Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Arrival of Watcher

The van screeched to a halt at the terminal in Baguio City, the highland air cool and crisp as it swept through the open doors. Ryan Bergara was the first to step out, his camera bag slung casually over his shoulder. He paused at the threshold, letting the scent of pine and damp earth fill his lungs. The city seemed alive with the hum of voices, the clinking of jeepneys, and the occasional bark of a street vendor advertising their wares.

Behind him, Shane Madej emerged, his lanky frame unfolding with the ease of someone already halfway amused by the day. He adjusted his thermos and surveyed the bustling terminal with a smirk. Producer Steven Lim followed, clipboard in hand, directing the small crew that scrambled to unload their equipment.

Steven's voice cut through the noise like the crack of a whip. "Alright, team. Focus up. We're here to dig into this urban legend. Tomorrow, we'll tackle the supposed haunting location, but today's about exploring the city, meeting locals, and building atmosphere."

Shane took a sip from his thermos and leaned lazily against the van. "Atmosphere? Thought this was about hunting ghosts-or, what are we calling them here? Mythical figures?"

Ryan's grin was wide, his enthusiasm infectious. "Just wait, Shane. This isn't your average haunted house. Imagine the views when we really discover their existence.

Shane quirked an eyebrow, his tone drenched in mockery. " Supernatural Deities? Sure. And when I meet them, I'll ask if they subscribed to Watcher Weekly."

Steven rolled his eyes. "Alright, cut the comedy. We're burning daylight."

The team piled into a jeepney, its vibrant paint job gleaming under the midday sun. As it rattled through the city's narrow streets, Ryan leaned out, his camera capturing the kaleidoscope of life around them. Vendors called out their wares, their voices mingling with the chatter of tourists. The air was thick with the scent of roasting peanuts, grilled meat, and the faint sweetness of freshly made bibingka.

---

Their first stop was the sprawling market district, where a labyrinth of stalls showcased everything from handwoven fabrics to piles of fresh produce. The Watcher team wove through the crowds, their cameras rolling as Ryan conducted impromptu interviews.

"Excuse me, sir," Ryan began, mic extended toward a smiling vendor. "We're filming a documentary about local myths and legends. Have you ever heard of these beings called" Luna and Tala?"

The vendor's grin widened, his weathered face lighting up. "Ah, the sisters? Everyone talks about them now. They protect Baguio. But be careful-only good people see them. You might hear whispers or see shadows if you're lucky. If you're worthy? You'll meet them in the flesh."

Shane, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow. "Good people, huh? Guess we're out of luck, Ryan."

Laughter rippled through the group, but Ryan's curiosity burned brighter with every story they heard. Tales of the sisters-protective, enigmatic, and impossibly beautiful-seemed to echo from every corner of the market.

As the day wore on, they indulged in street food, sampling everything from warm, and sweet strawberry taho to smoky grilled isaw.

Steven grimaced as he bit into the skewer. "Okay, this is... an experience."

Shane clapped him on the back, laughing. "An experience you'll taste for the next three days."

---

By late afternoon, the golden light of the setting sun bathed the city, casting long shadows across cobblestone streets. Ryan was adjusting his camera when he froze, his attention snagged by a figure near the fountain. A young woman, dressed in a simple white dress and wide-brimmed hat, moved gracefully through the crowd, a small basket swinging at her side.

"Shane," Ryan whispered, nudging his friend. "Did you see that? Over there."

Shane glanced around, his eyes landing on a vendor selling roasted corn. "See what? Snacks?"

"No, her," Ryan insisted. "White dress, white hat-she looked like she stepped out of another era."

Shane smirked. "Right. Did she wink at you too?"

Ryan ignored him, scanning the crowd again, but the woman was gone.

Later, as they walked toward the city square, she reappeared. This time, she was strolling leisurely, her basket filled with freshly cut flowers and other goods. Her hair, styled in loose braids, caught the fading sunlight, shimmering like gold. She moved with a calm elegance that seemed out of place amidst the bustling streets.

Shane leaned closer to Ryan, his teasing tone softened by intrigue. "Okay, I'll admit it. That's... not a normal vibe. She looks like she wandered out of a fantasy game."

Ryan's heart raced as he raised his camera. He needed to capture her. But just as he pressed the shutter, a sudden gust of wind swept through the square, rattling the trees and sending a cascade of petals from her basket. The shot was blurry, her face obscured.

"Riveting evidence," Shane deadpanned. "A blurry shape. Groundbreaking work."

Ryan's frustration melted as he glanced up. The woman was looking directly at him now, her expression calm but her gaze piercing. A faint smile played on her lips, as if she knew something he didn't.

---

Following the Woman

They trailed her through the narrow streets, her figure a beacon of light in the gathering dusk. Despite the chaos of the crowd, she moved effortlessly, as though the world bent around her to clear a path.

Their pursuit ended at a quiet Starbucks tucked into a leafy corner of the city. She entered without hesitation, her dress trailing behind her like a whisper. The team hesitated at the door, watching as she chose a seat by the window.

"She's just having coffee?" Shane muttered.

Ryan, barely hearing him, adjusted his camera again. But the moment he focused, the same gust of wind rattled the glass, distorting the shot. He cursed under his breath, lowering the camera in defeat.

Inside, the young woman sipped her drink, her gaze distant yet aware. She glanced at the group briefly, her smile deepening. It was a look that held knowledge, a silent challenge, and an invitation all at once.

Outside, Ryan paced. "That wasn't normal. There's something about her."

"Yeah," Shane said, clapping him on the back. "She's hot. Mystery solved."

Steven sighed, glancing back at the café window. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe she's just a local."

But deep down, Ryan knew this was only the beginning. Luna's enigmatic smile lingered in his mind, promising answers he wasn't sure he was ready to uncover.

Chapter End

AN: So being a big fan of Ryan and Shane since the BuzzFeed Unsolved days, I kind of added them in the story as a fictional versions of themselves (Including their Producer and the rest of the crew) and also I was looking for that specific dynamic humor and I think these two would fit if they are investigating the supposed existence of mythical beings.