The Moon Symphony

Amihan

After Apo left, we decided to continue our journey to the Mourning Valley. Baku was deep in his thoughts.

"Are you okay, Baku?" I asked.

"Master, we need to hurry." Baku said.

"Why?" I asked.

"The spiritual energy from Amihan is getting heavier. I feel that something is happening there." Baku answered.

Baku pointed in the direction where Amihan was. Dark clouds were forming over there. I felt some ominous aura just by looking at it. I shiver run down my spine.

"Should we head there first? I think this is more important than meeting the oracle first." I said.

"If that's your decision master, I'm okay with it." Baku said.

"Just a warning, Master Ayari. We don't know what's happening in Amihan right now." Baku said.

"Yes, I know, but I can sense someone asking for help." I said.

Baku nodded in agreement and we decided to change our course. Instead of heading to Lignon hills, we decided to take a detour.

Baku told me that we need to head towards the Coconut Groove and after that, we need to pass through the Makahiya Field. It will take us a day and a half if we take that path.

While on our way, Baku told me about Amihan and its people. Amihan, like what the stories said was protected by the Monsoon goddess Anitun Tabu. She was the one responsible for the weather in the Orient seas. She loves the people so much that she gives gentle rain and winds for the fertile lands.

As a tradition, the people of Amihan will elect a maiden to serve Anitun Tabu. Usually, people with high intellect were chosen as the of the Monsoon. The village chief declared that together with intellect, the maiden must possess unrivaled beauty. At first, people disagreed with the idea. Later on, the people accepted these conditions and used this as a criterion for the maiden.

Rumors spread that the chosen maidens were harassed by the village chief. He would take advantage of them. The village head denied those allegations. After that, no one even dared to go against the chief. The maiden was not allowed to go out of the temple of the goddess.

"Something is fishy with the Village head." I said after hearing from Baku.

"Yes, master. It's hard to say, but a lot of individuals have their twisted side." Baku said.

I agree with what Baku said. Evil exists, even in this world. As long as people are hungry for power, this cycle will go on.

We reached the Coconut Groove in no time. We decided to take a rest. The place was breathtaking. There were real coconut trees as the name implies. Usually, you can find them in provinces like in the real world.

I looked at Baku while he was busy fixing our baggage.

"Baku, I have a question?" I said.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Why did you agree on being my guide?" I asked.

The question was so random, but I want to know the real reason. How could he agree on Mayari's condition to serve someone he doesn't know.

Baku remained silent for a while. After finishing fixing our belongings, he looked at me and smiled.

"At first, I did not agree with the Moon Goddess. After hearing from her about your personality, I decided to serve you." Baku said.

"My personality?" I said.

Baku did not respond. Instead, he smiled again and told me that we should continue our journey.

The next day, we reached the Makahiya Fields. I did not expect that the place was an empty field. Almost dead. A deserted area.

Baku told me that since water can't reach this place, life did not flourish in this area.

The dark clouds that we saw the other day were much visible now. It felt like a storm was brewing at Amihan. I can feel the spiritual pressure from here.

We continued to cross the fields and saw several people running away from Amihan's direction. They were wearing clothes made from Abaca. I rushed towards the group's direction and asked them if what happened.

"The Goddess is angry. She wants to take back what she gave!" The old man answered in fear.

I looked at Baku, confused. We continued to walk towards Amihan. The air was getting heavier. I am having a hard time breathing.

I took out the scarf that Ester gave me and covered my nose and mouth. Dust was flying everywhere.

As we are getting closer to the village, I noticed that the whole area was surrounded by a river. A bridge was connecting the Makahiya fields and Amihan. A thick miasma is covering the whole Amihan.

"Master, be careful." Baku said.

The spiritual energy is getting stronger as we getting near. I looked around and the situation was bad. You will notice the place was devasted from this distance.

I was busy looking in Amihan's direction when I suddenly felt an eerie aura.

"Did you sense that too?" I asked Baku.

While on our way here, Baku taught me how to activate my senses even without an incantation. Luckily, I was able to learn it quickly.

"Yes, master." Baku said.

I looked around to check if there are sudden movements. All of sudden, a hideous monster came out from below. The appearance of the monster was grotesque. Half of its body was rotting and deformed. The smell from the creature was too strong. It's nauseating.

Luckily, I was on time and was able to pull out my dagger. I pushed Baku and blocked the attack. The force was too strong I was knocked back.

"Master!" Baku shouted.

I hurriedly stood up and prepared myself. I held my dagger tightly. Baku started chanting enchantments to enhance my physical abilities.

It feels like my body was hungry for a battle. I decided to go with instincts. I closed my eyes and feel the movements of the monster.

I signaled Baku to distract the monster. He started to summon ice shards and directed them towards the enemy.

I was waiting for the right time to launch my attack. Just a little more. The ancient text started to flow in my mind.

"Now!" Baku shouted.

"The light that breaks evil, enchant my soul."

The dagger I was holding ignited and was covered with light. I rushed towards the enemy and plunged at its core.

Earlier, while I was observing its movements, I noticed that the monster have a core.

The blade pierced the crystal and broke. The monster growled in pain and started to dissolve in the air.

"Master, get away from there!" Baku said.

The monster looked like it's going to self-destruct. I will not make it in time. I still tried to run as far as I can.

The monster exploded. I can feel the vibration from the explosion. Why don't I feel any pain? I was supposed to be caught up in the explosion.

I looked behind me and saw a familiar man. He summoned a barrier protecting me from the explosion.

"Apo?" I said.

"Clumsy as always," he said.