"Here you go, my lady. Watch your step." I held Traiser's hand as he offered to.
The scenery I observe is much the same as El Nido, Palawan, and even in Capiz. First thing I noticed.
The only difference here is the dark zui surroundings.
Traiser had notice, so he says, "Spaniards call this island as Isla de Fuego or Island of Fire. This was also where mananambal is famous. The sorceress or healers or witches, whatever their names."
I sniff the air. "Indeed. I sense high mana all around."
His eyebrows are knitted together as he looks at me. He got interrupted when the pilot said something and got to talk with him for a while. I guess he's going to ask me about mana.
Spells and mana are related to each other. Although, these can only be used by a certain creature under certain circumstances. Lots of c's there. Speaking of these, the Southern demons have their own abilities on casting spells, however, they are the only ones who can.
The universe has no plans for others.
I turn around when someone tapped my back. "What?" I ask irritably. He put his arm on my shoulder. I find myself being shocked by his gestures.
I almost throw him when he butted in. "Act normal." He takes advantage of me when little did he know that putting an arm on a demon's shoulder is a sign of invitation for battle. O, how about in Earth's? I don't care!
He went on saying, "For your information, I remember I've visited this island when I was thirteen. I pretty much have vague memories here. "
"And so? You think you'll lead this exploration?"
"Uhm, of course not." He glances at my face. "You're the boss, my lady. The queen!" He even grins, showing how well taken care of his teeth.
I've lowered my size for a bit for he would not suffer. My tail suddenly hits Traiser's back. He flinches and groans lowly.
He glares at me. "Don't tell me, you had even tails?"
I smirk teasingly. "Yes, you guess it right. My tails are even."
At first, he didn't get the joke, then later he pretends to laugh. "Nice pun. And, I guess your tails are four."
I nod. "Correct again."
He gasps. "I'm a good guesser." We both laugh, I don't know why but I think we're connected at that time.
As if we laugh when no trouble is coming. Nor deities' followers approaching. Nevertheless, we reach a village on the island.
Traiser crosses his arms. With a hint of doubt, he asks me. "Do you know motorcycle? Can you ride one? Have you experience riding one?"
I roll my eyes in anger. "I wouldn't rent it when I don't know." Frankly, I don't have any idea about motorcycles. It just sounds cool, and something kicks inside, telling 'I-want-that-vehicle-do-or-die.'
He just sighs. "My life depends on you."
"Always has been."
The man operating the shop chuckles. "You look good together. I hope you'll enjoy your vacation here, Mister and Mrs. ?"
I squint my eyes at him. What is he saying?
"Lustrado. Panah. We're still dating." Traiser fake cough as he said it. I turn my head to him with confused glares.
The man reacts with 'ahh', and then, "I hope you two will end up together. Miss Panah, you'll be Mrs. Lustrado soon"
He smiles widely and so does Traiser. My hands are itching to strangle them both.
Moving on, Traiser enclosed his arms around my waist when we start to ride the vehicle. Seems so strange but we both discovered that I handled the motorcycle flawlessly.
He even sings while we're exploring. All I ever felt this moment is like a dream, reaching a cloud nine, clear sky and pink clouds passed by.
In addition to the wonderful scenery, he sings with an attractive melody.
We reach the center in just a few minutes.
High and mighty, Mount Malabahoc spreading a huge amount of mana. Some folks are also at the foot of the mountain. They are picking something, probably herbs or roots.
Traiser came to them, asked about details of the mountain. Even in my distance, I still heard what they're talking about.
The weirder part, those folks keep staring at me. It seems they felt something is off and I perhaps also felt the same way.
Afterward, Traiser turned his head to me, walked with his hands in his pocket. "We need to consult-" I know. I've heard too, that when venturing the mountain, we need permission from the mayor.
I put my hand on his lips. "Sheesh. We're just going to peek. It doesn't hurt at all. This is the plan, I'll run over the top of the mountain while you entertain the folks here."
He glares at me. "That's stupid. What if you'll get in trouble? Who's going to save you?"
"Talk to yourself. It's just a quick sprint. Don't think too much."
"Excuse me? I really don't agree with your-"
"You have no choice."
I drag him to the motorcycle, tapping his shoulder. He was about to grab my wrist, but I run straight away. I rely on my third eye for three hundred sixty observations while running.
Yes, demons can do this.
Take note, I underwent vigorous training.
Although the mountain, itself, is a living mana producer, it doesn't have a darker zui and portal. The air blew Traiser's hair and clothes as I run back and stood at the front.
He blinks his eyes several times. "You're back."
I grin. "I never left, stupid. So, let's go to the small village, and continuing the search."
He whispered to my horns. "That's cool." My lips curve and my inner senses are tingled. I shook my head, trying to get him out of my head.
He added, "Can you please drive safely?"
I scoffed as we almost hit a tree. I even laugh, "Sorry, your fault." I heard him clicked his tongue. He must be annoyed.
--------
Plain blank face, I show to the old ladies and men in the village. They said they are healers. Strangely, they remember Traiser and welcome him warmly as well.
An old lady walks near me. She sneers and rolls her eyes. The shocking manners of hers! What she did after is more surprising. She pulled my wrist and put me into a dark room.
"We are expecting you, diablae." Her hoarse voice, deep stares, and few teeth in her mouth countable by fingers.
She went on. "The Oracle already gave us her piece of prophecy. We couldn't believe it at first. But, now, you two are inside our island."
I began to be confused. "Can you get straight to the point? I have po-"
"Yes, portal to search. We know. Rest assured, you'll find your answers here. Answers to all of your doubts and wonders."
I can see her moving around as she speaks. Through humans' naked eye, they might not see any figure, thus I have my eyes that can perceive anything, anyone, anywhere, and even to the darkest or brightest.
