The Perfect Illusion
1168 Words
As Polux, Kreto, Sirio, and the tikbalang named Tobal neared their destination, Kreto couldn’t help but ask Tobal a pressing question.
Kreto: “Tikbalang, are you sure that the Oro stone is the only thing that can break your curse of never having a daughter?”
Tobal: “I am not sure, but this is what our ancestors have believed. You see, the truth is that the Oro stone originally belonged to the tikbalangs, not the kapres. The king of the tikbalangs and the king of the kapres were once the best of friends. One day, the tikbalang king brought the Oro stone to the kapre palace as a gift. But after that day, he never returned. He, along with his guards, vanished without a trace.
The kapre king claimed he knew nothing, insisting that our king had never even stepped foot in their kingdom. Our queen and the tikbalang prince went to search for him, but they, too, were never seen again. And from that day forward, the curse began.
Any tikbalang carrying a female child would suffer a terrible fate. On the day of birth, the mother would be struck with fever and chills, and by the time the baby was supposed to be born, both the mother and child would perish. No female tikbalang has been born ever since.”
Kreto was visibly shaken by the revelation.
Kreto: (voice trembling) “Your voice is shaking, Tikbalang. Are you afraid?”
Tobal: “Yes. My wife is pregnant. She was once a human whom I took from your world, but we truly love each other, and she chose to be with me. She is due to give birth any day now… and if the curse is real, she may not survive.”
Polux: “Don’t lose hope. Maybe your wife will be the first to give birth to a female tikbalang and finally break the curse.”
Tobal: “I can only wish for that. But more than anything, I just want her to be safe. I would rather have a son than lose her to this wretched fate.”
A heavy silence fell over them. Kreto, deep in thought, couldn't ignore the implications of Tobal’s words. If what he said was true, then the kapres were the real villains. His own father, the kapre king, was responsible for the deaths of countless tikbalang women. If the kapres had never stolen the Oro stone, the tikbalangs would never have been forced to abduct human women to bear their children.
At the Foot of the Volcano
After a long walk, they finally reached the base of the volcano.
Tobal: “We’re here. I’ll go in first to check if it’s safe. If only ordinary guards are stationed, I’ll let you in because they won’t be able to see you. But if the leaders are present, you’ll have to wait. Nightfall will give us an advantage. Once the tikbalangs are asleep, you can enter.”
Polux: “How can we be sure you’ll come back? How do we know this isn’t a trick?”
Tobal: “Trust me.”
Kreto: (gripping his axe) “You better not betray us, Tikbalang. Because if you do, the first thing I’ll cut off is your head.”
Tobal: “I swear, I’ll return.”
With that, they watched as Tobal disappeared into a massive rock.
Sirio: (eyes wide) “How did he pass through that?”
Kreto: “Everything we see here is an illusion, a power the tikbalangs possess. From now on, be careful. Don’t believe everything you see.”
They hid behind a large rock, waiting for Tobal. But as dawn approached, there was still no sign of him.
Kreto: (growing impatient) “We’ve been tricked, Polux. We trusted a tikbalang, knowing full well they are liars. The wedding is just hours away—what do we do now?”
Polux: “I know. We made a mistake. But let’s wait one more hour. If he still doesn’t return, we enter the volcano and fight our way through.”
Sirio: (nervously) “Wait… I have to go in too? That’s not fair.”
Kreto: “Of course! You’re brave, aren’t you?”
Sirio: “That was earlier! Now… not so much. Those creatures are huge! H-h-hold on, if there are goats inside, I’ll handle them. But if it’s horses… you guys take care of them.”
Polux: (smirking) “Alright, we wait.”
The Perfect Illusion
Meanwhile, Alhena slowly opened her eyes.
She was in her bedroom.
As she sat up, she realized she was lying on her soft, luxurious bed. She glanced around. Everything was familiar—this was her home, her mansion.
Her mother, Marissa, and her father, Mayor Tonio, were sitting beside her.
Mayor Tonio: “You’re finally awake, my dear.”
Marissa: “You need to get ready, sweetheart.”
Alhena: “Ready for what?”
Marissa: (smiling) “Your wedding with Polux, of course.”
Alhena sat bolt upright, confused. She looked down.
She was already wearing a wedding dress.
Mayor Tonio: “Didn’t you always want to marry Polux? I made it happen because I love you, and I can’t bear to lose you. Oh, and there’s great news! Polux’s identity has been confirmed—his real parents came here and proved his legitimacy. As a result, he inherited ten million pesos.”
Alhena gasped in excitement and threw herself into her father’s arms.
Alhena: “Really, Papa? Yes! Yes! I’m getting married to Polux!” (pausing) “Wait… where is he?”
Marissa: “Relax, dear. Tradition says the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the wedding.”
Mayor Tonio: “That’s right. You’ll see him at the altar.”
Alhena squealed in delight, rushing to the mirror. She gasped.
Her wedding gown was dazzling, shimmering like a princess’s attire. Her jewelry sparkled with diamonds, and her shoes were exquisite. She was overjoyed—she couldn’t wait to marry Polux.
Just then, the door opened, and all her friends entered, dressed in elegant bridesmaid gowns.
They squealed with excitement, showering her with praises. One of them handed her a glass of wine.
Bridesmaid: “For courage, and to calm your nerves.”
Alhena drank it without hesitation, and the girls erupted in cheers.
A moment later, the door opened again.
A young man in a barong Tagalog walked in, holding a white cat wearing a tiny bow tie.
Alhena: (gasping) “Sirio! And Blue! You’re back!” (grinning) “Sirio, you actually look handsome in a barong.”
Sirio: (smirking) “Thanks, Alhena. Just an hour left until the wedding. Polux is already at the altar, waiting for you. He said he loves you very much.”
The girls shrieked in excitement.
Alhena: “Tell him I can’t wait to see him and finally be his wife!”
Sirio: “Alright. See you at the ceremony.”
As Sirio left, Alhena twirled in her gown, too giddy to sit still.
- Writer
