The Moon Symphony

Ride

I summoned my dagger and enchanted it with my moonlight energy. I imagined that there's an invisible string attached to my blade. Let's try this.

Light Strings!

I hurled my dagger towards the Awot, but its vines deflected it. Again. I throw my sword again, but I added more force. The enemy tried to counter it again, but this time the blade cut off the vines. My blade landed a hit, and the enemy seemed to be angry. I controlled my edge, and one by one, the vines were cut, causing the enemy to writhe in pain.

Time to end this.

I took back my dagger, and this time I gathered moonlight energy around my palms. I aimed at the enemy and released my spell.

Serene Moon!

A barrier appeared around the Awot, stopping its escape. I snapped my hand, and light orbs appeared inside the barrier and exploded one by one. My spell continued until there was no trace of the enemy was left.

"I guess you went too far as well?" Apo said and laughed.

"It's much better than yours. At least I confined the enemy, unlike you, summoning a gigantic fireball that can burn the forest."

"Okay, I'm sorry. I was annoyed." Apo said.

"And why?" I asked.

Apo looked at me and started walking. He did not answer my question.

"Hey, Apo. Wait up, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Yari, don't mind me. I'm tired." He said and continued walking.

"Wait up!" I said and grabbed his arm, pulling him back.

Apo did not expect what I did and lost balance. We both fell to the ground.

Apo stood up and helped me to stand up. I dusted off the dirt from my clothes and looked at him. Apo is annoyed. I can see his eyebrows meet.

"I'm sorry," I said and lowered my head.

"What is it?" Apo said, still annoyed.

"I was going to ask if how we can get back to the camp. Look around. The path disappeared."

Apo's face lightened up, and he sighed after I said that.

"I'm sorry, Yari. I'm tired; that's why I'm like this." Apo explained.

"I understand. I'm sorry too." I said.

Apo smiled finally.

"So, how are we going to get back?" I asked again.

"I don't know. I did not check the path earlier because I was focused and you and don't want you to get away from my sight." Apo said and scratched his head.

I don't know, but I suddenly laughed out of nowhere. Apo's face was puzzled.

"I'm sorry. Let's take this path, or do you want to wait for the sunrise?"

"Let's go back, and the others might get worried if they wake up that we are nowhere to be seen," Apo said.

I agreed with what Apo said. I summoned my light orbs again and used them to light the path. We roamed, hoping that we can get back to the camp. I'm feeling sleepy now. I did not notice that Apo was looking at me.

"You okay, Yari? Do you want to stop first and take some rest?" He asked.

"I'm fine, Apo. I can still go on. It's funny that we walked too far from the camp."

Apo suddenly lowered his body in front of me. I stopped in my tracks, confused by what he was doing.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Offering you a ride so that you can rest. Come on, get on my back."

I don't know why but my heartbeat got faster than usual, causing my blood to fill my checks. I suddenly felt my ears got warm too. What is Apo trying to do?

"It's okay. I can walk Apo." I said.

"I insist!"

"No, Apo. I'm good. Let's go."

"Are you going to get on my back, or should I force you instead?" Apo said like he was threatening me.

What is he trying to achieve?

I guess I have no choice. Apo might not stop until he does not get what he wants, so let's just do what he says. Just calm down, okay?

"Okay, okay. No need to force me. I'll get on your back."

I went to his side and placed my arms around his shoulders. Apo placed his hands near my legs, and he stood up, lifting me. I heard him groaned. Am I that heavy?

"Are you sure about this, Apo?"

"Yes, I'm all good. I can carry you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Yari. Go ahead and sleep while you are on my back." He said.

"Okay, thank you much," I said and leaned my head on his shoulders.

Apo started walking. This time, all I can hear was our breathing and my heartbeat. It's beating like crazy, and it's reacting from the warmth radiating from Apo.

Calm down, Ayari. Calm your heart, or he might hear and get the wrong idea.

As he continued to walk, it felt like I was being rocked to sleep. I feel so comfortable around him. I don't know, but the feeling was so familiar. The scent coming from Apo's skin was so intoxicating, it's addicting. It feels like he was a person that I knew for a long time. The scent, it was like Third.

Oh my goodness, why do I think about him?

Why do I see Third at Apo. Now that I remembered, some of their actions were the same. Like earlier, the way he acted when annoyed. I remembered that they like to resemble each other. The only difference was the skin color, his eyes, and the hair. But if you would put them closely, you might think that they are things. After staying here and being with him for some time, why do I think about this?

I should stop. Why do I think about Third? After what he did to me, of all times, why now? I guess I fell for him that hard. Those sweet words, everything he did, but in the end, he chose to hurt me.

I did not notice that I was holding Apo's shoulder tightly.

"Ouch! Yari, you okay?" Apo asked.

"I'm sorry, I remembered something."

"About what? You can tell me if you want." Apo said and stopped walking.

"It's okay, don't mind me, Apo. Let's continue. The others might be awake this time."

"Okay, if you say so," Apo said.

Apo continued to walk for some time, and I did not notice that I fell asleep on his back.