The Ink Well Prompt #75: Siquijor

The big city of Manila consists of tall buildings, historical places, amusement parks, and entertainment establishments. The two young kids named Maria and Markus were born in this crowded, busy, and polluted city. The honking of cars, seemingly endless echoes, the sound of a chock-full train, and a long, unsolved problem of traffic are what they experienced every day.

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After a long period of time of study, the youngsters are finally free from their school activities and exams. It was a relief. A deep sigh came from Markus and he stroked his forehead going to the upper. A big, flat forehead that can give you the impression of he is a smart kid. His sister Maria prepared their choco cookies, preheated in the oven with nuts on top. A crunchy cookie was now served on the table.

“You are an amazing baker, Maria. Look at these mouthwatering, luscious cookies” Markus said while flapping his two hands, controlling the steam of heat coming from the cookies. “It really smells good!” he added. Maria didn't answer because she was busy editing photos and uploading them on her social media accounts. “Just shut up, Markus! I know I am a good baker. Duh!” Maria scolded him.

They hadn't finished the cookies when the front door opened. “It’s our mom!” they both shouted harmoniously. The anticipation and eagerness of the two to see their mother are evident in their faces. Markus jumped in the chair and hugged his mother. “I miss you, mom!” he said. His mother smiled, patted his head, and kissed him on the cheeks. “I miss you too, my babies. It seems everyone was prepared and let’s go to the province!” Alice, their mother said with pure happiness.

It was the moment when the two youngsters found such joy to visit the province. It has been years since their last visit. The province vacation is what they are looking forward to after the school year ended. Around noon time when they left the house, riding Hyundai Grand Starex van. Markus positioned himself on the left side, while Maria was on the right side. They both want to see the view of the road.

After several hours of a long journey, they touched down in the city of Siquijor. A dark, humid, forestry with a chilling vibe welcomed them. Siquijor was known for black magic and supernatural activities. A rumor was circulating around the area that a Wakwak, a very large bird, was believed to be a familiar witch. Its huge beak can kill humans, slashes its throats, and eats their flesh. This story was passed down from generation to generation until it reached Markus and Maria.

“Come on, Markus! Don't be afraid. There's nothing here. You are the one who keeps insisting to visit this Nipat hut” Maria said angrily. She was pissed off by her sibling's attitude. Markus was hiding, stopping, and observing the environment every moment. It creates more time to be spent in the forest. “If you keep doing that, I'll leave you here!” she said with a firm voice. “Fine, fine. I'll stop. Let's go!” Markus replied.

The Nipa hut was in the middle of the forest. It was surrounded by ponds, watery lilies are visible everywhere, and the loud sound of trees smashing each other is what you can hear. The frogs croaking, fireflies give enchanting color to the bushes, and the sorrow of the night feels like something is watching you.

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They continued to wander, remembering the exact places where they have been gone since they were young. Maria stopped, she noticed a shadow movement between two mango trees. “Markus! Markus! Hey, I saw a shadow there!”, she pointed her finger in the direction of two mango trees. Markus flashlights the area, and he sees nothing. “Sis, nothing's here. You are just imagining it. Let's go!” he said, and tapped his sister's back.

Maria has a keen sight, and she knew what she saw. The shadow was real, it has to be real. She continued to ask Markus to search the area. Until, they reached a place, a new enchanting environment with one big Balete tree. It was noticeable. They can't hide from its presence. A wind blows, producing a hypnotizing sound. They walked through the forest, going to the Balete tree.

Roots shake and move upward, cleaning themselves from dust. It opened its big eyes, focusing its eyesight on the two. “My new visitors, how fun! How fun!” said the Balete tree. “Come to me, let me tour you to the supernatural world, my visitors. You'll have fun”, he added. Markus and Maria smiled, expecting nothing bad to happen.

The Balete tree used its roots to strangle the two, leaving no choice but to come. A reddish pink portal emerged, a strong wind inhaling their bodies, and until they entered it. They both grasped from the shockwave. They are trying to speak, but they can't. No sound is coming from their mouth. “Mmmm, mmmm! Mmm!”, Markus said and hugged his sister.

“You cannot speak. Yes, you both are because mortals don't. The high queen doesn't allow mortals to speak unless given permission to do so” Balete said. The Balete tree transformed into a cute, brownish, small tree with arms and legs. Maria fantasized about the cute creature, however, she can't still speak so she taps its head and smiled. They walked through the dungeon of the forest.

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Fairy dust illuminates the entire area with a bulb of fireflies. Flowers are scattered everywhere, they have half-inch eyes, glowing like pure crystals. The grasses are pure green, soft like cotton, and smell like honey. Many creatures are running, playing, and jumping in tall trees. Kapre, a dark, half-horse, and half-human boasts strength. Tiyanak, is a baby-like creature with spiky teeth, an ugly face, and a small body. That's what I thought, that's what they taught us about these creatures.

Markus and Maria strolled through the forests. Meeting as many creatures as they can meet. Their eyes feasted on the wonder of the hidden supernatural world. The stories circulating about them are wrong. They don't kill humans, and they don't play with them. My grandmother used to tell us that they are dangerous, dark, and evil. But it's not. These creatures are molded with love like a human. They have a family. They seek and protect friends. They are living in peace.

A loud drumroll was launched by two powerful giants called Bungisngis and Batibat. The sound echoes throughout the whole forest, but surprisingly it's not painful in the ear. A group of Mananangal, a cut in half human flying in the sky together with multiple of Wakwak's birds. A group of Diwata, powerful fairies showers colorful magic. Nuno sa punso, a group of dark dwarfs summon golems and roar like thunder. A group of Tiktik hisses, and spread their humongous tongues in the sky.

Then, a high queen came out from the huge branch of the tree. It was Diwata, the elected leader of the forest escorted by Bakunawa, a strong dragon-like creature together with merfolks. A feast in the eyes of the two youngsters. The unbelievable sight of supernatural creatures that only existed in the books and rumors. When the high queen speaks, it is mild in the ear like calm water flowing in the creek. It seems like she's singing, but not. The queen welcomed the two, proud and happy for the longest time. New visitors arrived.

The meeting ended, and all the creatures bowed down. They sang unfamiliar songs that boost each other's power. The ground shakes, the air stops moving, and the sky becomes black and white. Markus and Marina felt the surge of power flowing in the air. Mana, a crystallized small ball glowing with different colors based on the race to which you belong. After the event, the Balete tree spoke to them. “Time's up!” he snapped its finger root and the two were gone.

Markus and Maria grasped, and they inhaled and exhaled non-stop. They tried to speak and a voice came out. “I can speak now. Ha!” Maria said. They jumped with happiness and ran away to go home. It was the best experience they had in the province of Siquijor. An enticing, adventurous, supernatural world. One thing they realized is, “Sometimes the rumor and belief about folklore that they are bad are not true at all. They are funny, amazing, and good creatures too.” Markus and Marina go back to the city happily, keeping the supernatural world they visit hidden.