The Rise of the Legendary Santhigar

Chapter 2: Lily, the Fairy

Zoriel finally woke up and found himself in a hospital room, his head wrapped in bandages.

"Zoriel! Thank God you're awake!" a man beside him exclaimed.

Zoriel turned his head and saw Carlito "Caloy" Suarez—his best friend.

"What happened to you, man? The doctors said you were lucky I brought you here in time. If I hadn’t acted fast, you could have died from the hemorrhage," Caloy explained. "Good thing I decided to check on you that day. I found you unconscious in your room, and this paper was beside you."

Caloy handed him a brown envelope.

Zoriel frowned as he took it, immediately opening it. His jaw clenched when he saw what it was.

A divorce agreement from Jessa.

Zoriel’s fists tightened. She really went through with it.

After everything he had done for her. After working three times as hard just to provide for her. After giving her everything he could—and it still wasn’t enough.

She still chose a wealthy man over him, thinking money would bring her happiness.

"What is it?" Caloy asked again.

Zoriel placed the papers down.

"Jessa is divorcing me. She cheated on me. She's with the new mayor now," he said grimly.

Caloy’s eyes widened.

"What? Mayor Alfred Santiago? Shit! I knew she couldn’t be trusted! I shouldn't have voted for that guy!" he blurted out.

Zoriel sighed. It was too late now.

There was nothing he could do but accept it.

"What’s your plan now?" Caloy asked.

"What else can I do? You know Jessa. She always does what she wants. I have no choice but to let her go," Zoriel said.

Caloy scoffed.

"Right! You didn’t even deserve her! She only acts high and mighty because she’s the captain’s daughter!"

Zoriel shook his head.

"Let’s just forget about it. If that’s what she wants, I’ll give it to her. She’ll regret this. I’ll prove to her that I’m more than just a jeepney driver!" Zoriel declared, determination burning in his voice.

Just then, a sudden warmth spread across his chest.

He looked down and saw his necklace faintly flickering.

Zoriel frowned and touched it.

"You’re right, man! Prove her wrong!" Caloy encouraged him.

But Zoriel wasn’t listening anymore.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move behind Caloy.

He frowned, staring at it.

At first, he thought his mind was just playing tricks on him. But the longer he stared, the clearer it became.

A tiny human—a tiny, flying human.

And it was a woman.

She shimmered—no, glowed.

Her small wings fluttered rapidly, and she smiled sweetly at him.

But Zoriel noticed she seemed hesitant, almost shy, as she looked at him.

His eyes widened.

"W-What the hell is that?!" he stammered.

Confused, Caloy turned to look behind him.

"What?"

Zoriel pointed at the tiny creature.

"That! Can’t you see it?! It’s right in front of your face!"

Caloy blinked and looked around, trying to find whatever Zoriel was pointing at.

"There’s nothing there! What the hell are you talking about?" Caloy snapped.

He scratched his head and gave Zoriel a worried look.

"You know... you sound like you’re hallucinating. I’m calling the doctor."

Panic shot through Zoriel as Caloy turned to leave.

He was about to follow when the glowing creature suddenly flew right in front of him, grinning.

"Don’t go! I’m Lily, Zoriel! I’m a fairy!" the little creature said.

Zoriel blinked.

"Y-You talk?"

"Of course!" Lily giggled. "Don’t be afraid of me, Zoriel! I’m your guardian fairy! I’m here to guide you!" she chirped.

Zoriel’s chest tightened.

Creatures like this weren’t entirely new to him.

His father used to tell him stories about them when he was alive.

They were said to live in the forests, guarding the places they called home.

They were known for their tiny human-like features and delicate wings.

Most of the time, they were shy, but occasionally they would reveal themselves for a reason.

Some fairies were kind, guiding, and healing humans.

Others, though, liked to play tricks—and sometimes even caused sickness.

He always thought they were just myths.

Yet here one was, right in front of him.

Lily flew closer to him and placed her tiny hand on his head.

"W-What are you doing?" Zoriel asked nervously.

"Shh! I’ll heal you!" she said.

Zoriel decided to let the fairy do whatever she intended and simply watched her.

Moments later, he felt a strange warmth spreading through his head, followed by a brilliant light.

When the light faded, he suddenly felt a deep sense of relief.

"You..."

He quickly touched his head and realized the stitches were gone.

"How did you do that?"

Lily giggled.

"It’s one of my specialties!"

Zoriel sighed.

"You’re annoying, but useful. Now tell me, what do you want from me? And why are you showing yourself to me?"

Lily’s face turned serious.

"Because of your destiny, Zoriel! Do you know about your grandfather?"

Zoriel froze.

How could he not know?

His grandfather had been known as the greatest Santhigar in their province.

He could heal illnesses that even doctors couldn't cure.

He could exorcise evil beings and communicate with spirits and mystical creatures that ordinary people couldn’t even see.

Like fairies.

But not everyone believed his grandfather, and many had called him crazy.

It was one of the reasons most of his own children distanced themselves from him.

Only Zoriel’s father had stayed by his side, which was why Zoriel had witnessed some of his grandfather’s miracles.

"He told us that you are just like him!" Lily said excitedly.

Zoriel smirked bitterly.

"He’s already dead. How could he have told you anything? Besides, I don’t believe in that anymore."

"He told us years ago—before you were even born. He said someone from his bloodline would inherit his powers. And we believe that someone is you, Zoriel! And now we need your help!" Lily said urgently.

Zoriel wanted to laugh at how ridiculous it sounded.

He shook his head.

"You know what? I don’t even know why I’m still talking to you. Thanks for healing me, though. I think I can get discharged tomorrow."

Lily pouted.

"Don’t be stubborn, Zoriel! You have to believe me, or your world will be in danger too! You’re the only one who can help us now!"

Zoriel simply covered his ears and tried to ignore her.

But before he could recover from her nagging, the door to his room suddenly swung open.

Caloy rushed inside, looking panicked and out of breath.

"Zoriel! Man! Your jeep—!"

Zoriel turned to his friend, confused.

A sinking feeling hit his gut.

"Why? What happened to my jeep?" he asked anxiously.

Caloy took a deep breath.

"My wife just called me! They took it! The municipality seized it! They said your papers expired and that it’s a colorum!"