THE HEALER'S CONQUEST

It was a very bright starry night this time, a very calming scenery awaits me as I was leaving the forest overlooking the vast clearing in the middle of tall trees. The chirping of birds and buzzing of insects became music in my ears. I sighed and breathes in air to calm myself and readies to let go of something. I took of my necklace and gazed at a pair of very identical shaped sharp-like stone called *Mutya*. One of them is colour white and the other is black. They were called *Pangil Ng Kidlat*. "It was already a long time when I found the two of you. It was a very interesting encounter that I won't forget". I said to it as I clasp them into my hand. Then, a warmth current flowed from them to my body and seeps through my arm giving me a very renewed strength. I put it back to my neck and started to dig a hole in the center of the field. As I digged through the ground it started to rain slightly. Then suddenly I felt the Stones pulsating aggressively. I stopped what I was doing and focused in the darkness of the forest. The chirping birds and buzzing halted, it's raining but I felt a warm breeze in my body. Then a weird sound of loud flapping big wings surrounded the area followed by a very distinct chirping. "TikTik TikTik TikTik". The sound echoed through the trees. The sound from the creature from a loud became quieter as the time passes. I draw my daggers that are made from pure copper grasping them tightly. "COME OUT! I KNOW YOU'RE THERE!". I shouted with rage as I slashed my knives. Then I heard distorted growl of a beast as it appeared in front of me a very huge black hound, It was large the size of a standing adult man. It's fur as dark as a shadow, It's eyes as red as a blazing crimson light like a burning coal. We stare at each other as it rained heavier. A sudden gust of wind that spread out a very foul odor of rotten flesh. Then a flash of lightning illuminated us for a brief moment but it gave a sudden burst of energy. Because of that the hound shrieked a growl like a blend howling and suffering human as it warped itself into human shaped but uncannily not human as it has a very furry but slim body with a dark grey skin colour. Arm stretched longer than normal with sharp claws with it's. distorted face of bulging eyes and razor sharp teeth. It was a creature called as *Aswang* In a blink of an eye it disappeared but fortunately I blocked it as it appeared by my side swinging it's arms. I swiftly slashed it's face making it step backwards shrieking as the wound was smoking like it was touched by a burning rod. As it stretched it's tongue as it swiftly crawled stretching it's tongue and attacked me with it. But I slashed it severing it's tongue as it swirled like a snake in the ground. The Aswang became enraged attacking me but I slashed at him cutting it's hand. Being in a disadvantaged position the Aswang fled the area as it disappeared like a shadow. I closed my eyes and breathe in as I focused. "Oh, Amang makapangyarihan pahintulutan niyo pong magamit ko Ang galing Ng kidlat". (Oh, Almighty Father please allow me to use the power of Lightning). I prayed as I opened my eyes "Haring Kidlat, Basbasan niyo po ako''. (Bless me Oh King Of Lightning). I said as the flash of light and thunder roared. I ran and felt my body being light and then moments later I caught the Monster that became flustered seeing me before him. I grabbed his face and slammed him in the ground. Then Swiftly stabbed him with the now glowing fiery dagger in the chest immediately killing it. I stood and sighed. "Living for a hundred year and above sure is burdening, it took me this long to kill you". I said as I looked a the horizon looking at sunrise. The corpse of the being slowly turned to ashes as the sun rises and comeback to the hole and took off the necklace. "This is our last battle together now I would let go of you. You may now choose your next inheritor". I said as I put it in. the hole and bury it as I left it there for the next generation. Although it was very hard to let go I should do it for these malicious creatures are rampant. They may be very few right now but may be in the future they can increase. May the next generation have a very strong and capable healer. May the Guides be with him and teach him our knowledge for they are Ethereal for I am just a mortal and won't be there to guide him myself. They are fewer of us that we want to admit. You would feel lonely in your challenges like a lone warrior fighting several enemies from everywhere. I wish for you to find your ally to share your burden for that is my biggest regret in this life for I became too proud that I can fight things others cannot and now I don't have anyone to be with me in my remaining life. ✓✓✓ Years have passed and decades came by the clear field have change a mound appeared in the center of it that continues to wait for the Healer's Successor. ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓ Mutya- Mystical Gemstone in Filipino Folklore that can give Strength, Immunity to Blades and Gunshots, Luck and Pangil Ng Kidlat- Fang of Lightning. A type of Mystical Gemstone. Aswang- is an umbrella term for various shape-shifting evil creatures in Filipino folklore, such as vampires, ghouls, witches, viscera suckers, and transforming human-beast hybrids.