The Moon Symphony

Return

"So, how are we going to get at Adlaw?" I asked.

"It's North of Bulan, and we can reach there for a week if we walk by land," Apo said.

"Are you sure that you want to go with us, Apo?"

"It's okay and, it's been a long time since I ran away from there. Maybe it's time to face Adlaw and my Father again." Apo said.

"Okay, I understand. Like I said before, if you have something, you can tell me anytime." I said.

"Thank you, Yari," Apo said and smiled.

"Of course, we are friends. Let's go." I said.

After giving some respect to the souls that had passed, we started our journey back to the Pine Lagoon. It was a tradition in the whole Orient Seas that if someone passed away, they would offer prayers so that the souls will go to their rightful places. Mayari will be leading them since she is also the deity of the underworld. It's fascinating that people had these beliefs like what other people used to do in the real world.

We made sure this time we will get the correct path at the Pathway of Hell since we had children traveling with us. Ester and Ani were the ones looking at the kids, and they looked happy. I felt a bit sad that they will realize what happened in the village once they group up. So what we are going to do is to take care of them because I don't want them to end up homeless.

I want them to have a family who can take care of them, and that's what I'm trying to achieve. Even we are strangers, and I want to give the best for them. I can't stand innocent lives would suffer because of the greed of other people.

After some time, we reached the outskirts of the Millenium tree. The sight of the colossal tree was so fascinating, now that it gives the color of life. Before going here, it looked like a dead tree, but now it's different. I can hear the children gasp with amazement from the sight of the tree.

A dragon flew towards us, and the children shouted with excitement. Everything was terrific for their eyes. I saw Kurdapya was flying towards us to welcome us.

Saldang morphed into a human form and went towards us.

"How's your journey?" Saldang asked and looked at us, smiling.

The children hid behind Ani and Ester.

"It was a mess, and you would not be happy once you know what happened in Estrella," I said.

"And who are these children?" Saldang asked.

"The remaining survivors of Estrella," I said with a low voice so that the children cannot hear me.

Saldang's expression changed suddenly, and she spoke with her voice cracking.

"What? Tell me what exactly happened."

"Yes, but please can we go to your village first so that the children can rest," Apo said at her.

We went back to the village and headed to her house. The children were happy seeing the sight of the new place they were in. They were so innocent. Once we arrived at Saldang's residence, Ani and Ester took the kids to the empty rooms. The others and I stayed in the living room. Lagas was also waiting there. His appearance improved a lot since the last time I saw him. Everyone sat at the table and remained silent for a few minutes. I took out the compass and gave it back to Saldang, and I can still see her pained expression.

"About what happened at Estrella, I'm sorry if we were late to arrive there. If we had reached the place right on time, we could still save the people." I said, my voice cracking up from the emotions.

Apo brushed my back to comfort me.

"It's not your fault, Ayari," Lagas said.

"I understand, Ayari. Don't blame yourself. We did not expect that this will happen, especially for the hidden village of Estrella." Saldang said.

"So who attacked the village? To think that they can pass there easily."

"The one who attacked Estrella was warriors from Adlaw, and they were able to take the Star Shatterer," I said.

"What?" Lagas and Saldang exclaimed together.

"But please don't worry, Big Brother did retrieve the other half, and it's in my care now," Ester said, showing the ring in her hand, and joined us at the table.

"Thank goodness, I don't know what will happen if it falls into the enemies. Destruction will fall in Orient Seas." Lagas said, feeling relieved.

"One thing was bothering me, and it's like the enemies were soulless, or they are like being controlled by someone," I said.

"How do you say so?" Saldang asked.

"When I fought some of them, they were releasing this ominous aura, and it's the same with the Herald that we fought before. I knocked them out of their consciousness, and I noticed that they were lifeless, some people that rose from the dead." I said.

"I don't know, but after hearing what you said, everything is dangerous now. I don't know that someone can do that and control many people's minds simultaneously." Saldang said.

"So what are your plans now? There are only two remaining successors." Lagas said.

"We are heading to Adlaw."

"Of all places, why Adlaw?" Saldang said, worried.

"I want to check on the situation after that, seeing what happened. I'm sure that a lot of people need our help." I said.

"Also, I want to get the other half of the Star Shaterrer if it's really with them," I added.

"Well, if that's your decision, we won't object. As for my lord's village, I'm sorry, but neither do I know what happened to them. From what I can remember, it's located where the Sun rises. Unlike Baku, we also have no communication with our Goddess Hanan, who can still talk with Mayari." Saldang said.

"How about asking for guidance from the Star Dragon? He is the oldest among us and lived much longer here in Orient Seas." Lagas said.

"Star Dragon?"

"How can we meet the Star Dragon?"

"Since you are on your way to Adlaw, he lives in the mountains near the area. It's the same here in Pine Lagoon, and a magical barrier protected his nest that does not allow any trespassers to enter." Saldang said.

"He will let you pass once he knows your true intentions," she added.

"Okay, I got it. By the way, Saldang. I have a request."

"What is it?" Saldang asked, looking confused.

"Is it okay if we leave the remaining survivors of Estrella under your care? I believe that they will be safe here until we finish our mission."

She looked at Lagas first, then nodded her head as a response.

"Sure, Ayari. Take it as a way of saying thanks since you saved Lagas and the Lagoon."

"Thank you so much," I said and smiled at the two guardians.

-

Adlaw, Village Hall

The intensity of the miasma was getting stronger in the village without everyone noticing. The people just continued their daily lives. A man holding a staff and wearing a black cloak entered the Sun Temple's pagoda and hurriedly went to the other side of the place.

The warriors quivered in fear as soon as he arrived.

"Insolent fools!" The man shouted at them.

He tapped his staff on the floor, and a dark haze appeared, swallowing one of the warriors. The other stopped themselves, or the angry leader will do the same thing at them.

Tell me, did you not understand my instructions. There are two of these! Why did you only bring the other half? The man snarled.

As his anger rose, the ominous aura was getting sinister, causing the soldiers to faint.

"Useless trash." The man said and sat down on a chair that looked like a throne.

Another man entered the hall, walking over the bodies of the soldiers.

"Any good news?"

"Yes, and they are on their way here. Things are getting smoothly on that side."

"Oh, my son is going back now. I can't wait."