Polux and the unknown worlds

A new day

Polux awoke to the blinding light piercing through the gaps in the cave’s ceiling, illuminating his face. Morning had come. He instinctively reached for the dagger in his grip and tucked it securely at his waist. As his eyes adjusted, he noticed Alhena still fast asleep, her head resting gently on his thigh. He couldn’t help but gaze at her—the first woman he had ever truly known apart from his mother. The only woman who had ever shown him kindness.

She was breathtaking. Her skin, once pristine, was now smudged with soot from the fire that had ravaged the cave. Yet even beneath the dirt, her beauty remained undeniable—smooth, flawless skin, a delicate nose, and soft, full lips. Her long, silky hair, despite being slightly tangled, still shimmered under the sunlight filtering through the cavern.

As Polux continued staring, Alhena’s eyelids fluttered open, revealing her bright, expressive eyes. Their gazes met, and she broke into a warm, teasing smile before sitting up.

“Hey, Mr. Pol, why are you looking at me like that?” she teased, tilting her head playfully. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that staring like that could make a girl melt? What if I just disappear into a puddle right here, huh?”

Polux’s face burned with embarrassment, and Alhena burst into laughter at his reaction.

“Oh, come on! Just admit it—you think I’m pretty, don’t you?” she continued, grinning mischievously. “No need to be shy, I don’t mind at all. Actually, I think it’s sweet that the first thing I see when I wake up is your handsome face.” She clutched her chest dramatically. “Oh, dear, I might just die from the thrill!”

Before Polux could stammer a response, Kreto entered the cave, carrying an assortment of fruits—coconuts, bananas, watermelons—and a bundle of large fish tied together with vines.

“Good, you’re both awake,” Kreto announced as he placed the food down. His eyes landed on Sirio, who was still fast asleep. Without hesitation, Kreto lifted the frail young man and laid him atop the enormous serpent he had slain the previous night. Then, he gave Sirio a firm shake to wake him.

Sirio’s eyes flickered open, only to be met with the sight of the serpent’s massive, lifeless face staring back at him.

“Aaahh!” he shrieked, jumping to his feet in sheer terror. His reaction sent Kreto into a fit of laughter.

“Damn you, you overgrown tree!” Sirio scowled, clutching his chest. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack? My soul nearly fled my body!”

Kreto, still chuckling, handed him the fish. “Here, cook these. I figured you’d be starving by now.”

Sirio’s eyes widened in delight. “Wow, these fish are huge! Thanks! Where’d you steal them?”

Kreto smirked. “Don’t ask too many questions. You’ll find out soon enough once we leave.”

While Sirio busied himself with preparing the meal, Alhena joined in to help. Polux, on the other hand, stepped outside their hideout, taking in his surroundings.

He had thought they were still in the cave, but now that daylight had fully revealed their location, he realized they were deep within a forest. He hadn’t noticed it the previous night due to the darkness, but they had covered nearly a kilometer from their original hiding place.

“Kreto,” Polux called, his voice laced with curiosity. “Are we still in the cave?”

“Yes,” Kreto confirmed. “But we’re near the mountain’s peak now.”

Polux glanced up and noticed that the cavern’s ceiling was woven with thick roots, indicating they were beneath the vast expanse of the forest. Sunlight filtered through cracks and openings in the stone, casting beams of golden light across the cavern floor. It was an immense space, unlike any cave he had ever seen.

Kreto pointed toward a massive opening nestled between the roots of a colossal tree. “See that large hole up there? If you climb through it, you’ll find yourself at the mountain’s highest point. From there, you’ll be able to see the entire realm of your people.” He crossed his arms. “I climbed it once before, so I know the way. If you want to return to your world, that’s your easiest route—no need to retrace your steps through the underground tunnels.”

Polux pondered this. “So you’ve been to our world before?”

Kreto nodded, his expression darkening. “When my mother—the Queen—ordered my escape, many of my kin had already fled before me. I was the last to pass through the hidden tunnels before she sealed them shut. That’s why there are many Kapres in your world.”

“Then why did you stay here?” Polux asked. “Wouldn’t it be safer to live among your people?”

Kreto let out a heavy sigh. “I tried. I lived in several great trees, but humans kept cutting them down. It became harder and harder for Kapres to find shelter, to survive without disrupting your world.”

“Why didn’t you ask the others to come back with you?”

“They refused,” Kreto admitted bitterly. “They’ve grown comfortable among humans. I’m the only one who longs to return.”

A sense of understanding passed between them. Polux’s gaze softened. “You’re not alone, Kreto. I don’t even know who my real parents are. The people who raised me—I don’t even know if they’re still alive.” He reached for the dagger tucked into his waist and held it out. “This is the only clue I have to my past.”

Kreto’s eyes narrowed, studying the weapon closely. “That dagger… it looks familiar.”

Polux stiffened. “You recognize it?”

“I’m not certain,” Kreto admitted, rubbing his chin. “But in my kingdom, there’s a massive pillar with carvings. I remember seeing something that looked exactly like this.”

Polux’s heart pounded. “Then we have to go to your kingdom. If there’s a chance it holds the key to my past, I have to see it for myself.”

Kreto nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “Alright, Polux. I’m ready to return—even if it means risking my life.”

Before they could say more, Sirio’s voice rang from inside the cave. “The food’s ready! Time to eat!”

They returned to find the meal laid out on banana leaves—grilled fish, boiled bananas, and an assortment of fresh fruit.

Sirio reached for a piece of fish but was promptly smacked on the hand by Alhena.

“Let’s say grace first,” she chided.

Scratching his head sheepishly, Sirio waited as Alhena led them in a quiet moment of gratitude before finally announcing, “Alright! Let’s eat!”

As they feasted, Polux noticed Kreto sitting apart. “Aren’t you eating?” he asked.

Kreto shook his head. “I already ate while gathering food. You three go ahead and fill your stomachs—we have a long journey ahead.”

Just as they were finishing their meal, Alhena suddenly looked around, her expression shifting to concern. “Where’s Blue?”

Everyone fell silent.

The white cat was nowhere to be seen.

“He was right beside you earlier,” Kreto pointed out. “Did he wander off?”

“Why would he do that? This place is dangerous…” Alhena’s voice trailed off, worry creeping into her tone.

Sirio shrugged. “Maybe he got hungry and went looking for food?”

Alhena bit her lip. “We have to find him.” She stood up, cupping her hands around her mouth. “Blue! Blue! Meow, meow!” she called, searching the area.

The others joined in, but despite their efforts, there was no sign of the cat.

A heavy feeling settled over them, but they had no choice—they had to move forward. Clutching onto hope, they prayed that Blue would somehow find his way back to them on their journey ahead.