The Crescent Curse

With the stars as the primary source of light, as mystic birds sing in perfect harmony, the rustle of the fallen leaves from the golden tree, I walked towards the golden swing attached to one of the tree's long branches. Sitting gracefully, I held the ropes on both my sides, lifting my feet off the ground, as I hummed softly, urging the wind to sway me along with it's rhythm. Not so long ago this is where my mother and I always used to be. Just sitting alongside each other, talking, and spending time with one another. The times when she would tell me stories, her stories, her duties, and my future ones. Being the Goddess of the Moon, my mother has the duty of taking care of the mortals in her realm. Giving them blessings, supervision, power, life, and mates. My mother's realm is home to Mermaids, Fairies, Vampires, Witches, as well as Foxes and Werewolves. It is her duty to guide them, to protect them, and to see that they're able to fulfill their purpose of being born in her realm. The peacefulness of the place was interrupted when loud howls from the Werewolves were heard. Slowly putting the swing to a stop with the help of the wind, I stood up and walked back towards the castle. Barefoot, I took the path closest to enter the castle, the wind following my every move, making my clothes sway as I walk.  Gold and white are seen on every corner of the castle upon entering. The columns, the furniture, the windows, the ceilings, everything. With each prayer, each believer from the mortals in her realm, the castle glows more and more, as well as my mother getting stronger and stronger. "Mother," I mused, seeing her gazing out the window upon entering the throne room. Her eyes immediately left the window and looked into mine.  Isang ngiti ang kanyang iginawad sa akin at pinalapit ako sa kanya. Reaching out one of her hands, I held onto her as she guided me to her side, us both gazing down on the magical windows of the palace. Sa bintanang iyon, makikita ang isang grupo ng mga lobo, nakatingala at pinagmamasdan ang buwan kung saan kami naroroon, kasabay ng sunod-sunod na pag-ungol nila. My mother chuckled. "Werewolves are such fascinating creatures, my love. They are one of the most terrifying mortals in our realm, whilst they are the most affectionate and possessive creatures I created." She made a side glance at me before diverting her attention back to the group of running wolves. "Crescent, my love, what do you think about the Moon Goddess?" I looked at my mother as she asked me that question. What do I think about the Moon Goddess? Tumingin ako sa likuran ko kung nasaan nakalagay ang isang napaka gandang ginintuang trono na nakita ko sa buong buhay ko. "You," I answered her, not looking away from the throne. Mother chuckled once again before placing a hand on my cheek, making me look at her. "Well, my love, from now on, it is 'You' ." Yumuko sya ng bahagya at binigyan ako ng halik sa noo pagkatapos ay nagsimulang maglakad papalayo sa akin. "What do you mean, Me?" I asked, running then walking alongside her. "Come with me," she mused. Tahimik lamang kaming dalawang naglalakad sa pasilyo ng kastilyo hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang napakalaking pintuan na ngayon ko lamang nakita. Kunot-noo akong tumingin sa aking ina, tahimik na humihingi ng kasagutan ngunit hindi ako nito pinansin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad patungo sa pintuan at saka ito binuksan. An empty room welcomed both of us. A huge empty room painted in white and gold, making our hair the only odd color in the room. "Crescent, do you remember the story I told you about how I became the Moon Goddess?" My mother suddenly called my name and asked, which made me startled a bit before answering her, "Yes, Mother. You were given a task by the previous moon goddess and attained the throne and me, as a reward for your accomplishment." The Goddess then nodded and smiled before walking towards the middle of the room and closed her eyes. "Crescent Luna, third heir to the Moonlight Throne, I, Clementine Luna, the second heir and the current Goddess of the Moon, bless you with the knowledge of the Moon to be your guide during your journey and return home." She then opened her eyes and continued, "May the Moon shine brightly upon you." I just looked at her with mouth agape and perplexed, what my mother said then slowly started to get to me. With wide eyes I looked at her, I tried to protest and ask, but a blinding light from the ceiling stopped me from doing so as I slowly started to feel myself deteriorate. With tears forming in my eyes, I looked at my mother one last time and saw her smiling at me, with tears falling from her eyes.