Chapter 03: The Path of the Diwata

Lukas walked in silence, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The events of the past hour were hard to comprehend, and the power he had unleashed still pulsed faintly within him, like a distant echo. As they moved through the dense forest, he kept glancing at Datu, searching for answers in the shaman’s calm demeanor. But Datu offered no explanations, only the occasional glance to make sure Lukas was still following.

The forest around them was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves, the chirping of unseen insects, and the distant calls of animals Lukas couldn’t identify. Yet, despite the unfamiliarity, there was something oddly comforting about this place. The trees, tall and ancient, seemed to whisper secrets, their leaves rustling in a language Lukas couldn’t understand but felt drawn to.

After what felt like hours, the forest began to thin out, and the ground sloped upward. They emerged onto a narrow path that wound its way up a hill, the trees giving way to rocky terrain. At the top of the hill, Lukas could make out a cluster of stone structures, half-hidden by mist. They didn’t look like any buildings he had ever seen—more like ancient ruins, weathered by time but still standing strong.

“Where are we?” Lukas asked, his voice breaking the long silence.

Datu paused, looking up at the structures with a mixture of reverence and sadness. “This is Aninong Sagrado, the Sacred Shadow. It’s a place of power, where the veil between worlds is thin. The diwata once dwelled here, long before Theos began to change.”

“The diwata?” Lukas repeated, the word familiar from stories. In Filipino mythology, the diwata were nature spirits—guardians of the forests, rivers, and mountains. But those were just stories… weren’t they?

“Yes,” Datu confirmed, as they continued up the path. “The diwata are ancient beings, older than the oldest myths. They are the keepers of balance in Theos, and their power is tied to the very land itself. But they have withdrawn from the world, hiding away as the balance has shifted. Some say they have lost faith in mortals.”

As they approached the ruins, Lukas noticed a figure standing at the entrance to one of the structures. At first, it appeared to be a statue, perfectly still and carved from the same stone as the ruins. But as they drew closer, Lukas realized it was a person—or rather, something that looked like a person, but wasn’t.

The figure was tall and slender, with skin that shimmered like polished marble. Her hair, long and flowing, was the color of autumn leaves, and her eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light. She was beautiful, but in a way that was almost frightening—too perfect, too ethereal to be human.

“Welcome, Datu,” the figure said, her voice soft but carrying a power that made the air hum. She turned her gaze to Lukas, and he felt a chill run down his spine. “And you have brought the one Theos has called. The boy with the hidden light.”

“This is Lukas,” Datu said, gesturing to him. “He is new to our world, but Theos has chosen him. I believe he can help restore the balance.”

The diwata studied Lukas for a long moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. Lukas felt as if she was looking straight through him, seeing every thought, every fear, every secret he had ever kept.

“You are not what I expected,” she said finally, her tone neutral. “But Theos has its reasons, and I trust its wisdom.”

Lukas swallowed nervously. “Who… who are you?”

The diwata tilted her head slightly, as if the question puzzled her. “I am Mayari, one of the few remaining diwata who still walks the land. My power is tied to the moon, and I have watched over these ruins for centuries, waiting for the day when the balance might be restored.”

“Restored?” Lukas asked, trying to make sense of everything. “What happened to it?”

Mayari’s expression darkened, and she glanced at Datu before answering. “Long ago, Theos was a place of harmony. The diwata and the mortals lived in peace, each respecting the other’s place in the world. But as the mortal world grew, so did its greed and ambition. Theos began to change, its balance shifting as darkness crept into the land. The aswang and other dark creatures gained strength, feeding off the fear and anger of mortals. The diwata withdrew, unable to stop the tide.”

“And now, Theos is at a tipping point,” Datu added. “If the balance isn’t restored soon, this world will be consumed by darkness.”

Lukas felt a weight settle on his shoulders. It was hard to believe that he—a sixteen-year-old kid who barely knew anything about this world—could be the one to make a difference. But something deep inside him, a voice he couldn’t quite identify, told him that he had to try.

“What do I need to do?” he asked, his voice quiet but determined.

Mayari’s eyes softened, and for a moment, Lukas thought he saw a flicker of sadness in her gaze. “You must learn to harness the power within you. The light you possess is rare, and it can be a beacon of hope in the darkness. But it is also dangerous, if not controlled.”

Datu nodded in agreement. “There are others like you, Lukas. Others who have been touched by Theos in ways they do not yet understand. You must seek them out, unite them, and together, you can restore the balance.”

Lukas felt a surge of both hope and fear. The idea of seeking out others, of learning to control this strange power, was daunting. But he knew he couldn’t turn back now. Theos had chosen him for a reason, and he couldn’t let this world fall into darkness.

“I’ll do it,” Lukas said, his voice firmer now. “I’ll find the others and restore the balance.”

Mayari smiled faintly, a gesture that seemed both sad and hopeful. “Then we will help you, as much as we can. But remember, Lukas, the path ahead is fraught with danger. The darkness will not let you succeed easily.”

Datu placed a reassuring hand on Lukas’s shoulder. “You won’t be alone, Lukas. Theos may be a world of mystery and danger, but it is also a world of allies and friends. Trust in yourself, and trust in those who stand by your side.”

Lukas nodded, feeling a mix of fear and resolve settle in his chest. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but he knew he had to face it. For Theos, for the people of this world, and for himself.

Mayari stepped aside, revealing a doorway carved into the stone. “Step through here, and you will begin your journey. But know this, Lukas: once you start down this path, there is no turning back.”

Lukas took a deep breath, steeling himself. Then, with one last glance at Datu and Mayari, he stepped through the doorway into the unknown.

The world on the other side was waiting for him.

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