While the prophecy hunt unfolded, Ariel and Amihan faced their own challenge.
Amihan had been offered a position—leading a creature community in Mindanao that desperately needed her experience and wisdom.
"I can't leave you again," she told Ariel. "Not after finally finding you."
"Mom, it's not leaving. It's building. Like I did here. Like Glad did. Like Maya's doing now."
"But—"
"I'll visit. You'll visit. We'll video call every week. The distance doesn't change what we've built."
Amihan's eyes filled with tears. "You're sure?"
"I'm sure. Go. Build. That's what our kind does."
She left a month later, hugged him tightly at the airport.
"I'm proud of you, anak. So proud."
"I'm proud of you too, Mom. Go change the world."
She did.
And Ariel, watching her go, felt not loss but expansion.
His family was growing.
In all directions.