"Grab your mooncakes now! Grab your mooncakes! Anyone!"
10:23 AM. In the middle of a crowded market that is currently placed in a street where people come and straight inwards, exiting directly onto the pier.
As I entered the most noisiest part of the market, deep within many tents and shed. I quickly noticed the man who were shouting mooncakes a bit far.
I pretended to walk past over his stall and quickly glanced to what are the other things he sells too, just so I can give him a chance for me to buy something in his stall, but he still noticed me after all that pretension.
He called me.
"Hey lady! Over there! Come here! Yeah you!"
I was hesitant, but- I was already caught with his seller's eyes that is clear of fading away.
I sigh and try to get my composure.
"Hello, Mister." I greeted the vendor, when I got close.
"I knew I wasn't wrong about you seeing there! HAAHAAHAH! Anyways. Ahem!"
He sure had that confidence of a seasoned vendor. I mean he's not getting embarrassed at all. Shouting, and screaming so loudly, even talking right in front of me. His voice is still over-the-top.
Maybe he is still in his late 20's. Her appearance looks weary, but his face is still in a glory of dashing beauty.
I must commend his genetics. It could be par with blood of a divine being. More importantly, his hair is not common in these lands, and also tall enough for a common folk. Tall enough for someone to mistook him for a deity. Is he a descendant of a fi-.
"Miss. Excuse me."
Talk about embarrassing moment, I just need to close my eyes and breath lightly. Pretend I was lost in thoughts, in his stall. Looking everywhere as if I have been looking for an item that I can't find. Such lousy excuse you can say.
"Ahem… You've been staring at me for a long time, miss. I know you are a young fellow, and I can also deduce that you are also like them."
"What do you mean?"
"Young cats. They find me attractive. Isn't that concerning?" He strikes poses.
Concerning?
Should I fucking strangle him right now?
That's not good. I should just let him ride with his own jokes. Merchants like him, … I think he is still a decent person, in other aspect.
I should just blow my bangs again with my breath, upwards. Also widening my lips so it still can be amusing and not be demeaning for him. And I shouldn't forget my feelings as well.
"No, it's not because of that Mister." I smiled back with a false delicate smile but one that well I think can get along with an innocent girl's expression. And since I look like one, it shouldn't pose any problem and whatsoever. Though, I did notice something when I was pretending to look for a different product on other stores.
"Then, what is it then?"
He pondered.
"You are the only one who is selling these types of food."
Yeah. That did not surprise me a bit, even in these days. It's just that it will kind-of leave me with curiosity why is he still advertising and selling various mooncakes. Not because it's that time of the year, but isn't it like it's already not popular. Even in households, eclipses are already not part of different main celebratory.
We stared at each other for a bit, and he seems to be hesitating to answer or give anything to reply.
He turns away his head, and pointed his finger at one of the churches, just far and outside of this busy market.
A church of perpetual.
He lowered his hand, then placed it deliberately on his waist, as if bracing himself for what was to come out of his mouth.
"You ever heard what celestial decree had been bestowed in these lands?"
Yes. Of course, I heard that celestial decree. Story was, just before when they tried to piece it again together, because they failed to find the main reason on why The True Creator chose to die when he's lifetime is as close to near-infinity. His Majesty, Apolaki; forefront the beginning of a new age and declare that humanity should now walk alone.
Naturally, divine being should oppose this obnoxious decision making. But it was the result of unearthing the many puzzle that was scattered by The True Creator.
I did not also buy that decree at first, but it is still the celestial decree that everyone should follow, below His and Her Majesty.
Nowadays, there are still churches and statues, even monoliths- that are praising the deities and spirits. Even now, they still retain their powers, but they are no longer a symbol of many things. Deduce or chose to live along with many, mostly. Though there are still places that are heavily protected by a deity, humanity today do not know them, nor have any knowledge about anything before.
"I have heard it."
His eyes widen.
"You know of it?"
"I read it somewhere when I was travelling the lands of Tuguegarao, now in barren, I'm lucky to find an abandon piece of once- baranggay."
He smile. "Hehh. To think a young folk like you travel that much, I envy you." He turns his back and seems of getting something out, in one of his belongings. "Have this for me."
"A scroll?" I open its contents. "No… It's a memento."
He leans towards the scroll and points his fingers in a text, right side of the said memento.
"It's a bible, Miss."
He sits in one of the boxes beside him.
"Why?"
I asked him, cautiously.
"They said that the Perpetual Mother of the Moon always and always and will still walk with us even if we only chose to read a line, pertaining about her. She will not leave us."
I think he is one of the few people I know that are outstanding when it comes dropping random stories. Sigh can't blame him. Her Majesty is as always as that and should always be look upon. He is a true devotee of the Perpetual.
Well, that sums up everything to my suspicion. I think he is a good guy deep down.
Blinding me, but-
"I mean- why are you giving me this, instead of my single box of mooncakes."
"Oh. That's what you mean?"
