The Moon Symphony

Four O' Clock

The news spread out like wildfire with the recent incident of the killings. It got even worse because not only was their blood sucked up dry, but they also found a decapitated head.

My father called in a meeting with the village elders to discuss the recent incidents. He instructed everyone to lessen their activities, especially at night. The townspeople agreed with the suggestion of my father. The security was even tighter than before. My mother also told us that we should have some soldiers accompany us if we want to go out. My father also instructed the sages to erect a barrier to preparing if someone might plan to attack Bulan.

"The incident is going out of hand." I said.

"Yeah, the number of victims is increasing. We need to find out who is behind this." Ani said.

"I can't bear some innocent life disappearing because of some evil doing." Ester said.

"Your right. According to the survivor, he heard a strange tune and as if someone was singing." Baku said.

"What kind of horrible creature can do this. It's too brutal." I said.

"Remembering what Anan said about the victims still gives me chills." Ani said.

We were busy talking about what happened when Anan entered my room.

"Hey guys, Father just issued an order." Anan said.

"What is it?" I said.

"Father told us not to wander around outside Bulan until the issue is not solved." Anan said.

"Okay, we understand." I said, and everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

After talking for some time, they decided to leave my room so that we can rest. I feel so uneasy because after hearing those things happening around me, I can't sit still. I need to investigate.

Later that night, I sneaked out of the house and headed to the village entrance. Anan was right because the security is tight. I need to be careful not to get caught.

I slithered around the carriages near the gate. Luckily, the guards were busy talking with each other. They were not doing their jobs properly. Well, I can understand the pressure that they are having right now.

I rushed towards the next carriage and rolled over the pile of boxes. I checked if the guards are still looking in this direction. After a few minutes, I was successfully able to get out of the gate.

Now it's time for me to cultivate my spiritual energy, and I know a perfect spot. I silently walked in the night if the head guard sent some other guards here to patrol the area.

The moon was shining brightly tonight. As Lakambini said, the moon will give its natural energy, and I can use it to stabilize my energy flow. Even when I'm walking, I can feel the necklace absorbing the moonlight.

After walking for some time, I reached the flower fields that I saw when I was familiarizing Bulan. The area was wide, and Four O' Clocks occupied the field. I never thought that I will see such flowers here in the Orient seas. In the real world, they are considered excellent plants – different colors can be found in the same blossom, and the color patterns can vary wildly from stripes to speckles to blotches. They also can change their color; the yellow ones turn pink as they age, and the white ones change to light violet. Besides changing colors, they are interesting because they bloom in the late afternoon, getting their name. They exude a strong, sweet fragrance all night, then close in the morning.

Since the flowers gave off a relaxing scent, I thought this could help me during my cultivation. A stone not that high was in the middle of the field and can be used as a seat. I walked going there carefully, not to damage the flowers. I reached the stone and sat there.

I closed my eyes and started concentrating, but this is more difficult than I thought. I can't focus my thoughts. I tried different concentration techniques that I saw in the movies and shows that I usually watch, but it still has no effect. I can feel the energy being absorbed from the moon, but how can I stabilize and allow it to flow in my body?

I tried again this time and started imagining the flow of energy entering my body. Like a river that was flowing towards the sea, I let the moonlight flow towards the necklace, then let it flow within my body. Little by little, the spiritual energy is naturally flowing in my veins. I felt the pressure of absorbing the moonlight.

As I continued cultivating my spiritual energy, I felt an unknown presence. I felt as if someone was watching me. I stopped what I was doing and observe the area. A few minutes also passed, and the surroundings became quiet. I no longer felt the presence I had felt before. I closed my eyes again.

All of a sudden, a man jumped behind me and tried to hit me with his fist. Fortunately, I was able to change position and avoid his blow. I moved back away from him.

"Who are you?" He did not answer my question.

He tried to punch me again, but I evaded his fist. I vaulted towards the unknown man and clenched my fist.

Bam!

My punch landed on his stomach. He writhed in pain and lost balance, but before he fell, he grabbed my arm. We both fell on the flower bed. I tried to stand, but he was holding me tightly. The man rolled over and went on top of me, pinning me down.

The hood I was wearing fell off, and my face was exposed in the moonlight.

"Ayari?" The man said.

His voice sounded familiar.

