Rapture

chapter 13

As I continued my journey towards the lake, the picturesque countryside unfolded before me, a stark contrast to the aftermath of the rapture. Tall forest trees extended for miles, standing tall and proud despite the chaos that ensued. A glimmer of hope still lingered in the remnants of wildlife that roamed the area. Spotting a doe and her fawn crossing the treeline was a rare and heartwarming sight. The fawn's innocent gaze met mine briefly, and it paused to lick its hooves before rejoining its mother.

Feeling the tranquility of the surroundings, I opted not to bring any weapons on this short trip. The region was relatively safe to explore, thanks to the indigenous people of Maguindanao who had crafted the fine holy gravel road leading to the lake. Each step I took on the path echoed a subtle crunching sound, harmonizing with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Drawing nearer to the treeline that separated the lake from the dense forest, a sudden spine-chilling scream pierced the otherwise serene atmosphere. The unexpected sound sent shivers down my spine, instantly putting me on high alert. Instinctively, I focused my senses, trying to identify the source of the distressing cry.

As I sprinted towards the edge of the treeline, my heart pounded in my chest. The scene before me unfolded rapidly - a cryptid pinning down someone dressed in sacrificial robes, while Sandra and Hannah fought valiantly against five other menacing cryptids. Among them was a particularly dangerous variant of Aswang known for its ability to burrow into the ground for surprise attacks.

Time seemed to slow as I closed the distance. The aswang's gnashing jaws were mere inches from the robed person's vulnerable body. Swiftly, I launched into action, executing a roundhouse kick to the chin of the cryptid. It staggered back, its mouth drooling with sticky saliva as it was prevented from making its victim a meal.

Just then, a gunshot pierced the air, and a bullet found its mark on the aswang's forehead. With a final shudder, the creature slumped towards us, lifeless. I turned my gaze to Sandra and Hannah, who had expertly neutralized their own foes.

The tense moment passed, and I felt a rush of relief knowing we had managed to fend off the immediate threat. The adrenaline still coursed through my veins, and my breaths came in ragged gasps as the aftermath of the encounter settled around us.

"Big bro!" Sam's voice rang out urgently from behind me, and I swiftly turned around to face her. She was holding the Glock, the same reliable weapon I had used in countless missions before.

"What happened?" I asked, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

"We were training over the river bank," Sam explained, her voice steady despite the concern in her eyes. "Suddenly, there was screaming, and we rushed here to see what was happening."

My eyes scanned the scene before me, taking in the tense atmosphere. Hannah, visibly shaken, embraced Sam tightly, her assault rifle forgotten on the ground.

"Oh God! Sam, I am so sorry," Hannah interjected, her voice choked with tears. The distress in her expression was evident, and I knew she was grappling with the aftermath of the unexpected chaos.

"s**t, I thought this area was safe?" Sandra said, her breaths coming in labored gasps, clearly exhausted from the ordeal.

Sam's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her emotions barely contained. "I stayed on the riverbank, but when I heard Big Sis scream, I knew I had to go after her."

Her courage and quick thinking in the face of danger impressed me. I placed a firm hand on Sam's shoulder, conveying my support and determination. "You did the right thing, Sam," I said, my voice unwavering. "That's what matters."

"Please... Help... Us." A weak voice pleaded, drawing my attention.

I turned around to see a robed woman stretching her arms out towards us. Her condition was alarming, and her voice trembled with desperation as she spoke, "The... Village... Was... Attacked," she managed to say, struggling to utter each word.

Without hesitation, I rushed to the woman's side, lifting her carefully into my arms. "Hang on," I reassured her, my tone firm and determined. "We'll get you back to safety."