"Yes." We tilted our heads.
"HAHAAHAHAHAHA!So that's what you mean! Here! I'll give you a discount of 5%. That's already high discount considering the bills nowadays. Don't be shy, here take this another."
You're the one who is shy here mister. Though, cakes is cakes, I should still get his offer, in a polite manner.
"Anyways, still. Keep that memento for me."
"Is this how you keep in your customers?"
"No. Just forget what I've said and keep it."
What a sneaky merchant, this scroll must be hiding something hidden within the texts. I should read this when I have the time to do it.
What a peculiar memento of the Her Majesty. She could be smiling right in front of her window.
"Thanks for the discount, Mister. I'm on my way off then."
I paid him 650 peso and left his Cake Stall. To be honest, it looks like he is in an idea of a business of a mini-bakery or some kind of a cake shop. Why use a stall-type? Isn't that concerning.
But what bugs me more.
650 peso isn't a discount!!! I got scammed!! I should had chose to strangle him, earlier. ARGHHH.
Bummer.
Sigh. I should give him a better farewell, just for this.
I turned around and look at the mister from a far since I already walked in a distance where he and I will not hear anything from each other, even if we shout at the top of our lungs. Not too far, but the market is still packed with people who want to feed a family.
I still tried to look at him directly. And when he already noticed me, I placed my right hand over my chest, as I am anchoring to someone great that seems to be unseen by humanity nowadays. I, with a quiet resolve, lifted my hands to my forehead, in one deliberate tapped of my fingers. Before returning my hand to rest once more upon my heart, there is a silent invocation. So then, my palms will meet in a prayer stance, solemn and sacred. A gesture meant for everyone to celebrate.
This should keep him within the light, and I should buy what I needed to. Or else, Alysse will be mad at me again.
Her voice always rang at my ears. "I WAS ONLY ASKING THISSS!"
Traumatizing.
The list of the things I should buy around should be in this small pocket of my sling bag.
The paper got crippled. Luckily, it is still readable. Closely.
Let's see… hmmm, …[1]
1 order of Bagnet[2], in the store, at the end left turn of the market.
Enough amount of Bagoong sells in pier.
Tomato
Eggplant
Ginger
Okra
Sitaw (Yardlong Bean)
Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd)
And If you ever find someone who sells marine pastes. Better look for a Shrimp one. If no one sells it, don't bother. Come home safely.
I should collect these before 1 pm.
---
11:54 PM. I had completed the list of the ingredients my sister asks me to be bought. Though, it is only just a couple of vegetable, I can't find them all in 1 single place. So, I had to fetch them all right-left- down and up, because the overall picture of the market in the Patero isn't just a simple flatten flooring market. There are buildings yes, there are stairs as well. And those stairs can lead to everywhere. Let's say if you want to go up here, you have to go there, because that stairs are connected to that floor. Even if you can see that the stairs you are stepping right now is connected in that floor. It is just what your eyes perceive. However, since we are already living in the future, and it is considered time-consuming. There are ropes for everyone to grab on, and then someone will just pull you up. If it is something that are fragile; well, the person who wants to buy a specific item, should just climbed with their feet. Moreover, there are also helpers and guides every point, for you to not get lose while ascending.
Magical. But who the hell like those ideas from the first place?
Anyways, even if I'm already tired tracing back and forth. I shouldn't present myself in our doorstep like a mess. So, ... I had to retouch my makeup while riding a stagecoach back to our house.
Still walking towards the nearest station, I happened to pass by the Perpetual Church. Given that as the first thing you will ever see when you're entering the market, it is also the last thing you will ever see when leaving the pier by the boat. I guess that is the reason why a lot of monopolies in the fishery business, officially supports the Perpetual Church. Surely, first-timers at the Patero market will be surprised to see that those who look more like a thug, are quietly praying by their boats, for their safety and guidance in the dark. I mean, if I am travelling alone in the dark and silent waters. I'd better be praying anytime now.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. huh."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
"Remarkable Man."
Though I only see his works numerous times, in mother's study room. There sure a lot of books pertaining to his memorable moments in his life. I also gotten the chance to meet him back then. Great experience.
I continue my walk towards the station, and right on time where I've already passed the church. I heard someone running towards the exit of the church. And it seems to be coming right for me, since the sound is getting closer and closer. I had to face that person who were such in a hurry, and that also has a clear meaning that he needed to make a sudden audience with.
"Milady!"
He quickly knelt down as soon as he came in contact with me.
Oh my.
"H-heyy. Please stand up, will you? We're in a public place, Father. People might say something if you are suddenly kneeling like that."
That is so awkward, holyyyy sh----.
I hope passersby are not already making some stories about this. But judging his demeanor when he stood up, he kind of resembling the looks of a disciple or a priest. I guess he follows me for a request.
"Sorry for following you here, Milady. I'm actually one of the art curators in the Perpetual Church in Patero. It's a pleasure to met you here."
"So... Yeah?"
Who the fvk are you?
