The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 3 9

Magat's body twisted in a manner that wasn't humanly possible, as his mouth spat out black sludge. "Where is my sacrifice?" He asks, before he turns to the side, where laid little Likha.

    Manisilat brings an arm, and crystals emerge from the earth to barricade against Mangagauay. "Do not even think," she snarls, "to look for my daughter." The crystals continuously rise, larger and more stained by their tips. It was overwhelming with the sole purpose to crush their opponent. But the barrage is stopped at an instant, and shatters into nothing, only to reveal Magat standing with an arm outstretched. As if the simple movement of knocking was enough to destroy what was in front of them.

    "Oi, Hukluban." Manisilat starts, as Hiwaga steps up in front of their group, beside the other Divinity. "What is it, Manisilat?" Said woman snickers, a little dark but no one minded. She turns her head and gives a sly wink, "No hard feelings?" Hiwaga rolls her eyes before bringing out her hand, pira sword out and ready. "Get to work." The High Priestess said.

    Nothing else was said as both women charged against Magat, fists and weapons ahead. Amihan feels a terrible sense, like a building anticipation for something to happen and is confirmed when Manisilat orders, "Utoy, by the side!"

    Both Amihan and Banawag jump just in time for the stone wall to crash down beside them. Without thinking, Amihan calls to spirits, Protect the children! A flurry of white immediately appears, sweeping Ligid and Likha away. Ligid lets out a startled shriek but Banawag knows they're safe enough, as long as they're far from the main fight "Worry not, anak! We'll be back for you, we promise!"

    "Oh, you're not coming back for them at all. Your soul is coming with me!" The large silhouette of a man overtakes them, his skin decorated in tattoos of his conquests. Amihan curses, 'Fuck, it's Mangkukulam again!'

    The panabas blade swings, heavy handed with the absolute intent to annihilate whatever comes within its path. It swung one more time, but was immediately stopped by a delicate sibat. In all his bright glory, the High King comes against Mangkukulam. The halo is a bright contrast to the darkness around them. "Mangkukulam, bow!"

    As a lower Divinity, Mangkukulam strains against Makisig's order, even if his power keeps fading but Amihan and Banawag take this as an opportunity to attack. Amihan knew that Mangkukulam could turn them against each other, so Amihan needed a new plan. The only thing that stopped Mangkukulam before was Ligid's agimat. So this must mean that...blessed objects are effective against Mangkukulam!

He takes a small hold of Banawag's hand that wields his whip. "How good are you against your whip? You don't get nicked?" Banawag responds, "No, I don't. Not anymore." His dear grins, "Good, do your best!" Without warning, Amihan trails his hand on the body of the whip. He draws the fire sigil from memory with his blood and soon, Banawag's whip turns into fire. Banawag almost drops it in shock but is surprised to feel its warmth. It doesn't...hurt him at all. His eyes follow towards Amihan, who looks at him knowingly. "It's my spiritual fire." 'And it will never hurt you again.'

Banawag smirks, "Hah!" He swings his whip, now licks of fire enveloping their vicinity. It gets close to Mangkukulam's body, and eventually Banawag lands a hit that causes Mangkukulam to clutch his arm in pain. Amihan was about to celebrate when he felt a faint recoil in his gut. He looks for the cause of that feeling but refocuses on the fight, his energy pooling on his arnis sticks. Ancestors, spirit guides, lend us your gifts! My allies, my friends, give them the strength to keep going!

His heart pounds heavily but there is a calm release that fills his spirit, as if rejuvenated. He looks down at the kamagong wood and sees its side slowly creep up with a bright white line. He even hears a growl from where Manisilat is, screaming "DON'T YOU WASTE SHIT!"