"In the heart of every journey lies a chapter where choices reshape destiny and determination fuels the path forward."
Basilan, 2013 — Breach's Core
The last sound seared into Maximo's memory was the final note of the flute—a plea, a promise, a surrender. The Basilan Breach opened like a wound in the fabric of reality, and he stepped into it willingly, convinced it would lead to his demise.
Yet, the breach did not kill him.
It consumed him.
Within its depths, time fractured and space folded. Echoes screamed in languages that predated the gods. Maximo floated, his body disintegrating into glyphs, and his relic—Sumpit ni Dumalapdap—fell silent for the first time in years.
Then came the voices. Not mortal. Not mere echoes...Divine.
"He is not yet ready to die," intoned a voice reminiscent of bone grinding against the inevitability of fate.
"But he must be changed," replied another, soft as thread slicing through the fabric of destiny.
Sitan, the God of Death, and Dian Alintana, the Goddess of Fate, stood at the threshold of the breach's core—not as saviors, but as judges.
Sitan extended his hand into the void, wielding his Palakol ng Kasanaan to carve a path through the chaos. Dian Alintana wove a thread of starlight around Maximo's dissolving form, mending him—not as he was, but as he might become.
"You are no longer theirs," Sitan declared.
"You are no longer yours," Dian whispered.
With that pronouncement, Maximo was reborn—not rescued, but repurposed.
Lonely Wasp Fastfood, Pitpitan Town
The Sandata Unit's van came to an abrupt halt at the "Lonely Wasp," a hidden gem among fast-food establishments. Marian quickly exited the vehicle to procure a meal for the team.
Testimony of the Fast-Food Cashier
"I've worked the counter at Lonely Wasp for three years. I've encountered all kinds—students, soldiers, influencers, and even a few local celebrities. But nothing prepared me for her.
She didn't simply walk in; she arrived.
Tall. Serene. Her eyes reminiscent of dusk over Mt. Makiling. Her hair shimmered—not glossy like a shampoo advertisement, but like mist catching sunlight. Though she wore a hoodie, it could not conceal the way the air seemed to bend around her, as if the world itself were making room.
A co-worker discreetly elbowed me and whispered, 'Pare, Miss Universe vibe.'
She didn't place an order for herself; she ordered for her team—quietly and efficiently. Yet, every word felt as though it had been rehearsed by angels. 'Four Lonely Hotdogs with drinks, no onions, extra sauce, two buckets of Wasp Wings, and one Halo Shake.' I swear the register blinked, flustered.
Behind her, the others waited in the van. I recognized one of them—Gregorio Aguilar, the call center employee who once thwarted a robbery with a punch capable of cracking pavements. Yet, even he seemed ordinary next to her.
When she smiled—just a fleeting flicker—I forgot how to breathe. I fumbled the receipt, and she caught it mid-air without looking. Her fingers brushed against mine, cold as mist—like touching a cloud.
She thanked me with a single word: 'Salamat.' But it resonated, heavy with meaning, as if it conveyed more than mere gratitude.
She departed, the door chiming softly behind her, and the van rolled away.
Yet, the air remained altered, as if the Lonely Wasp had been blessed. It felt as though the Goddess Makiling herself had passed through and left a trace of her essence behind. I still keep the receipt. It's blank now, but the memory lingers.
She ordered food. And the world felt sacred."
A Taste of Normalcy
Marian returned with the eagerly anticipated feast, reentering the van, which buzzed with animated conversation. Each team member was engrossed in lively discussions and moments of introspection.
Gregorio was engaged in a heartfelt conversation with his Team Leader over the phone. "No, I have no plans to resign," he assured, a subtle smile gracing his lips. This was his first vacation leave, prompting his Team Leader to suspect he might be contemplating resignation from his position at the call center.
In the back, Agosto was occupied with his phone, sending payments for his bills, while Renato attempted to smooth things over with his girlfriend. Amidst this orchestrated chaos, Marian turned to the group with a brief smile. "It's my first time seeing us live like normal people," she mused, her eyes sparkling. "It makes me inexplicably happy."
