The Moonlight Assassin

Miguel Growing Up

At the humble home of the Mangubat family in San Roque, Miguel grew up to be a kind, intelligent, and God-fearing child. He helped his family with chores and assisted them whenever someone needs healing.

He was an achiever in school, a sought-after whiz in mathematics and science, and had competed in many local and national academic competitions in the country. Soon enough, Miguel became a pride of the town of San Roque for his achievements.

Moreover, as he approached adolescence, Miguel grew up to have a fresh, good-looking face, which became the envy of the women in the barrio of Kabuwasan. Every girl had a crush on him, and many have attempted to woo him, from chocolates, new clothes, to indecent proposals. But he refused all the time, as he was very shy, and could not commit to having a relationship until he graduated from college.

Before Miguel's graduation from senior high, his parents gave him a gift: the crucifix made from the fire tree. They reminded him of the victory against the manananggal army that once invaded their town seventeen years ago. Miguel kept the crucifix on a small wooden box.

Miguel left his family for Maharlika to study at the prestigious Reino Felipe II University at the age of seventeen, much younger than his normal peers. There he pursued a degree in civil engineering, as he dreamt to work as a Construction Specialist at the Del Fierro Group's New Developments division, the highest-paid division of the conglomerate. 

While in college, Miguel was discovered by a talent agency that allowed him to work as a freelance model and host, to earn extra money for his studies. It was at that point when he became the most in-demand commercial model, endorsing many brands, including Del Fierro, because of his mysteriously good looks.

On the night before his eighteenth birthday, he was invited to attend a private party at the DF Hotels to celebrate the company's 47th anniversary. He initially refused, as he had exams the next day, but his manager encouraged him to join to celebrate his birthday in advance.

Miguel enjoyed the party: the rave music, the drinking, and the fun that came with it. But all of a sudden, he turned over to the sky and saw the full moon unhiding from the clouds.

As the moonlight struck Miguel, he felt a strange sensation lingering in his body. He was sweating profusely. His head started to throb. His heartbeat was fast and hard. His back felt a sharp piercing pain. His waist began to stretch upwards like something was trying to pull him from the waist up.

He suddenly ran away from the crowd, and into a dark corner of the hotel parking lot.