Polux and the unknown worlds

The letter

The letter and the truth



It was New Year's Day, which also marked Polux's eighteenth birthday. But for him, it was the most painful New Year of his life. This was the day his parents had promised to return from their fishing expedition.

Suddenly, he remembered: this was also the day he was meant to open the envelope his mother had left behind.

He carefully retrieved the envelope from an old box in the corner of their house. His hands trembled as he opened it. Inside, a neatly folded piece of paper appeared, written in his mother's familiar handwriting. Wiping away the tears streaming down his face, he began to read the letter:

"My Dearest Polux,

If you're reading this letter, it means you're old enough to know the truth. My son, it isn't easy for me to tell you this, but it's time for you to learn who you are and your purpose in this world.

Polux, you are not our biological child. We found you eighteen years ago on a New Year's afternoon. You were wrapped in a large leaf resting on an enormous, long white feather, which had been carried ashore by the waves of our village. Inside the leaf was a dagger engraved with your name, 'POLUX,' and a number: 11:11.

We didn't know where you came from, but that night brought a strange light into our lives. Your father and I raised you as our own, but we always knew that one day, you would search for your origins.

Polux, you are special. I cannot explain it, but you possess powers beyond what we can comprehend. Your immunity to water, your courage in the face of danger—these are signs that you are no ordinary human.

The number 11:11 on the dagger holds meaning, though I have yet to understand it. I believe it will unlock the answers to your true identity. Do not be afraid, my son. Whatever the truth may be, remember that we love you deeply.

May the Creator of all beings guide you in your search for answers. Always take care.

- Your mother, Nanay Lorna"

After reading the letter, Polux was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions—grief, fear, and confusion wrapped around him all at once. Yet beneath it all, he felt a strange sense of anticipation—a yearning to discover the truth about himself.

He opened the box made of the peculiar leaf. Inside, he found the dagger, glinting under the sunlight. The inscription "POLUX 11:11" was clear as day, and as he held it, he felt as if it were a part of him.

"Is this... the answer to all my questions?" Polux whispered, staring at the dagger.

He pondered the events of the previous night. The dragon and the white-winged lion—was it all just a dream? If he had truly been struck by the giant dragon’s tail, how had he survived? And how did he end up on the shore? Was he merely carried by the waves, or had someone brought him there?

He had seen it with his own eyes—the ship consumed entirely by the dragon’s flames, with his parents still aboard. What was happening to him? Why now, of all days—on his birthday?

Sirio suddenly entered the room and noticed what Polux was holding.

"Brother, what is that? Is it a gift from your mother?" Sirio asked.

Polux nodded. "Yes, Sirio. And now I know... they're not my real parents. I am a stranger to this family and to this island."

"Maybe that's why you're different!, no matter what you decide to do, I'll go with you. You're the Polux I know—the one who saved me. I'll follow you wherever you go," Sirio said, placing a hand on Polux's shoulder.

Polux sighed. "Thank you, Sirio. But right now, I need to find out the results of the search and rescue. I'm not giving up hope yet. I believe my mother and father are still alive. I have to return to the sea to find them."



The Escape

Polux was startled when Alhena suddenly arrived, accompanied by five of her police bodyguards. Behind them, Alhena carried food and a cake with candles. She immediately rushed to Polux with a bright smile, hugged him tightly, and kissed him deeply.

"Happy Birthday and Happy New Year, Pol!"

Although Polux returned her embrace, the sadness lingered in his eyes, and he couldn't bring himself to smile. Alhena noticed this.

"Pol, what's wrong? I've been looking forward to seeing you, but you seem so heavy-hearted. Did something happen?"

Polux took a deep breath, looked into Alhena's eyes, and began to tell her everything that had transpired.

"The ship my parents were working on caught fire. I don't know if they're still alive... The rescue teams are still searching, but there's no word yet. My mother left this letter before they left... and only now did I learn the truth about myself."

Polux handed his mother's letter to Alhena, who read it carefully. Her face showed shock and understanding as she read.

"That's why... that's why you're so strong and so fast. But, Pol, this is terrifying. What if others find out about this? What if they use it against you?"

Polux nodded, fear evident in his expression.

"What's worse is that I still need to return to the police station to prove my identity. But how? My parents aren't here. The police won't accept the letter as proof. I'm sure I'll be imprisoned again..."

Alhena thought for a moment and then acted decisively.

"I won't let you be imprisoned, Pol. We'll work together to get you out of this mess."

She ordered her bodyguards:

"Take the food back to the car. We'll celebrate at home. Wait for us at the foot of the mountain."

Though hesitant, Alhena's bodyguards obeyed and left with the food. Once they were gone, she turned to Polux.

"Do you know a safe route?"

Polux nodded.

"Behind the Cave of Bathala. There's a hidden passage there that not many know about."

Sirio joined them, carrying the box made of the strange leaf. He filled it with food and water for the journey. As Polux prepared his things, he insisted that Alhena stay behind.

"Alhena, this is too dangerous. You shouldn't come with me."

"No, Pol. Wherever you go, I'll go. I won't leave you, especially not now."

Polux had no choice but to let Alhena come along. Carrying the dagger and his backpack, they began their escape. They traversed the passageway of the Cave of Bathala with Sirio in tow. As they fled, Polux's mind was consumed by thoughts of uncovering the truth about himself and ensuring the safety of the people he loved.