“Yes. It explains a lot. For example, finding you in that forest is extremely weird and raises a lot of questions. How did you get there? Who are you? Why were you unconscious? Where are you from? These are some of the questions I want to know the answers to when me and Sabel found you. However, by knowing that you are a babaylan, I can at least make some assumptions as to why you were in that forest.” Lola Yma started to explain. “Since you said that you are a babaylan, then it is easy to understand why you have those items on you. Though I am not sure if you have been initiated already or not. It somehow makes sense of your sudden appearance here.”

“Why?” Before Lola Yma could continue her explanation, she was interrupted by Mawi.

“I was getting to that. It is common knowledge among the babaylans that a person who has a gift and or has been chosen by a spirit will sometimes disappear for a few days and return either having been awakened as a babaylan or someone who lost their minds. But in both cases, the person usually returns to their home, or finds somewhere nearby. As for your case, I can definitely say that you are not from here. As for whether you have been initiated into the apprenticeship or not, I cannot say, but it does not matter, as I can initiate you if you are willing.” Lola Yma then ended her explanation.

“If I trained to become a babaylan, will I be able to restore my memories?” Mawi asked with uncertainty. Although he appeared to not be bothered by his amnesia, he still desires to regain his lost memories.

“I cannot give you a definite answer, but it might help you get back what you have lost.” Answered Lola Yma profoundly.

“Then please train me to become a babaylan, lola!” Holding the old woman’s hands, Mawi pleaded that he be trained to become a babaylan. Deep in his heart, Mawi felt that he must train to become a babaylan not just to have his memories returned but because he felt a heavy responsibility when he thought about becoming a babaylan. Not knowing that his decision today made him the first and only student of the most powerful espiritista in the country, or perhaps the world.

“Very well. I will initiate you so you can become an apprentice. Let us do it after we have settled the issue with those tourists. For now, focus on regaining as much strength as you can, you will need it once we start with your initiation. Also, it will help if you can calm your thoughts for a period of time. Put everything that is bothering you to the back of your mind for now.” Lola advised Mawi after she acknowledged his desire to train to become a babaylan.

For the next two days, aside from helping around the house, Mawi also tried his best to calm his thoughts and regain his strength. On the morning of the third day, Lola Yma and Mawi went to the Forest Park just as they had agreed with the tourists. However, once they arrived, they received news that the tourists had left yesterday and only left them the booklet.

Chairman Buboy who was at the park and the one who received the booklet tried to convince them to stay and do the ritual, sadly the group of tourists thought that the people, especially Lola Yma, were in cahoots to milk them of their money. Buboy even asked them if they believed that the possession was not real, but their answer just confused the chairman. As they told him that they believed that Ellaine was indeed possessed by a spirit, but they did not believe it to be a Kapre, thus, they concluded that the so-called sacrifice is nothing but a money-making scam by the people of Tubigan.

“Hah! Ignorant fools! Then I no longer hold any responsibility for what will happen to them. Give me the booklet, and I will return it to the spirit myself.” Lola Yma was clearly exasperated hearing Buboy’s statement regarding the tourists. Of course, she was offended by their audacity when it was her who offered to help them appease the offended spirit. Right now, all she could think of is to complete her end of the deal with the spirit.

Hearing the annoyance and irritation of the old woman’s voice, chairman Buboy immediately handed her the booklet. When Mawi saw the booklet, he could not help but feel familiar with its appearance; it is only half the size of a regular notebook. It is not thick either, from its appearance, the booklet seems to be only 20 pages thick at most. It looks to be very old as well, with its pages colored mostly brown and seems to be brittle. The cover is made from cow leather that has been tanned.

“Why do I feel that this booklet is familiar?” Mawi thought to himself.