Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Do you really hate me this much?”

Crispin’s warm touch lingers for a while before Cielo turns to face him. His eyes, darker than usual. Rain drips from his hair. Dropping as casually as her gaze rests on his lips.

“I’m leaving. They need an architect there. You know I just started my internship, right?”

“Tangina. Why don’t they send another architect there then? Why does it have to be you?”

“Look, I never question your extracurriculars. Why do you have to question mine?” Cielo snaps back.

He ruffles his hair in frustration before sitting on the couch.

“Cielo, it’s too quiet. Someone’s planning something.”

“Crispin, could you just relax-“

Suddenly the door opens and a pair of strong arms envelope Cielo in a hug. Her hands linger on the shoulders of the person she is suddenly facing.

“I know you were planning to be extra careful. Good thing I’m going with you so you only need to be careful now.”

It was Basilio. He was carrying a duffel bag and a pair of shades.

“No, you’re not. Go do your thing in Boracay or whatever. I’m not taking a chaperone to Batanes, Gago.”

Basilio looks at his twin brother who just shrugs. They both sigh as she quietly sits on the sofa.

“I’m thankful for both of you. I always say that. But sometimes it’s just too much, okay? I’ll text you all the time. Heck, I’ll even call Alexandra just so you two won’t have to fight whenever I call one of you.”

“You won’t have to call Bossing if you take me. Promise I won’t even speak or go near you. You won’t notice I was even there. I’ll be in another room, unless.”

Crispin throws his brother a book which almost hits him. Special thanks to his quick reflexes or he would’ve dealt with a black eye.

“Shut up, Basilio. Sky’s not going.”

Cielo glared at Crispin. “Correction, Basilio’s not going. But I still am. What’s the point of you two calling me Sky if you keep holding me down, huh?”

“Look, I’m just looking out for you.” Crispin mutters, which was still audible, before he sits beside her.

Basilio imitates. “So am I.”

There’s no use trying to argue with them when they’re trying to use their twin powers of persuasion so she somehow obliges.

“Alright, I’m going to the office tomorrow. If they let me take a chaperone, I’m going.”

Crispin nods quietly. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. And if they say no, I’m going back. We could just go call Alexandra and drink alcohol until I forget all of you existed.”

Basilio snorts. “Well I’m pretty unforgettable so good luck with that.”

Cielo stood up to get her suitcase when she suddenly yawned. She immediately felt the eyes of the Kambal on her.

“Let me take that.” Crispin stood up and pulls the suitcase nearer to the door. Their fingers touch and Cielo’s cheeks almost burned.

Basilio quickly enters the bedroom and sits on one of the beanbag chairs.

“You two almost done there yet?” He asks before Cielo entered the room, Crispin slowly closing the door.

She quickly pats Basilio’s head. “Good night. See you tomorrow.”

He grabs her hand and just clasps it. At that moment, Cielo might have wanted to stay like that, which explains her sigh. “Good night.”

Chapter Text

Cielo slowly got up from the bed and checked on the twins. Crispin is snoring lightly as he lay on the edge of the bed, while his brother snores louder on the chair. She grabs two blankets from the cabinet and puts it on each.

“How cute.” She whispers.

As she makes her way outside the room, she heard Crispin talk in his sleep. “But I spoke to her first. Go find your own.”

Cielo fought her laughter as she closed the door. Grabbing her suitcase, that is now nearer the exit thanks to Crispin, she took her car keys and a small bag on the dining table.

It was 4AM. Only the sounds of the crickets were heard. Mothers were walking to the market to buy something for breakfast. If only she wasn’t rushing to go out, Cielo thought it would have been nice to eat tapsilog with the twins.

She got inside the car and quickly moved out of the driveway. As she locked the gate and gazed at the windows of her room, Cielo tried her hardest to rationalize such reckless decision.

Basilio will start frantically calling her as soon as he wakes up. She knew he looked forward to accompanying her, but he’ll have to wait for another time. He’ll jokingly mention this every chance he gets. Crispin, however, will ignore her for weeks or months.

Cielo passed by the gate of the village and took a turn. She noticed a figure at the middle of the road. It somehow resembles an aswang. As a precaution in case an incident like this occurs, the twins advised her to keep driving as fast as she could. They said it should be common knowledge for anyone who hangs out with them.

She kept driving even if the figure already disappeared, keeping her foot on the gas as she took a quick look at the rearview mirror. Cielo was almost near the expressway, when she saw a man crossing the road. She tried to swerve to avoid hitting him.

She didn’t hit him.

She didn’t hurt anyone, but herself.

She didn’t cause him pain, but Crispin’s.

She didn’t crush his dreams, but Basilio’s.

Cielo thought that seeing a flash of life was an overly used cliche used to dramatically contribute to a film’s plot. Then again, she didn’t succumb to injuries before.

