The Moon Symphony

Brother

Before leaving, we explained to the children that we will continue our journey first. After everything is finished, I promised them that I will get them back. At first, they don't want us to leave because they got attached to us quickly.

To be honest, I don't want to leave them either, but I don't want them to be in danger again like they experience in Estrella. Saldang and Lagas promised me that they will look out after the children, and at least, I was relieved. We can continue our journey without hesitation.

I noticed that something was off with Apo, but I thought he was tired, so I did not ask him. Every one of us must be tired already with the encounters that we had so far. To think that I will survive in this world and reach where I am now, I can say that luck is with me this time.

I still have this vague memory in my head. Maybe this belongs to the real Ayari's soul. I tried to remember just in case this can give me information, but it's no use.

It's time to say goodbye to Pine Lagoon once again. Our stay was short this time, but I made new friends here and a family. Like before, I wanted to return here. The place just calms my heart.

We rode the giant beetles to get to the entrance of the Millenium Tree. I waved goodbye to the two guardians and the children. I smiled when I saw Ester and Ani crying. I didn't know that Ani can be so emotional despite her fun attitude. She must have been attached to the children.

"Are you okay, Yari?" Apo asked.

"Yes, I am. I am not used to saying goodbyes, and I kind of feel sad." I said.

I was surprised when Apo reached out for my hand and held it gently. The electric current traveled to my whole body, and I don't know how to react. All I can feel was the warmth from his hands.

"It's okay, Yari. Everything will end soon, and you don't have to worry about anything." Apo said and continued to hold my hand.

"Are you sure about your decision? We can go ahead look for the land of the Morning first?"

"It's fine, I'm okay with it. I also want to deal with my past and check on the things in my hometown."

"Okay, I understand," I said and smiled at him.

I suddenly heard a loud scream. I looked around, and it was Ani, and she was shouting like crazy. I suddenly felt embarrassed when she started pointing at my hands. Apo was still holding me.

I looked at everyone, and they were smiling at us. I looked at my sister, and I was surprised. The two just gave me a thumbs up. I heard Apo chuckle. This is so embarrassing.

I just let them do what they want as we flew across the Millenium Tree.

--

We arrived at the outskirts of the Millenium Tree a few minutes. Thanks to those gigantic beetles, we don't have to waste our energy walking. I was even surprised that they have their own names. The trio beetles were named after nuts like Acorn, Cashew, and Hazelnut. It was because of their colors and appearance. Well, it's fascinating enough for me, like a pet owner would usually do.

"I want to go back here after our mission is finished," Ani said.

"Yes, me too!" Ester said.

They laughed together. It seems that the two look like real sisters, and they grew close with each other. I can feel that everyone was comfortable with everyone.

We started to head north to find the Star Dragon first. I asked Anan and Ester if they want to drop by at Bulan first, but the two decided to go on with the journey. My siblings told me that they want to explore more. They were afraid that our parents might not let them go with us again. Well, I don't have a choice. It's not like I want to tolerate them. But I want them to explore the world too.

Lagas told us that there is a shortcut for us to get to our destination faster. It will shorten our travel time by two days. I agreed with his suggestion.

We decided to camp first in the Forest of Redemption. It's located Northeast of the outskirts of the Millenium Tree. We should pass here first, and it's connected to Cordellia, a small village where people from different tribes gathered and used the area for trading.

The forest had a lot of vegetation, and the trees were covering the sunlight, making the environment gloomy. The air was a bit chilly, and the scent of moss hit my nose.

There were also a lot of animals living in the place. Saldang told us that the Forest of Redemption was once the home of the nature-loving fairies, the Diwata. They are considered guardians of the forest and protect the living things that reside there.

Their appearance was usually related to beautiful men and women. Unlike the Dalaketnon, who lives in the Pine Lagoon, the Diwata have wings. Their wings look like those of butterflies. They also have beautiful voices that can charm ordinary people. They were also associated with the Goddess Hanan, but after the Evil Lord's battle thousand of years ago, their existence suddenly vanished.

It was believed that they hid their presence to protect those who seek help and nurture the forest. There were many stories of sightings of the Diwata, but it was believed that they are just tales to fascinate the children's minds. I asked Baku if he had encounters with the Diwata before, but he said no. To maintain balance and harmony, they try not to associate with other creatures and work behind the scene.

Ani also told us that before hunting in the forest, the hunters usually say prayers to ask the Diwata first to give them a bountiful hunt.

We set up our camp in the middle of the Forest of Redemption. Apo and Anan decided to hunt some food while Baku and Ester took our water containers to fetch some water in the nearby spring.

I helped Ani set up our makeshift tent and prepared the utensils that we will use for cooking.

I saw Ani looking at me.

"Is there something wrong, Ani?" I asked.

"Well, sort of. I had another vision, but I don't know if I should say it to you. I once proved that some of my dreams were not true, as the case with Apo." Ani sighed.

"So, what did you see this time?"

"I don't know how to say this, but I saw you lying in the ground lifeless." Ani's voice was shaking.

"Don't worry, Ani. I would not let your vision turn into reality. We have come this far, trust me, okay?"

"Sure, Yari. If you need help, don't forget about us. We are warriors like you, so don't take responsibility alone." Ani said and smiled at me.

"I will. Thank you so much."

"So, how is your relationship with Apo now?" Ani asked out of the blue.

Here she goes again.

"We are good friends," I said and smiled.

"Are you sure you don't have feelings for him?"

"Of course, Apo is like a good brother me," I answered.

Then all of a sudden, I saw Ani's expression changed. It's like she saw something. I looked behind me, and someone was standing there, holding a dead deer.

It was Apo.