Rizal Monument, Luneta Park, Manila

"Dan, it's nice to see you again."

The Rizal monument at the famous Luneta Park attracts hundreds of tourists, students and onlookers each day. Even at the glare of high noon, foreign tourists constantly pose for pictures with the national hero's statue in the background. Students from countless schools gawk at the immovable guards posted by the monument. Angry teachers shout to maintain order and traffic aides try to piece the puzzle of behemoth school buses bustling for parking position. It was in this fray that Joseph, ever in his polished suit stood next to Dan Agila, Ph.D.

Dan Sr. met the god's gaze equally.

"What are you doing here Joseph? I have no business with you. Not anymore."

The God and Patron of the Arts took his time to view the surrounding throng. Students shouting in the fray, vendors hawking their wares and tourists snapping photos all about gave Jospeh a tinge of hope. This is the nation that Peping died for. He looked fondly at the old statue.

Not similar at all, not even a bit. He thought. His old friend was more vibrant, more...alive. Joseph recalled their lengthy chats along narrow German alleys and their stone throwing contests while the doctor was holed up in Dapitan. Now that was a real hero. Eager yet full of faults, scandalous but brimming with courage. Jospeh missed his friend.

"Please Dan." Joseph replied. "I just need a few minutes."

The history professor surveyed his surroundings and let out a sigh of relief in seeing that his son, Dan Jr., was safely in line along with th rest of the class.

Joseph continued.

"There is no danger here Dan, not now at least. But I do need to talk to you. I would prefer that we leave you alone. We tried that. You know we did. But you cannot escape this. Nor I fear, can your son."

It was Dan's turn to reply.

"Stop this Joseph! Have we not given you enough?! My wife died Joseph! Marie died! In my arms! Some nights I feel like I'm still soaked in it. But we agreed Joseph, we had a deal. We got out! For the sake of my son, we got out!"

A trickle of tears crawled down the professor's face in the midday sun. A man selling painted chicks walked past and a lone balloon broke free from a toddler’s hand and floated into the sky.

Joseph did not look away.

“We called you Dan. You were chosen. But it was also you who quit us remember? We showed you the truth, we revealed ourselves to you. But you walked out.”

Dan could not help but hang his head. He remembers it all of course. The initial introduction to the pantheon. The training sessions with Julian. The lessons with Kali and Inna. And even the anointment by Nestor. Once you are selected, you never forget, and you always remember.

He was about to answer Joseph when Danny Jr. ran up to him.

“Hey dad! Who’s your friend?”

Joseph reached out his hand to the high school boy.

“Greetings Danny, my name is Joseph. I’m an old friend of your dad from way back.”

Danny shook the outstretched hand. “Hey Joseph. Nice to meet you. I’m sorry but Dad hasn’t mentioned you before.”

“It’s alright.” The god said. “You know your dad tends to forget things sometimes.”

“Like my baon.” Danny jokingly replied.

Dan Sr. spoke.

“Haha, always the funny guy. Come on son. Joseph was about to leave anyway.”

The father turned and led his son back towards the assembled school crowd. Dan Jr. waved back at Joseph.

“See you later Mr. Joseph.” Danny called.

Joseph waved back.