Whatever happened to her at that moment brought her back to Aklan or what used to be her definition of paradise. She could only stare as she saw a previous version of herself dancing on the bar counter without a care.

“Cielo, you really couldn’t hold your alcohol. Get down from there!” Her bestfriend, Lia, screams with sheer embarrassment.

“What? Get bare?”

“Gaga, no! I said get down from there.” Lia groans. “You know what? I’m pulling you down.”

“Let me help you there, Miss.”

Cielo chuckles as she grabbed the hair of the man for support. “What pretty hair you have.”

“Puta, that actually hurts!”

Well he did say he would help a drunk girl pull down a drunker girl from the bar counter. Cielo smiles at the guy, her dimples showing.

“I’m really sorry. My bestfriend really couldn’t get a hold of herself. Reckless decisions are her forte.”

“Well, good for both of you then. I’m an expert too. The name’s Basilio.”

“I’m Lia and she’s Cielo. You came alone?”

Basilio shakes his head and points at a guy rejecting an invitation to dance. “That jerk is my brother, Crispin.”

“Like from that book?” Lia and Basilio both turned to Cielo who just drunkenly asked.

“Like from that book.” Crispin utters as he approached the three. “I guess my brother already gossiped.”

“Ulol mo, you’re not worth the time.” Basilio glared at his brother before introducing the two girls he was with.

“So you’re Cielo? Like that instrument?” Crispin sneered.

“Like that instrument.” A taste of her own medicine, Cielo thought.

What followed were dancing for hours, more corny jokes, and rounds of booze as they celebrated together. Apparently, the twins were visiting the place to meet some of their distant relatives. Cielo was able to remember some details like how Crispin almost threw up when they were on the plane and how Basilio almost fell off a boat.

Sometimes you can’t help but wonder about the minds of such people and wish you could be as carefree as they are.

“Cielo.”

“I have to go to the restroom.” She stood up immediately as her trance began.

“Why does she suddenly sound like all the drunkenness left her body?” Basilio said with a chuckle.

“Give her a break, Gago.” Crispin scolds. “Is your friend okay?”

“I think so.” Lia grabbed both their belongings before turning to her bestfriend. “Hey, let me accompany-“

“Stay here, Lia. This won’t take long.”

Cielo made her way to the beach. Her bare feet felt the sand before she sat. There was nothing except the soft voice telling her to stay put and listen to the sound of the waves.

“We have company.”

She stood defensively as she saw two figures wearing masks, her trance making it difficult to provide some recognition.

“Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to eavesdrop?”

“Kuya, do you recall if she said anything?”

“Nope.”

The sand gradually crumbles under their feet as it follows the bidding of the poisonous voice inside Cielo’s head. It grabbed them from behind and attempted to throw them to the water, but they were too quick.

The boys were able to escape from the grasp. Cielo’s distracted state made it easier for them to grab both her shoulders and finish their mission.

“I thought this was supposed to be hard. You know, last mission and all.” Basilio huffs.

“Stop talking so much. We don’t even know if this will work.”

“Will that girl, Lia, be alright?”

“I made sure to lock her door after you placed her on the bed. She’ll be fine.”

“You know who would enjoy a mission like this?” Basilio looks at his brother. “Bossing.”

Crispin nods silently. He almost smiled back at his brother, when he felt the weight on his side getting heavier.

“Fix you grip on her, Basilio. Are you gonna drop her? Bobo ka talaga.”

“Mas bobo ka naman. Of course I’m not gonna drop her. And besides, I don’t think you know where we’re supposed to be going.”

They continue to bicker as they approached Mount Luho, straying away from the restless beach of Boracay.

Chapter Text

Basilio woke up and immediately felt excitement rushing in. It was time to get ready. A trip to wherever Cielo said she was going to is what they needed.

It was always comforting with her around. He ends up oversharing with her. Not the usual blabber he has with his Kuya or Bossing or Hank. Their conversations usually make sense, while sending his entirety into overdrive. Crispin, the (less) chaotic one, actually jokes around at times.

Consistent footsteps were echoing from the sala as Basilio stood up and quickly turned off the AC. He grabbed a towel and went out of the room.

Yawning, he saw his brother pacing back and forth. Beads of sweat resting on Crispin’s creased forehead. He was half dressed.

“I can’t believe you’re awake already, Kuya. There won’t be a sendoff, remember?”

“Shut up, this is not the time. I have this feeling she’s not alright. I have been trying to wake you up for five minutes.”

Basilio checked the time and it was 4:10AM. He shook his head. Five minutes shouldn’t be that big of a deal, right?

“Tangina naman.  I thought you were waiting for hours already.” Crispin ignored his brother and tried to channel his panic by playing with an imaginary basketball, looking like a complete idiot. “Idiot, she said she was going to ask about chaperoning.”

“It’s fucking 4:10AM, Basilio. I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty early even for her.”

Fair point. As Basilio was making his way to Cielo’s room, Crispin spoke.

