Techtite Building, Ortigas City, Metro Manila

“Good morning Senator.”

The businessman offered his hand. They were in his private offices on the top floor of the building. Officially, he is renting only a small office below for his travel agency. But through his shell corporations and dummy agencies, he has managed to control almost the entire building. In every back office and stockroom stood high-powered computer equipment that monitors the daily movements of key individuals. Tracking contacts, information and communication were all part of his operation.

The senator was the funding.

“And good morning to you.” The senator continued. “I was informed that your department has made recent developments in our project. The chief wanted to let you know that he is pleased with your work.”

The businessman flashed a smile. Even his dark, coal colored suit seemed to smile with him.

“That is extremely good news senator. I aim to serve of course.”

The senator stood and walked towards the glass panes, allowing a clear view of the city below. His bulging waist straining his belt buckles as he stood.

“Yes yes, of course you do.” The senator said with a wave of his hand. “Let us just be clear that none of this would be possible except through my funding. Do you know hard it is to siphon money out of the budget these days? The BIR is on a rampage! They’ve been cracking down on illicit and illegal operations left and right! But we are still secure, as long as I have some of the members of the department and several congressmen in my payroll.”

The businessman raised his eyebrow with a question.

“But the new president, she might be a problem yes?”

The senator replied with a snort. All was assured when he announced his bid for presidency to advance the plan. But no one predicted that the rogue candidate would steal the votes away from him. Her charm and honesty wooed the crowds and by a slim margin, won the national elections. This has hounded the senator since the official proclamation last week.

“Ah yes, the new madame president. It’s a shame all our attempts to discredit her failed. I even ordered several hits but she always seems to slide out of harm’s way. She may be an issue. But I’m sure the chief has played this out already in his mind. Let’s just stick to the plan. He has never failed us has he not? Though I have never failed as well. This plan spins in motion only because I shoulder most of the burden. And I have done wonderfully am I right?”

“Definitely my dear senator.”

“Well, it is time I go. I cannot stay here for long you know. There is another budget meeting that needs my…special touch.”

“Another day then.”

They shook hands and the senator exited the room, flanked by two of his bodyguards. Automatic weapons clearly slung over their shoulders.

A faint shimmer appeared in the room. And Carlos appeared, sleek in his jet-black suit.

Ever since the moment that his brothers and sisters banded together to subdue him, Carlos hid in the shadows, regaining his strength. For many years he has been shut out, kept asleep by the powers of the other gods. But slowly, fear and dread cast its shadow across the nation. Villains and criminals arose, slowly feeding him until he had enough strength to burst out of his dismal prison. He bided his time. Slowly, he picked his pieces and placed his pawns. And now, the time is ripe for his return. Fed by the creeping darkness that has placed so much fear and hopelessness in the hearts of many in the country, the Black God can once again take his place.

“Carlos” the businessman bowed.

“Oh get up.” The god replied. “So how was our dear senator?”

The businessman stood next to Carlos, equally tall and broad at the shoulders as the Death God.

“He still feels that he is control.”

“Good, good. The good senator has been very useful, let us make sure we keep him happy in his service. His usefulness will soon expire. But we have to be wary now. My brothers and sisters have surely guessed by now that I have returned. They will attempt to make a move on the heroes.”

By Divine law, gods cannot directly interfere with the lives of mortals. That is one rule they cannot break. Gods may inspire, or threaten or provoke or encourage. But they can never directly harm, heal, revive or kill any human being. That is why for countless years, they have either allied with heroes, or connived with villains.

“We are watching closely Carlos, we will know when they approach.”

Carlos gazed out at the city. This nation has for far too long endured without his presence. And now he has come back to embrace it, to bring darkness back to its bosom. To restore the balance. And to take his rightful vengeance on those who put him to sleep.

“Your move, Nestor.”