The Last Moon

CHapter 18: The Gust of Wind

Rahul is now on his bed after a long day, he sent Halea home and let his cousin Andrew party with the rest of the boys. Arnold will be sleeping on his yacht. Despite what happened, the result of the day was still fruitful and Halea is the reason.

Rahul POV

Everything has been happening so fast, I know it's too soon or I am just being too old fashion. I have lived several lifetimes and I never felt how it is to be a teenager since I was so focused on my goal. Halea is correct, why do I need to complicate things, I just need to live my life like today. I know it's a bit unfair for Baconava but was it fair for me? We are in the same body and right now I am making it complicated for him. I wanted to enjoy life and feel I am living just for this life. At least I have something to recall if ever I won't succeed. 

Halea is like a breath of fresh air, I suddenly feel that excitement inside of me. I suddenly feel alive, I like how it covers my whole being. I like how she reacts when I was not sure of my decision, how she pushed me to take the plunge. It was her not me who took the lead, I like it when she gave me the chance to make it right. 

"You have felt this before," Baconava lurking in my mind, "If you recall the Goddess Miyari, she was your everything until that faithful day that we were deceived," he said.

"I cannot recall how she looks like but I remember I dreamt about it, and the feelings I have in the dream. It feels like what I am having now," me talking to Baconava as I hold my heart.

"I am not stopping you from living a life of a human, after all, half of the time you are human. It was you who chose to live in solitude. Remember how I pushed you to know the brave Juana, the daring Eleonor, that girl Florence from your last few life and there are more. It was you who doesn't want them, you were the one who is so focused on finding our real form," he said as if swimming in my mind. "If it hadn't for me, the bold and daring me, would you have the courage to ask her? I think she likes me more than you, you just happen to be at the surface," Baconava said.

"So what do we do know that we have Halea? I hope I wouldn't cause her any pain especially when we leave for our quest,"

"Like what she said we need to enjoy it and when it's time for you to leave then we inform her,"

"It's easier said than done. But we will enjoy it for sure,"

"Let's go to sleep, we have a morning run with Halea and Aspin,"

He grabs his phone and sends Halea a goodnight message.

Rahul: Goodnight GF! I wish I can hug you while I sleep

Halea: Goodnight BF! join me in my dream and I will hug you while sleeping

Halea's POV

Today ended up so great, I know Rahul was so tense after what happened with Veronica. But becoming his girlfriend was not in my plan. I was supposed to comfort him and suddenly I lost control of the whole conversation. At some point, I got confused about his confession and I don't want to let go of the opportunity especially if he is thinking of leaving. I guess we both have the same purpose to invest in each other emotionally.

She felt Luna sat beside her and she cuddles asking to be petted, she lifts it and placed it on her chest.

She hugs her and speaks with her like she always does, "You know Luna, today has been exciting, Rahul is now my boyfriend and we kissed it was so romantic. We were at the deck alone under the stars and he asked me if I can be his girlfriend," she said and kissed Luna.

"I hope I can dream of him tonight," she said giggling when she heard her phone ring.

It was Rahul, and she reads;

Rahul: Goodnight GF! I wish I can hug you while I sleep

Halea: Goodnight BF! join me in my dream and I will hug you while sleeping

She put her phone on the table and started to dose off.

At the mountain, while Apong Estrella was praying. There was a strong gust of wind and she felt that unusual shiver as if it is telling her something.

"So it has started and we also need to prepare," she said as if speaking to someone, "I will obey and prepare the path for her. But she must come to me," Apong Estrella said as she finishes her prayers lifting her hands above her head and touching the ground and bow.

 One of her followers came to see her, "Apong have you felt the that? As if something bad will soon to happen, it gave me chills,"

"Do not speak what you don't understand, some of the followers may interpret it differently," Apong Estrella said, "Call the students so we can explain what they just felt," she said

And the young Babaylan went to call the rest of the Babaylan students, after a few minutes they all came and sat on the wooden floor to listen to Apong Estrella.

"You must have all felt the call for help, that gust of wind and the sudden strange feeling is a call for help. Soon an old powerful being will come and seek our advice and assistance and for now, we do not know of this being so we all must be careful. If someone would ask your help and you feel that it is beyond your comprehension you must come to me," Apong Estrella said

"How would we know it?" A young babaylan asked

"You will feel it just like today and if you are lucky there is a possibility that shows its form to you or demonstrates its power," Apong Estrella said

The youngest of the babaylan spoke, "What I understand from the wind is that this being may not know his or her real identity and we may need to clear the path for them to understand their destiny," she said

Apong Estrella was amazed by Rowena (the young apprentice) and her abilities, among the eight young Babaylans that is undergoing training she displays the highest ability to become the next babaylan.

"That is correct, but as I mentioned you with your abilities will feel their difference. That is your advantage as a future babaylan," she said

"Now in the following days, we may need to teach and test your abilities to prepare for what may come. For now, retire to your room and rest for the night," Apong said, "Rowena, please stay for a little while,"

The young babaylan on training went back to their rooms while the youngest stayed. when Apong and Rowena were left alone Apong asked her some questions.

"Rowena, What else have you felt, hear or see after the wind came?"

"I heard it speaks but at the same time there was a form it was like mist in the form of a man," she said looking up remembering.

Rowena is an eight-year-old girl who nearly died after she drowned from the lake. They found her body near the rocky part of the lake and thought she was dead when they brought her to Apong Estrella. 

"So it was a man, how was the voice? Did it also sounded like a man or a woman?"

"It was from a man, it was big and loud it was echoing but clear," Rowena said

"What else have you observed?"

"Aside from the wind tonight, have you observed the moon?" she asked Apoing Estrella

Apong was surprised as she didn't notice anything strange while she was praying, "what have you notice?"

"There was a burning dog-like shadow running, it was quick and brings a warm feeling of security," she said

"I miss that one, if you happen to see it again can you inform me,"

"Yes, Apong,"

"Alright, you can sleep now," 

Rowena stands and left Apong.

Apong Estrella's POV

It was good that Rowena managed to get a few details which she can no longer get. As she turns old so as her abilities. That is why she has been training a few Babylans.

She needs to check the other old Babaylan tomorrow to check if they picked up anything else. This would allow her to prepare and know wh will be coming.