“Basilio, did you put her suitcase in the car already?”

He stopped walking and looked at his brother confusedly.

“No, I was about to ask you to load it. I thought you left it by the door.”

“I did.”

It took a few minutes to get their asses out of the house. Crispin drove faster than usual. He was nervous. Some dark thoughts were on his mind. Scratch that, a lot of dark thoughts were on his mind.

“Do we go to the left or the right?”

The twins knew the way in and out, but the anxiousness made them question every streetlight and every signage.

They eventually chose to turn right. However, what they both saw made their breaths hitch.

The twins got out of the car and rushed to the scene. Someone’s vehicle was wrecked and a girl was unconscious inside.

“She might still be breathing. We need-“

Crispin looked completely startled, but he continued to pull at the door before shooting the lock. He immediately took his phone out and dialed a number. Basilio scanned the victim’s features carefully and immediately paled.

“ Tangina,  why is Cielo here?” He shouted.

“We need to get her to the nearest hospital. Stay here while I go get the car.”

They were on their way within seconds. In their defense, they didn’t recognize the car immediately because it was new. Cielo’s parents gave it to her as a graduation gift and a lowkey bribe to encourage her to move back to their house.

Her blood continued to drip and Basilio’s shirt was quite soaked. She sustained visible head injuries and some bruises. At this point, he was waiting for her hand to clutch his or any sign at all that she was conscious.

“She’ll be okay, right? Did you ask for help?”

Crispin nodded, his brows still furrowed as they stopped. He opened the door and quickly assisted the two at the back. Several nurses already approached and placed Cielo on a stretcher.

“What happened?” One of them asked.

“It was a car accident. We don’t know the exact details though. We passed by the area and saw her there.”

“Do you know the victim?”

The twins nodded. “Her name is Cielo Cuizon.”

“Any immediate family we can contact?”

“Her parents are both out of the country at the moment, but we’ll give them a call.”

The nurse nodded at Crispin and proceeded to take note of their responses.

“Does she live with anyone? Any other emergency contacts?”

“That would be us.”

The nurse nodded at Basilio and asked for their contact details.

“You may wait here. However, it might take hours before the operation is finished.”

“Thank you. We’ll be fine as long as she wakes up soon.” Crispin utters before he buries his face under his palms, while he sits at the edge of his seat. “I’ll never forgive myself if she doesn’t make it.”

“I won’t let myself forget it either. Maybe she wouldn’t be here if I took your kutob seriously, we wouldn’t be here.”

“There’s no use in blaming yourselves.” The twins looked up and saw Alexandra Trese in the flesh. Their panic lessened somehow. “What happened?”

Basilio handed a mug full of taho to Cielo who was deep in thought. She was clutching her arm. They were seated on the roof of her lodging. She didn’t feel sick or nauseated, but she still wanted to know what occurred after she left for the beach. 

“That must sting.”

“Just a little. But I don’t really remember much of the tattooing process so cheers to that.” Cielo gave a hint of a smile. “Thanks for bringing Lia back here.”

“You’re welcome, I guess. But that tattoo cost us a fortune.” Crispin arrived with another mug and handed it to her. “Come on, Basilio. I told you to get pandesal. We already bought taho.”

Cielo made a mental note to pay them back.

“Who needs those kind of pandesal when I have these?”

“Bobo o tanga? Take your pick.”

“We both know the only bobo o tanga here is the one who bought the second mug of taho.” Basilio paused for a moment before realizing. “Ay gagi, no. You already bought one before I did.”

Cielo glanced tiredly at both and just groans. “Leave me in peace.”

Basilio shook his head. “You know we could’ve left you in pieces.” 

“No you wouldn’t.” Crispin slightly shifted in his seat as he heard Cielo. “What actually happened? I don’t recall you guys mentioning you were tattoo artists.”

“Because we didn’t.” Crispin looked away. “Did you know your name means Sky?”

“No, but thanks for sharing. Now stop trying to change the topic.”

“Oh, can we call her Sky now?” Basilio carefully attempted to put his arm on her shoulder, which was unsuccessful. “I keep thinking if her name’s pronounced as Che-lo or She-lo.”

“Just go with whatever you want. We’re not doing pet names.” Cielo stretched her legs. “Again, what actually happened?”

“We’re actually just two himbos who almost got drunk on the job and are now drinking taho.” Crispin grabbed Basilio’s mug and drank from it. “You’ll have to come with us if you want actual answers.”

“To Manila?”

Basilio sighed. “Where else?”

“Malay ko ba ampota. When are you leaving?”

“Whenever you’re ready. Let us know though because I’m not going to Manila wearing beach shorts.”

“Why not though? The weather’s hot.”

“Please don’t start.” Basilio groaned. “Because the answer is still deins.”

“I’m telling my parents I’m going apartment hunting indefinitely.” Cielo crossed her arms. “You’re not going to mess with the locals, right?”

