Chapter LVII: Preparations
Liz drifts into sleep, her mind slipping into another vivid dream. The air around her shifts, cool and damp, as the gentle murmur of water reaches her ears. She blinks and finds herself standing at the banks of the Bantaoan River. The surroundings are familiar, yet something feels different.
Tall grasses sway in the evening breeze, and as she peers through them, her heart skips a beat. A group of people dressed in elaborate Hispanic attire gathers near the riverbank. The men wear white barong-like garments, and the women are adorned in long, flowing skirts with intricate embroidery. The sight is strange yet mesmerizing, like stepping into a painting from the past.
Liz ducks lower, her breath shallow as she watches the scene unfold. The village before her lacks the towering concrete structures she knows; instead, nipa huts with thatched roofs stand in neat rows. The scent of the river and damp earth fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning incense. She grips the grass tighter, her fingers brushing against the soil.
A loud murmur rises among the people. All eyes are focused on a massive wooden box resting at the river's edge. Several fishermen wade through the water, their hands working together to hoist the mysterious object onto the shore. The heavy wood creaks as it is set down, the sound cutting through the murmuring crowd.
Liz leans forward, her curiosity overpowering her hesitation. The box is adorned with carvings, delicate yet commanding. The fishermen slowly pry it open, the wooden lid groaning as it gives way. The crowd falls into hushed reverence.
Inside the box rests an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, draped in elegant robes. Her serene face is framed by a soft golden halo, and at her waist hangs an Augustinian Chord. Liz's breath catches. She has seen this image before.
Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa.
A realization sweeps over her like a tidal wave—this isn't a dream. It's a memory, a glimpse into the past. She has somehow traveled through time to witness this moment.
Before she can process it further, a sudden force pulls her upwards. The world around her blurs, dissolving into a vast, endless void. Her body is weightless, adrift in the darkness.
Then, a voice.
"Outside may look different and irrelevant, yet look inside and see something at grant."
The words echo, powerful yet cryptic, vibrating through her very soul. Liz tries to respond, but no sound escapes her lips. The darkness begins to warp, shifting into a new shape, a familiar space.
Bennett's room.
Liz blinks, adjusting to the sudden change. The air carries the faint scent of books and cologne, the way it always does in his presence. As she turns, Bennett stands before her, his expression soft yet urgent.
"Liz," he says, stepping closer. "Come with me."
She reaches for him, and in a blink, they are somewhere new. The grandeur of the Cathedral surrounds them, its high ceilings stretching towards the heavens, the scent of old wood and candle wax filling the air. The stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns across the marble floor, painting the space with hues of red, blue, and gold.
Bennett takes her hands, his gaze filled with something deeper than concern—devotion, unwavering and true.
"I know that maybe you won't have time to visit the Cathedral," he says, his voice steady, "but we are here now."
Liz listens, her heart pounding, absorbing every word.
"Remember, the Lord will always be with you, and I will be, too," Bennett continues. "Be careful at camp. I love you so much. Please take care of yourself."
Liz nods, her grip on his hands tightening. "I will."
"You're this close—" he lifts his fingers, forming a small space between them "—to finding me. Strike at the best moment in time. The signal will come to you."
Liz furrows her brows. "The signal?"
Bennett smiles, but it's tinged with something bittersweet. "I will tell you in the next dream."
The air grows heavier, time slipping between them like sand through fingers. Liz wants to hold onto this moment forever, but she knows she can't. Instead, she does what feels right—she wraps her arms around him.
Bennett pulls her close, his warmth wrapping around her like a shield. "Let's pray together," he whispers.
She nods, and they bow their heads. The familiar words of prayer spill from their lips, filling the Cathedral with quiet reverence. Liz clings to every syllable, imprinting them in her heart.
As they finish, Bennett presses a kiss to her forehead. Liz closes her eyes, wanting to remember the sensation, the peace that radiates from him.
When she opens her eyes again, the Cathedral fades.
And she wakes up.
Liz stirs awake as the first rays of morning light filter through her bedroom window. Her mind still lingers in the remnants of her dream, the voice's cryptic message echoing within her thoughts. She quickly grabs her journal from her nightstand, flipping to a fresh page, and writes down the words: "Outside may look different and irrelevant, yet look inside and see something at grant." She labels it as "MV 2," ensuring she will not forget this vital clue.
