The Moon Symphony

Smile

Two days ago, Ani and I talked about what happened at the Goddess Realm. She was worried for the people of Amihan. I told her that it's okay if she can't go with us.

Ani asked us if she can give her time to think. While waiting for her decision, something was bothering me. I noticed that the vegetation within Amihan is limited. I took a stroll near the Makahiya fields and noticed that the soil looked fertile. The only problem is the water supply. I don't know how to make the water from the river flow to a particular part in the Makahiya fields.

I kept on looking around and noticed that bamboo was growing beside Amihan. An idea came into my mind.

I asked Ani's father if I can get some help from the villagers. He gathered several people, and I explained my plan to them. Everyone agreed with my suggestion.

When I was in the real world, I would usually watch survival videos during my free time. DIY videos also caught my attention.

The bamboo will serve as pipes, tapping the water from the river towards the Makahiya Fields. The bamboo pipes will suit like a drainage system.

After hours of connecting the makeshift pipes, we successfully created an irrigation system. I also asked the villagers that every morning, someone should check and control the water flow. Everyone was delighted by the newfound knowledge.

Ani's father asked me if how did I came up with this idea. He told me that no one in Orient Seas used this kind of system. I lied and said to them that it suddenly crossed my mind.

The villagers thanked me for the knowledge I shared with them. Baku kept on praising me as well. I checked Apo's reaction, but he looked like he was suspicious of me. Well, I can't blame him if he thinks that way.

-

"Father, thank you so much for everything. I decided to go with Ayari. It's my duty as one of the successors." Ani said.

"There's no way I will stop your decision, my daughter. Please take care of yourself." Ani's father said.

"May the Goddess Anitun Tabu guide you in your way." He added.

Ani bowed her head towards her father, and I did the same as a sign of respect. We bid goodbye to the villagers.

"So what's your next plan?" Apo asked.

Why is he asking me that? Is he still planning to tag along with us?

Honestly, even after saving me from the Herald, I can't say that I trust him. He is still mysterious to me.

We kept on throwing questions at him the other day, but his answer is minimal. I know I don't have the right to be like that, but he keeps on evading them, even those simple questions.

"We are heading to the Oracle." Baku answered.

"Can I tag along?" Apo said.

I knew it.

"Sure. The more of us, the easier our travel will be." Ani answered.

I looked at Apo, and he smiled at me.

"So Apo, can you tell us where you came from?" Ani asked.

There was a long silence before he answered.

"I am an orphan, and I am from Adlaw." Apo said.

"Adlaw?" I said.

"Don't worry, and I am not what you think. Sorry if I did not tell you sooner." Apo said.

I can see the sadness in his eyes.

"It's okay, Apo. We know that you are different from what we know." Baku said.

"Also, if you are like them, you will not sacrifice yourself to save us. Even if we just met." Ani said.

He remained silent for a few minutes.

I keep on looking at his expressions. Something is telling me that he can be trustworthy, but I should not let my guard down. It's hard for me to trust because of my experience.

"To tell you honestly, I ran away from Adlaw." Apo said.

"Why?" I asked.

Apo stayed silent.

"I'm sorry, Apo." I said and patted his back.

"It's okay." Apo answered and smiled.

My heart skipped a beat because of his smile. It was sweet and genuine.

We continued our journey towards the Mourning Valley. We traveled for another day and reached the path going to the valley.

It will take another day before we can reach the temple of the oracle. Baku said.

We decided to take a stop and rest for the night at the entrance of the valley. I helped the two guys setting up the makeshift tent while Ani agreed to make some food.

After an hour, we finished setting up the tent. Ani finished cooking too. Ani made us a soup from the potatoes that we picked up in our way. I was surprised that they don't know what a potato is. People considered this unedible because of its looks.

I told Ani how to prepare the potatoes. Everyone was surprised by the taste of the food. Ani did a good job cooking. I always wanted to eat warm foods, but during our journey to Amihan, Baku and I ate bread and fruits only. Everyone was full of the food that Ani prepared. I am glad that she came with us.

I noticed that Apo keeps on glancing at me. I don't know, but it's like he is observing me.

Later that night, I decided to stay on guard and told them to rest. Baku did not agree at first, but I keep on telling him that it's okay. Apo volunteered as well and told Baku that he would stay with me on guard.

After convincing Baku a lot of times, he finally agreed. Ani kept on laughing because Baku is like her father. I can't help but laugh as well.

The two finally decided to turn themselves and rest. I sat down near the bonfire, and Apo followed me. We sat down there for several minutes, and it felt so awkward. The silence is killing me.

"Thank you," I said out of nowhere.

"For what?" Apo asked.

"Thank you for saving me from the Herald. I was not able to thank you properly." I said.

"It's okay and don't think about it." Apo said.

"Why did you save me?" I asked.

Again, the silence was the answer from Apo. I looked at him to check his expression, but he was looking at the night sky. I decided to do the same.

"Pretty, isn't it?" Apo said out of the blue.

I looked at him, but he was still in the same position, gazing at the stars. He was smiling this time.

I looked up again at the night sky. He was right, and it was pretty indeed. It's my first time seeing this kind of view in the open since I got reincarnated in this world. Usually, I stayed in my room and was cautious about venturing out. It took me some time to trust those people around me, even if they were my family here. I was glad that I survived, but you can't take away the fear in my heart.

"Yes, it is." I said.

I can feel that Apo was staring at me. I can feel my heartbeat getting faster. Why am I reacting like this.

"Honestly, this is the first time I saw the night sky this pretty." Apo said.

"I was locked up in the dungeon for a long time and didn't have my own will. I need to follow all the things that they told me and punished if I did not listen. I grew up where violence was the only thing I saw." Apo continued.

Why is he opening up all of a sudden?

"I told myself that I could escape the harsh world where I live—the feeling of being misunderstood—no freedom to do what you want."

I can feel the sadness from him. It's like we are the same, the life that I had from the real world. I cannot recall if how many times I felt like I was always in a cage. I often get misunderstood too. To hide things, I keep on cheering myself.

I want to comfort him, but I don't know what to do. I looked at him, and he continued to gaze at the night sky.

I suddenly felt my body acting on its own. I stood and went to where Apo was. He looked at me, surprised. I can feel the awkwardness of the moment, but I don't have a choice.

Why is this happening!

I sat down beside him and patted his back. Maybe this is the only thing I can do.

He was surprised by what I was doing. His thoughts might be full of questions too. I can feel my blood rushing in my cheeks.

"It's okay." I said and smiled shyly.

I saw his reaction. I can feel that he might have read the situation too. He tried not to laugh, but he can't control his emotions. He let out a loud laugh.

"I'm sorry but thank you for your effort." Apo said and smiled brightly.

There he goes again, the sweet and genuine smile.