The Moon Symphony

Encounter - Part Two

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

"I thought you were an enemy too." I said.

Baku also bowed his head to ask for an apology.

The stranger accepted our apology. The man explained that he was a traveler. He said that he was looking for a certain medicinal plant and set off for a journey. He also told us that he was attacked while he was in the forest. He taught that I was an enemy too and that's the reason why he charged at me. I kept on saying sorry for mistaking him as an enemy. Well, if you were in a life and death situation, what you will think of is your survival.

We decided to head towards the near lake and wash off all the dirt from our garments. the man followed us to do the same. I kept on glancing on at the stranger. Why does he look familiar?

We reached the lake after a few minutes. I was amazed by the scenery. The air is so fresh. Everything is pleasant for my senses. I am enjoying the calmness of nature. The gentle breeze, the singing birds. I already forgot that I almost died earlier.

Baku called and told me to clean myself. I went to him where he was. The traveler also followed me.

"By the way, what's your name Sir?" Baku asked.

"I'm Apo. A traveling merchant." The man answered.

"I'm Baku and this is my master, Ayari." We are traveling too to find someone. Baku said.

Apo smiled and started to remove his shoes. I feel sorry for him because we got caught in this mess. We almost ended up killing each other. I walked towards the water and looked at my reflection.

I was covered with dirt. My right arm was swollen from the fight. How long have I been here?

A lot had already happened, yet I feel that something is missing. I feel empty. I carefully looked at myself. The real Ayari and I had a lot of similarities based on what my siblings keep on telling me. I believe he is a positive person. Even from those suffering, he would cheer up always. But his outlook in life might be greater than mine. I hope I had the strength that he had.

I heard Baku and Apo were busy talking. I decided to wash. I untied the belt from my clothes and removed the vest revealing my upper body. I noticed that Baku and Apo were looking at me.

I removed my sandals and headed towards the water. As soon as I dipped in the water, the cool sensation moved on my body. I felt that the fatigue started to fade away.

Baku stood up and picked up my clothes. He started washing them to remove the dirt. Apo also started to remove his garments revealing his well-built body. He must have been training a lot to achieve that physique. He could be a supermodel if he was from the real world. I can't stop myself from staring at him. There was a familiar feeling that I can't explain.

I noticed that he had a lot of scars on his body. Aside from that, there was something that caught my attention. A birthmark like what Ester has. On the right side of his chest was a mark that looked like the sun. I kept on staring at the mark.

I was deep in my thoughts when Baku called me.

"Master, are you okay?" Baku asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Then why do you keep staring at Apo?" he said.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that he looks familiar." I answered.

"Okay, Master. If that's what you say." Baku said.

Baku moved to the stone near us and placed my clothes so that they will dry up. As soon as it's okay, we need to move on and hurry to the Mourning Valley.

After a few moments, I went out of the water. I did not notice that some of the stones are slippery. I accidentally stepped on a stone and slipped. I felt that I was falling backward. I close my eyes bracing myself. Instead of feeling the ground, I noticed that I was still mid-air. Someone caught me from falling.

When I opened my eyes, I thought it was Baku. I was shocked because it was Apo instead. His face was close to mine. I can see his face up close. I can feel his warm breath. His gaze feels like I was being pulled in.

To avoid more embarrassment, I tapped his shoulder. He must have understood and helped me to stand up properly.

My heart was beating like crazy. I looked at Baku and saw him smiling. He should be worried, not smiling.

"Thank you, Apo." I said.

"No problem." He answered.

After that, there was an awkward silence. A few moments later, our clothes were already dry. I put them on and fixed myself.

"So where are you going next, Apo?" Baku asked.

"I'm planning to go to Amihan. I have to meet my old friend from there." He said.

Apo finished packing his belongings. Baku was also done arranging our baggage.

"We will go ahead," Baku said to Apo.

Apo just nodded and stood up picking up his things.

"Thank you." Take care. Apo said.

"You too, Apo." I said and smiled.

Apo started walking towards the forest. But before he can go far, he shouted.

"The strings of fate were tied already. Let's meet again soon."