Chapter 0.15

The aswang's face twisted with fury as he ripped through the vines, sending broken threads flying. Rei, watching this, put on a brave face, his voice laced with a hint of mockery.

Rei (mocking, hands on his hips): Well, guess I overestimated those vines. Thought they'd be a bit… tougher.

The aswang's eyes narrowed, and with a snarl, he lunged forward. His claw swiped at Rei, forcing him to dodge. Another quick slash came, and then a hard kick to Rei's side, making him stumble. Before Rei could fully recover, the aswang's claw shot out, wrapping around his neck and lifting him off the ground.

Aswang (sneering, pulling Rei closer): Just noticed those horns… and that strange ring up there. What are you, kid? Some kind of demon?

The aswang's sneer deepened as he tightened his grip around Rei's neck, his claws pressing into Rei's skin. Rei choked, his hands clawing at the aswang's arm, trying to loosen the hold, his breaths growing ragged. The aswang's grip slowly constricted more, making Rei's face redden as he fought to breathe.

Aswang (mocking, voice low and taunting): Look at you squirm. Not so brave now, are you, little demon? You thought you could play hero? (He chuckled darkly) I'll crush every last bit of that courage out of you.

Rei's vision started to blur, his hands feeling weaker against the aswang's iron grip. He could barely manage a breath, his legs kicking in desperation, trying to break free.

Rei (struggling, voice barely a whisper): I… I'm not… a demon…

The aswang only tightened his hold, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he enjoyed watching Rei struggle.

Aswang (sneering, voice dripping with malice): Not a demon, you say? Then tell me, why do I feel this strange energy from you? (He tightened his grip even further) Maybe I should just snap that little neck of yours to find out.

Rei struggled against the grip, his breaths shallow. But before he could respond, a shout cut through the air.

Athea (furious, charging): He's no demon! Leave him alone!

In a burst of energy, Athea threw herself at the aswang, her head colliding with his chest in a powerful headbutt. The aswang let out a strangled shriek of pain, his grip on Rei loosening. He staggered back, releasing Rei, who dropped to the ground and coughed, catching his breath.

Rei (gasping, looking at Athea): Whoa… nice timing, Athea.

Athea (grinning, rubbing her forehead a bit): Didn't think I'd actually get him.

The aswang snarled, visibly angered by the interruption.

Aswang (glaring at Athea, his eyes flashing with rage): You insolent little brat! I'll deal with you next!

Athea (determined, fists clenched): You're not touching him!

Rei gasped for air, his throat raw and his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. He glanced over at Athea, who was anxiously hovering nearby, her face a mix of concern and determination.

Athea (kneeling beside him, gripping the stick tightly): Are you okay, Rei? You scared me!

Rei (still panting, trying to nod): I… I'm fine. Just… catching my breath…

Athea noticed the aswang still mumbling angrily, clearly recovering from her earlier attack. She gritted her teeth, a flicker of resolve igniting within her.

Athea (lifting the stick, her voice firm): I remember this scene from a TV series I watched! I've always wanted to try it. Close your eyes, okay? Just trust me!

Rei blinked, momentarily confused but too exhausted to protest. He squeezed his eyes shut, focusing on the sounds of the night—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of crickets, and the low growl of the aswang.

Athea (grinning fiercely, taking a deep breath): Here goes nothing!

With a powerful determination, Athea dashed toward the aswang, her heart racing. The stick felt solid in her grip as she swung it with everything she had, channeling all her energy into the strike.

Athea (yelling): Take this!

The stick sliced through the air, cutting not just through the aswang but also through the thick trunk of the balete tree behind him. The sound of splintering wood echoed through the forest as both the aswang and the tree were struck with a thunderous impact.

The aswang howled in pain, his body splitting as he staggered back, eyes wide in disbelief. Athea's attack had caught him completely off guard, and as he fell, the tree shuddered violently, branches breaking and crashing to the ground.

The aswang stood for a moment, speechless, as Athea's attack resonated through the clearing. His body began to disintegrate, fading away like mist in the morning light. Athea watched in awe as the glow from her stick dimmed and finally vanished, leaving only the echoes of their battle hanging in the air.

Athea (grinning, a teasing tone in her voice): Well, that was anticlimactic! I was kinda expecting some blood to go everywhere, that's why I made you close your eyes!

Rei (scrunching his face in confusion): What's blood?

Athea (giggling softly, shaking her head): I'll explain that next time, promise!

As the last remnants of the aswang faded, Athea looked up at the sky. The moon hung low, a silvery orb slowly giving way to the approaching dawn. The first hints of sunlight were creeping into the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.

Athea (realizing): Oh no, the sun's going to come up soon! I need to get home before my parents wake up!

Rei (worriedly): Are you going to get in trouble?

Athea (biting her lip, glancing back at the forest): Maybe, but it was worth it! I mean, we fought a monster!

Rei (nodding enthusiastically): Yeah! You were super brave, Athea!

Athea (with a mischievous smile): You were too! We make a pretty good team, huh?

Rei (grinning): Definitely! But we should get back before your parents notice you we're gone.

Athea took one last look at the forest, the adrenaline still buzzing through her veins. With a newfound sense of confidence, she took Rei's hand, and together they dashed towards home, hearts racing not just from the excitement of the night but also from the unbreakable bond they had forged in the face of danger.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Rei slowed to a stop, watching Athea's figure as she prepared to sneak back home. He looked at her, eyes wide with a hopeful smile.

Rei (quietly, a hint of worry): You'll come back to see me again, right?

Athea turned back, her face lighting up with a reassuring smile. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug.

Athea (grinning): Of course I will! I'll come back whenever I get the chance to sneak out again, so don't worry.

She gave him a little squeeze, feeling the excitement of their adventure still pulsing through her. Then she pulled back, giving him a cheerful wave.

Athea (waving as she backed away): See you later, Rei! Don't miss me too much, okay?

Rei watched her go, feeling his heart lighten as he waved back, his own face breaking into a huge grin.

Rei (calling out): I won't! But I'll still wait!

With one last smile, Athea turned and dashed off, disappearing into the trees and heading toward the village, her footsteps quick but careful. As she reached her house, she silently slipped through the door, her pulse racing as she quietly made her way to her room. She managed to settle back into bed, her heart pounding from the thrill of it all.

Back in the forest, Rei lingered by the trees, gazing at the spot where she had vanished from sight. For the first time, he didn't feel alone. He knew she'd come back. With a small, happy sigh, he turned and headed deeper into the woods, feeling warmth and excitement in his chest, already eager for their next adventure.

Athea lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling with a grin she couldn't shake off. Her heart was still racing, and she felt like she was buzzing from everything that had happened.

Athea (whispering to herself, excited): That was… incredible. I can't believe we actually fought off a monster! And Rei… he was so fast, like some kind of hero from a story.

She giggled quietly, pulling the blanket over her face, her cheeks warm with excitement.

Athea (muttering): And I actually pulled off that move I saw on TV! He even closed his eyes, just like I told him.

She gave a little laugh, then sighed, her thoughts drifting back to Rei.