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Tavern Music, Medieval Music No Copyright - Celtic Medieval Fantasy EPIC MUSIC NO COPYRIGHT

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Welcome, Dear Traveler!

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Tavern Music, Medieval Music No Copyright - Celtic Medieval Fantasy EPIC MUSIC NO COPYRIGHT

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Welcome, Dear Traveler!

Come and take a seat by our roaring fire here at Mythos Mystic Tavern.

Fill yourself with our piping hot stew, freshly roasted ham, and flagon of ale that tastes nothing like of this word!

I know you came here for the Otherworld. The Sage had told me thousands of years ago about the prophecy.

One day, as he told me, a hero who has a heart of silver lining will come himself to the land where magic and reality meet to save Earth dwellers from obliteration. He traveled from the future where chaos and greed reign on souls of men; and where anarchy is mundane, while ardor is an opulence.

He will search for truths, the realities of desires, and fears. He will armor himself with knowledge and courage. Soon, he will wield the late King Arthur’s Excalibur and will slay the dragons that breath fire from hell. His swings will call upon the Zephyr from Camelot where the soul of King Arthur and his predecessors will give thousand fold power to his body, mind, and soul.

He will become a legend where words about his bravery and martyrdom will travel around the world.

But before you begin your adventure, you shall be given a riddle from The Sage. Only your answer shall give you the key to the door that shall bring you to the Otherworld.

It has the strength of the earth,
The tranquility of the waters,
The breath of the wind,
And the rage of the fire.
Written only by the victors;
‘Tis where heroes birthed their legends
And villains met their demise.
‘Tis what kings and queens yearned for
And magicians hold no power to alter.

I Am the Answer

Wishing the best luck for your journey,
The Magician

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Dear Traveler,

As you are about to embark your journey towards the Otherworld, allow me to grant you the Candor Potion that shall protect you from thoughts of malice, judgements, and prejudices about the truths of the Earth that your forerunners never told you about.

The moment you drink the liquid of this potion, you shall live not just as a mere traveler or the future hero of Earth dwellers; but also as a Scholar of Truth.

May the grace of Gods and Goddesses of the Otherworld be in your favor!

-The Magician

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Chapter I: The Goddess of the Underworld

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Chapter I: The Goddess of the Underworld

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The traveler drank the potion and bid his farewell to the Magician. Before entering to the magical door that connects the Earth to the Otherworld, she spoke to him few more reminders about the nature of his grimoire. She told him that his grimoire is exceptional among other grimoire as it also includes different mythologies and folklore of the different realms of the Otherworld.

“Be wise, or your power of knowledge shall bring you to your demise.” The Magician said for her final warning.

“I shall remember that.” The Traveler promised and gave her a nod before finally opening the sacred door.

A blinding light welcomed him that he had no other choice but to shut his eyes. His hearing became muffled, and he felt his body becoming one with the air. Then, after a swift moment, he felt as if his lungs are about to burst. He gasped for air and tried to wake his senses up; but, as if the more he struggles, the more he’s drowning deeper into the void.

He didn’t know how long time has passed until he found himself into the Realm of the Underworld, kneeling before the queen, Persephone, The Goddess of the Underworld.

The stories from Earth that narrate description about her gives no justice how she actually appears to be. Her face is nothing like any other human; she’s truly a god. She looks at him as if she is looking at his very soul, running through the fragments of his memories that even him has already forgotten.

“I presume you are not supposed to be in this realm, human. I could hear the beat of your heart and feel the heat of your flesh. Your mind is not rotten, even your soul rings life. You are no dead; you have no business here in the Underworld.” Her voice commands power that it made him shiver and almost lose all his resolve.

“Forgive me, My Goddess, for my intrusion. But I humbly ask of you to believe me that I, myself, am unknown of the reason why I landed in your realm. Spare me, Your Highness, for I still have a mission that I must fulfill.”

Persephone only laughed in return, to his surprise. Puzzled, he rose his head and gave his questioning face to the goddess.

“The Magician has announced your advent beforehand. I am aware of your duty and reason why you have come to Otherworld. Raise yourself and gather your thoughts. You are the future of the Earth dwellers, as told by Oracle of Delphi. You have no time to kneel before me. Soon, your name will be known in all parts of the world as the savior of humanity.”

