At that moment of immense suffering, there was nothing I desired more than to simply perish. I would have welcomed it if it meant ending the searing pain and the torment consuming my entire being.

When the merciless monster was done with my shoulders, he seized my neck and lifted my defenseless body above him. With his free hand, he wrenched my right arm, ripping it entirely from its shoulder joint. I screamed at the agonizing surge of pain as my bones tore apart. The pain was so excruciating I thought I might pass out.

In my half-conscious state, I heard voices shouting my name and the clinking sounds of metal from nearby. Everything was a distant blur, my mind so clouded with pain that I barely registered what was happening around me. The monster kept a firm grip on my neck, swinging me around like a helpless puppet as he fought to defend himself from whatever was attacking him.

"Let him go!" A familiar feminine voice rang out.

"Makisig, hang in there." Another voice, one I recognized but couldn't quite place in my dazed state, cried out.

After a while, when it seemed the monster had finished toying with me, he lifted me into the air once more, still gripping my neck. He stared at me, glaring with anger and distaste. The next thing I knew, I felt a sharp pain tearing through my chest and stomach. The monster's razor-sharp claws pierced me, shredding my insides. Coughing up blood, I was suddenly engulfed in a numbness that dulled the pain throughout my broken, battered body. Satisfied with his work, he flung my near-lifeless body aside like a discarded rag doll, leaving me broken and vulnerable.

Through the haze of fading consciousness, I glimpsed shadows moving, grunting, and shouting, followed by the occasional clash of metal. Then came a series of loud booming sounds and the deep cries of a wild beast. I turned my gaze to the side and saw a man standing near my frail body, pitifully sprawled on the ground. His imposing figure stood out against the bleak surroundings. Staring at him, memories surged within me. I remembered how he had repeatedly shouted for me to run, just moments ago. I let out a quiet laugh, realizing how foolish I had been, charging headfirst toward my inevitable death.

As I reflected on my poor choices, a wave of self-disgust washed over me. How could I have thought I could save my brother—or anyone, for that matter? For once, I had thought so highly of myself, and now I was left to face the consequences of my arrogance. A weakling like me should have known better.

"Mayari, Hiraya!" Rajah shouted suddenly, his voice laced with urgency. "Stand back! Something's coming."

An eerie silence fell over the battlefield, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for what was to come.

"Do you all feel that?" Rajah asked, scanning the area around him. His expression suddenly shifted, as though he'd made a disturbing realization. "Don't engage! Move away from the target. It's Kidlat. He's close."

Summoning what little strength I had left, I raised my head to see my aggressor. He stood ominously in the center of the field, silently observing his surroundings. Without warning, a massive, bright bolt of lightning crashed from the sky, striking the monster directly. The impact was deafening, followed by a guttural roar of pain from the heart of the explosion. The blinding light expanded outward, momentarily blinding me, and a strong gust of wind knocked me flat on my back.

When the chaos subsided, I saw the once-mighty beast's body crumpled on the ground, unmoving, nearly lifeless. I felt the sensation of faintness creeping over me. I collapsed fully onto the earth, staring at the vast darkness above. With numbness in my body and dizziness clouding my mind, I came to terms with my impending demise. Then, my thoughts drifted to the happy memories I had shared with my brother.

I should have been angry at him for what he had done to me, but deep down, I knew it wasn't truly him who had caused this. I knew he would have done anything to protect me if he could. A faint smile tugged at my bloodied lips as I tried to remember my brother's kind, caring face. I wanted to hold onto that memory, not the savage monster who had brought me so much pain.

Just as I was about to close my eyes in surrender, shadowy figures appeared on the horizon. The faces of two girls I longed to see before I left were now peering down at my fragile state. Their eyes examined me with an intensity that made me feel like I was a specimen under a microscope.

"Please, tell me he'll make it," Hiraya asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Mayari slowly shook her head, regret shadowing her gaze. "He has sustained too much damage. The last attack severed most of his internal organs. It's a mystery how he is still breathing."

"If we hurry, we can still get him to the facility. We can save him!" Hiraya exclaimed, desperation in her voice.

Mayari's expression grew grim as she answered, her voice tinged with sorrow, "He's too far gone. He won't last much longer. He'll be lucky to make it a couple more minutes." Her gaze intensified as her right eye shimmered with a faint red glow. "I can see the shadow of death lingering around him. It's his time. We've done all we can. Now, it's out of our hands."

Hiraya gasped, realizing the severity of the situation. Her voice dropped to a mournful whisper. "Then, we should take him with us. It's the least we can do."

"I don't think that's necessary," Rajah interjected.

"But Rajah—" Hiraya protested, her voice breaking.

"I understand how you feel, Hiraya," Rajah said, his tone firm but gentle. "But that's not why we're here. We just need to return Lakan to The Anarchy, and we'll complete our mission." He paused, looking at me briefly. "A recovery tribe is already on their way. They'll be here any moment to survey the place and they'll surely take care of him. We're done here."

The two girls nodded in silent agreement, their expressions heavy with grim understanding.

"Oh... okay," Hiraya murmured, her voice soft with reluctant acceptance. She took what was left of my hand and squeezed it gently. Her fingers brushed the side of my face, and though the smile she gave me was faint, it was filled with sorrow. She gave me one last nod, then stood up and joined Rajah, who had been standing nearby.

Then, Mayari closed her eyes, remaining still as though in silent prayer. When she opened them again, she whispered, "May the Anitos guide your soul."

She then rose and joined her companions. With a swift motion of Rajah's hands, my brother's unconscious body floated in the air. Then, they turned and walked away from the grassy field where my broken body lay. As their figures faded into the horizon, I bid my brother and the three strange entities who took him away a heartfelt, wistful farewell.

"Kuya Jin, I'm sorry I couldn't save you." I silently whispered, a deep ache of regret filling my chest.

I fixed my gaze upon the night sky, drawing in each breath, savoring the last fragments of my life. The silver moon and the stars had disappeared completely, leaving only an inky blackness, devoid of their usual radiance. It felt as if they were hiding, unwilling to witness the waning moments of my existence.

Then, I felt the cool caress of raindrops cascading into my skin. Though I had always despised the rain, this time, it offered a strange solace, washing away the pain of my wounded spirit. I closed my eyes and surrendered to the gentle shower, letting it carry me into the darkness.

And then, there was nothing.

Author's Note:

Kidlat - means 'lightning'.