LAKAN of the Engkanto

Chapter 5: The Mountain Pass

The river eventually widened, its current slowing as it flowed into a vast lake. The surrounding landscape transformed, the dense jungle giving way to rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. In the distance, the majestic peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains loomed, their summits shrouded in mist.

Lakan and Amihan disembarked from the raft, their legs stiff from the long journey. They stretched their muscles, savoring the feeling of solid ground beneath their feet.

"The map indicates that we need to find a pass through the mountains," Amihan said, consulting her worn parchment. "It's the only way to reach the artifact's hiding place."

Lakan scanned the horizon, his eyes searching for a break in the imposing mountain range. "It won't be easy," he observed, his voice tinged with concern. "Those peaks look treacherous."

Amihan nodded in agreement. "We'll need to be careful," she said. "The mountains are home to many dangers, both natural and supernatural."

They set off, their knapsacks slung over their shoulders. The terrain grew steeper with each step, the path winding through dense thickets and over loose scree. Lakan's 'lakas' energy helped him navigate the challenging terrain, his enhanced agility and strength allowing him to effortlessly leap over obstacles and scale sheer rock faces.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape, they reached a narrow pass that snaked its way between two towering cliffs. The air grew colder, and a biting wind whistled through the gap.

"This must be it," Amihan said, her voice barely audible above the wind.

They cautiously entered the pass, their footsteps echoing in the confined space. The walls of the cliffs pressed in on them, creating a sense of claustrophobia. Lakan's senses were on high alert, every nerve tingling with anticipation.

Suddenly, a piercing shriek echoed through the pass, followed by the sound of flapping wings. Lakan and Amihan looked up to see a flock of giant bats swooping down from the cliffs, their leathery wings blocking out the fading sunlight.

"Manananggals!" Amihan cried, her voice filled with alarm. "Quick, take cover!"

They dove behind a large boulder, their hearts pounding in their chests. The manananggals, monstrous creatures from Filipino folklore, were known for their insatiable hunger for human flesh. Their sharp claws and razor-sharp teeth could tear a victim apart in seconds.

The air throbbed with the flapping of wings as the manananggals circled overhead, their shrieks echoing through the pass. Lakan gripped his bolo, his knuckles white. He had never faced such terrifying creatures before, but he knew he had to protect Amihan.

One of the manananggals spotted them and dove towards their hiding place, its claws extended. Lakan leaped out from behind the boulder, his bolo raised. He met the creature's attack with a swift strike, severing one of its wings.

The mananangal screeched in pain, its body spiraling out of control. It crashed into the cliff wall, its lifeless form tumbling into the abyss below.

The other manananggals, sensing danger, retreated, their shrieks fading into the distance. Lakan and Amihan emerged from their hiding place, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"That was close," Amihan said, her voice shaking slightly.

Lakan nodded, his heart still racing. "We need to get through this pass quickly," he said, his voice firm. "Before they return."

They pressed on, their pace quickening. The pass seemed to stretch on endlessly, the darkness growing deeper with each step. Lakan's 'lakas' energy illuminated their path, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding cliffs.