He abided by to her demands and gracefully lift himself up before the Goddess of the Underworld.

“Come. We are going to visit my dear Mother Demeter. It is time for spring to come in the Human Realm.”

She calmly said and rode the chariot.

Persephone

Her life, immeasurable;
Her love, unfathomable.
She is the life, the spring, and the meadows,
Even symbol of death himself kneels before her.
Lore told how she was forced to stay
In the arms of the god they deemed as evil.
But it was her who only knew the truth;
That it was love that made her stay.
With the God of Underworld, she made love;
With him, she found home.

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Chapter II: The Grimoire of Mythology and Folklore

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Chapter II: The Grimoire of Mythology and Folklore

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The Traveler summoned for his grimoire and it magically appeared before him with a mystical blue light that surrounds it. He swift his fingers on air; and the grimoire flipped its pages on the first chapter.

CHAPTER I: MYTHS AND LORE

“As you delve into the realms of the mythology and folklore, you will understand why we believe the things we believe now.” – J.B. Magbuo (The Sage)

Soon, he found his world immersed in another realm made by dreams and imagination inside his grimoire.

Life, he thought, is all connected in one way or another. Just like the magic strings of fate, we are all connected by a thread that never goes broken. Mythology and folklore didn’t exist for nothing; they are the historical literature that binds the past and the present towards the future. Everything that we do, and we believe in today has their own reasons that lie in the past.

Thus, no matter how unbelievable and uncertain things might be in the naked eye of nonbelievers, stories written in the past are not baseless. They came from a truth that was written down by the victors based on what they have seen and gone through. Our system of beliefs, culture, and tradition all had their own origin and their backgrounds that they came from.

Our world will remain to be a mystery and too vast to understand, but myths and lore exist to make us understand where we are coming from and why do we believe certain things. Human civilization, for millions of years, searched for truths; and it is our historical stories that paved the way for us to solve the mysteries that we are still yet to find answers.

The Earth and the Otherworld are both real as long as I believe that they are both real, he thought to himself.

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“Fool! You have set your foot on the sacred forest of Druids, and now you shall meet your demise!” The voice of the priestess sent shivers down to the spine of the Traveler. He is meters away from the Druid priestess, and yet he could still feel her hostility towards him.

Realizing that he has put himself in danger for entering the fortress of the Druids, he made no other choice but to summon his grimoire to protect himself.

My quest is not to end here, he said to himself and prepared for a battle that he is not even sure whether he has any chance of winning over.

“The Hero?” In a swift moment, the hostile aura between him and the priestess dispersed; and before he could even get a hold of what has happened, the priestess is already a few inches away from him.

“You have finally come to save the Earth dwellers, I see.”

“How did you know?”

“You’re grimoire. All the ancient believers have written down the truths of this world inside it; and only the rightful hero from the Earth Realm could summon it.”

“But why did you know about it?”

“Because I am one of the ancient believers from Druidism. I have written all the truths about our beliefs in that grimoire.”

“You’re an…ancient Druid.”

“I am. Now, come. It’s time for you to know the reason why you have that grimoire.”

He followed the priestess towards a giant oak tree, which as far as he believes, is a tree that Druids highly believed. For them, it is the doorway to knowledge and wisdom; they also held meetings in oak groves. They sat around a table and the priestess began to tell him about the truth of the grimoire.

“It is time for you to know that mythologies and folklore are not just mere stories. We, the ancient believers, have poured our blood, sweat, and tears to that grimoire. It narrates the creation of the world and explains the mysteries of life. By our different beliefs, we’ve taken the path of victors who narrate the truths by what we see beyond our naked eyes, and by what we touch through our veins.

Our myths narrated the birth of this universe and told stories of how the world itself works. Our words have survived centuries; even conquered the human civilization. And for thousands of generations, our hundreds of lore have birthed millions of belief and traditions.

Now, you see, your grimoire isn’t a mere grimoire of a wizard. That is the grimoire of the king who will battle the evil brought upon by chaos.”

The priestess raised her scepter, and from the heavens descended a lightning that hit the jewel placed in its middle.

Instinctively, the Traveler kneeled and bowed his head.

