SCENE 7 - THE LEGENDARY HERO AND THE DIVINE WEAPON

EXT. USANGHA FOREST - NIGHT

The dense teak forest envelops Sari, Jaka, and Giri, casting long shadows in the moonlit night. Their journey, guided by Giri, the wise Manawa monkey, proceeds with newfound ease. Sari and Jaka, following Giri's instructions, gather fruits for sustenance. Their bellies are satiated, and they carry extra supplies that promise sustenance until the morning light.

The tranquility is interrupted by the emergence of a horde of wild bats from a nearby cave. Sari and Jaka wave their fans and flail their hands, attempting to disperse the fluttering creatures into the moonlit darkness.

Meanwhile, Giri ascends a mighty tree, positioning himself atop its highest branch. His voice rings out, echoing through the forest with otherworldly power. The sound waves reverberate, piercing the bats' sensitive hearing. Chaos ensues as the disoriented swarm scatters in all directions, leaving Sari, Jaka, and Giri standing alone amidst the silence.

Jaka taps his forehead, astonished by Giri's display.

JAKA

I must admit, that wily monkey got the better of me this time!

Giri, appearing between Sari and Jaka, responds sharply.

GIRI

Who are you calling a wily monkey? I heard that, my friend!

Jaka stammers, his face flushed with embarrassment.

JAKA

Ah? Huh? S-sorry, Giri, it was just a jest, I swear!

Giri's stern expression softens as he witnesses Sari's infectious laughter. Jaka, too, succumbs to the mirth, his smile reflecting the joy that had eluded them for so long. The tension between the two fades, and Jaka raises his hand in surrender to Giri, conceding defeat in their playful banter.

Amidst the laughter, Sari's voice cuts through, her eyes filled with determination.

SARI

Giri, are we close to Usangha Forest?

Giri nods, his gray fur bristling with anticipation.

GIRI

The signs become clearer as we journey deeper. The presence of mighty beasts grows stronger, an indication that our destination draws near.

Jaka, seeking respite, suggests they rest for the night and resume their journey at daybreak.

JAKA

Let us spend the night here and embark on our path with the rising sun.

Sari and Giri, in agreement, settle down, finding solace in the warmth of the campfire Jaka skillfully crafts from scattered logs. The aroma of cooking partridge wafts through the air as they enjoy their meager meal.

With bellies full, they gather around the fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. Jaka breaks the silence, curiosity in his voice.

JAKA

Giri, as a Manawa, it is only natural for you to reside in Usangha Forest. What led you to stay with the village elder instead?

Giri's gaze drifts into the dancing flames, his reluctance to share his story palpable.

GIRI

It is a tale that spans many chapters. One that I am not quick to share, especially about myself.

Sari's gentle voice interjects, her eyes filled with compassion.

SARI

Please, Giri, we have time. Share your story with us.

Jaka joins in, his voice filled with sincerity.

JAKA

For the sake of all, let us hear your tale.

Giri, touched by their earnestness, sighs and relents.

GIRI

Very well, I shall divulge the secrets I hold. But remember, you must never breathe a word of this to anyone. For the safety of my people and myself.

Sari and Jaka nod, their commitment unwavering.

SARI

We promise, Giri. Your trust will not be in vain.

JAKA

We stand by our word, Giri. Your secret is safe with us.

Giri's story begins, his voice tinged with melancholy.

GIRI

Usangha Forest was once a sacred realm, a gift bestowed by the Holy Srisari to the Wanara and Manawa. For centuries, our people lived in harmony, transforming the forest into a realm of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. It was a sanctuary untouched by the hands of man.

A somber pause hangs in the air as Giri's gaze darkens.

SARI

What transpired next? Tell us, Giri.

Giri's voice carries a weight of sorrow as he continues.

GIRI

Alas, the peace was shattered with the arrival of Taksaka.

Sari's eyes widen, the name resonating with a familiar unease.

SARI

Taksaka... the name mentioned in my mother's letter.

Giri confirms her suspicion with a solemn nod.

GIRI

Taksaka arrived, assuming the guise of a human named Rai. Swiftly, he revealed his true form—a colossal dragon snake. Consuming the Wanara village chief, he claimed dominion over Usangha Forest. Both Manawa and Wanara became his enslaved subjects, their fate sealed within the jaws of a ravenous predator.

The chilling tale sends shivers down Sari's spine, her mind recoiling from the gruesome imagery.