Crispin shook his head. “Basilio and I will actually go sight-seeing.”

Basilio exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders. “And besides, it’s not our fault we’re very charming and persuasive tourists.”

“This sounds like the start of something terribly chaotic.” Cielo uttered, while deep in thought. “Count me in.”

Chapter Text

Crispin spoke. “It was a car accident. We’re not sure what caused it, but I’ll go and check.”

“That won’t be necessary. I knew you both would want to stay here. I already went to the wreck and saw this.”

Trese took something from her pocket and showed it to the twins. Crushed crystals were placed inside a clear bag.

“Someone wanted to break the spell you put on her years ago.”

Basilio stared. “Technically, we weren’t the ones who did the spell. Are you saying they want to control her again, Bossing?”

“You both know that what’s inside her mind is still there. That symbol or tattoo she got only kept it at bay. I still don’t know whether they did this out of spite for us or they’re preparing for something bigger.”

All their attempts to keep Cielo out of the picture seems unsuccessful as they converse among themselves in a hospital where she is currently fighting for her life.

After they banished Talagbusao, they all had a hunch that his followers would retaliate. Cielo kept her guard up for weeks. Eventually, she grew restless and figured that her life must go on. That would have been ideal, if it wasn’t for some cruel entity that wanted her demise.

The twins slowly glanced at each other before nodding. “Tell us what we need to do.”

Before Trese could answer, a doctor called for the twins. “You’re with Ms. Cielo Cuizon, right?”

“Yes, how is she?” Crispin asked.

“She’s stable now. We need to observe her for at least eight hours. If she remains in this condition, we could transfer her to an ordinary room.”

Basilio smiles and puts his hand on the doctor’s shoulder. “Thank you! Can we see her now?”

“You may do so. She’s currently in the ICU, but you could wait for her at the lounge.” The doctor smiled. “We think she’s a fighter, a lucky one too. She’s healing very quickly.”

They were silent on the way up, except for Basilio’s occasional comments about the hospital. The twins followed closely behind Trese.

“Are we there yet?” Basilio asked.

“Basilio.” Crispin stopped walking.

“Kuya.”

“Buy taho.”

“Why?”

“It’s literally our thing with Sky.”

“We have a thing?”

Trese glanced at the twins. “You two are still doing that?”

“Doing what?” They answered in unison.

“Competing for her, without actually admitting it.” The twins looked at Trese with confused expressions. “Don’t play dumber than usual.”

They felt a breeze as the three of them approached the lounge. A girl waved as they arrived.  She flashed a smile and the Kambal recognized her from one of their escapades.

“Crispin! Basilio! I wish we could’ve seen each other again under different circumstances. But since we’re already here, please take a seat with me.” Lia pointed at an empty couch across from where she is currently sitting. “I tried calling Cielo earlier, but one of the nurses answered and told me what happened.”

The boys sat down and did introductions.

“Bossing, this is Lia.” Crispin said before gesturing for his brother to continue.

“And this is Alexandra Trese.”

They were about to continue when Lia already spoke. “I was able to catch up with Tito Anton before he passed. He was a great friend to my dad.”

Trese nodded. “Thank you. Speaking about family, are Tita and Tito in town? Are your cousins doing alright?”

“They’re in Bicol for the remainder of the season.” Lia chuckles. “I heard Hannah and Ammie still get scolded for messing around with two dudeparechongs who I do not wish to name.”

Crispin scratched his head. “Teka lang! You two know each other?”

Basilio also chose to speak up. “Are we the dudeparechongs?”

Trese sighed. “Yes and yes. Although their mischief was partly my fault.”

Lia stood up and pointed at the nearby sign. “If you turn left, you’ll be able to see the ICU. I have to go finish some errands, but I’ll be back.”

The three said their goodbyes and made their way to the ICU.

Basilio was the first to speak. “Bossing, is Lia, you know—magical?”

“I’ve always had a hunch she might be. But considering what her parents had to go through, that’s a bit unlikely.”

Hours have passed and the doctors informed the Kambal that Cielo was moved out of the ICU. They sprinted to her room, with Trese following closely behind.

Cielo’s eyes fluttered lightly as it adjusted to the fluorescents. She heard footsteps nearing her room.

A girl wearing a black coat with two boys dressed in three-piece suits amidst the blazing Manila weather welcomed her with a smile.

The one with the longer hair was almost screaming when he hugged her. “Cielo Cuizon, I thought you wouldn’t be able to wake up. I almost shit my pants.”

The one with the shorter hair, who she assumed was older, flicked his brother’s forehead before helping her sit. “Gago ka, Basilio. Is that really what you want to say to Sky right now?”

Wait, who’s Sky?

“Boys, give her some space.” The girl finally spoke. “How are you, Cielo? We already informed the nurses outside that you are already awake before we went in.”

Right, Cielo was her name.

“I’m alright. Did my parents send you?”

The one with the shorter hair spoke up. “Excuse me?”

