However, their peaceful journey is abruptly interrupted. A swarm of fish-man mutants, known as Bejlema, emerges from the lake's surface and charges towards Jaka and Sari. The mutants' movements are fast and slippery, making it challenging for the warriors to strike them with their weapons.

A Bejlema manages to scratch Jaka's arm with its spear, but Jaka swiftly retaliates. He grabs the spear's hilt and pulls it away, slamming his mace into the mutant's fish face.

Jaka then wounds a second Bejlema with his spear, using the mace as a shield. Surprisingly, the wounded mutant collapses and dies foaming at the mouth.

Meanwhile, Sari's fan slices through two fish mutants with a gust of sharp wind.

The leader of the Bejlema charges forward, targeting Sari. She is surrounded by mutants, and a spear laced with energy hurtles toward her. Too late to evade, the spear grazes her stomach, causing Sari to scream in pain.

Infuriated, Jaka lunges at the leader and smashes its big head with an upward swing of his mace. The creature's fangs fall from its wide-open mouth.

The leader, still dazed, signals a retreat that sounds like gargling water. Its minions quickly follow suit, diving back into the lake. The gill-breathing fish mutants cannot stay on land for long without collapsing and suffocating.

Relieved, Sari breathes a sigh of relief. However, the pain intensifies, and she clutches her stomach, her strength waning.

JAKA

(urgent)

Hang on, Sari!

Jaka quickly leans Sari against a tree and places his hand on her stomach, channeling his inner strength to stop the bleeding.

Unfortunately, Sari's condition worsens. Her face turns black, a clear sign of poisoning. The Bejlema's spearhead must have been laced with a deadly poison, slowly coursing through her body. Sari's life hangs in the balance.

JAKA

(determined)

Let me use my inner strength to neutralize the poison!

SARI

(doubtful)

Do you know how?

JAKA

It worked on me before, so let me try!

Jaka places a hand on Sari's back and begins channeling his energy.

At first, the flow of water-based energy is slow and gentle, alleviating the tension in Sari's face. But suddenly, Sari's face turns blue, and she winces in pain. The poison resists, pushing back against Jaka's inner strength.

Jaka is forced to adjust his energy flow. It accelerates, reducing the potency of the poison. However, Sari convulses and vomits black blood. Her face remains blue, indicating the poison still courses through her veins.

Jaka's desperation reaches its peak.

JAKA

(desperate)

Someone, help us! Holy Mahesa, if you truly approve of our journey, please send someone or something! We need assistance! Please, Holy Mahesa!

No one comes. They are in a remote and heavily guarded area. Who could they expect to appear?

At this point, Sari can only surrender to the will of the gods. She cannot rely on Jaka's talents alone as the heir of the Hanomanji Mace.

If it is the will of Mahesa for Sari to die today, so be it. After all, most departed souls find their way to the afterlife.

But Sari remembers Lastika. She must save her mother first. Sari cannot die now. Her soul will not find peace until her most important task is fulfilled.

Sari's consciousness fades, and in the distance, she faintly hears the voice of an old woman calling out.

OLD WOMAN (V.O.)

Stop it! Let me help you!

Sari smiles in relief as everything goes dark.

CUT TO:

EXT. NI DYAH'S WOODEN HUT - DAY

Sari's eyes flutter open, and she finds herself waking up in the morning. Her body feels light and refreshed, as does her mind and heart. She finds herself lying on a comfortable mosquito net bed inside a wooden hut.

This is no ordinary hut. It is adorned with fresh flowers in pottery pots, placed in every corner of the room, on every shelf, and even on the side of the mosquito net. The scent of plants, spices, and medicinal herbs lulls the senses.

Sari's eyes fall upon a woman standing in the doorway of the hut. She immediately recognizes the figure and calls out with joy.

SARI

(excitedly)

Mother!

Surprised, Lastika turns and walks away, leaving Sari perplexed.

SARI

(desperate)

Mom! Don't you recognize me?

Sari quickly gets up and walks towards Lastika, who is dressed in all black.

As Sari steps outside the hut, she is greeted by a forest that is entirely different from Usangha Forest. The atmosphere is gloomy, with thick clouds filling the sky above dry trees. To her horror, she notices a pile of human skulls surrounding the trunk of each tree.

SARI

(whispering to herself)

The Valley of the Skull Trees... These skulls... Is this where my mother is?

Determined to find answers, Sari walks faster and faster. Finally, she catches up to Lastika, who stands facing her. Without warning, Lastika's face twists into a grin, her eyes bulging. She extends her hand and commands the skulls at the base of the trees to attack Sari.

Before Sari can react, the skulls swarm around her, gnawing at her body. She screams in agony, but Lastika remains unmoved, offering no assistance to her daughter.