After setting down her pen, Liz stretches and gets out of bed. She takes a deep breath, centering herself before heading downstairs for breakfast. As she descends, the scent of freshly cooked rice and fried eggs fills the air, and she sees Dolores and Dominga in the living room, busy setting up a tent.
"Are you both going camping too?" Liz teases with a slight smile.
Dominga chuckles. "No, dear, but we want to make sure you and Wyn have a good tent. The last thing you need is a leaky roof over your heads if it rains."
Liz watches as they carefully inspect the poles and fabric, ensuring everything is in place. As she takes a seat at the dining table, her grandmother sets down a plate in front of her and sits across from her.
"Are you ready for the camping trip this afternoon?" her grandmother asks.
Liz nods as she picks up her spoon. "Yeah. I think so."
Dolores and Dominga exchange mischievous glances before Dolores leans in with a sly grin. "Are you sure you're ready, even without Bennett? Maybe he'll show up in the woods, calling your name."
Dominga joins in. "Or perhaps he'll be waiting in the tent, arms open wide."
Liz exhales sharply and refuses to respond, focusing on her food instead. She isn't in the mood for their teasing, especially not today.
Seeing this, her grandmother gently places a hand over Liz's. "Liz, sweetheart, Bennett is always by your side. He wouldn't want you pouting. He'd want you to smile—not the forced kind, but a real one. One that shows strength."
Liz feels a warmth spread through her chest at her grandmother's words. She recalls the plan, reminding herself of the mission ahead. Determination steadies her as she takes another bite, resolving to see things through.
After finishing breakfast, Liz and her grandmother head toward Ciudad Fernandina. The drive is relatively smooth, with the morning bustle of the city passing by in a blur. When they reach Colegio, Liz gathers her things and steps out of the vehicle.
"Stay safe," her grandmother tells her.
Liz nods and waves before turning toward the school entrance. Wyn is already waiting by the gates, leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed.
"Took you long enough," Wyn greets with a smirk.
"Blame traffic," Liz replies. They exchange a quick fist bump before heading inside.
The morning classes pass in a blur, their thoughts preoccupied with the camping trip ahead. By the time the dismissal bell rings, Liz and Wyn exit the building, joining the gathering campers.
At the quadrangle, other altar servers begin to arrive, setting up their belongings. Liz instinctively stays close to Wyn, knowing they need to be vigilant. Their mission is just beginning, and they cannot afford to be separated.
As dusk falls, the quadrangle is illuminated by floodlights. A gentle hum of excitement runs through the campers as Bro. Padilla steps forward, a warm smile gracing his face. He stands at the center of the circle, his presence commanding yet welcoming.
"Welcome, dear servers, to this year's altar server camping! This event is not merely an outdoor activity; it is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, our camaraderie, and our service to the Lord. We gather here under the theme: 'Altar Servers: Duc in Altum.' This phrase, which means 'Put out into the deep,' is an invitation for all of us to deepen our commitment and take on new challenges with faith."
He pauses, scanning the young faces before him. "As altar servers, we are called to go beyond the shore, beyond our comfort zones. Just as Christ told Peter to cast his nets into the deep waters, we too are asked to trust, to go further, to be brave in our faith. This camp is more than just bonding time; it is a chance for us to reflect on our roles, to seek guidance, and to discover the strength within us."
Liz listens, absorbing his words, but her mind remains attuned to their secret mission. She discreetly checks her phone and sees a message from Adrian.
[In position. Back gate.]
Wyn nudges her, and Liz subtly shows her the screen. They exchange a quick glance before focusing back on Bro. Padilla.
"We have many activities lined up for you all," Bro. Padilla continues. "Team-building exercises, faith discussions, and, of course, a test of endurance and trust during our night watch. But before anything else, let us begin the camp the proper way. Gather around and form a large circle—tonight, we begin with our campfire."
The campers move into place as the first flames flicker to life in the firepit's center. Liz and Wyn remain close together, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The night is just beginning, and they must be ready for whatever lies ahead.