73 Tala, Goddess of the Stars (1/2)

”Blech!” Boni felt sick. He was transported into a hidden dimension and apparently the experience wasn't something his body was prepared for or used to.

”Oh? It seems the trace of Mayari and Apolaki I felt didn't come from you. But you must be pretty close to the person I'm looking for. No matter, it's within my expectations.” A soft, soothing female voice sounded out from his surroundings.

Shocked, Boni's head shot up as his eyes darted around, only to find out that he was surrounded by trees and that several meters in front of him, was a small lake with water so clear that it reflected the stars on the night sky.

”Who are you? Are you the one who called me over?” He asked.

”I am. Would you like to tell me your name?” The voice asked.

”My name is Boni. Well, people call me Boni. My actual name is Andres Bonifacio.” Boni replied.

”Oh? You're named after him. The great hero.”The voice sounded out, her voice went a bit lower as she uttered the next sentence. ”Betrayed by his own people.”

”Yes, I was indeed named after him. I am also a descendant of his.” Boni proudly replied.

”I see. You do indeed resemble him a bit.”

”Would you mind telling me your name? I still don't know who you are.”

”Of course, I apologize for not saying it any sooner. My name is Tala, Goddess of the Stars.”

Boni knelt down, ”It's an honor to meet you, Goddess Tala!”

Tala giggled and said, ”No need to be so formal. After all, I'm the one who wishes to ask you for a favor. I was expecting the actual person, but you will do just fine.”

”Is that why you were calling out, looking for the possessor of Apolaki and Mayari's blessing?” Boni asked.

”Indeed. Yet you were the one who came. It could have been a trap, and you know you're not the possessor of their blessings, yet you came knowing that you wouldn't be the one I'm looking for. Why take the risk then? You had no idea if this would be a trap, yet you confidently told your friends not to worry.”

”It's because I know who the person you're looking for is. Luna, he's my bro, you know? So if you have something that you need to deliver to him, I'll deliver it personally.” Boni patted his chest.

”Luna?”

”Yes, his full name is Antonio Luna. He's the inheritor of Apolaki and Mayari's blessing.” Boni replied.

”I see. Very well, then, although I hope you won't be offended, but I cannot risk having my inheritance fall into the wrong hands. It will only accept the person it's intended for. Should you fail to deliver it within a fortnight, it will consume you instead.”

”That's fine, I can give it to him within a day!”

The stars seemed to have gathered together as they took the form of a woman. Unbelievably, her lithe figure was wrapped around with silk embroidered with the starlight. Her hair was like the night sky, dotted and lit up with stars. Her arms were tattooed with ancient symbols in gold, complimenting her healthy, brown skin.

”Goddess!” Boni lowered his head. This woman in front of him was one of the ancient, and nearly forgotten Gods in Philippine history.

”No need to be so formal, loyal Bonifacio. Rise.” She put her hands on his shoulders and helped him up.