"Oh... Forgive me for being dense, Milady!"
"I just told you don't-."
Ahhhhhh!!!
"Don't kneel!! Just state your business and you and I will leave-"
"No."
WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO!? There are already people who are watching and fleeing the scene, flustered by what they are seeing now. Pretty please that they will not thinking that he is doing some kind of begging towards us relationship. Even to mention his appearance, he sure is handsome, but oh-god please forsake me for doing a bad thing to this guy.
Why would I think of that? I don't even know him even in the slightest speck of my entire life.
"Instead, please come with me."
What the fvk?!
-Look love, they look so majestic.
Motherf-.
.
.
.
.
"Where to, young lady?"
"Lakanyaya, please."
"As you wish.Hiyahh!!"
-the horses neighs.
Long story.
So, what had happened before is that he asks me to come inside of the church. Personally, he wants to come in a secrecy, given what is already happening outside. He said he had to act like something romantically is happening, but what is really happening is that he knows me for something or someone. I definitely asked him to- how do a mere person like him likely to get my greater name, since he already mentions it thrice. He already gave me options. To be honest, I am quite careful these days when I am revealing what is really who I am behind this new lifestyle of ours.
"I heard that the daughters of Anagolay, is currently residing to this oldest city in the country. I also heard that their appearance to each other is so far. Though that they are not have a big age gap. Common folks, their neighbors think they are 'a mother and a daughter living together. The elder sister looks like an elder folk who had always been progressive with each of her rebirth, and the other one looks like a young lady who is hiding in her smooth and fair skin. Hair that is so grey, you must be thinking what expensive hair dye they applied on. Especially, how are they so different with the people a-."
"That's enough. You did make your point."
Honestly, his words REALLY tried to get under my nose. Although he is saying the correct information that he knows of, I still can't get off the itch of where he learnt that information. Yet, since I'm still in a hurry because of my errands. I just went off to ask why he asked me to come inside the church. Specifically, towards the workstations of the Perpetual Church.
Warily, I followed him in the corridor where he agrees to me, straightforward- that we must get into the business early. Other than that, I noticed that the Perpetual Church that stands beside the Market and Pier, gets nothing new from the future, and only preservation of the past.
It sure is beautiful just like the old days. The patterns of the wall, the paths you had to take before the forgiving space, and the architecture that looks like it came from the inside of Notre Dame. Warmth. Yet... not fulfilling. Even though that there are still many people who were believing to their faith. I feel sorry that sometimes I think their belief already abandon them.
That guy who gave me the memento. He probably doesn't come to places like the Perpetual Church anymore too. I mean- if I were him. Maybe I'd do the same if I ever crossed upon the place again.
Shortly after, we reach the end of the corridor, that across of it; there is a door in the last section of the building. And as soon as I get inside of the room, he unveils a big mirror. Not just any big mirror, it is 10 feet tall, with a width of 5 of me. Absurd, but that's what my intuition tells me so.
I walk towards it and slowly lift my fingers to touch what is I am not familiar with. To my perception It's just-
"It's just a mirror." but I know to myself that this is not just some sort of any device. It's like one of those enchanted objects that've been made in the ancient times. I know that I have seen that mirror somewhere. But I don't know. I even don't have any sort of recollection of owning one of those. A mirror that has the properties of a stone, specifically a polished and whiten obsidian. But this is so massive to unearth or process.
Arghhh... this is testing my patience somewhere I don't want to be.
"Are you curious, why is a mere folk like me- ever get to ho- "
"Something like this? Heh." He was already at my doorsteps. "Move even a muscle Mister, and I'll carve a smile across your throat. So wide that even the famous investigators in the town, will not have the chance to answer on how you took your last breath." As soon as he changes his tone. In one swift motion, I immediately drew my sword from the air to my hand and quickly pressed its blade against his throat. "By begging or by praying to your goddess? Choose your words wisely, mortal." Already pleading for his life, I leaned it even further to his skin. So deliberate, I want to cut his neck by any means that time. But since this is an era where Celestial Decree are now gone, things are different within the laws of mortals.
Soon after I felt that there is a blood dripping from my sword. I drew back my sword, from my palm to a draft from the window, and made him another bargain for his life. Thereafter, he never followed me again and just stood in the same spot. Up until I left his presence, he still did not make anything to make me furious again.
.
"We've arrived at exactly 1:00 PM, young lady."
I'm cooked.
[1] Pinakbet Recipe- a traditional Filipino vegetable dish that originates from the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. The dish consists of a variety of vegetables and flavored with bugguóng munamón or armáng. It is commonly served as a side dish and is often accompanied by rice and grilled or fried meat or seafood. -wikipedia
[2] a Filipino dish consisting of pork belly (liempo) boiled and deep fried until it is crispy. It is seasoned with garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt. First, the meat is boiled, and, then allowed to thoroughly drain excess moisture overnight before frying, to achieve its characteristic chicharon-like texture. -wikipedia