dude. I insist." He tapped Rebel's shoulders and smiled at him.

"Fine, fine! Magbibihis na!"

Galileo and Rebel later arrive at the museum. His eyebrows shot up as he looked at the woman. She appears to be an intern here.

The woman led the group with assurance as they made their way toward Apolaki's picture. She was so confident in her work that she even reached for her notebook.

She glanced at the people and started discussing, "Bathala the creator of the world, had a son named Apolaki and a daughter named Mayari. The light that shone upon the world and enabled the people, the beasts, the birds, and the fish to see came from the bright eyes of Apolaki and Mayari, So all the creatures loved them dearly."

He clicked his tongue and stepped in front of them which made her startled at me.

"And I wouldn't be so amused if I were you."

"At bakit?"Pagtataray ng babae.

"Because when Bathala died, both Apolaki and Mayari had a quarrel, for each wanted to rule the world alone. And Apolaki said that he will be succeeding his father's throne. And that made Mayari get angry at him and had said that 'I am no less my father's child than you. I will succeed him to his throne, whether you like it or not!' The quarrel grew from bad to worse, and finally words could not express their furious rage."

Once Rebel finished his explanation, the crowd applauded excitedly. All of them are ignorant. Furthermore, his existence may eventually cause that war to break out again.

"So they picked up wooden clubs and fell upon each other with fierce blows. Back and forth they fought until at last Apolaki struck Mayari in the face and she became blind in one eye."He explained.

Rebel simply grinned and cast a suspicious glance at the woman.

He just left her speechless. In any case, he doesn't think that anyone can relate to what he's going through.

Siya ay naging target mula nang magsimula ang digmaan kay Apolaki. Kaya naman, kinailangan niyang tumakas at iwasan ang gulo na kanyang napasukan dahil sa ginawa ng kanyang ama.

The woman suddenly grabbed his arms, "Ginugulo mo 'yung trabaho ko! What if my grades drop because of you? Intern pa lang ako rito and you're already making it a mess."

"Talaga? I guess it's your problem now."

He put on his hood and he saw some creatures and pretended not to see them.

There's a tons of them. Nandito sila lahat. Iyong Bakunawa, the serpent like-dragon. Mga Diwata. Then a Diety called Bitbit. Then Biso, the police officer of Heaven. Also, there's Cirit, a servant of the Anitos. And what's even more odd is that these mythical creatures knew who he is.

"You're him!"

"You're the son of Apolaki!"

"Sandali lang!"

Wala akong nakikita! Wala! Yeah, right. You're a great liar, Rebel.

I can definitely see them.

However, in order to avoid getting into trouble, I won't reply to them. These are the things that were going through his head. Umiwas na lamang ng tingin si Rebel at mga ilang minuto lang, he already had sun-like radiance in his hair. And then he was being approached by those reaper-like monsters. Every one of them had a terrifying appearance.

They had such spine-tingling, spooky, frightening, and scary voices. It's terrifying and spooky to be in their darkened presence. Umilaw ang kanilang mga mata ng kulay pula at may usok na pumalibot sa kanila.

Everyone used to tell him to avoid these creatures once he saw them but that's not the case for Rebel.

Wala sa rules niya maging isang talunan.

He balled his fist in an instant, and by focusing the sun's rays on it, he was able to use solar energy for attacks of different sizes, shapes, intensities, and forms. Rebel pulled out his hood and gave the corrupted souls a threatening glare as they continued to scream.

"Sino'ng nagpadala sa inyo?"

Tinignan naman sila ng masama ni Rebel tsaka niya muli 'to sinuntok. At nagsihiyaw na lang ang mga corrupted souls na 'yon. Hindi niya napansin na kanina pa halos nakatingin ang babaeng intern sa kanya. A normal person would run away, but why didn't she?

"Sandali lang!" Sigaw ng babae.

Halos magtama ang mata nilang dalawa ni Rebel at kumunot na lamang ang noo niya and he glared at her.

Don't tell me...

She's the protector in my prophetic dreams!? These thought crossed his mind.

Napailing na lang si Rebel at nagmura.

"Gago."