EXT. MOUNTAIN CLIFFS - DAY

The fight has ended, but an uneasy tension lingers in the gap between the mountains, the border of Usangha Forest, and Tarub Lake. Giri's sudden interference, blocking Jaka from finishing off Taksaka, raises suspicion in Sari's mind. Could Giri be betraying Jaka?

Sari approaches Giri with her magic fan raised, ready to confront him.

SARI

What do you think you're doing, Giri?

Giri remains silent, turning his head towards the still-cowering Taksaka. Veins protrude from Taksaka's forehead, a clear indication that he's being tormented by an unknown force.

Taking a step forward, Sari shouts.

SARI

Let me help him!

She folds her fan and delivers a firm strike to Rai Taksaka's solar plexus with the handle, emanating a gentle energy.

Taksaka's eyes widen, his moaning ceases, and he collapses to the ground, unconscious.

CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN CLIFFS - DAY

Jaka carries Taksaka on his back as they follow Sari and Giri through the gap in the mountain cliffs.

JAKA

(grumbling)

Man, he's so skinny, but he's heavy too!

Giri retorts.

GIRI

That's because you're also carrying your girl! If you want to feel lighter, tap into your inner strength, you young fool!

JAKA

(angry)

What do you mean, you smart-aleck ape?!

Unexpectedly, a voice interrupts their argument.

DYAH, a hermit-like figure, suddenly appears.

DYAH

Huh, you youngsters, always making noise!

Sari gasps, her attention drawn to Dyah. Jaka becomes alert, gently placing Taksaka on the ground and standing at attention alongside Sari, weapons ready.

Rai Taksaka sits, leaning against the cliff. Giri positions himself beside him, on all fours.

SARI

Explain what happened!

JAKA

(suspicious)

Is this a trap?!

TAKSAKA

(scornful)

You idiot! If this were a trap, you'd both be dead by now.

Jaka and Sari exchange puzzled glances.

Giri lets out a sigh.

GIRI

Since you've used your magic to restore Taksaka, we'll explain the whole story and clear up this misunderstanding. Please, have a seat.

Jaka and Sari hesitate but remain standing, weapons still in hand.

Giri continues.

GIRI

Before becoming a tyrant, Taksaka was a divine ambassador sent by Holy Srisari, the protector of the Wanara and Manawa in Usangha Forest.

JAKA

(astonished)

But Ki Rukah said...

TAKSAKA

(grumbling)

Ki Rukah is a narrow-minded person. After my mind was consumed by Rangda's magic, he believed I was beyond redemption and had to be destroyed. But he knows I am a lover, not a tyrant.

Curious, Sari presses further.

SARI

What do you mean by 'lover'?

TAKSAKA

(smiling)

Just so you know, no creatures in this world are more beautiful, lovely, and adorable than women. I truly admire them.

Jaka and Sari exchange intrigued glances.

SARI

And what about the Leyak?

GIRI

Holy Srisari was aware of Taksaka's attitude towards women, yet she chose him to be her ambassador. He has always been kind to those beautiful witches, allowing them to pass freely.

GIRI

As long as the Leyak didn't provoke trouble with the Manawa and Wanara, the forest remained peaceful and serene for centuries... until Rangda disrupted the harmony.

JAKA

(realization)

So, can Sari and I continue our journey?

TAKSAKA

Certainly. By freeing me from Rangda's enchantment, you have restored my true self. I will return to Wanara Village to seek forgiveness and heal my wounds.

GIRI

And I will accompany Taksaka as a witness.

JAKA

(interjecting)

By the way, Taksaka, how did you, being so powerful, fall victim to Rangda's magic?

TAKSAKA

(regretful)

I mistook the Queen of the Leyak for a beautiful witch in civilian clothes. She deceived me, broke our agreement, enchanted me, and manipulated my mind, allowing her army to march through the forest.

SARI

Well, now we understand. Farewell and thank you.

Sari bows respectfully to Giri and Taksaka.

SARI

We will continue our journey to Lake Tarub.

TAKSAKA

Ah, Lake Tarub? Beware of Isyana, the water dragon snake guarding the lake. She may not be as strong as I am, but her agility in the water will make it challenging to engage. If she denies you passage, it's best to retreat and seek another opportunity.

SARI

Thank you for the warning. Farewell.

Sari turns and walks away with Jaka. However, during their journey, Sari senses that she has forgotten something crucial, something that may determine life or death.

CUT TO:

EXT. LAKE TARUB - DAY

After passing through the cliff pass of Usangha Forest, Sari is greeted by a refreshing scenery. The turquoise lake stretches out before her, surrounded by trees that are not too dense in the deepest layer. On the other side of the lake, a few trees line the banks and cliffs of the mountains.

Sari takes a moment to shake off the humidity of Usangha Forest and the heat of her battle with Taksaka on the cliff. She spreads her arms wide and breathes in deeply.

SARI

(in awe)

Aah, so this is Lake Tarub. It feels like home. I could stay here forever.

Jaka squints one eye, curious.

JAKA

(teasing)

Don't you want to go to Skull Tree Valley?

Sari's smile becomes wry.

SARI

(whimsical)

Well, yes. But the air here is so fresh, the forest, the view of the lake... It's all so beautiful. Wouldn't you want to live here too?

Jaka nudges Sari playfully.

JAKA

(looking hopeful)

W-with you?

Sari sticks out her tongue, teasingly rejecting the idea.

SARI

No way! You're on your own! I'm with my mom!

Jaka's shoulders slump, half-regretting mentioning the main purpose of Sari's journey.

But Sari doesn't mind. She has won the argument, and her smile widens. She moves swiftly and freely, like a dancer. The beauty of Lake Tarub captivates them both.

Jaka interrupts after Sari finishes her impromptu dance.

JAKA

(gently)

I hate to spoil the mood, but we need to go around the lake and find a boat or another way to reach the Valley of the Leyak.

SARI

(resolute)

You're right. Let's make the most of daylight and search for supplies along the way. Hopefully, we won't encounter the wrath of Isyana or any other inhabitants of this area.

Sari mentions supplies because their provisions from Wanara Village were burned in their last battle. Fortunately, on their way to the lake, Sari and Jaka managed to gather some mulberries from the trees in the forest. They eat as they walk, their steps now lighter.