She sat on a chair, a wooden one. "Sorcerers, magicians, witches, wizards, warlocks, we still exist. We serve as mediator and guide of every kind," says she while rocking the chair.
I frown and groan in frustration. "Direct to the point, please."
"If you ask which side we choose, we choose none. We, mages are peace contributors as we'll manage to lessen the damages."
She's not listening to me.
"This may sound-" I but in. "I need to go. Save your precious storytelling. My time is important."
I exited the room and found Traiser talking to other men outside. They seem to have fun. I whistled in the air, calling for the dumb face.
He turned and quickly smiled at me. "What took you so long, huh? I thought -"
"Save your talk, we need to go." He hops beside me and puts his hands on my shoulder. That's.... annoying. I least expect he'll enclose his hands to my waist one more time.
-------
It's over. Over. Over.
I close my eyes. Trying to suppress the disappointment. Guessing game is not fun here when our lives are at stake.
Traiser awkwardly caresses my back. "Maybe, we can find the portal in Mindanao. Siquijor is just near Mindanao island. Don't be so hard on yourself. Let's just enjoy our remaining time here."
I smile and sigh. "Sure thing. You need to contact the pilot so we'll have a ride to Mindanao. "
He stops his caressing and shakes his head. "Limdi, I have no phone remember." My eyes squint. "You can contact them, however, right?"
His eyes point upward. "I think so..... I'll try. For now, let's go back to the village. The Siquijodnons there remembered me. It's nice to be remembered."
Honestly, I'm getting annoyed and frustrated with fate. THROUGH ALL THESE time, the motorcycle died and left us stuck in the middle of nowhere. There are no houses around, practically the thick trees.
"O, come on! Not in here! What the hell?!" Traiser exclaimed. He then kicks the motorcycle which ends up him getting hurt. Silly.
Suddenly, my tails got up on their own. My senses are alerted by something. I turn around, observe the whole surrounding. Just as I lift my head, a swarm of ugly creatures with wings attack.
They are pure and embodiment of DISGUSTING word.
They have their torso with wings, but not the lower part. Yes, they are half-body! Bloods even drips on their torso.
"Manananggal! Aswang!" Traiser yells and run to me. He hid on my back, trembling.
I underestimated the situation when more of them came. Up above, mananggal, down below, shape-shifting cats and dogs; Traiser said, they're aswangs.
They are around fifty in all.
Those glaring and intensive bloody eyes focus on my back. Of course, they want the pure soul. Now, my list goes on here. Remember the Deities' Followers That I Kill and Probably will kill if we meet again.
I pull my sword, one of the weapons I inserted beneath my skin. This is made with pure Zonax crystal, unbreakable, and blessed with Southern spells; curses.
This takes form in any way I need. And, now it takes double-blade like scythe form. I let it dances in my hands, intimidating the enemies.
My tails, too, move to wrap Traiser, protecting him.
With no more descriptions left, let the battle begins. I reap the scythe both sideways, you know, circling in my hands, while the aswangs try to counter it. But, they ended up being ash.
My mobility is lessened due to my back's function. I let my sword takes care of the rest. I didn't hesitate to slice the manananggal, the annoying part, they always came back after being stabbed and sliced.
What an enthusiasm.
Going back, the terrestrial aswang attack bare hands. My sword pierces down to their stomach, deeper and then they were ash.
I'm getting tired from the manananggal.
"Kill the lower part, Limdi! They'll be dead for sure!" Traiser screams at the top of his lungs.
I pull a boomerang out. I whisper to find the lower parts of these creatures and hit them as hard as I could. I sent it flying northern.
While I keep on yielding the sword.
I thought that'll end. Their number will decrease, thus reinforcement keeps adding up.
I grew tired from the fair battle. So, I paralyzed them all with my third eye. It works, a great relief. 'Eeeeekkkkkk!' The pitchy sounds of manananggals ring on my ears. They eventually drop lifeless on the ground, one by one.
On the other side, all of them still paralyzed, I control the boomerang and dispatch them all instantly.
All of a sudden, a sacred bell rings.
I got on my knees, my whole body screams. Its sound is far tormenting this time. I held my hair, and keep on groaning in pain.
This bell might be a superior type to the ones at the K.U. It sucks! My cells are crying! I can't take this!
In a glimpse, a bright light blinds me. I don't know but it feels as if the pain is gone as this approaches me.
Please, come near. Save me.
"...Wherever we go, whatever may come.... I'll always believe in you..."
It gets louder.
Clearer.
I heard a warm and euphonious melody.
I'm safe!
"Close your eyes
lean on me
hold my hands
You'll be safe with me
I'll carry you
with your uncertainties and fears
Don't worry
You'll be safe with me...."
Traiser's body is close to mine. I can hear his heartbeat. He sings in the middle of an attack as if he's not scared.
I look up at his face. He's so bright and warm. He looks silly, but I like how silly it is as it evokes calm and peace within.
He met my eyes. "How's my cry for help? Does it work?" I look at his condition. He had wounds! How did he?
"Don't worry. Just a scratch. How about you? You, fine?" He still smiles and assures me even though I can see how bad his wounds are.
I look at the enemies. They are still swarming. One manananggal flies straight to Traiser, and pulls his shirt collar. He tried to clutch me tightly. My hands also grab the ground firmly. But, the mananaggal had doubled and Traiser let go.
NO!
I want to shout, but my voice betrayed me.
They got Traiser!
Watery liquid, tears I suppose, pour out continuously through my eyes. Even the third one does.
My hands tremble, my lips quiver, I felt strange anger inside. I want that manananggal to die.
Don't you dare to hurt, Traiser.
He's mine.