The Other Side

Prose by Frances Ann C. Nolasco

Thieving, wicked, and selfish moon-eater— these are what I am known for. I was the serpent-like dragon who ate the moons, the monster who selfishly wished to have them all.

It’s true. But not entirely, though.

You see, I am the god of the underworld. I live in the deepest oceans, in the darkest caves, in the hottest floors. Everything that lies beneath the Earth is my home, my responsibility.

Just as Bathala created the seven moons, my world’s sweet silence turned into cries of havoc. The soil shook, the oceans got furious, and the volcanoes spat a taste of hell.

The moons above were too powerful to handle for the world below. Something had to be done–even sacrificed.

Enraged by envy I was not, but by the love I had for my home. As much as I adored the moons’ magnificence, beneath such beauties was the agony unseen.

You were on the other side of the war. You only witnessed the deceitful beauty of the surface, not the screams that were silenced.

I’m sorry for being the cause of all your grumbling. Forgive me, for I had to stop my world from crumbling.

Dearest humankind, I didn’t take away your light. I never wanted to dim your world. I had to save mine.

Centuries after centuries later, I continue to wonder. What if I didn’t swallow the moons at all?

Maybe the night would be brighter seven times more. Maybe the name Bakunawa wouldn’t horrify your ears.

Nevertheless, I hold no regrets. If it means keeping the underworld at rest, I’d do it a thousand times again. Undoubtedly.

Someone had to stand up. Someone had to be the villain. Only death can pay for life, they say. And in the death of my name, my world would feel alive.

When the waters from the heavens fall, when the wind whistles like a bird, and when the lone moon brightens at night, I hope you remember my name.

As you pass on this tale, I hope you tell my side of the story.