"Accept the body of knowledge and the strength of wisdom; cleanse yourself with the grace of the Gods and Goddesses of ancient believers. May you be wise and be hailed as the victor of this war!"

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Chapter IV: Voyage to the Realm of Lower Mythology

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Chapter IV: Voyage to the Realm of Lower Mythology

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“You shall continue your voyage.” It was the Priestess that brought back the Traveler’s thoughts.

He faced the ancient Druid and remained his strong-willed face. The Priestess then continued.

“You mustn't stop for I could feel the fear of the Earth dwellers as we speak. Chaos and evil are seeking for wicked souls to increase their force so that they can wreak more havoc and tragedies on the Earth Realm.”

“What must I do?”

The Priestess, by the swift of her right hand, commanded the mist to show them the ancient map of the Otherworld. Just like how his grimoire appeared before him with a mystical blue light that surrounds it, the map floats in air with enigmatic green luminescence.

“We’re here at the land where North Blue resides. Head to the Far East Orient, taking the route in the East Blue. There, you shall find the country island of Las Islas Filipinas. It is the land that connects Otherworld to Elementalia; the Realm of the Lower Mythology.”

“The Realm of the Lower Mythology?”

“You find it strange to hear that we are not the only mythology that exists, don’t you?”

“I am afraid so.”

“Why, I am not surprised.” The Priestess swift once again her hand and commanded the mist to show the past. “Long before, Las Islas Filipinas had mythology divided into two; the Upper Mythology and the Lower Mythology. The Supreme God along with the other deities belong in the Upper Mythology; while the mythological creatures called Engkanto belong to the Lower Mythology. The deities kept the peace on Earth Realm; punishing those who had done wrong and rewarding those who did good deeds. All the Lamang Lupa and Engkanto, on the other hand, are feared by the people for their oddity and perceived negative elemental energy.

However, everything changed when the Conquistadors reached the island country. It was them who burned all the records in Las Islas Filipinas, just like how they burned the Empires of Inca, Mayans, and Aztecs. To coerce their system of belief they called Christianity, they erased the traces of the existence of the Upper Mythology of the island country. They murdered Paganism through feeding the written records to fires from the place they called Hell. They cut the tongue of Babaylans and people who speak of myths and lore.

From these events, the supreme deities were left with no choice but to go back to heavens and bless the warriors with their strengths to fight against the foes. They fought for their land and for their freedom in accordance to the will of the deities. But the forces of Conquistadors are far more powerful. They killed every single one who opposed them; and soon after, the native people of Las Islas Filipinas fell under their regime.”

“What happened to mga Engkanto from Lower Mythology?”

“They created their own realm and called it Elementalia. Conquistadors didn’t stand a chance as they also feared that their lives would be played by the powerful mythological creatures. Thus, even though the native people feared them, they talked about them a lot secretively; not knowing that this would give more power to mga Lamang Lupa and Engkantos. For hundreds of years, they kept their existence quiet, preparing and strengthening themselves in Elementalia for a battle that would either bring or take away everything from them.”

“But why must I go to them?”

“Because you would need their strengths. Despite the fact that you are the Hero, you alone would not be enough to save the Earth Realm. You must find your comrades in Elementalia, or you will only die in vain.”

The Traveler fell into deep thoughts by everything that the Priestess revealed to him. But after quite a moment of reflecting and analyzing all the information, he finally made a resolve.

“At dawn, I shall begin my voyage to Elementalia; the realm of the almost forgotten yet powerful mythological creatures.”

Moon rose on heavens with millions of stars in the next few hours; and the Traveler didn’t waste any time. He prepared himself, gathered his will, and settled his thoughts.

When the Sun kissed the skies at dawn, the Priestess gave him her blessing and opened a portal where he would ride an airship for his voyage.

“May the grace of Gods and Goddesses be in your favor.”

The Traveler bid his final goodbye to the Priestess.

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Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia  is a 2008 Filipino animated adventure-fantasy comedy film and the Philippines' first all-digital full-length animated feature film.

Produced by Cutting Edge Productions, the film revolves around Bubuy who has to save his grandparents who were abducted and brought to the strange land called Elementalia, home to a host of strange creatures from Philippine mythology.

-Wikipedia

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The airship stopped its engine and the Traveler finally stood up from his seat. He had arrived, at last, in Elementalia; The Realm of the Lower Mythology.

