Makaliwe & Bagani by pauwiks

The sun shines brightly, making a dazzle display of light. The light breaks into sparks of colors as it hits the seas’ calm, cool water. The water so calm and clear reveals the richness of the seas’ treasures. Seaweed and coral swaying softly and seductively while the small, exquisite fishes congregate and explore the seas fathomless bottom.
Makaliwe has been following this school of fishes in the hopes of bigger prey. His lungs that was already strong with years of diving protested. Makaliwe calmly cleaved the water with strong and steady strokes. He surfaced with rainbow tainted mist sprayed from his mouth. His face was blasted with habagat, the warm humid wind from the seas. Makaliwe smiled, he always enjoyed the contrasting characteristics of nature. He floated for a while lying down on his back the saltwater buoying his body, the waves relaxing his tired muscles.
“One more dive, then I’ll quit.” Makaliwe decided.
There were still many preparations to do these days. More Mindanaoan Datus will arrive in the Isles and many may stop over here in Danay. Makaliwe’s thoughts stopped. There was a great splash to his right.
“Bariles.” shouted Makaliwe
It had been days when the tribe haven’t tasted tuna. Makaliwe hurriedly gulped fresh air and dove with a strong kick. Powerful legs and arms working smoothly and steadily. Makaliwe caught sight of the enormous fish. He unstrapped the spear from his back and tied a rope connected to the spear to his left wrist. Aiming with care and practice, Makaliwe almost gulped in water as he was suddenly pulled by the frantic thrashing of the hurt fish. Disoriented with the incessant movement. Makaliwe tried to set his bearings. Predictably the fish stopped its thrashing. Makaliwe smiled and thought that his was an easy kill.
Exhausted, Makaliwe sprawled on the white powdery sand, his head rested on the sleek shiny body of the bariles.
“Makaliwe! Makaliwe!” Salinog shouted. “I smelled fish and thought you were around…I was right!”
“Ha!…Ha!…Ha!” Makaliwe mumbled sarcastically.
“Bariles! Oh what delicious fare. My vinegar is just in the right condition and the tuba! The tuba!” Salinog raved.
“Hoy! Shut up! You are too noisy and greedy. Don’t forget we should share the fish with the tribe.”
“Yes, but you are Maharlika. A noble blooded lucky boy! You can do anything you want.”
“Salinog you rascal! Stop being so childish. People share what he has to others…”
“Yeah, yeah, stop lecturing. You Datu want to be!”
“Sure, sure. Now shut up and help me carry this overgrown fish.”
Makaliwe and Salinog were already breathing heavily and sweating profusely as they carried the bariles on their shoulders. As they approached their baranggay, they noticed a lot of people congregating at center of it. The Nasailogans wore alarmed faces and were clearly excited at something on the ground. Makaliwe and Salinog hurried their pace to a jog, curious why their tribesmen were agitated. When Makaliwe and Salinog reached the nearest house, the Nasailogans were already massed at the baranggay center and there was already a deafening hum the tribesman talking excitedly and simultaneously.
“Tahimik!” A strong and loud voice rose among the din of the crowd. There was a sudden silence and the mass of Nasailogans went still. Scruffling of feet and rippling movement came from the back of the throng. The crowd parted, revealing a withered old man. The Nasailogans stepped back further as a man covered with tattoo followed and stood at the old man’s left side. Datu Bangkaya is an impressive sight. His long black hair was checked in place by a thin gold circlet on his head. His face is handsome accentuated by an inner strength of character. He wore thick looped golden earrings at both ears. On his neck hung a necklace that held the Nasailogans clan pendant. His elaborate tattoos spoke well of status and accomplishments.
“Greetings. Estranghero” Datu Bangkaya said. “The Nasailogan tribe thanks you for rescuing Tigasol and for bringing him to the clan. We welcome you to the tribe of the Nasailog. I am Datu Bangkaya. First son of Datu Manlakas of the line of Nasailog.”
“Mabuhay. Datu Bangkaya.” the stranger answered simply. “I am Bagani”