The Moon Symphony

Rebirth

Today, I will live my life and love myself more than I did in the past.

Those were the things I can remember as soon as I opened my eyes. My head feels heavy. Maybe I drank too much last night. I tried to reach for my phone to check the time.

Where did my phone go? I asked myself, starting to get annoyed. 

I noticed that the ceiling was a bit different from where I stay. 

I glanced around. I feel weird.

Fancy.

Where am I? 

The interiors were made of light materials like bamboo and coco lumber. White curtains with silver patterns were attached to the windows and the door connecting to this room. There were also things that I cannot recognize. Weird looking figurines that resemble a dragon eating the moon. Jars and pots with symbols that I cannot recognize. I also saw a sword, which looked more like a cutlass. The handle was engraved with silver and diamond. There was also a shield that has a beautiful moon pattern.

Everything looks old fashioned though.

I tried to sit down still feeling dizzy. I looked at the window near me and was amazed by what I saw. Blooming flowers, the crystal clear river flowing. Birds happily chirping and felt like they are singing. The smell of flowers and the cool breeze filled my nose. It made my heart feel peace somehow.

“But wait?”

Curiosity creeps through my mind. I felt a bit anxious about what I am seeing right now. Maybe I watched too many fantasy-oriented shows causing me to have this weird dream.

 Did I die like those characters and reborn in another world? Did I get abducted by aliens? I laughed, thinking of those silly scenarios. 

Then, throbbing pain suddenly rushed throughout my body. I saw that I have a cast on my leg. 

When did I get into an accident?  

Aside from the bandages tightly wrapped around my leg, I noticed that my left hand has a tattoo that resembles the moon. I am getting goosebumps just by staring at the symbol.

I was still looking at the weird tattoo when I heard a woman calling outside. 

Ayari? 

Ayari? She called again. 

The curtains moved and then a woman around her mid-forties appeared. She looked so beautiful. Her white hair was tied by a very pretty flower ornament. Her clothes looked like they were made from the finest silk. It was very pleasing to look at. She rushed towards me, and tears began to flow from her eyes. 

“Ayari, thank the Gods you are awake. I am so relieved.” She said, slowly wiping her tears. 

I was puzzled that she called me Ayari, and why is she crying like she almost lost a son. I was trying to figure out what was happening.

“Do I even know her?” 

There are so many questions running through my mind. What happened to me? I tried recalling what happened but it’s no use. 

Arggh. I scratched my head in confusion. I can’t remember a thing. Did I drink too much that it’s like I am hallucinating? Am I dreaming? I pinched myself and felt pain. I can feel the pain in my leg too.

“Oh my God! What is happening?”

 I was so busy with my thoughts thinking for answers. 

Son, are you feeling better now? The woman asked, still wiping her tears. 

Why is this woman calling me her son? I am so confused. 

I looked at her and examined her face. Aside from the very pretty shade of blue from her eyes, everything felt so familiar. I can’t explain the feeling I am having right now.

I composed myself and tried to gather my courage before talking to her.

“Uhmm, I am sorry. Who are you?’ I asked with my head down. Somehow, I felt pain and sadness after asking her that. 

I can see the confusion on her face. She looked down and started sobbing. There was a brief silence and I can feel the sadness fill the room.  

She looked at me again, wiping her tears.

Don't you remember me? I am your mother. She said. 

Mother?

I don’t know what to say or how to answer her. It feels like everything is getting out of hand. I want to hug her and comfort her, but I hesitated.  

She bent her body facing the bamboo floor like a gesture of prayer and said, "Goddess of the moon, please heal my Ayari". 

Maybe if I did not agree to your request to join the hunt, this would not happen to you. I even asked your father to stop you, but you even sneaked out. Look what happened.

It felt like I have not been doing a good job being a mother to you. I almost lost my sanity after hearing what happened to you. She said, her hands trembling with misery.

"The hunt? What hunt?" I asked her. 

“The selection”, she said. 

“You said that you wanted to join the selection and be chosen as one of the warriors blessed by the deities”. 

Wait, a what? A warrior? Me?

I don't remember participating in things like this. I am not athletic to join such things. I looked again at the woman in front of me. Somehow, I can feel the warmth radiating from her making me feel comfortable. I looked up and noticed that a young man and a woman standing at the door. Then all of sudden they ran towards me and hugged me tightly. 

“Ugghhh. Wait a sec. Ouch”, I said trying to escape from their hug. 

“Sorry Big brother”, said the girl with a star ornament on her hair. She was wearing clothes with patterns that look like the stars. She also looked like an energetic girl. I noticed that there is a streak of blond from her very dark hair. It suits her. 

“I’m sorry, big brother Ayari”, said the boy wearing a handmade flower crown. On the other hand, the other sibling looked very shy. He was wearing clothes with patterns that looked like a rising sun. He looked at me and smiled. I was surprised that she has heterochromia but it looked pretty amazing on him His left eye had a shade of silver while the one is dark blue. What's more surprising is his facial features. He looked like a pretty girl. 

“Ester, Anan, don’t do that again. Your brother is injured.” The woman said to them.

“Yes, mother”, the two answered in chorus. 

The bright mood suddenly felt dim. I can see their sad faces. 

I should do something. 

"You can visit me again once I am feeling well". I said and smiled at them.

Their faces lightened up and both of them hugged me carefully avoiding my injured leg.

"Mother, I think we should go and let big brother rest". Ester said. 

"Let's go", she said. 

As they were leaving, I suddenly felt a sharp pain from the back of my head. It felt like I was hit by a wooden club. I tried to open my eyes but it feels like someone is pulling me into some unknown place. Nothing is happening. My consciousness is fading.

As I am drifting into nothingness, it felt like a powerful force wrap around me. All I can feel is warmth.