60 Siquijor (1/2)
Siquijor island. This island was infamous in the Philippines for it's hexes, spells, and all sorts of malicious sorcery. From unexplained swelling of one's belly to insects coming out of your mouth among many other things. On the other hand, it was also where spiritual healers gathered. There has never been a science to it, but there have always been people, even executives that would make the annual trek up the mountains to visit their healers. They would always swear by it.
The majority would probably laugh at it, but after everything that has happened thus far, who knows? This island, which was known as the home to Aswangs* was also an island of beauty. Surrounded by turquoise waters and lush greenery.
In the temporary camp setup by both Hana and Mabini's respective troops. Apple had already joined up with her Mage Corps, indicating how valued Agimats are.
Exiting out of the Bakunawa's inner world, everyone had a look of reverence towards the four most powerful beings in the Sovereign Nation. Especially towards Luna, their leader.
Hana came up to them and greeted them. ”I'm glad you four made it here in such short notice. I'm sorry to inconvenience you, I know you already had quite the situation in Bohol.”
”Hana, you worry too much. The situation there might have been intense, but it wasn't enough to tire us out.” Luna replied. Indeed it was true. With his current stamina, and the fact that the most 'tiring' fight he had was with Sura inside the cave, he had easily recovered by now.
”If you would all follow me, Apple is currently analyzing the Agimat.”
”Lead the way.”
The Agimat was found in the San Juan municipality. It was just as described, it had the form of a sword, impaled into the ground. The most peculiar thing about the scene is that there was purple mist flowing out of the cracks around it. This was why they called for Luna instead of just taking it. If it unleashed something of great consequence, it would be too late for regrets.
When they arrived at the scene, the happiness on Apple and Mabini's faces were apparent.
”Luna, Sura, Max, Elder! Thank goodness you guys are here, we haven't been able to make heads or tails out of this thing, and we don't dare to make rash decisions.” Apple stated.
Trying to scan the mist, Luna ended up with no results as well. ”I'm just as stumped as your guys are, unfortunately.”
Looking towards her last hope, Apple turned to the Elder for some answers. ”Elder Aran, are you familiar with this?”
”It seems that the Agimat is acting as a seal to whatever is underneath. While I'm not sure what it may be, these factors are quite random, you see. There's no way of knowing. We can only pull it out and hope for the best.” Elder Aran shared his insight on the situation.
”Alright. We don't quite know what the consequences will be, but if it's some kind of Area-of-Effect, it will endanger the troops as well. Apple, have the troops to fall back into the Negros islands for now.” Luna said.
”Will do, but Lord Lu- erm, I mean, Luna, are what do you plan on doing?” Apple who was still in the middle of getting used to just calling him 'Luna' as he asked her to before, was quite curious.
What kind of genius plan will their fearless leader have this time? She thought. Only to be stunned at the answer he gave them all.
”We're gonna grab it, and make a run for it.” Luna replied
”This...” Everyone was stunned. This was his master plan? But when they thought about it, this seemed to be the safest option. If this seal summoned monsters, that would be fine. They could eliminate them as they got out, easily. But if it released some sort of poison gas, they would lose way too many men soldiers, even the Agimat would not be worth all these trained soldiers in value alone. Let alone that these were considered their brothers and sisters in arms.
They couldn't do anything while the troops were still returning back to their base, so they killed zombies and mutant beasts to pass the time. Luna tried his best to search for any survivors, but to no avail. It was like everyone just up and left.