PROLOGUE - BARONG AND RANGDA'S BATTLE

EXT. IDHARMA MOUNTAIN - DAY

The sacred mountain of Idharma rises majestically, its peak obscured by wisps of ethereal mist. The air is heavy with an aura of sanctity. The tranquility is shattered by the presence of Rangda, a menacing figure clad in dark robes, making her way up the mountain.

Rangda's black hair cascades like flowing flames, lending an otherworldly aura to her presence. A pitch-black aura surrounds her, crackling with malevolence, a warning to anyone who dares approach.

She arrives at the summit, where an elderly, long-bearded man named RESI AGASTYA sits cross-legged on a massive rock. The sun hovers directly above him, casting a radiant beam of light.

Resi Agastya addresses Rangda with a stern tone.

RESI AGASTYA

Don't play games here. Let us fight at the mountain's base.

Rangda responds with an artificial laugh, her red eyes gleaming with malice.

RANGDA

You mean where your Kecak troops can gang up on me? My Leyaks are keeping them busy. Nothing can interfere with our fight, Agastya.

Resi Agastya stands tall, his formidable muscles tense, projecting an air of strength and determination. His gaze locks onto Rangda's.

RESI AGASTYA

Rangda... or her host, my duty is to protect Rainusa's people from disaster. Our battle could unleash chaos upon Idharma, akin to sending troops to Danurah, the capital.

Rangda's voice resonates with a growl, her eyes blazing with defiance.

RANGDA

If I were to do that, you and your Kecak troops would come to Rainusa's aid, making it difficult for us! I'm here to remove the greatest obstacle to my ambitions! I am the new ruler of Rainusa, the Queen of the Dark Witches! Magic shall prevail and rule the island of gods! It's time for women to ascend and forsake men! Casualties mean nothing to me!

Agastya sighs, his disappointment evident.

RESI AGASTYA

You've left me no choice. I had hoped to spare you, but your corruption runs too deep. I must eliminate you, for the sake of Rainusa's people!

With determination burning in his eyes, Resi Agastya rises from his seat and charges towards Rangda. She swiftly evades his attack, but Agastya remains relentless, striking her with full force.

Rangda employs her agility, keeping a distance between them, never retaliating. Her crimson eyes follow Agastya's every movement, a hint of surprise and intrigue crossing her face. She realizes she faces a formidable adversary, unlike any before him—a true embodiment of the Sacred Lion of the Gods' power.

Agastya's fists rain down upon Rangda, unyielding and swift. Blow after blow lands on her face, stomach, and shoulders, causing her to stumble backward, cries of pain escaping her lips.

Though wounded, Rangda's face contorts into a malicious grin.

RANGDA

Caught you, old man!

Agastya gasps as Rangda absorbs his energy, creating a distance between them. She retaliates, channeling her own power and launches a relentless barrage of magical energy, akin to a torrent of bullets.

Agastya's attempts to dodge and parry, but he underestimates the onslaught. Black magic bullets embed themselves into his wrinkled, stocky frame. Fortunately, his protective aura prevents immediate death.

Unable to withstand the assault, Agastya collapses to the ground, his eyes wide with shock. He trembles but manages to rise to his feet, determined.

Rangda sneers, her voice dripping with scorn.

RANGDA

Have you not learned your lesson, old man? Surrender already!

Agastya shakes his head, sighing heavily. He knows he must act swiftly to prevent the union between Rangda and her host from solidifying.

In an instant, Agastya's body becomes enveloped in a blinding white aura. The light expands, forming a colossal ball of radiance that gradually takes the shape of a majestic, lion-like creature.

Caught off guard, Rangda retreats, shielding her eyes from the brilliant light.

After a moment, the dazzling beam recedes, and Rangda lowers her hand, her gaze fixed on the extraordinary sight before her.

In front of Rangda now stood a magnificent creature—a towering BARONG, a colossal lion with pure white fur. Its face glowed with a vibrant red hue, featuring large, perfectly round eyes. Four long fangs protruded from the corners of its lips, exuding an intimidating presence. A radiant golden crown adorned its head, extending into a majestic, fluttering golden mane, reminiscent of sunbeams.

The pressure of Barong's divine energy crashes into Rangda with tremendous force, sending her staggering backward. She grimaces in pain, as if being slapped a thousand times over.

Yet, as the pain subsides, an unusual sensation washes over Rangda. A gentle, sacred energy permeates her being, captivating her heart. Unconsciously, she breathes out in admiration, her lips forming the name "Barong." Her face betrays a mix of wonder and amazement, utterly captivated by Barong's mesmerizing energy.

