Divine Ascendancy

Rumors of Disappearances and Growing Mysticism

The heat of the protest still lingered in Isagani's bones as he and Miguel made their way out of the chaos and toward the quieter outskirts of Arroceros Forest Park. The shouting of protestors, the clash with security, and the tension from moments earlier began to fade, replaced by the steady hum of the city beyond the trees. Manila's usual noise felt almost comforting by comparison.

"Man, that was a close one," Miguel panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "I mean, I love a good rally and all, but I also like not being tear-gassed in the face. Call me crazy."

Isagani gave him a sideways glance, still catching his breath. "You're not crazy. You're a coward."

"I prefer strategically cautious," Miguel replied, grinning. "Keeps me from getting concussion souvenirs."

They made their way to a shaded bench at the far end of the park, hidden from the view of the security guards and protestors still tangling near the main gate. Isagani sat down heavily, the weight of the day sinking into his muscles. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing the damp strands out of his face.

"This is getting bigger," he said, his voice quieter now, but still edged with frustration. "We've been protesting for months, but Arcanis Holdings just keeps pushing forward. And now, this? It's like they don't care about how much damage they're causing."

"They don't," Miguel said simply, collapsing onto the bench beside him. "They've got money, influence, and lawyers. Hell, they've probably got enough lawyers to sue you in your sleep."

Isagani nodded grimly. "Yeah, but I can't just—"

Before he could finish, Miguel turned to him with a sharp look, leaning closer as if he had just remembered something important. "Hey, speaking of Arcanis," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "did you hear what people are saying? About the construction sites?"

Isagani raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in Miguel's tone. "What about them?"

Miguel glanced around, as if making sure no one was listening, despite the fact they were alone. "Workers have been disappearing. At least three of them. All in the past few weeks."

Isagani frowned. "Disappearing how?"

"Like poof, gone. Vanished." Miguel snapped his fingers for effect. "No one knows where they went. They were last seen at one of Arcanis Holdings' construction sites, then nothing. Just gone."

Isagani leaned back, crossing his arms. "And what? Arcanis is covering it up?"

Miguel nodded quickly, his voice lowering further. "Probably. But that's not the weird part. There's been talk—rumors, you know? People are saying it's not just Arcanis."

Isagani tilted his head, skeptical. "Let me guess. They're blaming the aswang or some other folklore creature?"

Miguel paused for dramatic effect. "Close. They're blaming the Kapre."

Isagani stared at him, incredulous. "The Kapre? The tree giant that smokes cigars? That Kapre?"

"Yep." Miguel leaned back, looking way too pleased with himself. "Apparently, some of the construction sites are near old trees. Sacred ones, you know? They say the workers saw shadows moving around in the trees at night. Some heard deep laughter. And then—bam! People started vanishing."

Isagani rubbed his temples, trying to suppress a groan. "Miguel, seriously. You're telling me that workers are being abducted by a cigar-smoking giant?"

Miguel raised his hands in defense. "Hey, I'm just passing along the word on the street. Believe it or don't, but it's what people are talking about. And you have to admit, it's weird."

Isagani scoffed, though part of him couldn't help but wonder. Weird was right. Arcanis Holdings' projects were spreading all over the city, and now, there were stories of missing people? Of course, Isagani didn't believe in monsters, especially not in modern-day Manila, but there was something unsettling about the whole thing.

Miguel, sensing his hesitation, pressed on. "Look, I know you don't buy into all that folklore stuff. But... what if it's more than just stories? There's a reason those legends exist, right? I mean, think about it. The Kapre is supposed to be a guardian of the trees. And these trees? They're not just any trees. They've been here for centuries, maybe longer."

Isagani leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he looked out over the park. The trees around them stood tall and proud, their thick trunks weathered by time. They had seen more than anyone could imagine—had lived through countless storms, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and now, they were threatened by the relentless march of progress.

The thought of losing them was already unbearable, but the idea that something—something ancient—might be trying to protect them? That was harder to shake off.

"Alright," Isagani said finally, standing up. "Let's say, for argument's sake, there's something weird going on. What are we supposed to do about it?"

Miguel blinked. "You mean... you're actually considering investigating?"

Isagani shrugged, though there was a spark of determination in his eyes. "Why not? If something's happening to those workers, we should find out. Besides," he added with a faint grin, "if it turns out to be nothing, at least I can say I dragged you out into the woods for no reason."

Miguel groaned. "Great. First protest leader, now amateur ghost hunter. I'm really racking up the career choices here, Gani."

"Don't worry," Isagani replied, clapping him on the shoulder. "If we get eaten by a giant tree spirit, I'll make sure your tombstone says, 'Strategically Cautious, But Still Dead.'"

Miguel let out a long sigh, standing up to follow Isagani as they made their way back through the park. "You better put something cooler than that on my tombstone. I'm thinking, 'Died Like a Hero, Screaming Bravely.'"

Isagani chuckled. "Fine. But we're not getting eaten. We'll just... take a look around."

"Yeah, famous last words," Miguel muttered, shaking his head.

***

As the sun began to dip behind the city's skyline, casting long shadows over the park, Isagani and Miguel found themselves walking toward the locked gates of the park's denser sections. The usual bustle of the city was starting to fade, the evening creeping in with an eerie calm. Isagani couldn't help but feel a slight chill crawl up his spine.

The trees loomed above them, their branches stretching wide, casting heavy shadows across the ground. The deeper they walked into the forest, the quieter it became. Even the usual sounds of nighttime insects seemed oddly muted.

Miguel looked around, his usual bravado fading. "Are we sure about this?"

"Nope," Isagani said, stepping closer to the gate. "But that hasn't stopped us before."

Miguel sighed dramatically. "Great. Just great. We're either going to solve a mystery or get murdered by a tree giant. Either way, what a way to spend a Friday night."

Isagani gave him a quick smirk before they both climbed over the gate, disappearing into the darker depths of Arroceros Forest Park. As the last light of day faded, something far older than both of them watched from the shadows, waiting.