A/N: Hello, guys! I just want to say that this is purely made from imagination. I've taken references from Filipino Mythology to create this story. If you guys are wondering, this is a fan fiction crossover between Juan Dela Cruz and Highschool DxD. If you're wondering about Juan Dela Cruz, just Google it, and you'll see what it is.)

---- This chapter is written by Void-King ---

Earth, the birthplace of the Human Race, a highly intelligent sentient beings capable of achieving great feats.

Earth was a world where humans dominated society, but living amongst them were supernatural beings. They existed even before the human race evolved into what they are today.

Devils, angels, dragons, yokai, gods, and many more are real. They hid themselves from the human race because they are aware of the capabilities of humans.

The world of the supernatural is ruled by pantheons and many different mythologies such as Greek, Egyptian, and many more. They extended their reach to different parts of the Earth, ruling the land in secret.

But there is one place where even the gods have no knowledge of.

3,070 km from the Land of the Rising Sun, an archipelago isolated by a huge body of water lays 7,000 islands that belong to a single country known by the nickname "Pearl of the Orient."

A place known for its natural beauty and also a place that is full of mystery.

This place is the Philippines. This country existed long ago, and it is even mentioned in the Bible.

This land was ruled by Philippine pantheons with multiple gods, such as Bathala, the Supreme God of the Philippine Pantheon, Mayari, the Goddess of the Moon, Apolaki, the God of the Sun, just to name a few. They ruled this land for a long time, all to protect a secret that should never be known to the outside world.

If the supernatural world is afraid of the battle between the Red and White Dragon Emperors, the Philippine pantheons were only afraid of two things. The first is the awakening of two mythical beings known as Bakunawa and Minokawa, two cosmic entities feared even by the Infinity and the Apocalypse Dragon.

And the second thing they feared is the battle that will take place if these two mythical beings awaken from their slumber.

It is said that the world was once a beautiful place. The world possessed pure magical energy, seven moons, and only one continent.

But everything changed after those two awakened from their slumber. The Minokawa, a gigantic immortal bird said to live on the sun, its razor-sharp claws can cut anything, even the hardest steel or the most powerful barrier that could be cast. Its wings were said to be big enough to cover the entire world with its feathers.

On the opposite side was the Bakunawa, a serpent-like dragon said to be able to eat the entire moon.

In ancient times, it is said that the Bakunawa alone ate six of the seven moons, but there is more to it than just eating.

Long ago, these two beings clashed against each other. Their battle was so intense that it destroyed six of the seven moons of Earth. Its single continent was split into seven, and the magical energy that was on the Earth's surface depleted to almost nonexistent.

Their battle lasted for a whole month, and what was left of Earth was a scorching place depleted of life.

But as time passed by, this scorching place was able to recover. Although it wasn't the same as before, this new place was able to bring life back to the world.

After millions of years, the very first sentient life of this new world was born. After that, life continued to thrive in this new world, and the supernatural world was also the same.

With this evolution continuing to move forward.

***

August 22, 2028, Philippines

In its capital city of Manila, its city streets were filled with pedestrians and cars of all shapes and sizes.

In such a crowded place, a girl with short black hair tied in a ponytail with two side bangs, wearing a tank top shirt and shorts with black boots, was seen chasing a single man.

"Oi, bumalik ka dito!"

(Translation: Hey, come back here!)

"Buwisit, ang bilis naman tumakbo ng babae na 'to."

(Translation: Damn it, why is this girl so fast at running?)

After a while of running, the girl managed to catch the guy and pinned him down to the ground.

"Huli ka! Sumama ka sa'kin sa presinto."

(Translation: Got you! Come with me to the police station.)

"Shit."

The girl then dragged the man to the nearest police station. Once she arrived, police officers immediately greeted her.

"Reika, I told you catching criminals is the responsibility of us cops, and you know that your parents will blame me if something happened to you."

"I'm sorry, Uncle John, but I happened to run into him on my way home, so I just chased him," Reika said with a carefree attitude.

John only sighed in resignation since he knows that Reika has been like this ever since she was a child. She was a brash kid and rude to those she doesn't know, but she was kind to those people she knows. She also had a strong sense of justice and would always help anyone that needs her help.

John knows that maybe this attitude was inherited from her father with the same attitude.

"I'll be going home now, Uncle. I'll see you later," Reika waved and headed home.

Once she arrived, she was greeted by her grandparents, Juan and Rosario.

"Lola, Lolo, mano po."

(Translation: Grandma, grandpa, bless.)

She took their hands and put the back of their hands on her forehead. This was a tradition in the Philippines and also shows respect for the elderly.

"You're home early!" her grandmother said.

"Well, I have nothing else to do outside, so I decided to go home and rest," Reika replied.

