SCENE 2 - THE GALLANT ROGUE

EXT. PALACE GROUNDS - DAY

The sun casts a radiant glow over the palace grounds, a stark contrast to the darkness of Rainusa's past. Sari stands at the front gate, her excitement palpable. Today is the Galungan Festival, a grand celebration commemorating the defeat of the all-powerful Mutant Mayadenava and the sealing of darkness within Rainusa.

LASTIKA

(In a somber tone)

In the Age of Restoration, when everything in Antapada was rebuilt after the end of the Ice Age, Rainusa was once an island full of darkness like the hell of the world.

Sari listens intently as her mother, Lastika, continues her tale.

LASTIKA (CONT'D)

The all-powerful Mutant of the Universe, Mayadenava, once ruled Rainusa. Great Angkara, who was not content with Rainusa being either a holy land or a mutant-infested one, sent his Scion of Darkness, Rangda, to confront Mayadenava. But the mutant proved too powerful, prompting Angkara to summon the aid of the other two deities.

Sari's eyes widen with anticipation.

LASTIKA (CONT'D)

In response, Holy Mahesa and Holy Srisari sent a Scion of Light, Barong, the Holy Lion of the Gods, to Rainusa. Barong took the form of a human baby and grew stronger through countless adventures.

Images flash through Sari's mind, envisioning Barong's incredible journey.

LASTIKA (CONT'D)

When he was old enough, Barong joined forces with Rangda and clashed with the fearsome mutant Mayadenava. Initially, the mutant had the upper hand, but with each defeat, Barong and Rangda learned and grew stronger.

Sari's excitement reaches its peak as she envisions the epic battles between Barong and Mayadenava.

LASTIKA (CONT'D)

Eventually, Barong and Rangda emerged triumphant, sealing Mayadenava away in the Black Hole Doorway. Rangda chose to live in seclusion, while Barong became the great protector of the land of Rainusa. The Galungan Festival was established to commemorate this momentous event.

Sari's expression changes, a hint of skepticism in her eyes.

SARI

But I can't help it, Mother. It's fun, even if it's compulsory.

LASTIKA

(Smiling)

That's alright, my dear. You may go. You can represent me there.

Sari's face lights up with gratitude.

SARI

Thank you, Mother!

Sari leans in to kiss Lastika on the cheek, then swiftly makes her way out of the house and towards the front gate of the palace. She can't afford to miss the royal family's procession, eager to seize this opportunity to leave the palace grounds without the need for disguises.

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EXT. PALACE GROUNDS - FRONT GATE - DAY

Sari emerges from the palace, her youthful energy radiating. She looks ahead, anticipation dancing in her eyes. The grandeur of the Galungan Festival awaits her, beckoning her to join in the celebration.

SARI

(Whispering to herself)

Today, I'll experience the wonders of Rainusa, beyond the confines of the palace. Today, I'll make my mark on this land.

With determination in her stride, Sari sets off, her heart filled with excitement and a newfound sense of adventure. The Galungan Festival is just the beginning of her journey, and she's ready to embrace the world beyond the palace walls.

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EXT. GALUNGAN FESTIVAL - STREETS - DAY

The vibrant atmosphere of the Galungan Festival surrounds Sari as she walks at the very back of the royal family's retinue. She purposely positions herself there to have the freedom to observe the bustling streets. The people of Rainusa don their colorful songket clothing, carrying baskets adorned with fruits and flowers.

The procession makes its way towards the Great Temple of Kharayan, the heart of Rainusa's devotion, situated near the majestic slopes of Mount Idharma. It's a journey that would take a few hours on foot, but the slow pace of the entourage under the scorching sun makes the journey feel arduous. Only the King, Queen, and Crown Prince find respite from the heat as they ride in a carriage adorned with large, colorful umbrellas.

As they pass through the lively market, Sari's face lights up with delight. Her frown caused by the sun's relentless heat transforms into a cheerful expression. Her eyes dart around, captivated by the myriad delights that surround her — cotton candy spun into ethereal clouds, toys that bring joy to children's faces, vibrant vegetables and fruits that overflow from baskets, and the intricate batik cloths unique to Rainusa, each piece a masterpiece in itself.

But amidst the festivities, Sari's attention is suddenly caught by a suspicious exchange of gestures between a man and two others near a fruit stand. She observes intently, her instincts tingling with unease. In an instant, her suspicions are confirmed when a group of armed men, numbering at least seven, bursts through the crowd and charges towards the King's procession.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sari springs into action, her voice ringing out in a desperate warning.

