I had another chat with Auntie when I found out the real reason I came to Manila. They had other plans, and I couldn't wrap my head around them. I needed a clarity spell. Auntie did it while we talked.
"Leia, my dear, I choose you as my successor. I'll make you a powerful Babaylan with the traits of a wolf beast. You'll lead your own path and use the wolf's power for good. The Babaylan lineage must continue, even if it means hooking up with other supernatural beings."
Auntie whispered a prayer into her right hand, placed it on my head, and my mind cleared up. It was like a download of wisdom, and I happily accepted my role as the mighty female Babaylan. Auntie is the strongest female Babaylan in the Philippines. My dad is second to her in strength compared to all other Babaylans here. Some Babaylans, with diluted bloodlines, ended up as just ordinary healers, spiritists, and such. They didn't get the full package of their ancestral heritage, so they fell under the influence of evil spirits and creatures.
From that day on, my morning routine changed. I started my day with prayers after my bath, then breakfast. Auntie always woke up earlier to prepare food and then went back to sleep, never joining me for breakfast. I didn't question it. I couldn't eat lunch with her either because I was at school, and I fasted on Saturdays. Now that she told me to stop fasting, maybe I'll get to have lunch with her? She always had her snacks before I did in the afternoon. For dinner, we both fasted.
I cleaned the kitchen, then the entire second floor, swept the yard, and finished everything before six.
I learned a new spell: MUNDA CORPUS MEUM! I said it a bit louder than usual, and bam, I felt fresh as a daisy—no sweat, no stickiness!
REVOCO VERBA! This was my go-to spell breaker. For simple spells like this, no need for long prayers. Just morning prayers and evening medallion cleaning were enough.
That day, we had volleyball practice at school. We were up against Team A, the sophomore girls. They had a year more experience and more practice sessions.
"Tiya, I'm heading out."
"God bless you, dear."
Even without the traditional hand blessing, she'd always give me that verbal blessing. That's how we rolled since I moved in. She'd be lounging on the sofa while I got ready to leave.
I carried my sports gear because we were going to lock them up at school. Towels, cloths, and other stuff.
I walked to school as usual, not in my volleyball attire yet. I always wore dresses, never shorts or pants, even if they were girly. That was part of my vow. Dad insisted I should wear women's clothes only. Even at home, I wore skirts, even when riding a motorcycle back in the province. Only for volleyball did I wear tight shorts. I had no idea about fancy clothes; Mom picked out my dresses. Today, I wore a blue dress and white sandals, looking like I was heading to a party. My hair was down, past my armpits, but I'd tie it up for the game later.