If I could have predicted how my life would end, lying gravely wounded in the middle of a deserted children's park in the dead of night would never have crossed my mind.

But here I am, helplessly lying in the cold darkness, silently awaiting my end.

"Please, tell me he'll make it." Hiraya spoke, one of the three mysterious entities I met on this cursed night. Her sweet voice carried a deep sorrow as she gazed at me, her face filled with unease.

"He has sustained too much damage. The last attack severed most of his internal organs. It's a mystery how he is still breathing," Mayari replied, her crimson right eye glittering with a faint glow.

I had only met these two strange girls tonight, yet they had already changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Hiraya had been kind to me, but I couldn't say the same about Mayari. The disdain in her glare had been unmistakable. But now, looking at her, I saw something different. It was almost as though she pitied me. Perhaps I had misjudged her—maybe she wasn't as cold as I thought.

Before tonight, I had been just an ordinary fifteen-year-old, trying to survive in this vast, indifferent city. I could have found contentment in that kind of life. But now, I couldn't help but wonder if things would have turned out differently if I had just stuck to what I knew and kept to myself as I always had.

After a few more exchanges, another familiar voice joined the conversation. It was the commanding voice that had warned me repeatedly to flee from danger. But I hadn't listened to his arrogant warning. Instead, I foolishly headed toward my ultimate demise. His name was Rajah. "I understand how you feel, Hiraya, but that's not why we're here. We just need to return Lakan to The Anarchy, and we'll complete our mission."

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

Before I knew it, the three mysterious figures, draped in elaborate, ancient clothing, turned and left, abandoning me in my wretched state. With them was the monster who had caused me so much pain. The feral creature who had torn my body apart and drained my life away. The mighty and ferocious Bakunawa.

I wanted to scream and release the deep frustration inside me, but all I could manage was coughing up blood.

I gazed longingly at the starless night sky, stripped of its usual radiance. I couldn't help but think that the moon could be selfish sometimes. It felt as though it was hiding from me, avoiding witnessing my waning existence. It wouldn't lay even a flicker of glimmer on me, not even for a fleeting moment of comfort.

After all, the moon won't shine for a dead man.

I guess it's true what old people say. The moon has a way of knowing death. For it won't cast its light for the doomed. It's cruel and sad, but it has always been this way.

I closed my eyes as I felt the sudden caress of raindrops showering over my wounded body. As I awaited my last breath, I couldn't help but remember all the wrong decisions I had made tonight that led me to this moment.

If I had made a different choice, could things have turned out differently?

If I had clung to my old self and run away when I had the chance, would I feel relieved to have kept my life?

But what does it even mean to live? Does surviving through cowardly choices make life worth it?

I wandered in my thoughts when a gentle voice echoed in my mind. It was Mayari, speaking her last goodbye.

May the Anitos guide your soul.

With her parting words fleeting in my head like a fading dream and my feeble body being washed away by the gentle rain, I drifted into the dark abyss of the unknown.

Then, suddenly, I found myself transported back to the last moments of my blissful life as a normal high school student.

Back to where it all started. Back to the final hour of my dwindling existence.

Author's Note:

Hiraya — means 'dreams' and 'aspirations', commonly used in ancient times.

Mayari — In Filipino mythology, Mayari is one of the daughters of Bathala, the supreme god who created the universe.

She is primarily revered as the goddess of the moon, often depicted as a beautiful and serene deity who governs the night and all its aspects. Additionally, she embodies strength and prowess in battle.

According to the legend, Mayari and Apolaki (sun god) fought for dominion over the heavens. During the battle, Mayari lost one of her eyes, which is why the moon's light is dimmer compared to the sun's. In some versions, they agreed to share the rule, with Apolaki ruling the day and Mayari ruling the night.

Rajah — means 'king' or 'monarch', was commonly used in ancient times.

Lakan — means a 'king' or 'leader' of noble lineage and high social status, was commonly used in ancient times.

Bakunawa — a legendary beast typically portrayed as a massive, serpent-like dragon with a mouth large enough to swallow the moon or sun. Its appearance varies, but it is often depicted with scales, whiskers, and sometimes wings.

The Bakunawa is commonly associated with the phenomenon of lunar and solar eclipses. According to myth, the Bakunawa attempts to swallow the moon or sun, causing an eclipse. People would make noise, such as banging pots and pans, to scare the Bakunawa away and save the celestial bodies.

Anito — In Filipino mythology, Anito refers to a diverse pantheon of supernatural beings believed to influence the natural world and human affairs, especially before the spread of Christianity. They typically fall into three categories: 1) nature spirits associated with natural elements, believed to have control over their respective domains like mountains, rivers, and harvests; 2) spirits of deceased ancestors who are venerated and called upon for guidance, protection, and blessings; and 3) deities with specific powers and domains, similar to the gods of Greek and Norse mythology.

The belief in Anitos is a significant part of Filipino animistic and shamanistic traditions that still persist in modern times. These traditions often coexist with Christian practices, creating a unique blend of beliefs.