The Moon Symphony

Purification - Part One

After numerous times of training for the ritual, we were able to produce great results. We can resonate easier now, and with the help of the ring I gave to Anan, everything went smoothly. 

We decided to take a rest today so that we will not exhaust our spiritual pressure later at the ritual. I remembered all the things that Baku and Makisig told me once I reach the river going to the Underworld. 

I only have an hour to complete the purification rights and judge the souls to where they should go. Honestly, I feel burdened by these tasks. What if I fail in doing the ritual? 

I braced myself for the possible outcome of the ritual. I don't want to fail everyone, so I am going to do my best tonight. I checked on everyone, and I can see that they are feeling the same as me. This is too nerve-wracking. I accepted this request without thinking about us. Instead, my priority was to save the others.

I went to my siblings to check on them. 

"So, how are you feeling, guys?"

"We are fine, big brother. As long as we can help you, we will do anything." Ester answered. 

I patted her head and smiled at my siblings. 

"Thank you so much, guys. I was happy that you are here with me on this journey, but I can't deny that I am not worried. Everything that was happening so far, it's getting more complicated. I don't want to see you getting hurt because of me."

"Don't worry about us, big brother. You always do that to us even when we were young. You kept on spoiling us, showing us your love. That's what, in return, we want to do anything that can help you accomplish things." Anan answered. 

"Come here, you two," I said. 

I hugged my siblings tightly. Honestly, I miss this warmth from my family. Like I promised before, I will protect them.  

---

It was already evening when Makisig called me to give me something. It was a staff, as black as coal. On the tip of it was a blue orb with sigils of the moon. 

"Use this Ayari so that the souls will follow you. The light coming from this staff will serve as their guide." Makisig said. 

"Thank you so much, Makisig. This wood looks familiar, and I think I saw this somewhere." 

"That branch was from the Millenium tree. We used the branch that received fewer nutrients, as it is more potent in controlling spiritual energy." Makisig said. 

"Oh, I see. That's why I can feel the same spiritual energy from this. Again, thank you so much."

"No problem, chosen of the moon. I hope for the success of the ritual." Makisig said. 

I heard Baku calling us already to go to the swamp. Makisig and I went to the group, and we headed towards the place where we will perform the ritual. 

The moon was shining brightly tonight, and it's so captivating. The light coming from the moon was directly hitting the swamp. 

"Are you ready?" Apo asked. 

"Yes, I am. I am feeling a bit nervous, though, and I hope that we will not encounter any problems tonight." I answered. 

I was taken aback by what Apo did. He reached for my hand and held it tightly. I looked at him, giving him a confused expression. 

"The others might misunderstand us again," I said. 

"Let them be. I want to help lessen your worries, and this is what I only can think of." Apo answered.

My heart began to beat faster again. I was always caught off guard by every action of Apo. This warm sensation coming from him, it's comforting, and it did help to relieve my nervousness.

"Let's go," I said, and we walked towards the platform. 

The swamp was surrounded by torches and serve as our light aside from one coming from the moon itself. Okay, here we go. 

Everyone gathered in their positions to get ready. I took out the key that I got the other day. Baku helped me and made the key into a necklace. I held the staff tightly and closed my eyes. This time, I will be using the spell to gather all the souls in the forest of retribution. Baku told me that we can't practice using the magic as I might accidentally disturb the balance of life in the woods. This is what worried me the most if I fail using this spell. 

I gathered all my strength and started to chant the spell. 

"Oh, light coming from the moon, rain upon us. 

Serve as the path for those souls who got lost, 

Guide them to reach their destination. 

I summon thee, serene light of the moon, 

As I am the luminary."

After chanting the spell, I opened my eyes to check the surroundings. Is there something wrong? I looked around, but it's like nothing happened after casting the magic. 

I checked on Baku and Makisig's direction, but I was surprised by what they are doing. Both of them gave me a thumbs up.

Wait, something is wrong.

What happened next astonished me a lot. The ground started to glow, not just the land but the whole forest. It was wrapped around a massive magic circle.

After that, I saw flickering lights gathering around the swamp. They were like fireflies. Little by little, the surroundings got crowded by these little lights. 

The scene was so amazing. This is like from the shows that I watch. Everything that happens here in the Orient seas never fails to amaze me. The little lights transformed suddenly, and they look like the souls trapped here in the forest because of regrets and unwanted death. I looked at everyone and signaled them if they are ready to open the portal. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Again, I closed my eyes and started resonating with everyone on the platform. Everything was going smoothly. 

Little did we know a terrible omen will befall upon us.