The Moon Symphony

Blessing

What was that?

 I was so shocked that I lost balance and fell downwards. Anan rushed towards me and helped me to get up. My hands were still trembling from fear. I thought I was going to die again at the moment. 

    I looked at Anan and both of us were surprised at what happened. I looked at my arm again and I can still feel the warm sensation coming from the tattoo. I remembered that the Moon Goddess told me that she will give me blessings. Is she referring to this?

    I told Anan that we should hurry home because other monsters might attack us again. I looked at him and he is also in deep thoughts like me. I felt that he was confused too after what happened. 

"Are you okay Anan?" I asked.

He was startled when I asked the question. He is still thinking about what happened earlier.

"I am okay, big brother. I was just startled by what happened earlier." Anan answered. 

"Thank God, you are okay," I said and helped him dusting off the dirt from his clothes. 

 I helped Anan pick up the things that he was carrying. Something was bothering me. 

    "Eh, Anan, the energy that came out from hands, is it normal?" I asked.  

     Anan looked at me and smiled.

  "Eh, Yes and no. Remember the stories I told you about?" he said. 

    Yes, I remember most of them. I said. 

  "Like in the stories, several people were bestowed powers by the deities. Most of them are blessed during birth, or develop as they grow. But in your case Big Bro." Anan paused.

  "What is it? Sorry, my memory is still fuzzy." I said. 

  "You do not manifest any spiritual energy ever since birth. You were born without blessings from the deities." Anan said with a sad face. 

    I pat his head and told him that it was okay. That's the reason why he was surprised by the events. 

  "If that's the case, is it okay if you don't tell anyone what happened today?" I asked. 

  "Sure, big bro. I'll keep this a secret." Anan said and smiled.

  "Let's hurry now, it's getting dark soon," I told him.

    Later that evening, I tried to recall the stories that I heard from Anan. The whole thing keeps bothering me. The mere fact that I died and was transported to a different world. Blasting creepy creatures with some sort of energy coming from hands. This weird tattoo on my hand. I am still having a hard time processing everything. 

   In ancient times, there lived a Demon causing wrath and despair throughout the Orient Seas. Monsters of different forms appeared one by one causing devastation throughout the land. Fear and death scattered all over the kingdoms. 

   Fearing the extinction of mankind and all living things, the Heavenly King summoned his servants. Five answered his call. The first one, bearing the strength of which can break mountains and ruled over the sun. The second one, with outstanding beauty, governs the underworld and moon. The third and fourth ones were siblings who are loved by stars, the other brings morning and life. The last one manages the wind and rain that cultivate the lands.

   The deities and the Demon fought for forty days and forty nights. Followers of the demon perished throughout the battle. As the lifeforce of the deities started to fade away, they decided to seal the Demon. They summoned pillars that will serve as a seal on different locations in the Ancient Orient Seas. The guardians successfully sealed the Demon in exchange for their life. Before death, the five made an oath that if the seal will be broken, they will bestow their powers to chosen people to purge the darkness. 

    How come? Is this the blessing that the Moon Goddess told me before reincarnating into this body?

    But why choose me? There are a lot of people that deserved a second chance. Even in this world, I tend to overthink. Maybe, anyone in my situation will do the same. 

    I feel like it is all still a dream. This is so confusing. Like Anan said that the real Ayari has no ability or spiritual energy. The energy that came from my hands. I consider being alive here a blessing already. My head started to hurt processing all that happened so far. I decided to call it a day and went to sleep.

    The next day, I woke up again with the familiar scent of flowers. Sweet and calming. After passing out from that time, Ester diligently brought me flowers and place them on the earthen vase near the window. I sat beside the window and noticed that the flowers were actually lily of the valley. That's why the smell was too familiar. They were my Mother's favorite back from the real world. 

    Sadness flooded me after remembering what happened. I hope that they are living fine like what the Moon Goddess Mayari promised. 

    I can't help my emotions and tears started to fall from my face. I hurriedly wiped away my tears when Ester entered.

    Pardon me Big Brother for entering your room. I'm here to bring you freshwater. Ester said. 

    I looked in Ester's direction and reached out for the glass that she was carrying. 

  "Are you okay Big Brother? Your eyes looked red." Ester asked, worried.

  "Yes, I am okay. Don't worry." I answered. 

    I waved my arms and asked her to come closer to me. I patted her head and said thank you. I thanked her for bringing me the flowers every morning. Ester was surprised. I smiled and thanked her again. 

    This is a chance. Maybe I should ask her about this power thing. This might answer some of my questions.

  "Sorry Ester for asking out of the blue, but do you have any sort of powers or ability?" I asked.

  "It's okay big brother. I know that you are still recovering and can't remember things." Ester smiled. 

  "I can make things float and set up a barrier," Ester said shyly.

  She then closed her eyes and chanted some words that I cannot understand. A cool breeze started to rush through my face. Small clusters of light started to gather around us. I looked at Ester and noticed that some sort of birthmark on her arm was glowing. It looked the same as what I have on my arm too. The pattern was different though. It looked like a star. I was amazed by the things that I am seeing right now. Little by little the light formed a thin wall around Ester. It was shining like the stars in the night sky. 

    Ester opened her eyes and looked at me. She told me to touch the thin wall. I move a bit closer to her and touch the light surrounding her. I was surprised when I touched the barrier. A certain warmth was radiating from it. The light felt so gentle and kind. 

  "Wow, this is so amazing!" I said. 

    I can't help myself from being exclaiming. I felt a sudden rush of excitement.

    Can I do this too? 

    Ester cast another chant and the light disappeared. Ester let out a light laugh. 

  "I'm sorry. I was too amazed." I said. 

  "No. It's okay Big Brother. I feel happy seeing you like that. Like your old self." Ester said. 

  "Like my old self?" I asked.

    To be honest, I was worried when you planned to join the selection. You were so serious about winning. During that time, you kept on pushing yourself to the point that you stopped smiling like you used to. Ester continued. 

  "I'm sorry if I made you feel worried that time. Thank you for telling me." I said and smiled at her. 

  "I promise that I'll be the best brother to you and Anan," I assured her.

   These are the things that I can do now. Since I am living as Ayari now.  

  "Thank you, big brother. Just tell me and Anan if you have problems. Also, don't worry about those people who keep on bullying you." Ester said. 

    Bully? I asked. 

    I'm sorry, big brother Ayari. Just forget about it. Ester said. 

    "It's okay. I understand." 

    Ester continued to tell me things to help me recover my memories. She told me that the name of the village where we live is Bulan. Our father was the head of this village. We did not notice that it's already noon. I had fun talking with her. She was like my sister from the real world.  

    Ester excused herself and went out of the room. She told me that she will get our lunch from Mother. 

    Before she went out, I thanked her. I told her that if she needs anything, she can always come to me. Ester smiled and hurriedly left. 

    Still, what Ester said bothers me. Even in this world, there are bullies. Well, it can't be helped, but to think that the real Ayari suffered from this. I need to do something. 

    But how? I don't know how to use this blessing that I got from the Moon goddess. I should have asked for a manual or some sort of guide like those from the video games I played. 

    I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate. I tried calling the moon goddess in my thoughts, but no response. 

Hardships? Is this one of them? 

    Oh well, bring it on!