The Moon Symphony

Encounter - Part One

I ducked and rolled towards the tree behind me. Baku did the same and rushed towards where I was.

Two daggers hit the tree in front of us. I sharpened my senses. We don't know what will happen next. I unsheathed the blade that Anan gave me. I can hear our breathing because of the silence. Baku signaled me to slowly move forward to the next tree.

While moving, Baku started chanting a spell to conceal our presence. An array of blades were shot in our direction. I almost got hit, luckily I was able to dodge because of the enchantment Baku taught me.

"Master, you should go ahead and hide in the cave over there." Baku said.

"I can't leave you here." I said, worried.

"Worry about yourself, Master. Trust me, I can handle them." Baku said and assured me. He removed one of his rings from his hands. A ring made from obsidian rock.

"Wear that, Master." He said.

I followed what he said. Baku started chanting another spell and, icicle shards formed in the air. I hurried towards the direction where the cave was. I moved as fast as I can.

I reached the end of the trail and ended up on an open field. I was out of breath already. The cave is a few meters away from me.

Clang!

Sparks fly when the metal blades collided.

Two metal daggers flew again in my direction. I dashed to my right and managed to dodge.

I looked around and there was no one. I heightened my senses and stayed on full alert. I slowly moved backward in the direction of the cave.

Then all of a sudden, the enemy leaped in front of me. I was surprised and tripped backward.

The enemy's sword gleamed as it moved up and swept down, swishing audibly towards me.

Clash!

The dagger I was holding whistled through the air as I countered the attack. My arm ached because of the pressure coming from the sword.

The enemy is trying to pin me down as hard as he can. I got the opportunity and kicked the enemy hard. He was caught off guard and fell down. I stood up as fast as I can and ran away from the enemy.

I dashed faster towards safety. The enemy is getting closer and I am running out of breath.

I need to do something fast.

I saw that there was a mud puddle in front of me. An idea came into my mind. The enemy keeps on following me. I hope he won't notice what my plan is.

Fireballs started shooting in my direction. I forgot that he might use spiritual energy. I successfully dodge the attacks.

This is my only chance. Oh, please. I can do this.

I slowed my pace so that the gap between me and him will get closer. I can feel his footsteps as he is getting near me.

Three, two, one.

I reached the mud puddle in time and faced the enemy. The enemy pulled out his sword as he dashed towards me.

Now.

I slide down the puddle and mud splashed everywhere. The enemy was surprised and stopped. I grabbed his foot and the enemy fell down. I hurriedly jumped over him and pinned him down in the mud.

He was trying to break free from my grasp. I gathered all strength and closed my eyes.

Oh please, work.

The ancient text started to flow in my thoughts like water. I slowly chanted the incantation.

"Oh, Aurora, the light of the northern lands, release your chains and bind my foe!"

Ice prison!

The air started to get cold. Ice formed in the mud and froze the enemy up until his shoulder, stopping its movement. The enemy tried to escape but it was no use.

"Let me go," said the enemy.

"You tried to kill me and you want me to do that?" I said.

I did notice that he was wearing a mask underneath his hood. Maybe because I was busy fighting for my life. The enemy is still trying to break free.

I lifted my hand and punched the enemy so hard that the mask he was wearing flew off. His face was revealed.

I was surprised by what I saw. Why does he look familiar? I examined his face. He has a scar on the right side of his. face. What caught my attention was his golden eyes. It stood out. Also, his hair had streaks of gold. I felt my heart skipped a beat for a second.

"Who are you?" I asked.

Instead of answering, he just looked at me. Looking annoyed.

"I should be the one asking you that." He said.

I stood up dusted off the mud that crystallized in my clothes. I keep looking at him. He looks so familiar. I think saw him before.

I was busy figuring it out when Baku called me.

"Master! I'm glad you are okay." Baku shouted and ran towards me.

"I'm glad you are safe, Baku." I said, feeling relieved.

"Where are the other enemies?" I asked.

"I disposed of them already. There were only two of them." Baku answered.

"Then who is this?" I asked pointing to the man lying in the mud, frozen.

"Who?" Baku asked and looked at me with a confused expression.

Then there was an awkward silence while looking at the man.