Jaka's fists clench, his resolve firm.

JAKA

Then all we have to do is slay this monstrous snake and traverse Usangha Forest. It's that simple!

Giri's eyes narrow, his face etched with concern.

GIRI

It is not so simple, Jaka. If it were, I would not have been forced to flee and seek refuge in the nearby village, hoping to assemble a band of warriors. I must exercise caution, for the fate that befell my kin may befall me should I be hasty in my actions.

Sari, her voice laden with determination, seeks guidance.

SARI

Lead us to the village of Wanara, Giri. Allow us to meet your wise elder and chief, Ki Rukah. It is he who holds the answers we seek.

Giri, taking charge, strides forward, urging Sari and Jaka to follow.

GIRI

The time for questions will come, but now we must press on. The shadows of our pursuers loom closer, and we must not falter.

Sari and Jaka, their faces etched with trepidation, hasten their steps, fully aware that danger lurks just beyond the veil of the forest.

FADE OUT.

EXT. USANGHA FOREST - DAY

Sari and Jaka, following Giri's lead, find themselves deep within the enchanting Usangha Forest. The landscape has transformed, the towering teak trees replaced by a network of interconnected banyan trees, their roots forming a surreal tapestry in the air.

Giri, the agile Manawa monkey, swings effortlessly from one root to another, navigating the intricate web above.

GIRI

Keep moving! We must stay hidden from Taksaka!

Jaka mutters under his breath, clearly unimpressed by Giri's acrobatics.

JAKA

That monkey's been swinging around all day in his element. But what about us?

Sari runs up beside Jaka, urging him to focus.

SARI

Shh, Jaka! Let him be. Our mission is what matters now.

Jaka nods, picking up his pace and chasing after Giri.

Suddenly, the air becomes filled with shrill monkey cries, overwhelming Sari and Jaka. They cover their ears, their steps faltering.

In an instant, the Manawa reveal themselves, springing up onto the banyan branches and emerging from the forest floor. Fierce expressions adorn their faces, their fangs bared as they surround the two intruding humans.

If not for Giri's story, Sari and Jaka might have mistaken them for savage apes.

A Manawa speaks, his voice laced with warning.

MANAWA

Humans! If you have lost your way, turn back! Leave the Usangha Forest if you value your lives!

Jaka retorts, his voice defiant.

JAKA

Don't worry, we won't be Taksaka's easy prey.

The speaker and the other Manawa are taken aback.

Sari, Jaka, and Giri emerge, and Giri takes charge.

GIRI

It was I who shared this knowledge with them. Sari and Jaka are the warriors I have chosen to address our "big problem."

The besieging Manawa are skeptical.

MANAWA SPEAKER

How do you know this? Tell me!

Giri appears, his confidence unwavering.

GIRI

From me. Sari and Jaka did not flinch upon hearing about Taksaka's actions. So, there are two possibilities: either they are tired of life or there is something within them that will manifest when they face Taksaka. I am willing to stake my life on it. What about you?

Silence follows as the besieging Manawa bow to Giri's leadership.

GIRI

Good, Deputy Leader Ungun. Now, lead us to Wanara Village. Where is Taksaka?

UNGUN

He hunts on the opposite side of the forest.

GIRI

Fortunately, it seems that Holy Srisari favors our cause.

Sari raises a pertinent question.

SARI

Shouldn't we launch a surprise attack on Taksaka before he detects our presence?

Giri shakes his head, dispelling the notion.

GIRI

Taksaka is a formidable dragon snake. His scales are impervious to ordinary weapons. Only magic or inner strength on the level of a deity could pierce his defenses. None of us possess such power.

UNGUN

Do you, Sari and Jaka?

SARI

My inner power has not yet reached that level.

Jaka, too, admits his limitations.

JAKA

I've been honing my combat skills on the streets, not my inner strength.

Giri and Ungun exchange doubtful glances. Giri continues his graceful swings, speaking with an air of authority.

GIRI

Then you will need a divine weapon. There is only one such weapon in this forest, and its location is known only to Ki Rukah.

Sari concludes.

SARI

So, we must journey to Wanara Village and seek the divine weapon from Ki Rukah.

UNGUN

Precisely. It sounds straightforward, doesn't it?

Giri interjects, injecting a note of caution.

GIRI

Don't get too excited just yet. The true challenge awaits when you face Ki Rukah.

Confusion clouds Sari and Jaka's expressions as they exchange puzzled glances.

FADE OUT.