"I see. Then go ahead and rest. Your mother and father will arrive here tomorrow," Juan said.

"I see. Then I'll go ahead and sleep in my room."

Reika went to her room and lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking about her childhood. She was born into a wealthy family. Her father was Filipino, and her mother was Japanese. Due to their business being here in the Philippines, she was raised in this land.

Until one day, her mother and father decided to move to Japan. They wanted to bring her with them, but due to some circumstances, they couldn't bring her. As a result, she was left in the care of her grandparents, Juan Dela Cruz and Rosario Dela Cruz. These two were her guardians and were there when she was just a child.

She grew up as a good person due to their guidance, and she was also told by the two about many different things. But what interested her the most was the legend that her grandfather always told her.

The legend of the Tagabantay or Guardian. Her grandfather used to tell her a story about the Guardians of the Iron Cross who fought off evil spirits such as Aswang, Duwende, Kapre, and many more. In his story, it is said that the Tagabantay are people chosen to wield the Iron Cross.

This Iron Cross or Bakal na Krus in Tagalog holds the power to manifest different weapons. But her grandfather said that in all of history, there are only six weapons that the Iron Cross has been recorded.

And those weapons are the Sword of Bravery, Bow of Wisdom, Whip of Justice, Spear of Valor, Shield of Aptitude, and its most powerful weapon, the White Light. A magical energy capable of erasing any evil beings that lurk in the unknown.

Her grandfather also said that their ancestors were Guardians from Datu Banaraw, the First Guardian; Riroy, the Guardian during the arrival of Americans; Julian Dela Cruz, also known as "the old tagabantay"; Amelia, the first and only female tagabantay.

Reika remembered those stories, and ever since childhood, she was fascinated by such stories. In her mind, she was hoping to see that said weapon.

She also remembered the time when she asked where the Iron Cross was. Her grandfather would always say that the Iron Cross was nothing but a legend and that it didn't really exist. With those thoughts in mind, Reika Dela Cruz went into slumber.

***

In an isolated place, an Iron Cross was on the wall and was glowing white, signaling the need for the new guardian for this generation.

-To be continued-

...A/N: Hello, everyone! I'd like to mention that this story is entirely a product of my imagination. I've drawn inspiration from Filipino Mythology to craft this tale. For those curious, this is a fan fiction crossover between Juan Dela Cruz and Highschool DxD. If you're wondering about Juan Dela Cruz, simply Google it, and you'll find more information.)...

...----This Chapter is written by Void-King---...

The sunset of a new day has risen from the Land of the Orient. In a simple yet spacious house in Quiapo, Manila, in one of its rooms lies a sleeping girl.

The rays of the sun light start to penetrate the glass window of her home. The girl feels the warmth of the sun's rays and slowly opens her eyes, revealing her brown irises.

*Yawn* The girl wakes up from her slumber and immediately goes to clean herself up to prepare for this big day.

Since she knows that today is the day her mother and father will arrive in the Philippines, she will also accompany her grandfather and grandmother to the airport to greet her parents.

"Lola, Lolo, good morning po!"

(Translation: Grandma, Grandpa, good morning po!)

Reika greeted her Grandfather and Grandmother a Good morning with a smile, she then takes a seat at the dining table to join her grandparents for breakfast.

Their breakfast consists of traditional fried rice with eggs and tocino, a meat dish famous in the Philippines. Together, it's called Tocilog.

After eating, she decides to help with the house chores and then changes her clothes, getting ready to leave their house to go to the airport since today was the day that Her Father and Mother Will be returning From Japan.

***

On the way to the airport, Reika is seated in the back of their car, which is driven by her grandfather. Despite being 62 years old, her grandfather is still strong and able to do many things that young people often do.

After a while, they arrive at the airport and wait for her parents to arrive.

After a while, two people come into view. One is a tall man in his 30s with a muscular build, wearing a suit. Next to him is a woman who is around 26 to 28 years old, with short black hair.

Upon seeing the two, Reika immediately runs toward the man and hugs him.

"Dad, I missed you."

"Oh, I missed you too, my little sweetheart."

"Mom, I missed you too."

Reika is happy to see her father and mother, but she's even happier to see her father since she's a daddy's girl.

After a while, they return home, and everyone in the neighborhood welcomes the couple back, as it's been 10 years since they returned from Japan.

At night, the whole family has dinner together and talks about their lives while they were away.

"So, Reika, you're going to be in your second year this upcoming school year, right?" her father asks.

"Yes," Reika replies while chewing her pork adobo.

"I see. Reika, do you remember our talk before?"

"Talk?"

"You know that you will attend your second year of high school in Japan."

Reika Then remembered the conversation that she had with her mother that she will continue her Study on Japan.

