The calm before the storm

The minibus entered the bridge of the boat. It was a rented boat from a family friend of the Almazans. Connections really have their perks. Once the gate of the boat closed, people started to descend the bus.

"You can pick any room with whoever you want. At least two persons per room are possible. Go ahead and settle in. Lunch will be serviced at 12." Luna announced once everyone is on the deck.

"Princess, there is something I would like to talk about." Vian approached Luna.

"Sure. Let's go have a seat. Should I call Kira and Sol?" Luna asked her and she nodded.

They settled under a table set with an umbrella. Lunch is being prepared by the crew of the boat and it will be served in the dining area. In a few minutes, Sol and Kira arrived and settled down on the seats between the two girls, the four of them facing each other on the round table.

"Hey, Vi. What's up?" Sol started.

Vian's world exploded in her mind. That nickname is the first time she ever had a nickname and it makes her feel like baby fairies are making a rumble in her stomach. But she coughed it out.

"So I got to tell you something. It's about me." She said in a serious tone. Everyone sat up straight, giving her the sign that they are ready.

She lifted her left hand, palm up. A little tornado of wind slowly builds on top of it. A gasp can be heard from her audience. She closed her hand and put it down, only to raise her other hand. She opened it again, palm up. A small cyclone of water forms on top of it this time.

She closed her hand and took a deep breath.

"I am a diwata. I have the power to control the four elements: fire, water, wind, and earth."

"That's so awesome." Kira spoke amazed.

"I can't believe I'm friends with a fairy." Luna whispered.

"Oh come on, princess. You are blessed by the power of the moon goddess. Big guy here is blessed by the power of the sun and Sol…" She stopped, trying to think of special power from Sol.

" Oh me? Don't mind me. I can only see the future a day ahead. Nothing special." he shrugged. But this declaration resulted in a chorus of "What?"

The four of them looked at each other and laughed. Vian sighed in relief. She has been so anxious since yesterday about what would be their reaction once they knew of her identity. She guesses she is indeed at the right place.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I'm only supposed to tell you I'm not a boy at the banquet. But things started going crazy and I know I can help so I tried to stick around." Vian explained.

"So when you said that Sidapa is a distant relative, you mean exactly as it is?" Kira asked. She nodded.

"Thank you for giving us your support." Luna took her hand and held it tight. Her silver hair is glistening from the reflection of the sun bouncing off the water around them.

"Actually, the real reason I wanted to let you know of my identity is to warn you about our visit to Sidapa. We need to plan carefully. Mt. Madyaas is not an easy mountain. Most importantly, it is a dormant volcano. I wrong move and we might anger the god of death, a sleeping volcano might wake up." Vian explained.

The first obstacle they will encounter upon reaching the base of the mountain is flatland fairies. There is a stretch of farmlands and rice terraces at the foot of the mountain. Flatland fairies are known to be very strict and protective. After all, they are the ones who take after the crops of the people. They tend to be disruptive and often play pranks on large groups of people as they see them as a big threat.

"Upon entering the farmland, I want all of you to announce your name and promise friendship towards the guardians. You can simply say, My name is Vian. I am not a threat, I am your friend. Please guide me past your precious land."

Vian led the explanation of each path they will be taking up to reaching the summit of the mountain. Each stop of the way means a different guarding should be acknowledged. Since they will reach the lands by night time already, there would be no time to discuss the plan ]before starting the hike. They spent the whole day discussing every step of the way. Vian knows the mountain like the back of her hand. With Sol's premonition of the day ahead, they have been able to warn of the challenges they will face.

They reached the lands and the sun has already set. The stars seemed brighter here than in Bulan. Luna started missing her parents and Apo. They still have at least a couple of hours to reach their accommodation for the night.

Kira and Sol will be sharing a room as Luna and Vian will be together.

"Please be ready by seven in the morning." Luna announced.

"Isn't that a bit late, princess?" One of their companions asked. She understands the questioning. Hiking should be done the earliest possible, especially since they will be taking a very long journey.

"As much as I want an early start, the tourism office will open by eight. We still need to list our names at the police station. So I am hoping that everyone will take the chance to rest well tonight. We will have a grueling journey ahead." Everyone is dismissed.

Just as Kira and Sol started settling down in their respective beds, a strong gust of wind blew their window open. A small creature with tiny wings appeared in front of them. The boys jumped out of their beds and assume battle positions, ready to defend themselves. Although Sol doesn't even know how, he placed himself a little behind Kira.

The fairy twirled and made a curtsey bow in front of them. It has solid white eyes and no mouth is found on its face. It is glowing in a warm green color. It spoke, but it felt like the words are sent directly into their heads.

"Greetings, Son of Apolaki. Greetings, Son of Hanan. Danapolay extends his greetings. We wish you safe travels." In a blink of an eye, the fairy is gone. The two gentlemen were left there frozen.

"What just happened, Sol?" Kira whispered.

"I don't have the slightest clue." Sol answered.

Luna and Vian are laughing very quietly. They are sharing stories about their childhood.

"How I wish we met when we were younger." Luna said.

"That would be impossible. I am hundred of years older than you." Vian said with a smile on her face. Luna pouted and it made her laugh.

"Let's just rest for today. Good night, princess." She said.

"Good night, fairy." The both of them faced the wall.

But sleep will not be peaceful for Luna.

She sees herself on top of a vast mountain, specifically, on top of a giant tree. In the sky are seven little moons. The smallest of these moons moved closer to her and transformed into a skinny boy, just about her height with pale skin and grey hair.

From her back, a tall bulky man with black skin and golden horns walked past her to meet the boy. The tall man has a face that will forever remain in your memory. He holds flowers in his hands and hands them over to the boy. He then circled his hand above the flowers. A few of them floated in the air and formed a flower crown. The man took it and put it on top of the boy's head. The latter smiled and the man kissed his forward.

It was a lovely scene. But before Luna got carried away with the sweetness in front of her, a harsh wind blew and Bakunawa floats on top of the three of them. It flung its tail and wrapped it around the boy's body, sweeping him away.

"The moon boy is mine." Bakunawa announced.

It moved its tail towards its mouth, preparing to devour the young boy. But the tall man jumped high and scratched Bakunawa's tail. It let go of the boy and he caught it midair.

Embracing the young moon, they vanished. As if on cue, a hand grabbed Luna's foot down the branches of the tree.

She woke up by the alarm. It's already five in the morning.

Legend says, that the man and the boy still live together as to this day.