The scent of “alimuong” or petrichor welcomed the Traveler soon as he set foot on the land. He couldn’t believe the creatures who are feared by the Earth dwellers are living in harmony and peace. There are group of Anggitay running round in grassy fields, Diwatas playing around with fireflies, Sirenas chatting with each other while sitting on the rocks by the shore, Mambabarangs who feed insects, and even Mangkukulams who are practicing their witchcrafts. There are other mythological creatures that fly around or simply talk among others that he couldn’t name.

“I shall welcome you, My Lord.” It was a duwende who greeted him.

He greeted back by placing his hand on his chest and bowing his head.

“Follow me, My Lord. The Tres Marias are waiting for you. You must meet them before doing your business here in Elementalia.”

He followed the duwende’s lead while his eyes kept roaming around the place. Not later, he felt cold tiny droplets of water on his bare hands. It was odd since the sun still shines brightly.

“But why is it raining when the brightness of the sun is at its highest peak?”

Duwende smiled at him and explained, “A Tikbalang is getting married. You really have come at a perfect timing. Later, you will get to see and enjoy a feast in Elementalia, My Lord.”

When they finally reached the palace, he saw three enchanting Diwatas that were exceedingly powerful and exudes bewitching aura. They are Maria Sinukuan, Maria Cacao, and Maria Makiling. They all have long, beautiful, pitch-black hair that reaches down their feet. Maria Sinukuan adorned her hair with a flower crown while wearing a green dress; Maria Makiling, on the other hand, wore a veil as white as her dress. Maria Cacao wears a yellow head scarf bandana that matches her yellow dress.

He kneeled one of his knees like a warrior and bowed his head, “Greetings, Tres Marias.”

“Rise, Hero. Bathala and all the other deities would not want for Earth dwellers like you to bow your heads on us.” It was Maria Makiling, who is in the middle, that spoke first.

He did what he was told but remained humble.

“Welcome to Elementalia, Hero. I hope that you will find what you are looking for in our realm.” Maria Cacao heartwarmingly said.

"May the merciful deities guide you in your journey and the strength of nature grace you in times of need.” It was Maria Sinukuan who gave the last blessing.

However, the peaceful meeting with the Tres Marias was disrupted when a Tikbalang came rushing to the palace with a report.

“Tres Marias, forgive me for my intrusion but we are in a state of emergency! Bakunawa has come!”

“Bakunawa!? O merciful Bathala!” Maria Cacao frantically exclaimed.

“Calm down, Maria Sinukuan. You shouldn’t feign at this very moment.” Maria Sinukuan said.

“Maria Sinukuan is right, Maria Cacao.” Maria Makiling calmly agreed with Maria Sinukuan. “Tikbalang, call forth the strongest warriors of Elementalia. We must protect the moon. Duwende, give my orders to the entire realm to prepare for a long night.”

The Tikbalang and the Duwende immediately left the hall and followed Maria Makiling’s orders.

“Forgive me, Tres Marias, but what must I do to help?” The Traveler blurted.

The Tres Marias looked upon each other before Maria Makiling declared,

“You are going to send away the Sea Serpent Goddess.”

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Chapter VI: The Battle for the Last Moon

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Chapter VI: The Battle for the Last Moon

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“Fool! You shouldn’t have come to this place! Now, it isn’t just the Moon that I am going to devour! I shall also fill my stomach with your flesh!” It was Bakunawa, the Sea Serpent Goddess.

“I will never allow it! I am here to protect the Moon from you; and I will never allow myself to be killed by you!”

“Imbecile! I have already eaten the six other moons, what made you think you are the one who will stop me from eating the last one!?” Bakunawa furiously exclaimed and attacked him but he was able to dodge.

It was the perfect timing for a counterattack.

“Engkantos, it’s time!”

The Mangkukulam chanted a spell to weaken Bakunawa’s body and the Mambabarang whispered a curse that made insects crawl out from her eyes, nose, and mouth. Kapre created a thick mist to blind Bakunawa using his tobacco, and through Tikbalang’s hair strands, they were able to tie her. The Manananggal then flew around her body and scratched her scales, causing her to bleed.

Bakunawa yelled and cried as she whimpered in pain.

