The following morning, Lolo Gani and Lumawig woke up both refreshed and invigorated. They were able to tell that their moods are now better as compared to yesterday, and the mental burden the two have, are now considerably lessened. Though they have no idea how this happened, Lolo Gani could not help but think about the agimat that Lumawig has; Lumawig was also thinking the same thing.

This was not the first time that he experienced the restorative powers of the agimat he is now wearing. When he first held it, he was rejuvenated by the agimat as well, however, at that time Lumawig was not really able to fully feel its effects. Lolo Gani did not say anything, he just went out of the bedroom and went on to prepare their breakfast.

During breakfast…

“Apò, we are going to continue with your training today. Since we have already skipped one day of your training, we will have to double our efforts. After breakfast, you have to finish your chores quickly. I will be teaching you more about the dungan and your abyan.” Lolo Gani instructed Lumawig.

“Yes, lolo.”

Two hours later, Lumawig was already done with all his chores. He then waited for his lolo who left their house right after eating his breakfast. Where he went, he did not tell Lumawig. Since it is in the middle of summer season, all the farmers in Dumadalig have not yet planted rice, so Lolo Gani has a lot of free time. Lumawig waited for his lolo after doing his chores, however, as the old man was nowhere to be found, Lumawig just laid back and eventually fell asleep. Roughly an hour later, he was awoken by a voice.

“Apò, wake up! I’m back.” It was Lolo Gani who had just returned.

“Lolo? Where have you been?” Lumawig was jolted awake.

“I went to GenSan (General Santos City) to get these.” The old man then showed Lumawig two items that looked like a stick and a whip at the same time. The first one’s appearance is grey with dark brown spots all over, the other one is black all over. Both of these items are thick and rounded on one end and thin to almost pointed at the other end. Around twelve centimeters from the base of the thicker part, a cloth-like rope is twined around it to serve as the handle. From a glance these things are made of wood or bamboo, however in actuality it is made from the tail of a stingray. It is commonly known as buntot pagi (stingray tail) and is as tall as an adult when it is made to stand on its thick end.

“Is that a buntot pagi lolo?” Lumawig was amazed. As a child, he only saw this in the market. He once asked his lolo to buy one for him so he could play with it, however, his lolo only scolded him for it was not a cheap item and it was definitely not for playing. After that, he never mentioned it again, but he has been fascinated by the item ever since. So, his lolo bringing home two made him excited and happy.

“Yes. I bought them at the city’s marketplace today. This one’s for you.” After saying that, he handed Lumawig the black colored buntot pagi.

“You will be using that from now on as your weapon against evil spirits.” Said Lolo Gani.

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“Weapon against evil spirits? But lolo, I thought that this is only effective against the aswang.” Hearing his lolo’s words, Lumawig became confused. As it is a common knowledge in superstitions that the buntot pagi was good against aswangs, but he never heard it being used against evil spirits.

“HAHAHAHA! Of course, it can be used against spirits!” Hearing Lumawig’s remark, Lolo Gani cannot help but laugh. “Without orasyon or prayer, this item is only good against aswangs, but if we use a chant on them, and have your abyan nurture it, then you can use it against spirits as well. This is what we will be doing today.” The old man explained.

Having been enlightened, Lumawig became excited again.

“I saw how you attacked the Bal-bal last night with your pasyawan whip. Although it can be considered a lucky hit, I can see that you have a potential for whip-like weapons. So, I went ahead and chose this one for you. Every babaylan has a weapon of their choice, and they are all nurtured by their abyan so that it can be used against spirits if the need arises.” Lolo Gani then explained why he chose a whip-like weapon for his apò.

“But why did you buy one as well lolo? You don’t have a weapon?” Lumawig wondered.

“Well, I do have a weapon. My sundang is my weapon and I have nurtured this since I was an apprentice just like you. The reason I bought this buntot pagi as well, is because I like them.” As Lolo Gani said the last part of his explanation, a playful smile appeared on his face.

“Now, let us not waste any more time and start with your training. Follow as I do.” Instructed Lolo Gani.

The duo then went out of the house and went towards the balete tree. Aside from the buntot pagi, they were also carrying a large jar of salt, some candles, and a large bottle of lana oil. Upon arriving at the base of the tree, Lolo Gani selected an area that is clear of grasses and laid down the buntot pagi in there.

He then created an oval shaped ring around the buntot pagi and lit two of the candles they brought and placed it beside the buntot pagi as well. Lastly, the old man sprinkled some of the lana oil they brought on to the salt and on the buntot pagi as well. Lumawig then copied the old man’s actions step by step.

After doing all those things, the Lolo Gani went inside the oval shaped ring, picked up the buntot pagi and sat down in a cross-legged position. He also arranged the candles so one candle would be standing on either side in front of him. Seeing this, Lumawig also followed suit.

“Now use your chant in nurturing your abyan. Repeat the chant as many times as you can.” Instructed Lolo Gani. After which the old man closed his eyes and started chanting.

Lumawig also started chanting.

“A mo do e ba ba a sa mo do e la le, la ha a ma ka ka o na. A e pe de to a ta o a ma ka pa te. A a ke a e yo bo ha nga yo a e e sa. A a ke do go e yo ga me te o pa a e yo pa se bo a do ma te."

Lumawig’s abyan started to stir inside his body, reacting to the chant. Feeling their reactions, Lumawig continued to chant, each time he finishes a cycle, the reaction he would receive from the abyan inside him would go stronger. This went on for a while until Lumawig finished another round of chanting after an hour, when he suddenly felt the two abyan inside him move towards each of his hands that was holding the buntot pagi.

At this point, Lumawig becomes worried as he does not know how the two abyan will interact. A moment later, he realized that his worry was for naught when the two abyan actually nurtured the buntot pagi simultaneously and an untoward incident happened.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Lumawig continued his chanting. Lolo Gani on the other hand has already finished nurturing his buntot pagi an hour ago. He did not make any sound whatsoever but only continued sitting down while observing Lumawig.

It was at this time that he saw two lights coming off from each of Lumawig’s hands. The moment he saw these lights, he was flabbergasted, his pupils turning into slits, his relaxed body went stiff for a moment. He almost shouted in shock too, but he somehow stopped himself from doing so. Looking at Lumawig still continuing his chant, Lolo Gani was not able to calm down for a while.