"The Moon Shines On Death..."

Defy

"You cannot go back there!"

"Why not?" Bulan asked.

"Don't you realize that you're in danger everytime you leave the sky? That's Sidapa, god of death! What if he's just trying to trick you so he could harness your light to use in the underworld? Remember Bulan... your light is the brightest among the moons." Subang, the oldest of the siblings reprimanded Bulan.

"Sidapa isn't as evil as you paint him to be. He is gentle and kind. The perfect host even."

"You are too naive. Your youth and your light is what he wants. He is playing you for a fool." Subang argued.

"It's not Bulan's fault brother. I encouraged him to descend and frolick in the lake. You should blame me." Haliya interjected.

"Silence! I will deal with you later Haliya. Exposing our youngest sibling to danger just like that? I expected more from you. To protect Bulan should have been your priority, instead of giving in to your curiosity with flowers and lakes!"

"No Subang. Haliya may have caused my sight to be focused on Sidapa's creations, but it was solely my decision to descend and meet the god of death." Bulan reasoned out.

"As usual, you two would defend each other. You are as thick as thieves. This is my final warning. Do not go against my wishes Bulan. I am the eldest, you should follow my command."

"And I possess the brightest light, do not tempt me to turn away from my responsibilities, just to prove to you my importance." Bulan threatened.

"I never questioned your importance. You are my brother. That alone makes you important to me, and everyone else who loves you. I am merely trying to protect you. You are too young to understand how you could be abused and fooled."

"I am not a child Subang! Let me make my own choices. If I commit mistakes then so be it, atleast they're mine to make." Bulan pleaded.

"No! You follow my orders. There will be no going down again to visit Sidapa. That goes for you too Haliya. Now, come with me, it's time to practice using the sword. We need to be alert and able to defend ourselves. Banolor and Banilig, our twin brothers will lead in archery practice tomorrow." Subang disappeared in a white mist, expecting Bulan and Haliya to follow.

"Let's go Bulan. Subang will be waiting at Mt. Kanlaon where we usualy practice swordsmanship." And Haliya too disappeared, shrouded in white smoke.

Bulan stood still for a moment, his anger making him decide against what is expected of him. He disappeared, fading into white light to go and visit... Sidapa.