The Moonlight Assassin

Crashing Down

As Alexander, inhabiting Miguel's body, faced off against Alice, the tension crackled in the air like electricity. Alice's eyes narrowed as she confronted her brother, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Why are you trying to save Tabby's boyfriend, Miguel?" Alice demanded, her tone laced with malice. "Wasn't it you who wanted him to perish along with the rest of these insignificant humans?"

Alexander, his expression resolute, met Alice's gaze head-on. "Yes, it was," he admitted, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him. "But I've come to realize that there's more to this world than just destruction and chaos. Living among humans, I've seen the beauty of their lives, the strength of their bonds, and the hope in their hearts."

Suddenly, the impending transformation that has been circling within his body started to fade out.

Alice scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "And you think that changes anything? You're a manananggal, Alexander, a creature of darkness. You belong to the shadows, not among these pitiful humans."

But Alexander stood his ground, his conviction unwavering. "No, Alice. I refuse to believe that. I believe that there's a place for us in this world, a place where manananggal and humans can coexist in harmony. We don't have to be enemies. We can learn to live together, to understand each other, to forge a new path forward."

Alice's eyes narrowed, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "You're a fool, Alexander," she spat, her voice tinged with bitterness. "But if you want to throw your lot in with these humans, then so be it. But know this – you'll regret it. Go, have fun together with Tabby."

With those ominous words, Alice stepped aside, allowing Alexander to pass. As he rushed towards Tabby, his heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with peril, but he also knew that he couldn't turn back now.

As he reached Tabby's side, he gathered her into his arms, relief flooding through him at the sight of her safe and unharmed.

"Thank you, Alexander," said Tabby, "You have realized to live as a human. How did you do it?"

"Remember when your father prayed over me in your home?", replied Alexander, "When I prayed to that man named Jesus Christ, there was something inside me that gave me a reason to live not as a manananggal, but as a true human."

"Oh, praise the Lord! You have found your true purpose!", exclaimed Tabby, "But I wish Miguel joins us on this moment together!"

"But first, Tabby, let us stop the plans of the evil Alice," said Alexander.

 With a silent vow to protect her at all costs, Alexander braced himself for the battle that lay ahead, knowing that the fate of their town hung in the balance, and that only by working together could they hope to emerge victorious against the darkness that threatened to consume them all.

As Alexander held Tabby close, a sense of relief washed over him, knowing that she was safe in his arms. But his moment of solace was short-lived as Alice's mocking laughter echoed through the room, shattering the fragile peace.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Alice sneered, her eyes glinting with malice as she regarded the pair before her. "The traitorous brother and his pathetic human lover, together at last. How touching."

Tabby bristled at Alice's taunts, her grip tightening on Alexander's arm as she glared defiantly at her adversary. "You can mock us all you want, Alice," she retorted, her voice trembling with suppressed anger, "but we won't let you win. We'll stop you, no matter what it takes."

Alice chuckled darkly, her lips twisting into a cruel smile. "Oh, how brave of you," she mocked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But where is your precious boyfriend, Miguel? Oh, that's right – he's just sleeping in my brother's consciousness, isn't he? How convenient."

Alexander's jaw clenched at Alice's words, his eyes flashing with anger as he struggled to contain his rising fury. "Miguel is not just sleeping," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. "He's a part of me, just as I am a part of him. And when the time is right, he'll emerge from within me, stronger than ever."

Alice's laughter rang out through the room, mocking and derisive. "You really believe that, don't you?" she taunted, her eyes glittering with malice. "Well, we'll see about that. But for now, enjoy your little reunion, because soon enough, it will all come crashing down around you."

With a final sneer, Alice turned and flew into the shadows, leaving Alexander and Tabby alone once more. But as she turned her back towards them, she whispered to herself...

"You'll see it crashing down. Literally," she laughed silently.

As the echoes of Alice's departing laughter faded into the darkness, Tabby and Alexander wrapped their arms around each other in a tight embrace, seeking solace in each other's presence. But their moment of respite was shattered by the sudden sound of metal clunking and cracking above them.

Startled, they looked up just in time to see a large cage plummeting towards them. 

"Tabby, head down!", shouted Alexander.

With lightning-fast reflexes, they fell themselves in a crouching position on the ground, narrowly avoiding being crushed beneath its weight. The cage crashed to the ground with a deafening thud, trapping them inside with no means of escape.

As Tabby and Alexander picked themselves up from the ground, they realized the severity of their situation. They were trapped, cornered like prey in a cage with no way out. Panic threatened to consume them, but they forced themselves to stay calm, knowing that losing their composure would only make matters worse.

"Oh no, the bars are too thick!", exclaimed Tabby.

"Yeah, but let me try to take this out," said Alexander.

With a determined expression, Alexander approached the bars of the cage, his muscles tensing as he attempted to lift it with his own strength. But despite his efforts, the cage remained firmly in place, its weight too much for his lean and frail body to bear.

"My God, this is extremely heavy! I should've realized Miguel is a indeed a lean, skinny twat!", said Alexander in frustration.

Frustration boiled within him as he realized the futility of his attempts. He glanced at Tabby, his eyes filled with regret, knowing that he had failed to protect her once again.

"Sorry, Tabby, I should've known about Alice's plans, but we're together now, including Miguel. But both of us share one body, no-one can use this body at the same time," said Alexander.

"That's alright, Alexander, what's important is we are safe, and we can always pray to the Lord to rescue us," replied Tabby.

But before Alexander could dwell on his shortcomings, the sound of mocking laughter echoed through the darkness, drawing his attention to the figures emerging from the shadows. It was Jeremy, flanked by his male manananggal minions, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Jeremy taunted, his voice dripping with venom. "Looks like the traitorous brother and his little human pet have found themselves in quite the predicament. How unfortunate."

Tabby's fists clenched at her sides as she glared defiantly at Jeremy, her fear giving way to fierce determination. "You think you can intimidate us with your cheap tricks?" she spat, her voice laced with contempt. "We're not afraid of you, Jeremy. We'll find a way to stop you, no matter what it takes."

Jeremy's lips curled into a sinister smile as he stepped closer to the cage, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "Oh, I'm afraid it's too late for that, my dear," he replied, his voice dripping with malice. "You see, tonight marks the beginning of the end for you and your precious town. And there's nothing you can do to stop it."

With a wicked laugh, Jeremy turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Tabby and Alexander alone once more. As the reality of their dire situation sank in, they knew that their only hope lay in finding a way to escape before it was too late. But with the manananggal horde closing in around them, their chances of survival seemed slim at best.