He focused all his energy, willing something powerful to emerge, but to his embarrassment, nothing happened.
Athea (stifling a giggle): Um, Rei? I think the fire's a little… shy?
Rei's cheeks flushed with frustration, glancing back at the approaching danger.
Rei (defensively): I'm still figuring it out!
Athea couldn't help but tease him, her voice playful despite the looming threat.
Athea: Maybe try shouting louder next time!
Without another moment to waste, Rei grabbed Athea's hand, his instincts kicking in as they turned to run.
Rei (urgently): Let's go!
They sprinted through the forest, weaving between the trees, their laughter mingled with the adrenaline of their escape. Even in the face of danger, the bond they shared only grew stronger, propelling them forward into the night.
As they dashed through the dimly lit forest, Rei kept a firm grip on Athea's hand, their feet pounding against the earth. Suddenly, something caught his eye—a sturdy stick lying on the ground, its length promising potential.
Rei (excitedly): Hey, look! This could be useful!
He swiftly bent down, snatching the stick up as they ran.
Rei (grinning): Wanna fight back?
Athea, slightly out of breath but feeling the thrill of the moment, smirked at Rei's enthusiasm.
Athea: That's a ridiculous idea!
She paused for a brief moment, her expression turning mischievous.
Athea(giggling): ...Sure! Let's do it!
Rei laughed, feeling the rush of their shared adrenaline. He handed her half of the stick, and they both held it like makeshift weapons, ready to defend themselves.
Rei (playfully): Just like knights! We'll take down the evil monster!
Athea (giggling): With our mighty… stick swords!
They exchanged glances, laughter bubbling up despite the danger as they kept running, the sound of the aswang's pursuit echoing in the background.
Rei (determined): Together, we can do anything!
Athea (cheerfully): Yeah! Just don't drop your side!
With a renewed sense of camaraderie, they pressed on, hearts pounding as they prepared to face whatever came next. The forest became a realm of adventure, their fears momentarily forgotten in the thrill of their playful rebellion.
The aswang sniffed the air, his twisted face curling into a wicked grin as he picked up the faint trace of Rei and Athea's scent. His eyes glinted with dark satisfaction, his claws flexing in anticipation as he prowled through the forest, hunger driving his every step.
Aswang (gleefully, taunting): You can't hide forever, little ones. I'll find you… and devour every last bit of you!
Following the scent, he finally spotted them standing a few paces away, frozen yet determined. Rei and Athea exchanged a quick glance, their fear replaced with a shared resolve.
Rei (whispering, determined): Now or never, Athea.
Athea nodded, her face a mix of nerves and bravery as she scooped up a handful of rocks. Together, they rushed forward, Athea pelting the aswang with rocks to keep it off balance.
Athea (shouting as she throws): Over here, you monster! Think you're so scary?
The aswang growled in frustration, shielding himself from the barrage of rocks. As he snarled and raised his claws, Rei snuck up from behind and landed a solid hit on the creature's back with his stick. The aswang whirled around, his sharp claws swiping dangerously close to Rei.
Rei (ducking, breathless): Whoa! You're faster than you look!
The aswang's face twisted in fury as he lunged, his claws barely missing Rei's shoulder. Rei dodged, scrambling backward, but the aswang's gaze stayed locked on him. Seeing the creature's focus shift, Athea darted between them, her hands gripping a large rock she'd found nearby. With a quick move, she thrust it up toward the aswang's open mouth just as he tried to bite down.
The aswang's jaw crashed onto the rock with a sickening crunch, his teeth grinding painfully against it.
Aswang (snarling in pain): Argh! You little pests! I'll tear you apart!
Rei took advantage of the creature's momentary distraction, scrambling back and positioning himself beside Athea.
Athea (panting, whispering to Rei): Did you see his face? That rock really hurt him!
Rei (grinning, breathless): Yeah, let's keep at it.
The two stood side by side, sticks and rocks at the ready, prepared to keep up their fight against the aswang as the forest loomed around them.
The aswang's eyes gleamed with vicious intent as he lunged toward them, claws reaching. Athea hurled rocks at him, but this time he pushed through the pain, gripping her by the hair and lifting her off the ground. Athea struggled, her hands clawing at his grip, panic flashing across her face.
Athea (struggling, panicked): Let... go of me!
Rei, eyes wide with fury, rushed in, swinging his stick with all his might at the creature. But the aswang moved with alarming speed, knocking Rei back with a single swipe of his powerful arm. Rei stumbled, catching himself just in time to see the aswang's mouth open, preparing to bite Athea.
Athea, heart pounding and survival instincts kicking in, balled her fist and swung it up with all her strength, connecting with the aswang's face. Her punch landed with an unexpected force, sending some of his teeth scattering and splitting his lip, blood trickling down his chin.
Aswang (snarling in pain, furious): You… you'll pay for that!
Before he could retaliate, Rei, seeing red, dashed back toward them, his body ignited with that same strange energy as before. His stick seemed to glow faintly with a golden hue as he swung it, this time with a fierceness that surprised even him.
Rei (furious): Leave her alone!
The stick connected with the aswang's chest, and in a blinding flash, the creature was hurled backward, flying through the air and crashing into a pair of trees, snapping them on impact. The forest echoed with the sound, and for a moment, silence settled around them as the aswang lay sprawled and stunned.
Rei panted, his chest rising and falling heavily, the faint glow from the stick fading as he looked to Athea.
Rei (worried, catching his breath): Are you okay, Athea?
Athea, still reeling, nodded slowly, her eyes wide with awe.
Athea (amazed, a bit dazed): You... that was incredible, Rei. That stick... it glowed!
They shared a breathless moment, taking in what had just happened as they kept their gaze on the aswang, unsure if it would rise again.
The aswang stumbled to his feet, clutching his chest and glaring at Rei and Athea, his expression twisted with a mix of pain and anger. While most of his wounds were healing quickly, the spot where Rei had hit him was still raw and scorched. He looked at the kids, baffled and furious.
Aswang (angry, confused): What kind of hit was that? It burns… and it won't heal!