Seeing the creature coming towards him while he had not regained his balance yet, Mawi became desperate and again brought the buntot pagi in front of him. This time, the creature’s unwounded hand, held the buntot pagi and tried to pull it away from Mawi’s hands. With the weight of the creature, following its charge, both of them fell on the ground.

However, the creature was sitting on top of Mawi. The young man is now in a precarious situation, as he tries to desperately fend off the attack from the creature. The wound on his shoulder was still bleeding, and he was in constant pain. Mawi, for the first time since he regained consciousness, felt the hands of death nearing him, and he started to feel terrified. He tried to attack the creature on top of him, but all his efforts were in vain for he could not put too much force in his attacks.

Lola Yma, who had been observing the whole time, saw how Mawi was faring against the creature. When she saw that terror started to take root on Mawi’s mind during the fight, she finally released a sigh and made her move. She moved so quick that in a normal person’s eyes, it would seem that she has teleported. She instantly arrived at the creature’s side and without warning, struck it with her walking cane.

Her action did not appear forceful, in fact, it seems that Lola Yma only tapped the creature. Nonetheless, despite the seemingly gentle action of the old woman, the creature was sent flying while emitting a shriek, not because the attack it received was painful, but because it was surprised and angry that it was again interrupted.

“You have done better than I have expected!” Without looking back at Mawi, Lola Yma gave him some compliments.

“Now, look how a babaylan really fights!” She continued as she started chanting. A few moments later, a yellow glow started to envelop Lola Yma and the walking cane in her hand was covered by a silhouette of a bladed weapon. She also removed the black cloth covering her right eye revealing an eye of color yellow that seems to glow in the dark environment.

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The creature that was sent flying earlier furiously got up and charged towards Lola Yma. This time, it was fully enraged by the intervention of this newcomer for disturbing it while it was about to have its meal. Large crow-like wings emerged from its back, further increasing its speed. The speed it moved this time was three to four times faster than it was fighting against Mawi.

“Hmph! You are still too slow!” As soon as Lola Yma finished speaking, she swung her walking cane in an upward motion.

The old woman’s action seemed to be simple, but a moment later, the creature was sliced in half. The creature’s sliced body fell on Lola Yma’s left and right foot, with all its internal organ spilling on the ground, making for a ghastly scene. However, the creature’s head still remained intact, hence, it was able to cling to its life giving out weak shrieks. Lola Yma then just swung her walking cane again, slicing open the creature’s head and spilling brain matter on the soil, effectively killing the creature.

When Lola Yma confirmed the death of the creature, she took a deep breath and the yellow glow covering her dissipated. As this happened, Lola Yma could not help but kneel on the ground, a slight hint of exhaustion and large drops of sweat could be seen rolling down her face.

“Lola!” Mawi immediately ran towards her in order to help her stand up.

“I am fine. Just a bit exhausted. Haaays. These old bones of mine could not keep up with these things nowadays.” Said Lola Yma in a self-mocking way, leaving Mawi speechless.

“If your old bones could not keep up and still kill that creature, then what does that make me?” Thought Mawi.

“Let us rest for a while then we will head back home. With what happened, we cannot continue with the ritual. Also, use the remaining lana oil and pour it over Tiktik's body.” Said Lola Yma as she sat on the ground.

“Yes, lola.” Acknowledged Mawi. As soon as he poured the remaining lana oil on the creature’s body, white smoke immediately rose, and in just a few moments, a pile of ashes remained on the ground. The whole process surprised Mawi and turned to look at Lola Yma.

“When an aswang dies and lana oil is poured over them, they will turn to ashes.” Briefly explained, Lola Yma.

Sitting down beside Lola Yma, Mawi started to tend to his wounds. Although his wounds were not deep, it was still very painful, he could not help but grimace in pain while he was cleaning his wounds.