In the light of the waxing moon a single spirit prepared for his journey.

He bid his home goodbye and wondered where he would voyage.

The stars perhaps? The messengers were busy tonight.

There was also rumbling of a disturbance in the courts of the middle world? He didn’t want to get in the middle of that conflict.

The land of earthquakes and storms? He had just been there his last trip; the serpents would understand some time apart.

He closed his eyes and took a step forward and bathed in creation.

And in a moment, he was gone.

“Hail to you mother-crocodile.”

“Ahhh, the caretaker of the silver light. I have heard your movements through the cosmos. What brings you to me?”

The mountains on the back of Dapu shifted. Ngapal did not know if carrying the world was a big a burden as it seemed, but for now she seemed comfortable with her encumbrance.

“I have traveled now where I have not yet been,” answered Ngapal.

“Ahh, the wonders a journey can give to a soul. You may stay next to me.”

Ngapal floated to the crocodile’s side.

“What do you want of me?” Dapu’s eyes piercing Ngapal’s being.

“I only request a humble conversation.”
“And in return?”

“You will have a new story to tell.”
The crocodile roared a hearty laugh.

“The audacity!”

“It is the only thing I can offer, mother-crocodile.”

“You have made these old bones rattle. Proceed, caretaker, what would you like to know?”

“I have heard tales of your shadow.”
“Ahhh, Lawu,, I have not thought of them in ages.’
“There are many stories of the both of you. I would like to know which one is true.”
“All. Neither. It depends on what shadow the sky casts.”
“That is not an answer.”
“And that is all you will get.”
Ngapal knew better than to push things when dealing with the greater spirits. But he had no other options.

“I meant no disrespect mother-crocodile. I just wanted to know..”
“Because of Sowu.”
“Yes.”
“Lawu is also one of the celestial beings called the moon-eaters.”
“Yes.”

“You insult me, caretaker. You have fought his kind before and were victorious. What else do you seek?”
“Every eclipse the Sowu inches closer to victory. If I am to protect my charge I must know of the others.”

“And how you can defeat them?”
“Yes.”
It was the first time he had said his fears to another, but not was not the time for shame nor pity.
“Please mother-crocodile, tell me your tale.” Ngapal begged.
The giant sighed.

“Very well. There are not many with the gall to go to my domain and ask thus.”
“I am not like them.”

“There is the story of my death.”
“But you are very much alive, great spirit.”
“Hush, let me finish.”
“I apologize.”

“Much has been said about that story. In it, I simply die. No reason or rhyme, all to fuel the rage of the Lawu.”

Dapu let out another laugh causing the world on her back to shift.

“That is one tale. There is another where Lawu is borne of my blood. Seeking retribution on my behalf.”
“And is that the truth, mother-crocodile?”
“Yes. No. Maybe.”

“Is there anything that could help me in my battle?”
“Only this, caretaker. You have an ally in your charge. The light of the night sky is not as helpless as you might think.”
“I will ruminate on those words mother-crocodile. I thank you for your precious time.”

“I must thank you as well. I have remembered much about myself and my shadow. Goodbye, caretaker, I wish you luck on your sojourn.”

And with that Ngapal took another step into the cosmos.

He didn’t get far before a familiar noise beckoned him.

It was the kumbing of his people.

The journey would have to wait.

Now it was time to battle.

=—————————————————————-=

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story inspired by an interview with Rosie Sula, a Tboli elder.

Illustration by Katrina Escolar-Tan

Enervaugnn https://www.instagram.com/enervaugnn/