I looked at the assailant's face, and I saw his sun-colored eyes. He was still holding my hands and did not get off me. I can feel his warm breath hitting my face. What I can only hear at that time was our heavy breathing. His sweat trickled down my face, tingling my senses.

"Apo?" I said.

"What are you doing here?" Apo asked.

The smell of his breath mixed with the scent of the Four O Clock's and it was so intoxicating. I can feel my legs trembling from the tension, my heartbeat steadily rising.

"Before I answer your question, can you please let go of me?" I said, my voice trembling.

Apo just realized that I was still under him and panicked. Apo immediately removed his hand from holding me. Because of his quick movements, he was unaware of his body's weight, and he lost control. I closed my eyes as I waited for the collision.

A few seconds passed, but I felt nothing. Instead of pain, I felt a warm sensation. I opened my eyes again, and I was surprised at what I saw. Apo's face was very close to mine. His hands were supporting his body and luckily stopped himself from hitting me.

I was drowning at that moment. Not by water, but by the warmth that was coming from Apo. His breath was so sweet; it's so addicting. I can feel my blood rushing through my veins, my ears getting hot.

I can't stand this anymore.

I pushed Apo away and stood as fast as I can. I lost my balance and almost fell down again, but Apo pulled me towards him. I felt myself hitting his chest, his arms around my waist. I looked at him, and our gazes meet, causing my heart to beat faster than before. No one tried to talk, and we are just looking at each other. It's like we are in our own world.

We stayed like that for a few minutes, then Apo started talking.

"Are you okay?" He said.

"Uhmm. Yes, I'm okay." I said and tapped Apo's chest.

He must have known what I wanted to say. Apo slowly moved his arms away from my waist and cleared his throat. After that, he turned around, me facing his back.

The atmosphere started to get awkward. We stayed silent for a few more minutes. My legs felt wobbly after what happened. I want to bury myself; this is too embarrassing.

"I'm sorry, Ayari. I thought you were the enemy." Apo said, still facing the other direction.

"It's okay, I understand. I looked too suspicious." I said.

"What are you doing here? I heard that some creatures started to attack people around Bulan." Apo said.

"I sneaked out of the village because I need to cultivate my spiritual energy." I answered.

"You sneaked out? Haha. And why here all of the places?" Apo said, laughing loudly.

Hearing him laugh lightened the awkward mood.

"I did. I just find this place relaxing." I said and went back to the stone where I sat earlier.

"Are you not afraid someone might kill you?" Apo said and moved towards me.

"Someone kill me?" I said, confused.

"Silly, I mean, are you not afraid that the monster might attack you?" Apo said and laughed again.

"No, not really." I said and looked at Apo.

"So why are you out here?" I asked.

"I was just checking things around here after hearing the incident."

"Oh, okay. I understand. Do you want to go with me to Bulan?" I asked.

"Okay, since you invited me. I'll go together with you." Apo said.

"That's good then." I said and smiled at Apo.

He held out his hand to help me stand up, and I reached for it. We accidentally looked into each other's eyes again, and for some unknown reason, we suddenly laughed.

"Let's go." I said.

After sneaking back into the village, we successfully went back into my room. I signaled Apo to slowly walk, worried that we might wake up the others. I looked around, and no one noticed. I felt relieved.

"Where are you from, Big brother? And why are you covered in dirt?" The voice said, angry.

It was Ester. What is she doing in my room at this time?

"I just went out for a bit?" I said and smiled at Ester.

"Silly big brother. Do you know how dangerous it is outside. And now, you went back here, with some random guy? Who is this?" Ester said, annoyed.

It felt like Ester was a nagging Mother. She must be furious.

"Uhm, let me introduce myself. I am Apo, and I am one of his companions." He said.

I'm not asking you! Ester shouted.

Apo and I looked at each other, shocked.

Crap, this is bad. Ester is so mad at me.

I pulled Apo towards me and signaled him that we should kneel down. He looked confused.

"Please." I said.

He scratched his head, and we both knelt down. We just let Ester scold us. I looked up and saw Ani and Baku were at the door, and the two were laughing so hard.

These guys, making fun of us.

After nagging at us, Ester went out of the room, still furious. Well, I understand that she is just worried. I can't blame her.

"Your sister is too intense." Apo said, laughing.

"I'm sorry you got caught in the situation." I said.

We looked at each other again and laughed.