“They were nagging me about bodyguards.” Cielo rested her head on her hand. “Are you my bodyguards?”

The girl coughed. “Do you really not remember us?”

Cielo shook her head.

“We’re your boyfriends, Basilio and Crispin.” The one who was called Basilio said as he pointed to the other guy as well. “Friends who are boys.”

“And this is Alexandra Trese, our Bossing.” Crispin said.

Lia went over to the couch and browsed for something to watch. She almost clicked play when Cielo arrived.

“I really can’t believe you moved to Manila with me. How was your day?”

Cielo tiredly gave a thumbs up and lied down face first on the couch.

“Ay! I already have the information you requested.”

They both sat and opened a brown envelope. It contained background information about the Kambal, Crispin and Basilio.

“Wait, I don’t want to look.” Cielo looked away and dramatically placed a hand on her forehead. “Read it for me.”

“Parang kang timang, but I accept your request.” Lia snorted. “You owe me one! I had to ask a bunch of people, including my dad, for background information. You should have seen the horror on his face when I told him I needed to check on two guys I met using a dating app.”

Cielo chuckled. “Thank you for not telling Tito.”

The papers were carefully laid on the floor as Lia started reading. “The twins, Basilio and Crispin Trese, are the adopted children of Anton Trese. They currently live with an older sibling named Alexandra Trese and their family cook named Hank Sparrow.” 

“What happened to their parents?”

“Their biological mother, Ramona, died in an accident. It wasn’t specified what type of accident though. And there is no information about their father.” Cielo’s face fell as Lia answered. “Do you want me to continue?”

“Sure, I need to know more.”

“So going back, they were adopted by Anton Trese. He’s known in the army for being an expert in the occult.” Lia flipped the page. “My dad also thinks he’s pretty loaded since his services are very exclusive. They used to hangout all the time, but Tito Anton suddenly stopped visiting.”

“What happened?”

Lia shrugged. “I don’t know. Dad wouldn’t tell me.”

“So did they attend school around here?”

“Crispin and Basilio went to a university in Taft at some point—Accounting and Business Management, respectively.”

Cielo raised her right hand and shook her head as she heard. “First of all I apologize for calling them tanga in my head yesterday.”

“They didn’t strike me as the Accounting and Business Management type either.”

“Their suits actually make more sense now.”

Lia nodded before continuing. “So apparently the Trese twins got a scholarship for Tito Anton’s services and then played basketball for one season, before they stopped attending classes.”

“Did they get kicked out or something?”

Lia flipped the page again and sighed in relief. “No, my sources said that they shifted to homeschooling.”

“Do you have more information about them?”

“Well, they don’t have police records. They trended online for saving a child who fell sa riles ng MRT.” Cielo’s interest is still piqued. “They’re regular clients at some of the hottest spots in BGC. They have several traffic violations, which were all resolved by now so don’t worry.”

“Are you saying they’re not completely righteous, but decent people?”

“Dangerously attractive, but decent nonetheless.”

Chapter Text

Trese browsed the contents of another tome from Anton’s expansive collection. She managed to finish an enchantment on the door of Cielo’s hospital room when she last visited. After the doctors diagnosed Cielo with partial amnesia, they all decided to take turns visiting her.

It was quite a sight seeing Basilio carry a stuffed animal and Crispin bring a bouquet of flowers when it was their turn to check on the girl. This must be one of the reasons why humans and the supernatural kept asking for them at The Diabolical.

“Are you coming with us today, Bossing?” Basilio said as he tied his shoelaces.

“What’s with the sudden change in getup, boys?”

The Kambal both turned to her at the same time. They wore jeans and white sneakers. The sleeves of Crispin’s bluish polo were shorter than Basilio’s, like a nod to their hairstyles.

“She keeps insisting that we’re her bodyguards.” Crispin groaned as he did and undid his hair. “Maybe if we got out of our suits today, she’ll stop.”

Basilio repeatedly unbuttoned and buttoned his polo. “Hey, do you want the fake tattoo or the glasses?”

“Neither, so take the fake glasses. Plus, we heard her parents are coming today.”

“And the truth finally came out. That’s why you’re both trying to look like a million pesos.” Trese shook her head before going to her room and prepare. “Ditch the fake tattoo.”

Basilio grabbed the car keys on the table and took another look at his reflection. “Man, nobody does it like me.”

“We’re literally identical. Tangina ka.”

“Mas tangina ka. We both know I’m pogi.”

Trese came down with her usual getup. “Come on boys.”

“Really, Bossing?” Crispin facepalmed.

“I’m not trying to impress Cielo’s parents. And besides, you two could introduce me as your bodyguard.” The twins nervously glanced at each other. “Annoying rich boys looking bluer than Blue’s Clues.”

After locking up, they saw Hank wiping the windshield of his car. A usual sight, except he was wearing a suit and some chains. “Ready to leave, Bossing?”

