A Miracle
1231 Words
Outside the volcano, Kreto paced anxiously, glancing at the entrance as if willing someone to emerge.
Kreto: "Just one more hour, and Alhena will be married to the Tikbalang chief… and still, there's no sign of Tobal. What do we do now, Polux?"
Polux clenched his fists. "The waiting time is over. We're going in."
Kreto nodded and quickly seated himself. With a swift motion, he pulled Polux onto his mount, and in an instant, they both vanished from sight.
Moving carefully, they stepped forward into the massive stone entrance. To their surprise, instead of the fiery pits of lava they expected, they emerged into a breathtaking paradise—a vast, lush green valley unlike anything they had ever seen. Towering trees bore an abundance of fruits, far more than in their homeland. Streams, lakes, and waterfalls shimmered in the golden light, teeming with birds and creatures of all kinds. It was a world out of a dream, a paradise that seemed like it belonged only in legends.
Dotting the landscape were houses shaped like igloos—large enough to accommodate towering creatures. And sure enough, the Tikbalang inhabitants bustled about, each engaged in their daily tasks. Their appearances were strikingly similar, yet their fur came in varying shades, some adorned with unique markings.
Careful not to make a sound, Kreto and Polux moved through the village, searching for Tobal. It wasn’t long before they spotted him—recognizable by the distinct gap where his front teeth should have been. He was darting between houses, clearly frightened, his eyes wide with panic.
Beyond the village center, a massive stone platform stood tall like a grand stage. Tikbalang had begun to gather there, their attention fixed on what was to come. The wedding ceremony was about to begin.
Polux clenched his jaw. "We don’t have much time."
They watched as Tobal slipped into a house. Without hesitation, Kreto and Polux followed. The moment they stepped inside, Kreto shut the door behind them, barring it with a thick wooden beam. Before Tobal could react, Polux launched himself forward, delivering a swift kick that sent the Tikbalang sprawling to the floor.
The moment Polux moved away from Kreto, he became visible once again.
Tobal looked up in sheer terror. His whole body trembled as he saw Kreto raise an axe, its sharp edge gleaming in the dim light.
Tobal: "W-Wait! Please, not now! Have mercy!"
Kreto's eyes burned with fury. "You betrayed us, Tobal! You promised to guide us, yet you left us behind!"
Tobal gasped, shaking his head. "I had no choice! My wife—she’s been in pain since last night. She’s about to give birth! She's burning with fever, and I— I think our child is a girl. But she’s too weak. My wife… she might not survive. Please, I beg you, help her! Everyone is too preoccupied with the wedding to assist me."
Kreto narrowed his eyes. "If you're lying, this will be your end."
Tobal frantically gestured toward a door inside the house. "She’s in there! See for yourself!"
Still wary, Kreto and Polux approached the room and pushed the door open.
Inside, a female Tikbalang lay motionless on a woven mat, her stomach large with child. Her breathing was shallow, her fur damp with sweat.
Polux frowned. "He's telling the truth. She's in danger."
Kreto exhaled sharply. "Fine. But we don't have much time." He turned to Tobal and barked, "Close the windows and make sure no light escapes this room. If anyone outside sees us, we’re dead."
Without question, Tobal hurried to shut the wooden shutters, plunging the room into darkness.
Tobal: "What are you going to do to my wife?"
Kreto pulled out the Oro Stone, a sacred artifact. "If you want her to live, do as I say and stay quiet."
The stone began to glow in Kreto's palm, its golden light illuminating the room. He carefully rolled it over the pregnant Tikbalang’s belly, watching as its warmth spread through her body.
A few tense moments passed before her eyes fluttered open.
Kreto quickly extinguished the light of the stone, shoving it back into his satchel.
Tobal rushed to his wife’s side, grasping her hands. "Kara! My love, you're awake! Do you still feel cold? Are you in pain?"
Kara blinked, taking deep breaths. "No… My breathing is easier now. What happened?"
Tobal’s eyes welled with tears. "You collapsed. You were so pale… I thought I was going to lose you. But my friends—they saved you!"
Only then did Kara notice the strangers in the room. Her eyes widened in fear, and she nearly screamed—until Tobal gently clamped a hand over her mouth.
Tobal: "Hush, my love! They're here to help!"
Before she could respond, a sharp cry of pain escaped her lips.
Kara: "Tobal… It’s time… The baby is coming!"
Panic took over Tobal’s face. He hurriedly grabbed a thick blanket, shielding his wife’s lower body.
Kreto turned to Polux. "We need to help her. Now."
As Kara pushed, the strain overwhelmed her. Halfway through the birth, she suddenly lost consciousness again.
Tobal let out a choked sob, pressing himself against the wall in horror. "No… No, please, no!"
Kreto acted fast, kneeling beside Kara. With a firm grip, he carefully pulled the newborn from her. Seconds later, a tiny, white-furred Tikbalang entered the world.
Holding the infant in his arms, Kreto gently patted its back. Silence filled the room—until a high-pitched cry rang out.
For a moment, Kreto just stared at the child in awe. Polux and Sirius, who had been watching, exchanged grins and clapped hands in relief.
Kreto walked over to Tobal, kneeling before him. "Here. Your daughter."
Tears streamed down Tobal’s face as he fell to his knees. "Thank you… Thank you!"
Polux placed a hand on his shoulder. "She’s strong. Just like her mother."
A soft whisper suddenly came from the mat.
Kara: "Tobal… I heard her. Our daughter—she’s alive."
Tobal quickly wiped his eyes and rushed to her side. "Yes, my love. She’s here, and she’s safe." Carefully, he placed the infant into Kara's arms, watching as she held her child close, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks.
Kara: "I don’t know who you are… or how you know my husband. But my family owes you our lives. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
Their moment of peace was abruptly shattered by a thunderous cheer from outside.
Startled, Polux hurried upstairs, climbing to the upper floor of the house. Peering through a c***k in the window, his stomach twisted.
A parade of Tikbalang warriors was making its way toward the great stone stage. At the center of the procession was Alhena, walking with two Tikbalang on either side of her.
To Polux’s shock, she didn’t appear distressed. She was smiling, even waving at the creatures who threw flower petals in her path.
And at the altar, waiting for her, was a massive black Tikbalang—his presence commanding, his fur darker than the void.
Tobal stepped beside him, his voice grim. "That’s Binangunan. The leader of our tribe."
Kreto gritted his teeth. "Polux, what now? The wedding is starting!"
Without hesitation, Polux leapt down from the upper floor, landing with a firm resolve.
"We stop the wedding."
- Writer