"But... Mom, I already told you that I want to continue my studies here," Reika replies to her mother, expressing that she doesn't want to study abroad.

However, her mother doesn't allow her and informs her that she has already been enrolled in a school in Japan.

Hearing this, Reika doesn't continue to argue. She's saddened that she'll have to leave the place where she has spent almost all of her life, the land she considers her one and only home.

At night, she stares at the ceiling of her bedroom, unable to sleep as she contemplates what life will be like outside of the Philippines.

While thinking about it, she decides to head downstairs and go to the bookshelf in their living room to find a book to clear her mind.

While looking for a book to read, she notices a book she hadn't seen before. She tries to pull the book from the shelf, but she can't take it off. She applies more strength, but it doesn't come off. Instead, she hears a noise of something opening from the back of the bookshelf.

Contemplating what she should do, her curiosity gets the better of her. She decides to move the bookshelf, and behind one of the shelves, she finds a secret door.

She gulps as she navigates the dark stairs of the room.

"Ang dilim naman dito!"

(Translation: It's so dark in here!)

Reika walks straight, and at the end of the dark room, she sees something unexpected—an iron cross glowing in a dazzling white light.



"No way!" Reika exclaims in astonishment. She had thought of it as a mere legend, a story her grandfather made up, but now it's right in front of her—a weapon that can change into different forms, a weapon used by the Tagabantay (Guardian) to protect humankind against the forces of darkness.

The weapon passed down through generations, one of the two original holy weapons in the world, a weapon given to humans to protect themselves by an unknown entity. The iron cross is now right in front of its new owner.

Reika walks towards the cross on the wall.

As she gets closer, she remembers her grandfather's story that the iron cross has the ability to fly toward the user.

With that in mind, Reika closes her eyes and raises her hand towards the cross, attempting to summon it into her hands. She waits, not expecting anything to happen. Contrary to her expectations, the iron cross flies toward her hand.

"W... wow," she says in astonishment, looking at the iron cross.

"Apo!" a voice rings out behind her, and she sees her grandfather Juan standing there, looking at her and at the iron cross in her hand.

"Lolo! I, uh..."

'Shit, I'm doomed.'

Reika sweats as she tries to come up with an excuse. While she's thinking, her grandfather looks at her with a worried expression. He knows he can't hide the truth from Reika any longer.

...-End-...

...A/N: Hello, everyone! I'd like to mention that this story is entirely a product of my imagination. I've drawn inspiration from Filipino Mythology to craft this tale. For those curious, this is a fan fiction crossover between Juan Dela Cruz and Highschool DxD. If you're wondering about Juan Dela Cruz, simply Google it, and you'll find more information.)...

...----This Chapter is written by Void-King---...

Juan, who had suddenly woken up from his sleep, went downstairs to drink a glass of water. However, upon going down, he saw that the secret room of the house was open.

Upon seeing that the secret room was open, he immediately rushed to see who had opened the door to this secret lair.

And what he saw shocked him because he saw that his granddaughter was the one who had opened the door to this room. Not only that, he saw the girl summon the Iron Cross onto her hand.

"Apo!" He finally decided to speak, and once his granddaughter heard his voice, she immediately turned around and looked at him while shaking.

(A/N: Apo means grandchild. Usually, only grandparents use this word to address their grandchildren.)

"Lolo! I, uh..." Juan could see that his granddaughter was trying to come up with an excuse while she was sweating and shaking.

(Translation: Lolo means grandfather.)

"Apo! Akin na 'yang Bakal na Krus." (Translation: My granddaughter! Give me the Iron Cross.)

(A/N: I will now translate the meaning of the sentence instead of word for word.)

Said Juan, and immediately, Reika gave the Iron Cross to him. After she handed the Iron Cross to him, he told her to return to her room and rest since it was already late at night.

The girl immediately returned to her room without asking or saying anything, and Juan was left in the room alone, looking at the Iron Cross that his granddaughter had handed over to him.

Instead of returning the Iron Cross to the wall, he took it back with him to his room.

While in it, he was looking at the Iron Cross, and the memories of his late grandmother flashed before his eyes.

He remembered the words of his late grandmother, Belen, who told him her last foresight: that in the future, one of his descendants would become the new wielder of the Iron Cross, and that descendants of him would protect the human race against the forces of evil. Belen also told him that this descendant of his would experience hardships like no other. She also told him that this descendant of his would carry the weight of the entire world.

The hardships that his descendant would experience would make them strong, stronger than any of the previous guardians of the Iron Cross, and stronger than any guardians of other weapons or any wielder of the Holy Sword.

(A/N: If you guys are wondering about the other guardians in the supposed sequel script of Juan Dela Cruz, it is stated that there are also other guardians aside from Juan, who was the guardian of the Iron Cross, so if you guys want to read it, it's on my reading list on the tab of Filipino Novel script.)