The serenity feels foreign, even alien to Rangda. A pang of guilt stirs in her chest, as memories of her past transgressions flicker in her mind, interconnected. A sudden desire to weep, to kneel and beg the gods for forgiveness overtakes her.

All the pain she caused...

Her thirst for revenge...

Her muffled cries for the injustice she endured...

The embers of rage that consumed her heart for so long dissipate like dry leaves falling. They subside, gradually tamed. Though a trace of resistance lingers, Rangda cannot help but savor the soothing embrace of heavenly peace, if only for a fleeting moment. She yearns, just for an instant, to curl up like an innocent child, clutching onto the peace that eludes her.

While Rangda seems momentarily vulnerable, Barong remains vigilant. A touch of pity softens his gaze as he observes the transformation in Rangda's countenance. Behind her haughty façade, he glimpses the fragility of a wounded heart.

But this is Rangda, the Queen of Leyak, no ordinary witch. The layers of sin and pride that shroud her being cannot be washed away by a mere beam of holy energy. Thus, the Lion of Gods concentrates the energy within him, preparing for a decisive strike to end the battle.

Rangda notices Barong's intention. In a blink, she shakes off the radiant aura's influence, joining in gathering her own energy. Time seems to slow as the two adversaries stand motionless, akin to statues in a forgotten courtyard.

RANGDA

Hey, hey, are you trying to waste my time, Barong?

BARONG

Aren't you the one attempting to stall me so that I cannot aid the Kecak troops below? I hope your skills match your sharp tongue, for I shall not squander my energy on a viper like you.

Rangda, undeterred, unleashes a wave of black flame spirit orbs at Barong once more.

Barong, with his colossal form, finds it difficult to evade this time. Rather than relying on his protective aura, he displays resourcefulness and changes tactics. A powerful roar of internal energy erupts from the Holy Lion's mouth, shattering almost all of the spirit bullets. The remaining fragments harmlessly bounce off Barong's body.

Recognizing her opponent's upper hand, Rangda retreats, her gaze fixated on Barong. The Lion of Gods remains silent, seemingly capable of predicting the witch's every move.

RANGDA

Good! Before you perish, you shall witness my true form!

A deafening shriek accompanies a powerful explosion. In an instant, Rangda becomes engulfed in a dense aura of black fire, enveloping her entire body like a cocoon.

The energy cocoon trembles violently, as if the entity within is struggling to break free. It writhes and convulses, then suddenly stills. The dark aura condenses, cracks forming across its surface. A blinding light erupts from the fissures, and the cocoon shatters, revealing a butterfly woman, slowly unfurling her two pairs of wings.

Rangda's new appearance is peculiar, with a red face emerging from her abdomen, nestled within the folds of her black dress, resembling a lengthy braid of hair. Long fangs jut downward, mirroring Barong's own. Moreover, an unusually long tongue extends from the red face, reaching past her knees.

Her body has swollen to match Barong's colossal size, her elongated fingernails resembling giant black swords. Compared to Barong, Rangda's true form is more horrifying than beautiful.

Determined not to give Rangda a moment's respite, Barong charges forward, launching himself at his foe with a ferocious display of claws and fangs.

But Rangda, ever more agile than before, gracefully evades every attack, effortlessly sidestepping each strike.

RANGDA

Keep trying, Barong! Maybe someday you'll surprise me! You never change, always relying on your brute force and power. You foolish lion!

BARONG

Swallow your words!

In an instant, Barong propels himself toward the ground like a shooting star, aiming to strike Rangda. Yet, with a smirk, she eludes his assault once more.

With each missed lunge, the mountainside bears the brunt of Barong's might. Rocks break free, tumbling and cascading down the slopes. The ground quakes under the force of impact, shaking the very core of the mountain.

After three powerful strikes against the mountain, Barong's movements become increasingly predictable. Rangda seizes the opportunity, targeting the weakened left side of his body. A streak of black flame snakes through the air, finding its mark on Barong's right abdomen.

Pain roars through Barong, causing him to stagger back. The fangs of Rangda's energy slice through his protective layers.

RANGDA

Haha! The game is just beginning!

The fiery sting on Barong's skin turns black, eliciting a curse from the Sacred Lion.

BARONG

Poison!

Struggling to maintain his balance, Barong collapses to the ground. He rises, channeling his inner strength to counteract Rangda's poison.