“I’m not even going to ask.” Trese shook her head. “Let’s go.”

Cielo carefully read the details she wrote on her notebook. Her doctor said it might help her recall.

She heard the door burst open. Lia came walking in with a bunch of paper bags. Cielo may have gotten amnesia, but she clearly remembers the smell of Happy Bee’s Burger Steak.

“Are you hungry?” Lia opened one of the boxes and handed it over to her. “Does your body still ache?”

Cielo shook her head. “Not that much. I’ve been getting mild headaches after the accident, but it’s not super serious.”

“Baka nga. I’ll try talking to your doctors ulit later.”

“Hey, Lia. Do you happen to know an Alexandra Trese, a Crispin, and a Basilio?”

“Oh, yeah. They’re harmless. Just check the files I sent you.” Lia continued to separate the mushrooms from the gravy. “I heard they visit often.”

“I already did and it kind of sucks I don’t remember them.” Cielo sighed. “I even had trouble remembering the names of the Kambal at some point and called them nicknames in my head.”

“Is it something like Pogi 1 and Pogi 2?”

“No way. It was more like Kambal 1 and Kambal 2.”

The door suddenly opened and Cielo gasped at the sight.

“Dibs on Kambal 1.”

“Fuck off, Kuya Crispin. You always get Player 1 when we play Xbox.”

“I was born first. That literally makes me first in everything against you.”

Cielo always wondered what it would be like to have them visit at the same time. At this point, she kind of regrets wondering.

“How are you, Cielo?” Trese asked as she sat down beside Lia.

“I’m feeling much better.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Lia stopped eating and answered her phone. Her expression was quite unreadable, but she kept on nodding. “Guys, Tito Greg and Tita Divina are already downstairs. I’m just gonna go down and meet them.”

“Okay, I’ll stay awake until Mom and Dad arrives. Be quick.”

“Hey Lia! Is it okay if I come with you?” Basilio asked as he tried to smoothen the creases on his polo.

“I can’t leave you unsupervised then.”

Trese shook her head as she realized what the two were doing. “Just stay here boys.”

“Please Bossing? We won’t talk too much.”

“Yeah and they might have pasalubong and luggages to carry over here.” Crispin nodded, agreeing with his brother.

Lia tried her hardest to fight a chuckle and just accepted their requests. “No bickering or I’m telling Alexandra to send you guys home. Are we clear?”

“Crystal!” The Kambal playfully saluted.

“Excuse me, do you know if there’s a nearby elevator if I park beside your car?”

Hank turned and saw two people inside an SUV. “I think there’s a nearer parking space if you go left.”

They were probably in their fifties, he thought.

“Thank you, Sir.” The lady seated at the passenger seat smiled at him before they drove off.

As he made his way to the elevator he noticed two familiar figures approaching the SUV. They were both expressionless, behind a girl who was already smiling.

Apparently, the two were his gunggongs. Hank walked faster as he feared for what the two were about to say. If his assumption was right, they were about to meet Cielo’s parents.

“I’m glad you made it safely, Tito Greg and Tita Divina.” The girl smiled softly as she hugged the two. “These are two of Cielo’s closest friends here in Manila.”

“Good afternoon po, Mr. and Mrs. Cuizon. I’m Crispin.”

“And I’m his twin brother po, Basilio.”

Aba! They know how to respect their elders. Hank thought, with a slight hint of proudness.

“Please call us Tito Greg and Tita Divina.” Cielo’s father smiled. “Is our Cielo awake?”

“She is, Tito.”

“Sandali lang!” Hank shouted. He quickly regretted his decision as five heads turned to his direction.

Basilio quickly put his arm around Hank’s shoulder as he approached. “Allow me to introduce our Tito Hank. He’s just as excited to meet you po.”

“Yes, our Tito Hank. He is very masipag.” Crispin moved his arms as if presenting Hank. “Bonus, we got our humor from him.”

“Oh, we crossed paths earlier, just as he finished parking his car.” The woman smiled. “I’m Cielo’s mom, Divina. And this is my husband, Greg.”

Hank shook hands with Cielo’s parents. “Do you need help bringing those bags?”

“Yes, if it would be okay.”

Basilio quickly moved forward to offer his assistance to Cielo’s mother. “Tita Divina, ako po. I could bring all the bags.”

“No, that would be too heavy. I can bring some.”

Lia rolled her eyes at Basilio. “Don’t worry, Tita. It’s okay to give him all the bags. He’ll show you the way to Cielo’s room. I’ll follow after I order more food.”

Crispin looked annoyed as his brother winked at him as they left. It seems their competition will now involve Cielo’s parents.

“Hijo, do you mind showing me the way to the cashier? I would like to settle the current hospital bill.”

“Sige po, Tito Greg. I could help you with that.”

“I’ll follow soon.” Hank waved as he ran back to the car to grab some coins for the vending machine he saw. “Kailangan ko mag-kape.”