After all these years, he thought that this foresight would happen in a distant future when he was no longer in this world. But he didn't expect that his granddaughter would be the one chosen as this new generation's guardian.

He didn't want his granddaughter to go into a battle where her life would be put in danger, but he also knew that she needed to fulfill her duty as the new guardian. Juan knew that even if he tried to stop his granddaughter from ever holding the Iron Cross, he knew that he couldn't change destiny. No matter what he did, the duty of becoming the guardian of the Iron Cross was inescapable. He knew this because he learned this the hard way when he once tried to turn his back on his duty.

Juan knew that he couldn't teach his granddaughter how to use the weapons of the Iron Cross because he knew that she needed to learn it on her own. The least he could do was to prepare his granddaughter to use the weapons of the Iron Cross, just like how he had prepared himself to use every weapon of the Iron Cross back in the old days.

With his mind set to train his granddaughter, he put the Iron Cross on the wall of his room, and it immediately stuck itself to the wall, waiting for the right time when Juan would pass down the mantle of being the new Tagabantay to his granddaughter.

***

In the morning, the whole family was eating breakfast together, and Reika was the same as usual. She was energetic and had a big appetite, having just finished her fourth serving and still eating.

Despite her big appetite, her body was not overweight; in fact, she had a slender figure, and her choice of clothes showcased her curves. She was wearing a maroon-colored tank top with shorts and black high boots and her short black Hair is Tied on a ponytail with two Side Bangs.

...

...

(A/N: This is how she looked like)

"Are you going somewhere?" Reika's mother asked.

Reika replied that she would be going to help the orphanage in the city and would come back after she finished her work.

Even though their family was wealthy, Reika actually never cared about money. She was raised to believe that money was not everything in this world, and she was also taught to always help those that she could and never turn a blind eye to those in need if she could help. A naive thinking, yes, but for Reika, that was just who she was.

After her breakfast, she immediately left the house and went to the orphanage to help with anything she could, leading a hands-on approach, and even playing with the children.

***

In the sunny afternoon, Reika was walking home from the orphanage when she noticed a group of guys picking on a smaller, timid girl. The group was relentless, taunting the girl with hurtful words and pushing her around. Reika couldn't just stand by and watch this unfold.

Without a second thought, Reika approached the group and said, "That's enough! Leave the girl alone." Her voice was filled with determination.

The group was surprised by Reika's sudden arrival and turned their attention to her. They sneered, and one of them, the ringleader, said, "What are you gonna do about it, tough girl?"

Reika knew she had to protect the girl, so without hesitation, she clenched her fists and stood her ground. The group circled around her. Reika didn't panic because this was not something new to her. One of the guys tried to punch Reika in the face, but she leaned to her side, dodging the attack. While doing so, she countered with her own punch aimed at the stomach of the guy who had tried to punch her.

Seeing that their comrade was having a hard time, the others also launched their attacks on Reika.

Reika's skills, determination, and resilience were her greatest weapons. She dodged their punches with agility and countered with precise strikes. She wasn't trying to hurt them badly; she just wanted to protect the girl and show the group that they couldn't intimidate others without consequences.

With every punch thrown and every kick landed, Reika's confidence grew. The girl watched in amazement.

Reika got a bit reckless and left herself open for a split second, and due to that, a punch slipped through her guards and hit her beautiful face.

Due to this, her anger rose to a whole new level. Slowly but surely, Reika managed to subdue each of the bullies, one by one. They began to retreat, nursing their bruises and egos. The ringleader, defeated and humiliated, finally said, "Fine, we're done!" They scattered and ran in different directions.

Breathing heavily, Reika turned to the girl with a reassuring smile. Tears of gratitude filled the girl's eyes as  she said, "Thank you, Miss. You're my hero."

After those eventful hours, she returned home with a bruise on her face and received an hour of scolding from her grandmother and mother. She tried to argue that she just wanted to help someone, but even her argument was immediately shut down.

She tried asking for help from her father and grandfather, but the two averted their gaze from her since they didn't want to earn the wrath of their wives.

After an hour, Reika sat in the backyard of their home while looking at the blue sky.

"Ouch..." Reika said as she touched the bruise on her cheek.

While taping her bruised cheek, her grandfather went next to her, holding the Iron Cross in his hand.

Reika wanted to ask her grandfather about it, but she was not sure how to ask such questions.

But before she could say anything, her grandpa was the first to speak and told her everything about the Iron Cross, the Kapatiran, and everything related to their family bloodlines.

Her grandpa also told her that she was the new guardian of the Iron Cross and that she needed to prepare herself to fulfill her duty. From that day on, Reika was trained by her grandfather.

...---To be Continued---...