Once the van departed the "Lonely Wasp," Marian distributed the orders, each wrapped in the familiar red-and-yellow paper. Gregorio took the wheel again, balancing his "Lonely Hotdog" with one hand, relishing this guilty pleasure from the chain. As they drove through Pitpitan Town, the team savored their well-deserved meal, the taste of normalcy lingering on their palates.
The landscape eventually transformed, revealing bodies of water as they neared their destination. Gregorio's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror, and a reminder surfaced in his mind. "Stay vigilant upon our arrival," he instructed, his voice firm yet calm. "This is one of the ports where the Ahas ng mga Lakans conduct their trading." The team nodded in agreement, a silent understanding passing among them.
Meanwhile, at Manila Docks
The Balanghay, solemnly anchored at the docks, bore visible scars from its recent encounter with the Sandata Unit. Its hull was marked by dents and scorch marks, remnants of the intense energy exchanges that occurred during the battle. Repair crews diligently swarmed over the vessel, welding plates of mystic-infused steel to reinforce its compromised structure.
Below deck, technicians meticulously recalibrated the ship's runic systems, ensuring that its cannons and defensive wards were restored to full operational capacity in preparation for impending conflicts.
Nearby loomed the formidable "Karakoa," the warship of the Ahas ng mga Lakans. At the docks, Juan Luciano and Magda conversed with a mysterious figure clad in a black business suit, distinguished by a striking red tie.
As the figure stepped into the light, he revealed himself to be Raja, the formidable leader of the Ahas ng mga Lakans and wielder of the Sandata "Haring Sawa."
"According to the Bakawan's intel, the Sandata Unit is heading to the port town of Atlag and then to the Island City of Namayan," Raja informed Juan, his voice a low rumble.
Juan nodded thoughtfully. "We won't confront them for now. Ricardo is closer to them, so I anticipate they will target him first. In this case, we will plan an ambush in Puerto Princesa." Although Raja offered his support, Juan politely declined, requesting assistance in addressing Sybill instead.
"Ah, the witch," Raja replied with a sardonic smile. "She has eluded us three times already. This time, I will lead the hunt."
As Juan prepared to depart, he paused to express his condolences. "I heard about Dimas. Please accept my deepest sympathies, Raja."
A heavy silence enveloped them, with Raja gritting his teeth, his eyes aflame with unspoken fury.
Arrival at Atlag
The Sandata Unit finally arrived in Atlag, their van rolling to a halt as Gregorio parked efficiently. The team prepared to disembark, gathering their gear with practiced ease. Gregorio noticed Marian opening the driver's door and sliding into the seat. Confused, he called out, "What are you doing, Marian?"
Marian's voice came from beside him, laughing softly. "I'm here next to you. That's my doppelganger." Her words hung in the air, a playful enigma. The doppelganger would drive the van back to the safe house, she explained, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Agosto and Renato exchanged knowing smirks, while Gregorio chuckled, shaking his head. "Very funny."
Together, the team set off toward the bridge, the Port Town of Atlag unfurling before them like a map of opportunities and challenges yet to be faced.
Busy Streets of Atlag
The Sandata Unit navigated the vibrant streets of Atlag, where stalls overflowed with colorful fabrics, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices melding with the lively chatter of locals and tourists. The air was thick with the tantalizing aroma of street food, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of flip-flops on cobblestones, creating a symphony that defined the marketplace.
A Pub of Watchful Eyes
As they passed a bustling pub, the unit noted the jovial crowd of Bakawans, their laughter and camaraderie evident during breaks. However, beneath the surface, a subtle tension lingered, as if the entire area was under the watchful gaze of Ahas ng mga Lakan members. This delicate balance of appearances and hidden motives prompted the unit to proceed with caution.
