Nothing is as it seems
After hours of traveling through treacherous terrain, the group finally reached their destination. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. Zhilakoa's exhaustion vanished as she caught sight of the majestic oak trees in the distance, their branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral.
"We're here," Eryn said, his voice filled with relief. "The Grove of Dodona. "Zhilakoa's eyes widened as she stepped into the grove, her breath catching in her throat. The ancient oak trees towered above her, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. She could feel the weight of history and magic in this sacred place.
"Is this...is this the same grove from ancient times?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "The one Eywa, the Great Mother, created?"
Vulcan nodded. "Yes, Zhilakoa. This is the very same grove. For centuries, priests have come here to receive prophecies and guidance from the ancient ones." Zhilakoa's gaze wandered through the grove, taking in the intricate carvings on the trees. She felt a deep connection to this place, as if the trees were speaking directly to her soul. As they sat together, discussing their next course of action, Zhilakoa's anger and boiled over. "We need to capture and kill the manananggal," she said, her voice firm. "We can't let it continue to terrorize our people."
Vulcan's expression turned cautionary. "Zhilakoa, we must not act in haste. The manananggal is a formidable foe, and we need to gather our strength and knowledge before facing it. "Zhilakoa's face set in frustration, but she knew Vulcan's words were wise. She took a deep breath, letting the energy of the grove calm her spirit. "You're right," she said finally. "We'll gather our strength and plan our attack carefully. But we won't rest until the manananggal is defeated and our people are safe."
Lyra's feet pounded against the earth, her heart racing with terror as she sprinted through the forest. The voices surrounded her, a chorus of haunting screams that seemed to come from all directions. "Ako ang sinaunang demonyo, ikaw ay ako, ako ay ikaw!" they cried, their words echoing off the trees. "I am the ancient demon, you are me, I am you!"
As the day wore on, the group sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts. The warm sunlight filtering through the leaves of the ancient oak trees cast dappled shadows on the ground. Zhilakoa's mind raced with plans and strategies.
Suddenly, a faint whispering caught her attention. It was soft and melodic, like a gentle stream flowing through the grove. The words were indistinguishable, the voice of something speaking to her through the trees. The whispering grew louder, the words becoming clearer. "Zhilakoa, daughter of the earth...we sense your determination...your courage...we will guide you on your path..."
She tried to run faster, but her legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the ground. The trees seemed to close in on her, their branches lashing at her skin like whips. She cried out in pain and fear, but her voice was drowned out by the cacophony of screams.The voices grew louder, more intense, their words blurring together into a maddening chant. Lyra's mind reeled, her thoughts consumed by the horror that pursued her. She stumbled, her foot catching on a hidden root, and fell hard to the ground. As she struggled to rise, the voices grew even louder, their words becoming a deafening roar. Lyra covered her ears, but the sound pierced through her skull, echoing off the walls of her mind. She screamed, wailed, and cried out, but her voice was lost in the chaos.
Kaleeki, appeared before them, her radiant presence illuminating the grove. The members of the Order of the Oak bowed in reverence, even Eryn bowed his head in respect. But Zhilakoa, in childlike blissful ignorance, rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Kaleeki's waist, hugging her tightly. "I haven't seen you since forever friend"
Vulcan and the others gasped in alarm, pleading with Kaleeki to spare Zhilakoa's life. But Kaleeki merely laughed, her voice like music, and gently disentangled herself from Zhilakoa's embrace.
"Friend?" Kaleeki repeated, her eyes shining with amusement. "You consider me a friend, little one? "Zhilakoa nodded, her eyes wide with joy. "Yes! You helped Eryn find me. You're our friend!" Kaleeki's laughter echoed through the grove, her luminescent form shimmering with delight. "Indeed, I am your friend, Zhilakoa.
Kaleeki's gaze shifted to Eryn, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "And what about you, Eryn? Don't I deserve a hug from you too?"
Eryn laughed, his face lighting up with warmth, and embraced Kaleeki, his arms wrapping around her radiant form. The others watched in awe, fascinated by the sight of a celestial luminary hugging mere mortals.
Zhilakoa, eager to share her story, began to recount everything that had happened to her family, her words tumbling out in a rush. Kaleeki listened intently, her expression sympathetic, and managed an encouraging smile. "I know everything that's been going on, Zhilakoa. I've been watching over you."
The forest around her seemed to twist and writhe, the trees contorting into grotesque forms that seemed to reach out and grasp at her. Lyra's vision blurred, her eyes filling with tears of terror. She was trapped, surrounded by the haunting voices and the living forest that seemed determined to consume her.
Zhilakoa's eyes locked onto Kaleeki's, her heart filled with hope. "How do we kill the manananggal?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Kaleeki's smile faltered, her expression turning somber. "You'll know when the time comes, Zhilakoa. But for now, gather your strength and trust in the ancient ones. They will guide you on your path. "The group nodded, as Kaleeki's presence began to fade, her luminescent form disappearing into the trees. "Remember, I am always with you, Zhilakoa and nothing is as it seems.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, everything was silent. The voices ceased, the trees stilled, and Lyra was left lying on the ground, her heart pounding. She slowly rose to her feet, her eyes scanning the forest warily, wondering when the terror would begin again.