“Lia just sent me a text.” Cielo tapped on her phone. “My parents are on their way already.”

Trese nodded and continued looking out the window. There were no aswangs or any supernatural being in sight. Except for the reflection of one of the twins who just arrived.

“Anak, I’m so glad you’re alright now. We got a flight as soon as we heard.” A woman, who is apparently Cielo’s mother, went inside the room after Basilio.

“You don’t have to worry anymore. I’m fine.” Cielo smiled and pointed at Trese. “I assume you met the twins already. She’s Alexandra Trese, their older sister.”

Trese shook hands with Cielo’s mother. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Cuizon.”

“Please call me Tita Divina.” She smiled. “Thank you for staying with my daughter. Lia and Basilio already told me about her current condition.”

“It’s no problem.” Trese smiled back. “We’re here if you need help.”

A few minutes later, Cielo’s father arrived with Crispin. It seems like they were chatting about something serious.

“Greg, this is Alexandra Trese. She’s one of Cielo’s friends and the older sister of the twins.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

After introductions, the Kambal and Trese excused themselves. The streets of Manila would not protect itself.

“Anak, so when are you going to tell us that you have boyfriends?” Divina asked as she fixed the curtains.

“Mom! I don’t even have one.” A blush crept on Cielo’s cheeks. “How can I even have two?”

“If you say so! Although I hope it’s Basilio. He’s seems funny and polite.”

Greg shook his head. “Crispin seems more matured. He knows how to keep a conversation going.”

Cielo didn’t like where this is going. “Mom! Dad! I’m not dating any of them. I even forgot who they were because of my condition.”

“We know!” They answered in unison before nodding slowly. “That being said, I think we should invite them to dinner.”

Chapter Text

“I know we’re always itching for some action, but sometimes I wish the aswangs would slow down.” Basilio complained as he carefully cleaned his shoes. “Gagi, why did we wear white shoes yesterday?”

Trese carefully sipped her coffee. “I think it was to impress Cielo’s parents with your entire getup. Correct me if I’m wrong.”

Crispin grunted irritably as he went down the stairs, carrying a laundry basket. “Hayop ka talaga, Basilio. Your room still stinks and you intentionally made me go inside to get your clothes from yesterday.”

The typical morning in the Trese household was shattered by Hank’s ringtone. He gestured for the three to hush as he answered the call.

“Hello? Yes, this is Hank Sparrow.” His expression was unreadable as he nodded slowly. “And this will be tonight?”

Basilio whispered. “I wonder what that’s about.”

Trese shrugged. “Who knows.”

“Thank you for the invite. We’ll make sure to send someone over.” Hank dropped the call. “Okay, listen up.”

Crispin was still sorting his clothes along with Basilio’s. “Why? Is it an emergency?”

“Parang ganon. We’re invited to the Cuizons.”

Trese shook her head. “I have an urgent meeting with someone tonight. You can take the boys.”

“And leave The Diabolical unmanned? I can’t either. I’m afraid we have to send them unsupervised, Bossing.” Hank took a bite from his personal serving of tocino and sighed.

The room was filled with silence for a few seconds, before the Kambal burst into nervous laughter. They haven’t been invited by parents before. It sounds exciting and nerve-wracking.

“This is what they call pamamanhikan right?”

“No, Crispin.” Trese huffed. “It’s only pamamanhikan if you’re about to get married.”

“Are you really sending us over there, Bossing? We might accidentally start a fire or get sued.”

Hank gestured for Basilio to stop. “Please avoid asking hard questions.”

A dinner over at the Cuizons’ will keep the Kambal occupied, while Trese tries to communicate with a reliable source. She initially wanted Hank to join them, but he did raise a fair point about The Diabolical being unmanned.

“Leave all your mischievousness at home. I’m not going over there to clean up your messes, boys.”

“Bossing, trust me. I’m dragging Basilio out if he tries anything suspicious.”

“Right, but who will drag you out if you try anything suspicious?” Hank knocked a spoon on Crispin’s head. “Mind your manners. I’m looking at both of you!”

The Kambal nodded quickly before rushing upstairs to plan for the evening.

“Hank, we don’t have anything to style my hair with!”

“Bossing, do I bring airpods or wired ones?”

She stood up to wash her mug on the sink. “That was a desperate decision, Hank. Try to pick them up as early as possible.” She looked at him and gave him a weak smile.

Hank nodded and wished for the best as he heard the footsteps and thuds from upstairs getting louder.

“We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude. You have taken care of our daughter.” Divina Cuizon smiled softly at the Crispin and Basilio. “If it weren’t for both of you, she wouldn’t have returned home to us.”

They were all seated at the dinner table. Somehow, Crispin and Basilio felt nervousness as they gazed at the variety of cuisines served. It was like a fusion of eating at a town fiesta and a five-star restaurant.

