Our Barangay

     I snuck into Luna's room and discovered her engrossed in a book. A smile graced her face as she spotted me.

"I thought you were gone," she uttered,

"Just took a day off yesterday. Remember you mentioned before wanting to go out, right?" I inquired.

     

     She nodded eagerly.

"Change your clothes, and we'll slip out quietly," I suggested.

"No need, this is what I'm wearing," she replied, twirling around.

"Ah, of course. Let's be stealthy then," I agreed, opening the door.

     Making sure Tia wasn't nearby, I grabbed Luna's hand, and we dashed outside, her laughter filling the air.

"Why the laughter?" I asked.

"We're like spies sneaking out," she giggled.

"Yes, it's a spy mission to avoid failure," I chimed in.

"Thrilling," she said, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

      I yearned to see Luna like this every day. Despite being 18, two years older than me, she retained a childlike aura and demeanor. And looks like I am older than her. 

Since neither of us could transform into wolves, we walked from Nu street to Pi market, passing by Xi hospital and Omicron street where Peach House is located. Though distant, Luna remained cheerful, taking in the sights and fellow werewolves. 

     Upon spotting Luna, they instinctively bowed to her—their Kappa Luna. Luna waved them off, her authority apparent despite her youthful demeanor. She commanded attention, a force of nature with the wolves as her loyal shadows. Imagining when she's standing in with other werewolves she is the first werewolf you will spot on. And she will remain in your head. 

Upon reaching Pi market, Luna's radiant smile never wavered, despite the 2 pm heat and exhaustion from our three-street trek.

"I'll get the supplies that Tia needs; you can explore everywhere, Liel. Let's meet at this fountain around 4 pm," I informed her.

     She nodded, and I efficiently collected everything on Tia's list—meat, fish, chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and more, enough to last for Luna a week. By 4 pm, I arrived at the fountain, finding Luna absent. As I waited, sobs caught my attention from the side of the fountain. Luna sat there, tears streaming down her face. I hurried over, deeply concerned. 

"What happened, Liel?" I asked gently.

"Nothing," she replied amidst her sobs.

"But why are you crying then?" I probed.

"I saw a young werewolf child crying because his Mom was nowhere to be found. I felt his fear of losing his Mom. They met eventually but I couldn't help but to cry," she explained and cried again.

      I hugged her tightly, hoping to provide some comfort. Liel had profound concerns for others, feeling their emotions intensely. However, feeling wasn't the right word—it wasn't possible to fully grasp emotions solely by observing a situation, unless you were empathetic. Is Luna an empath? 

"What am I feeling right now, Liel?" I ask questions, still embracing her.

"You're worried about me. I'm sorry, Infinite," she responded.

"No need to apologize. Liel, are you an empath? Can you feel everyone's emotions arounds you?" I inquired.

      She nodded. Liel was an incredibly gifted werewolf, Luna. She possessed two blessings from the goddess. I smile at what I am thinking. Suddenly, it all made sense why Tia had confined her to that room. She was concerned about Luna's emotional well-being, knowing that being an empath could lead to depression. And Luna can't function as Luna. I need to cheer her up. 

"Stay here," I instructed Luna.

      I gathered all the items I had purchased and handed them to a nearby shopkeeper, asking him to keep an eye on them for a while and assuring I would be back soon.

"Come with me, Liel. I want to show you something, Pink and Lucy showed me this before," I said, gently grasping her arm.

      We ascended a hill, reaching a big ancient tree. Upon reaching the top, our surroundings transformed into a beautiful scene. I settled onto the lush green meadow, while Luna remained standing, awestruck by the magnificent panorama. The juxtaposition of the blue sky and green horizon was a captivating sight. The refreshing cool breeze kissed my skin, and despite the midday sun, the strong wind masked its intensity. My smile was uncontrollable, and I noticed Luna was beaming as well. Our smiles weren't just reactions to the view, but also a celebration of our shared moments. I was relieved to see her smiling again, unlike earlier. I am right, an attractive surroundings can make her mood comfortable. As she says she loves to look at the scenery.  

     Luna tapped my shoulder and gestured behind us. Turning, I spotted the scenario of afternoon in Pi market. The bustling scene of Theta: the elderly of Kappa, playing chess and engaging in conversations. The middle-aged men and women diligently attend to their tasks and buy in the stores. The teenagers relished their meals and conversations. Children laughing and sprinting around. It was the heart of Kappa, the vibrant community that brought me joy by simply observing them.

"I want to make this community safe," Luna declared.

"This is what I want you to see, Infinite. Our barangay where werewolves like us live simply. I want to protect our peaceful barangay. Will you help me, Infinite?" she asked.

"I will."

"Thank you, Infinite. Promise to the Thetas that you will be a worthy leader of Kappa. Not just a promise, but become an exceptional leader," she spoke with utmost seriousness.

     Leader? I wasn't a leader; the idea baffled me. What Luna is saying? 

"I understand your confusion, but I believe that your leadership will develop in time. Just pledge to the Thetas that you'll protect them at all costs, regardless of the difficulty. Prioritize their safety above all else," she implored, tears glistening in her eyes.

     I nodded, a shiver running down my spine. The once gentle breeze now felt unsettlingly cold. What had Luna seen in the future that moved her to tears once more?