SARI

Look out! Assassins!

One of the assassins swiftly turns towards Sari, swinging a machete towards her neck. In a remarkable display of agility, Sari evades the attack, spinning on the spot with grace. Her fan, used to ward off the heat, suddenly becomes her weapon. She flicks it open, channeling her inner strength, and a powerful gust of wind propels the assassin off his feet, causing him to crash into a pile of oranges on a nearby stall.

Undeterred, Sari charges forward, her determination unyielding. Another assassin lunges at her with a machete, aiming for her chest. Reacting swiftly, Sari employs her fan once again, holding it close and infusing it with her internal energy. As she dodges to the side, she delivers a powerful strike to her opponent's temple, rendering him motionless.

With her attention now fixed on King Marakata, Sari witnesses a chilling moment. The blade of a dagger inches closer to the King's neck, poised to strike. Panic floods her, but before she can react, a flying stone deflects the dagger's path, saving the King's life.

The danger is not over yet. The assassin attempts another thrust, but a swift and forceful kick to his solar plexus sends him sprawling to the ground.

Sari's gaze shifts, taking in the sight of the other assassins lying defeated in pools of blood, courtesy of the palace guards. But one assassin remains standing, his eyes filled with the desperation of a cornered animal. He fixates on a young man who stands before him, barehanded yet unwavering.

YOUNG ROGUE

You want to kill the King? Over my dead body!

ASSASSIN

You fool! Everyone knows Marakata doesn't deserve to be King! Rainusa needs a new ruler! Let us replace him!

The assassin brandishes his kris once again, his intentions clear. But the young rogue, fueled by determination, refuses to yield.

YOUNG ROGUE

If the new King proves unsatisfactory, will you kill them too? It's troublemakers like you that I must eliminate!

ASSASSIN

Not if I eliminate you first!

The dagger is aimed at the rogue's chest, but with lightning-fast reflexes, he evades the attack. But his actions don't stop there. In a breathtaking display of skill and strength, the rogue swiftly maneuvers behind the assassin, his palms pressing against the assassin's head. A crack echoes through the air as he breaks the assassin's neck, ending the threat.

As Sari and the rest of the entourage watch, a mix of awe and trepidation on their faces, the young rogue's gaze settles on King Marakata, his expression somber and filled with remorse.

YOUNG ROGUE

Thank you for saving my life, young man. But why are you so somber?

The young rogue quickly kneels before the King, displaying utmost respect.

YOUNG ROGUE (CONT'D)

Mercy, sire. I dare not be presumptuous. I've made a mistake. I should have arrested the last assassin and extracted valuable information. Now, we do not know who sent them and who orchestrated this assassination attempt.

The entourage halts momentarily as King Marakata addresses the young rogue who saved his life. Sari, still reeling from the intensity of the situation, watches with bated breath.

KING MARAKATA

You're right. You're still young, and it's only natural that you acted rashly. Let this be a lesson for you to remain calm in the face of danger. However, your courage and bravery have not gone unnoticed. Accompany us to the temple and back to the palace. Tell me, young man, what is your name?

I NYOMAN JAKA

My name is I Nyoman Jaka, Your Majesty.

KING MARAKATA

A common and simple name. Who bestowed this name upon you? Your father? Your mother?

I NYOMAN JAKA

I don't know, Your Majesty. My childhood memories elude me. I was raised by an elderly farming couple who have since passed away, and they never told me of my origins. I came to the capital to seek a living, but misfortune forced me into a life as a market rogue.

A gentle smile spreads across the King's face as he listens to Jaka's words.

KING MARAKATA

Your fate mirrors that of countless commoners. To break free from the shackles of destiny, one must strive harder, smarter, and braver than the rest. Therefore, in the presence of the masses, I declare Nyoman Jaka a member of my personal guard, setting an example for all. Rise, and offer me your oath of allegiance.

Jaka stands tall, gratitude emanating from his eyes as he addresses the King.

I NYOMAN JAKA

Thank you, Your Majesty. I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you.

Sari gasps audibly, her curiosity piqued. As Jaka prepares to join the group of bodyguards, he turns towards Sari, his smile captivating her heart. A mixture of emotions swirl within her—admiration for his bravery, intrigue about his true intentions. Sari knows she must delve deeper, uncover the secrets that lie beneath that smile.

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