Approaching the Port
With practiced stealth, the Sandata Unit made their way to the port area. Gregorio, taking the lead, instructed the group to remain vigilant while he secured the Bangka tickets for their passage. The bustling port was a hive of activity, with travelers and merchants engaged in preparations for their journeys across the shimmering waters.
Encounter at the Bangka Line
With tickets in hand, the unit joined the line to board the Bangkas, their attention drawn to a trio of Bakawans standing near the ticket inspector. Sensing a potential threat, Marian stepped forward, weaving an illusion spell that cloaked the unit's true identities. Under her enchantment, they appeared as ordinary travelers, seamlessly blending into the throng. Once the ticket inspector completed his checks and boarded the vessel himself, he signaled for the doors to seal. As the passengers settled into their seats, Gregorio fell into a contemplative silence, his gaze distant and introspective.
Reflective Moments
Agosto, intrigued by Gregorio's demeanor, was about to inquire when Marian gently intervened, allowing Gregorio the space to retreat into his thoughts. Renato, observing the interaction, chose to respect Gregorio's privacy, aligning himself with Marian and Agosto's unspoken understanding.
A Memory Resurfaced
In the solitude of his mind, Gregorio's thoughts drifted to a woman from his past, her presence a bittersweet specter lingering in his heart. The ache in his chest was sharp and relentless, a poignant reminder of a love lost to the sands of time, more piercing than any physical wound he had endured.
Suddenly, the Bangka came to a standstill. Emerging from the mist, three imposing war vessels of MID-Zeta materialized, their presence commanding and ominous. The passengers, including the Sandata Unit, disembarked to ascertain the cause of the interruption.
A Familiar Face
The door of one vessel opened, revealing the captain from the recent Bulakan Spirit Breach. His voice, amplified through the stillness, demanded the Sandata Unit's surrender, his gaze fixed on Gregorio. Recognition dawned in Gregorio's eyes as the captain removed his headgear, revealing a scarred visage—Joaquin Santillan, the legendary figure who had shaped Gregorio into the warrior he had become.
Esteemed as the Father of the Philippine Military, stood before them. Though he did not wield a Sandata, his combat skills and experience were unparalleled, earning him the designation of a god-level threat by registry standards. His teachings had profoundly influenced Gregorio, instilling in him the mindset, combat proficiency, and survival instincts essential for both urban and guerrilla operations.
As Joaquin's vessel approached, elite operatives executed a tactical insertion aboard the Bangka, swiftly surrounding the Sandata Unit. Their presence was both authoritative and formidable, with each meticulously crafted rifle emanating a faint shimmer of arcane energy in the subdued light. The operatives advanced with synchronized precision, their expressions concealed beneath tactical helmets, enhancing the air of mystery and intimidation.
Gregorio maintained a calm demeanor as he surveyed the scene. He understood Joaquin's strategy well—placing them in a position where their Sandata powers could not be wielded without jeopardizing the safety of civilians aboard the Bangkas. It was a calculated move that left the Sandata Unit with limited options.
"We're not going to fight," Gregorio murmured to his team, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is meant to prevent us from using our powers. Stay calm and follow my lead."
With a nod from Joaquin, the tactical unit advanced, revealing handcuffs engraved with Baybayin runes. These cuffs were designed to suppress Sandata powers, a precaution against potential threats. The members of the Sandata Unit exchanged silent glances, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
One by one, they allowed themselves to be cuffed, feeling the familiar surge of their powers diminish as the runes took effect. Despite the restraint, they maintained stoic facades, determined not to display any signs of defeat. The operatives gestured for the Sandata Unit to disembark from the Bangkas. Moving with deliberate slowness, Gregorio led the way, followed closely by Marian, Agosto, and Renato. The crowd of passengers observed in hushed curiosity, unaware of the true nature of the confrontation.
As they walked toward the MID-Zeta vessels, the Sandata Unit remained composed, each step echoing with the weight of their predicament. The path ahead was uncertain, yet their resolve remained unbroken.