“AAAARRGGHHHH!!! You will all pay for this, imbeciles!” Bakunawa prepared to strike back but the Traveler prepared earlier than her. He raised the golden mallet and smashed the gong with all of his strength. The noise pained Bakunawa even more, causing her to weaken. Seeing how it greatly affected the Sea Serpent Goddess, the Traveler hit the gong with the same amount of strength. Bakunawa fell to the sea this time, and before she could even regain her strength, the Traveler hit smashed the gong for the last time. Thus, with its sound, along with the noise the people of Elementalia make, the Sea Serpent Goddess retreated.

“You will all pay for this! How could you do this to a deity like me!? I shall return and eat the Moon!” She shouted and dived back to the deepest part of the sea.

The people of Elementalia rejoiced and celebrated with a feast after the fight against Bakunawa.

But for the Traveler, it wasn’t only the victory that he was celebrating for. His heart is full of joy knowing that he has found his comrades that will accompany him in his voyage.

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Chapter VII: The Ancient Civilization in Tenochtitlan  

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Chapter VII: The Ancient Civilization in Tenochtitlan  

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From their airship, the Traveler and his comrades transferred to a boat to continue their voyage towards Tenochtitlan, the Ancient Realm where they could find Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of War and the Sun.

In order to defeat the chaos and evil that lurks on the Earth Realm, they need the strength of the War God who holds strength much greater than them.

“Prepare yourselves, we’re coming near.” Announced the Mangkukulam who could see Tenochtitlan on her vision.

The Traveler inhaled deeply and looked at his comrades before standing up to give his final message to his comrades.

“First of all, I want to thank all of you for choosing to come with me on my journey. It is my pleasure to be your comrade. But at this point, I shall give you the choice to leave if you want to end your journey with me. I cannot guarantee your safety nor your life. From this moment forward, everything is nothing but uncertainty. I understand if you will choose to separate with me.”

He was ready to hear their final goodbyes; but instead, what they gave him were warm hugs and smiles.

“We are not going to leave you behind. We took this mission wholeheartedly; there’s no way for us to leave you hanging in this battle.” It was Kapre, who rarely utters a word, that spoke first.

“I agree with him. Besides, after everything we’ve been through, we’ve really become friends. There’s no way I will leave my friend behind.” Tikbalang second the motion.

“Fool, we are ready to fight with you; not die with you.” Mambabarang said and rolled her eyes.

“We promised the Tres Marias that we will never abandon you; and I promised myself to be there with you when you fight against evil.” Mangkukulam calmly said.

“It is our duty to protect the Earth Realm, too.” Manananggal said.

The Traveler smiled at them, as if telling them that he is reassuring them that he will not let their conviction and loyalty in vain. This time, he is braver. This time, he is more courageous.

They prepared themselves and looked at the South, where Tenochtitlan resides. As they grew closer to the place, the atmosphere started to become eerie. The fogs become thicker, and the causeways become narrower. Around them are the chinampas with growing crops.

Upon setting foot on the mainland of Tenochtitlan, they heard a sinister sound as if death along with an army of the undead had come for them. It was too haunting that none of them were able to ignore its chilling repercussions.

“Death Whistle calls for Ehecatl.” Uttered by Manananggal, almost a murmur but enough for them to hear.

“We’re late; they have started the ritual of human sacrifice for Huitzilopochtli.” Mangkukulam uttered in fear.

“Based on Aztec belief, Huitzilapochtli was pursuing a constant battle against darkness, and if the darkness won, the world would end. Hence, to keep the sun moving across the sky and save their lives, they feed him human hearts and blood.” Mambabarang explained.

"But it also served another purpose in expanding their empire. Majority of those who were sacrificed were not part of them, most of them were their enemies or slaves.” Manananggal continued.

“Fear not; we’ve come here not for war nor us to be their enemies. We’ve come here for their help and guidance. I’m sure they will not remain ignorant of our pure desires.” The Traveler said to boost the morale of his comrades.

His comrades found strength in the Traveler’s words and gained back their conviction. Just like what they had promised to him, they are not backing down. There’s no way they would turn their backs to him or on their promise.

Thus, with courage, bravery, and determination, they set their foot towards the legendary Ancient Civilization, the Aztec Empire.