“It’s no problem po, Tita Divina. We always appreciate her company as well.” Crispin smiled as he nodded at Basilio to say something.

“Thank you for inviting us over.”

Greg Cuizon nodded. “You should give them a tour of this house, Cielo. We stayed here whenever we visited Manila.”

“I’ll do it later, Dad.” A faint blush crept on Cielo’s cheek as she smiled at the two. “Please excuse me. I need to take something from my bedroom.”

As she left, Cielo’s parents started talking about their recent travels outside the country and how their ancestral home in Aklan is under renovation.

“We heard you currently reside in your ancestral home here in Manila.” Divina glanced at her daughter. “The one Cielo discussed in her thesis, am I right?”

“Opo, Tita. She also browsed most of the books in its library.” Basilio carefully tapped his fingers on the table.

“She always had a hunger for knowledge, especially when it comes to supernatural entities. Our dearest Cielo was drawn to the things she couldn’t understand or explain.” Greg took a sip of wine.

“Please tell us more, Tito.” Crispin glanced at the paintings and portraits on the wall as he answered.

Alexandra Trese parked at an empty parking space near the MRT Station she chose. There were only a handful of commuters when she boarded the train.

A few stops later, all the passengers went off. She discreetly checked her reflection on the glass before calling on the Emissary.

“A pleasant evening, Lakan. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“A pleasant evening, Emissary. I would like to ask if the Goddess of Death knows about the incident involving Cielo Cuizon, a civilian.”

The Emissary stayed silent for a few seconds before answering. “The Goddess Ibu believes there is darkness lurking since the girl’s close encounter with death, years before her recent one. She is also well aware that Cielo is held dear by your demigod companions.”

Sooner or later, the Kambal must confront the increasing interest of the Underworld. There is something more to Cielo Cuizon aside from being an assignment from the Council.

“Indeed she is.” Trese nodded.

The Emissary walked towards Trese, shortening their distance. “You must solidify your alliances. We do not wish your early demise.”

“It’s always a pleasure conversing with you, Emissary. Kindly send my sincerest greetings and thanks to the Goddess of Death.”

“Makakarating, Lakan.”

Cielo sat in front of a mirror and reapplied her lipstick. She was trying her best to look intimidating against the dangerously attractive aura as Lia puts it of the Kambal in their gorgeous suits.

Her contemplating was cut short when she felt her arm sting. She lifted her sleeve and saw her tattoo glowing—or was she experiencing some kind of hallucination? It continued to glow even when she covered it with her sleeve and a handkerchief.

“Cielo.” A voice called out to her.

She suddenly wanted to open one of her drawers. It was a weird urge she eventually followed. And the stinging sensation on her arm suddenly stopped.

Cielo opened the lid of a steel container. Photos from her last days in Aklan were inside. After going through the entire stack, she found one that especially piqued her interest.

She was on Crispin’s shoulders and Lia was on Basilio’s. They seemed to be floating in midair, mischievous smiles on all their faces.

“Welcome to Manila, Cielo Cuizon and Lia Tanglao!” The twins said in unison.

Strangers glanced at the four, judgment completely obvious. Well, they were being unnecessarily loud so who could blame anyone else?

“That’s a very enthusiastic welcome. Do you have libre?” Lia crossed her arms, waiting for an answer.

They just arrived in Manila. The bustling city was already calling out to the two newcomers.

“Just be thankful Kuya Crispin didn’t throw up. He’s very sensitive.”

“Basilio, for the last time, I only throw up after dragon gates and not after every mode of transportation.”

“Dragon what?” Cielo asked.

“Just some ride.” Basilio tried to hit his brother with his elbow as discreetly as possible. “Velocity, carps?”

“Puta ka naman, Basilio. Speak clearly.” Lia complained loudly. “What do you mean by velocity and carps?”

“He’s asking you to go clubbing with us at Velocity.” Crispin scratched his head. “Carps means carpet or rug, which is spelled as R-U-G. He’s asking if you’re both game.”

“You know you could’ve saved time by just asking us, di ba?” Cielo sighed. “Anyway, I don’t think we’re up for dancing.”

After their booked ride from EBARG arrived, the Kambal took the girls’ suitcases and loaded it. The four people continued to chat as they encountered the infamous Manila traffic.

“Kuya Crispin, we should just hangout at The Diabolical.” Basilio said as he looked up from his phone. “There’s kape and alcohol there anyway.”

“I think Basilio’s right. You did brag about that place when we were in Aklan anyway.”

“Lia, we weren’t bragging. That was marketing, in case you find yourselves in Manila.” Crispin said as he peeked outside the car window. “What do you think, Cielo?”

“Sounds like a great idea to be wasted on our first night here.” Cielo shook her head as she answered sarcastically. “It will be my treat by the way.”

“Don’t worry. Hank makes great hangover soup and we’ll buy taho.” Basilio cheered. “And we don’t cheat kahit sa ikutan sa inuman.”