Luines - Book 1

Chapter 28: Quiapo Church 2.0

Quiapo Church was a walk away. The strong winds were furious as they got off the jeep. Its onset typhoon was on rampage as if they were hit by a firing squad. Even with Cedric's shadow shield, the water penetrated through and pricked their skin like darts. Hal couldn't take it any longer, and got out of Cedric's shield. He could feel Zee, his pulse, his cries for help in the storm, as if his tears were that beating rain, as if the howls were his voice. In a screaming bang, Hal jumped as a lightning struck beside her. She almost fell to her face, but Ryu Kazama caught her.

"I'm lucky I know you so well." He squeezed Hal's hand, and pulled her to a kiss on the lips.

Hal closed her eyes as she was drawn completely to Ryu. At least, if this would be the end of their story, it'll be his soft lips and his calming eyes that'll play in her mind until eternity. She took a breath as she opened her eyes, as tears pricked on the edges of her eyelids, "Ryu, mahal na mahal kita."

He kissed her on the forehead and then he gazed into her eyes, "Mahal na mahal kita." His lips curved up but his eyes spoke of the sullen uncertainty they would face. Ryu took out the talisman, and traced the character with his fingers. The octagonal charm began to glow, and he placed it around his neck. "Wish me luck."

Hal's heart banged like blasting war drums as Ryu sped off towards the church. Their plan was simple that they'd surround Bakunawa and trap him in the serpent ring. If that flow will be done without any hiccups, they'll all get out of the shadowlands safely. Ford was on standby for any trouble.

Hal ran towards the north side of the Plaza Miranda and found Neon Requyem, holding the wand as she held onto her life; she aimed every lightning blast at the dragon-lion-serpent hybrid they fought to keep it cornered by the church. Bakunawa roared, as Zee dove with a tormentous gust of icy wind and shards.

"Charm, are you ready with the plan?" said Hal telepathically.

From a distance, Charm was already standing at her mark, the east side, just across Zee. Charm reached for the triquetra pendant, and sighed. "Let's get this over with." Her voice disappeared in the slashing storm as she began to raise her hands, and hum a chant.

A few moments back, Hal asked Charm what convinced her to come along and helped. She clearly remembered she declined Neon several times. In the jeep as they were discussing their plans, Charmaine pointed at Ryu. "He speaks like he tells the truth. All he wanted was to save the person he loves. If it would take a promise with Lady Fate to find what I needed, he'd do it. I believe him, Hal. He'd sacrifice a piece of him for Fate...I stopped him before he entered her shop, and asked him to go to you. So, it's your turn to make it work."

Indeed, it was her turn now. Hal caught the wand before it slipped Neon's fingers. The wand was unbearably scorching hot, that emitted little electric shocks. Neon's bruised and bloodied hands were trembling as another lightning shock lashed at Bakunawa. Neon let go as she fell to her knees. The next lightning that struck produced shocks that quaked the ground.Hal asked, "Do you have the ring?"

"I gave it to Zee when we were taken." Neon said. Her crimson eyes were worn out, yet the determination in them hadn't died. They must have been fighting Bakunawa for hours and withstood everything with the hope that they'll come. "I don't want to die without a fight! I froze before, and I won't let that happen again!"

Neon got up and placed her hands around the wand again. Hal caught them before they slipped, and clasped them together to the wand. She commanded Cedric, "Find Zee! I hope he has the ring!"

Cedric disappeared into the shadows upon Hal's command. Neon was losing her breath as they struck Bakunawa once more. The beast roared, but it seemed as if it was held back. Resounding chants of Charmaine vibrated in the surroundings.