The Moon Symphony

Lakambini

The temple of the Mourning Valley was picturesque. It was old, but the view was magnificent. Large stones made up the exterior of the temple. Lily of the valley surrounded the temple entrance, and the scent coming from the flowers calmed my soul. The exhaustion from the journey faded away.

The dim light of candles replaced the light of the sun after we entered. Sigils and ancient text covered the inner part of the walls, and each section felt like it was telling a story. One area of the border had a painting of the maiden sitting and looked like she was weeping; another had images of the people chasing a creature that looked like a dragon. The most eye-catching part was an image of a dragon lying down on the ground, blood flowing everywhere. I can feel the sadness coming from the pictures just by looking at them. I moved closer to the painting and a blue orb embedded on the heart of the dragon.

It feels like it was calling me.

As we reached deeper into the temple, we heard the sound of dripping water. The air was getting moist, and the path was getting bigger. A blue light gleamed at the track. As we finally walked through that path, we saw another series of paintings depicting the deities' battle and the evil lord.

I was busy admiring the images when I hear someone speaking behind me. The voice was like a soft melody.

I looked behind me, and it was a woman so beautiful that I can't stop myself gasping with awe. Her smile was so pretty, like the morning sun.

I called Baku and the others, but no one was answering. Time seems to freeze them in place. I looked at the woman again.

“Who are you?” I asked the woman in front of me.

“Don't be afraid, my child. I am what you seek.” The maiden answered.

“The Oracle?” I said.

“I am a Babaylan, to be exact, and My name is Lakambini.” The woman said.

“I apologize for being rude.” I said and bowed my head.

“Raise your head, my child, as I am just an ordinary being like you. The deities handed me a mission, to guide those people who are lost, to give answers to those who ask.” Lakambini said.

I did what she said. I looked at her, still full of amazement and her beauty was outstanding. I cannot stop looking at her.

Lakambini smiled at me, inviting me to sit down with her on the wooden seat beside us. I followed her and sat down beside her.

“What's your name, my child?” She asked.

“My name is Ayari, and I am from Bulan.” I said.

“You are not from this world, my child.” Lakambini said.

I was shocked and was not able to answer her.

How did she know? Is it because of her abilities?

“Don't worry; if you don't wish to answer, I understand.” Lakambini said.

“Thank you, but I want to be honest. Yes, I am not from this world. I reincarnated in this body.” I said.

“I understand, my child.” She said and smiled.

“Now, my dear. I have a question for you.” Lakambini said.

“I'm ready.” I said.

“Only one color, but not one size,

Stuck at the bottom, yet quickly flies.

Present in the sun, but not in the rain,

They were not harmed and feeling no pain.

What is it?”

What kind of question is this? A riddle Think fast, Ayari.

“You don't need to rush; Ayari and patience is essential.” Lakambini said.

She's right. I need to calm down. I took my time thinking about what the answer could be. After a few minutes, I told Lakambini that I have the answer.

“The shadow!” I said.

Lakambini smiled at me and nodded her head.

“That's correct, my child. Now can you tell me the reason why you chose the shadow as your answer?” She said.

“I got the hint from the sun. The shadow has only one color, black, and can change its shape depending on the object. Also, if the light like the sun appears, it will show up below you. But if the rain comes, it disappears quickly.” I said.

“What an excellent explanation. I can feel the sincerity of your answer. Do you know why I gave you this riddle?” Lakambini said.

“Why is it?” I asked.

“The questions reflect on what you are going through or what you will encounter in the future. My only advice is to don't dwell on your past and live what you can—the maiden said.

“Also, you want to know why the deity of the Moon chose you?” she continued.

“Yes, that's still bothering me. I'm sorry if I'm feeling like this.” I said.

“You are unique, Ayari or, rather, Peter. You don't see those qualities, but look in your heart and believe in yourself”. Lakambini said.

She held out her hand and told me to touch her palms and close my eyes. I did what she asked me to do.

I felt a sudden surge of energy rushing through my body. Even my eyes were closed; images appeared like my eyes were open. Tears started to fall from my eyes.

I saw my mother and my sister, and they were visiting me in my grave in the real world. My sister brought me my favorite flowers, Lily of the valley. She also got a recorder and played my favorite music.

“Thank you so much, Peter. We can feel that you are taking care of us, even you are not here.” My mother said.

“I miss you, big brother. I'm lonely that you were not here, especially at my graduation, but I know you are proud of me.” My sister said and pulled out the diploma from her bag.

“Wherever you are, big brother, please don't worry about us. We miss you so much. Thank you.”

I opened my eyes, and I can't control my emotions. I cried out loud. Lakambini sat beside me and hugged me to comfort me. I continued to sob like a baby.

“Thank you so much for showing me, Lakambini. I'm so grateful to you.” I said and wiped my tears.

“You don't have to thank me. I know that's what your heart was yearning. As I said earlier, you should not dwell on the past but move forward for your future.” Lakambini said.

“Still, I want to thank you.” I said.

Lakambini smiled at me and patted my head.

“I need to go, Ayari, because my time is almost up.” She said.

I felt her presence is starting to fade. I nodded and bowed as a sign of respect.

“Remember, the one you are looking for is around you, and it is just within your reach. Take care, warrior of the Moon.” Lakambini said and vanished in thin air.

The time started flowing again. I was back at the entrance of the Mourning Valley temple.

“There you are, Ayari!” Apo shouted.

Apo rushed towards me and hugged me tightly. My heart started to beat faster, and my ears are getting hot.

“You suddenly disappeared, and before we knew it, we are back at the entrance of the temple.” Baku said.

“What happened, Ayari.” Ani asked.

Apo was still hugging me. I tapped his shoulders.

“Wait, I can't breathe.” I said.

Apo realized the situation we are in and let go of me. He bowed his head and apologized.

“I'm sorry,” Apo said, acting shy all of a sudden.

“He was so worried about you.” Ani said.

I can feel myself blushing all of a sudden. What am I feeling right now.

I told them everything about meeting the Oracle of the Mourning Valley. I described to them what her appearance was and, I also told them the advice that she gave me.

“The one that we are looking for is within your reach? Sound like another riddle for me.” Baku said.

“Yes, I agree.” Apo said.

“Did she tell you how we can find the remaining successors?” Ani asked.

“Unfortunately, no. Lakambini only told me about what my heart seeks and desires the most.” I explained.

“What was your desire?” Apo asked.

“Yes, tell us. Please.” Ani said.

Why are they asking me this all of a sudden? I can't tell them about the real me.

“Eh, it's nothing.” I said and smiled.

“Okay, you don't have to tell us.” Apo said.

I looked down and noticed that I was holding something. It's a necklace, and the pendant was a pearl that looked like a teardrop.

When did I get this?

It was when she was holding my hand. I looked at the temple and said my thanks o Lakambini. I can safely say that she is also the maiden from Baku's story.

After resting, we decided to go and continue our journey.

“So, where are we headed next?” Ani said.

“We need to return to Bulan because my father might be worried about me.” I said.

“How about you, Apo?” I asked.

“I'll be doing some unfinished business.” Apo answered.

“Oh, okay. Well, see you around then.” I said.

“Let's meet sometime again, Ayari.” Apo said and tapped my back.

He waved goodbye at us and started to walk on a different path. I felt lonely somehow.

-

Adlaw's Main Pagoda

“It's confirmed. Two of the successors already awakened.” The man in a red hood said.

“It would be best if you made haste, my son, and do what I am tellin' you. Take the relics and kill them as soon as possible.” The village chief said.

“Yes, father. I will.”