The Moon Symphony

Mad

Apo's POV

I told Anan that I'd bring the deer that we hunted to clean them already. I hurriedly went back to the camp and heard Ani and Ayari talking. They were talking about me. I walked towards them slowly, and I listened to what Ani said. She was asking if what Ayari feels towards me. I can't explain, but I was expecting his answer. I don't know why but my heart feels lonely all of a sudden. Yari said that he sees me as his brother.

Why am I disappointed?

Am I expecting a different answer?

I don't know how to explain my feelings towards Yari. The more that I got closer to him, the more that I want his attention. Besides, he feels so familiar. It's like I know him well.

I was also thinking that he might be the person I was thinking about. The one that I failed to tell my true feelings. Or maybe is this the work of fate, playing with emotions. How I wish I were able to say to him my true feelings before I disappeared.

Ani saw me and asked me if I was there for a long time and heard anything. I lied and told them that I just arrived. I don't know how to face them, so I hurriedly went to clean the deer that we caught.

I was busy doing my job when Yari sat down beside me and asked me if I was okay. I did not answer him for a while, but later on, I told him that I was okay. We just stayed there, saying nothing until the others arrived.

Later that evening, Yari decided to stay on guard and told us that we should rest already. I want to talk to him badly and apologize. Then I saw Baku sat down beside him. They were in deep talk.

I want to get close to hear what they were talking about, but I saw Yari placed his head on Baku's shoulder. I don't know why I suddenly felt disappointed. It is like I was jealous, and I felt sad. Maybe what Yari said was true, after all, that I was just his brother. The person he loves might be Baku.

Damn, Apo. Stop thinking about this.

I saw Baku stood up, and the two were laughing.

I guess I have no choice but to fulfill my father's wish and save my mother. I should not have let my feelings clouded my mission. I'm sorry, but I have to do this.

--

I was left alone again, sitting near the campfire. I can only hear the sound of the crackling fire and the rustling of the leaves. I felt the gentle breeze. How I wish the night sky were more visible in this area.

I want to talk to Apo, but it feels like he was avoiding me. This is making me crazy. Do I like him like what Ani was saying? Or am I just looking for someone's affection?

How? When?

Is that even possible to fall in love for fewer reasons?

Was it the time that I first encountered him, or is it when he saved me? Do I like him because of his looks or because of his attitude?

Gosh, this is making me crazy. It would be best if you stopped now, Ayari. Focus on your goals, not on a romantic relationship with someone.

I stood up and looked around the surroundings. The more I observe the trees, the more I feel weird. It's like someone was watching over us. Wild animals, I guess?

There were little glimmering lights in front of us. It's like they were dancing. I moved closer to where the light was, then it disappeared. I checked the surroundings, and to my surprise, they appeared on a different spot, farther from where I was standing.

What's happening?

I tried to get closer to the lights again, but the same thing happened. My curiosity hit me again, and when I looked around, I was far from the camp already.

The area was dark since the trees were blocking the moonlight. The place was so silent. All I can hear was my breathing.

Illuminate!

Two spheres of light appeared beside me, and I commanded them to move around.

What's this?

The sense of someone was watching me was getting stronger.

Who's there? I shouted.

The flickering lights appeared again, and little by little, the plants started to glimmer, revealing a pathway.

The lights kept on dancing, and as if it was inviting me to follow them. I took back my spell and followed the lights. The further I walk, the light was getting brighter.

I am starting to feel a weird sensation like I was being hypnotized. My senses are beginning to get numb. Then all of a sudden, I heard a voice.

Ayari!

I snapped out when I heard my name. It was Apo who called me. I looked at him with a confused expression.

"Don't just stand there! Look out!"

A huge vine lashed towards me, and luckily, I evaded it.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"Are you not thinking, Yari? Why did you fell into this type of trap? Apo said angrily.

"What do you mean?"

"Look!" Apo said and hurled a fireball towards the direction of the lights.

A gigantic plant appeared in front of us. Vines surrounded it. What made it creepy was skeletons scattered at the base of the plant.

"A carnivorous plant?"

"Yes, and it's called an Awot. It lures its prey using pretty lights. You were lucky that I saw you. If not, you have turned into those skeletons on the ground." Apo said.

He was mad at me for being careless.

"Okay, I'm sorry for being careless. So how do we deal with this type of monster?"

Apo did not answer; instead, he ignited his arm and summoned a massive fireball. I can feel his anger.

"Hey, Apo! Calm down, or you might burn the forest."

He was not listening. He continued to gather energy, and the fireball was getting larger. I should stop him.

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this! You are not listening to me!"

I moved closer to him, and then I smacked his head hard.

"Ouch!" Apo groaned.

"What did you do?"

"Knocking some sense into you! Look at what you are doing? You'll burn the whole forest!" I said angrily.

Now both of us were mad for different reasons.

The fireball started to disappear. Apo started to calm down.

"I'm sorry, Yari!" Apo said.

"Okay, okay. Just step back and handle this creepy plant."