SARI

(desperate, screaming)

Mommy! How could you? Evil mutant, bring my mommy back to me!

Suddenly, a voice reprimands Sari.

VOICE

(reprimanding)

Sari, wake up! Sari!

Sari's eyes jerk open. She finds herself back in the same wooden hut, her heart racing. Thankfully, the cabin is authentic, but the unsettling dream leaves her feeling uneasy. Perhaps it foreshadows what awaits her at the end of her journey.

Entering Skull Tree Valley is akin to stepping into a death trap.

"Praise be to Holy Mahesa, you have regained consciousness, Sari," a soothing voice says.

Sari turns her head slowly to face the source of the voice. She sees the wrinkled face of an old woman, whose clear eyes and upright posture give her an air of beauty in her youth.

SARI

(weakly)

Th-Thank you... for your help. By the way, what's your name?

OLD WOMAN (NI DYAH)

(softly)

I'm usually called Ni Dyah. And you must be Sari, right? I know your name from your boyfriend, Jaka.

Sari stammers, blushing.

SARI

(hesitant)

W-we're not l-lovers!

NI DYAH

(smiling knowingly)

There's no need to lie to me or anyone else, let alone your own heart. You may not realize it yet, but in my eyes, you're a match made in heaven.

Embarrassed, Sari quickly changes the subject.

SARI

(eagerly)

Did you remove the Bejlema poison from my body as well?

NI DYAH

(confidently)

Of course. I have lived in the Tarub Lake area for many years, studying medicine and asceticism. With my knowledge and experience, I can overcome almost any poison or disease in Rainusa, including the Bejlema poison.

Sari smiles, relieved.

SARI

(grateful)

Ah, thanks to Holy Mahesa.

NI DYAH

(encouraging)

Well, since you're not fully recovered yet, rest for a while. We'll talk more later.

Sari weakly nods in agreement. As Ni Dyah prepares to leave, Sari asks one more question.

SARI

(curious)

Madam, where is Jaka now?

NI DYAH

(kindly)

Oh, he's out in the woods gathering firewood and hunting. He said it was a way to show gratitude for my help.

Sari's face calms down, and she expresses her gratitude.

SARI

(thankful)

Ah, that silly man. Thank you, Madam.

With a smile on her face, Sari closes her eyes and falls back asleep, finding solace in the presence of Ni Dyah and the hope of her journey.

CUT TO:

EXT. NI DYAH'S HUT - DUSK

The sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the tranquil surroundings of Lake Tarub. The atmosphere in Ni Dyah's hut is serene, enhanced by the soft flickering light of candles and the sweet scent of flowers.

Sari wakes up from her restful sleep, feeling completely refreshed. As she observes Jaka returning to the hut with a bundle of firewood, she notices a newfound strength emanating from him, one that wasn't present during their battle with Taksaka.

Jaka quickly drops his belongings and rushes towards Sari, his face filled with relief and joy.

JAKA

(excitedly)

Ah, thank goodness you're refreshed! It turns out the miracle of the Mahesa is real!

Jaka gently touches Sari's arms with his fingertips, and this time, she doesn't pull away.

SARI

(sincerely)

Yes, it's thanks to Ni Dyah and your help. I wouldn't have made it this far without you. Thank you, Jaka. Let's finish our journey.

JAKA

(concerned)

Are you planning to leave soon?

SARI

(determined)

Yes. I had a disturbing dream, and it gave me a sense of urgency. We must reach the Valley of the Skull Tree as soon as possible. I need to save my mother before it's too late.

JAKA

(curious)

What do you mean?

SARI

(uncertain)

I'm not entirely sure myself. I hope it was just a figment of my imagination. But whenever I hear the words 'Leyak,' 'Rangda,' or 'Valley of the Skull Tree,' negative thoughts cloud my mind.

Jaka gently strokes Sari's hair, offering comfort and reassurance.

JAKA

(softly)

It's okay. We'll uncover the truth when we get there. Relax, I'll always be by your side, protecting you.

Sari's heart swells with gratitude and affection. She gives Jaka a gentle hug, reciprocating the warmth of his embrace.

SARI

(grateful)

Thank you.

Finally, two hearts are united. It feels as though only four days ago Sari had chosen to prioritize her mother over Jaka. But in this moment, it's as if a single dream has changed the course of her mind and heart.

However, uncertainty lingers. The Valley of the Skull Tree may hold surprises that could reshape Sari's emotions once again. Or, even worse, it may force the two lovers to part ways.

Despite the unknown, Sari and Jaka choose to cherish the warmth of this moment, savoring every ounce of affection and solace they can find.

For as long as that warmth lasts.

FADE OUT.