EXT. LAKE TARUB - MORNING

Sari gathers her strength, determined to stand up once more. What surprises her most is the audacity of the newcomer, Duhita, the small starling-girl mutant. The insolence she displays towards her parents, Nira and Tuba, has inadvertently saved Sari.

DUHITA

(defiant)

You almost made a grave mistake, Mom and Dad! Killing Sari and Jaka would have doomed our mission!

Jaka, his voice laced with skepticism, questions Duhita.

JAKA

(skeptical)

What do you mean, little girl? What other mission is there besides capturing us?

Unfazed by Jaka's inquiry, Duhita maintains her sweet demeanor.

DUHITA

(teasingly)

Oh, nothing! Blah! Stick out your tongue and press the skin under one eye, and voila!

Tuba interrupts, dismissing Duhita's involvement.

TUBA

(dismissive)

You followed us from the Ogoh-Ogoh Slums uninvited, little girl! This mission is far too dangerous for someone your age. Go home!

Duhita's words are outrageous, but Nira refrains from reprimanding her. She keeps a watchful eye on Sari and Jaka, unwilling to let her guard down.

NIRA

(sternly)

Watch your tongue, you unfortunate child! Return to Danurah immediately, or else...

Duhita interrupts, undeterred.

DUHITA

(defiant)

Or else what? Will you attack me too?

Nira brandishes a needle, her intentions clear.

NIRA

(threatening)

If necessary, I will temporarily paralyze you!

Sari pats her chest, understanding the delicate balance in her own relationship with her mother.

SARI

(murmuring)

I dare not provoke my mother myself; she does not hold me back. Lastika only grows angry when I am careless, not when I am malicious.

With her thoughts focused on overcoming the obstacles ahead, Sari pushes aside the contrasting parenting styles she observes. Her mind grapples with the challenge of freeing the boat from the mutants, realizing that only a miracle could accomplish such a feat.

Tuba steps forward, placing himself between Nira and Duhita.

TUBA

(resolute)

Enough, both of you! Duhita is right, Nira. We cannot jeopardize the mission out of spite. Besides, I have avenged my defeat at the Ogoh-Ogoh Slums by defeating Sari.

Nira refuses to be outdone, her competitive spirit on full display.

NIRA

(defiant)

And I'm certain Jaka will soon be on his knees before me. The boat already belongs to us.

Suddenly, the calm surface of the lake ripples, and a colossal dragon head emerges, stretching approximately four meters into the air. Unlike Taksaka, this dragon has large fins on either side of its head, its turquoise scales blending seamlessly with a line of bluish-green scales that extend down its serpentine body.

Sari, Jaka, Nira, Tuba, and Duhita are taken aback. They immediately assume defensive positions, weapons drawn, their attention fixed on the imposing visitor. Nira and Duhita swiftly take to the air.

Without moving its snout, the water dragon speaks with a woman's voice.

ISYANA

(authoritative)

I am Isyana, the guardian of Lake Tarub. Who are you to cross my territory?

Sari takes on her role as negotiator, showing respect to the formidable guardian.

SARI

(diplomatic)

Forgive us, O Great Guardian. We seek only to pass through to the mouth of the mountain pass. We request your permission.

ISYANA

(sarcastic)

Hmph! You must be heading to Skull Tree Valley, the Leyaks' territory, correct? Who are you, and what business do you have there?

Sari responds truthfully, her voice laced with sincerity.

SARI

(sincere)

My name is Sari, and this is Jaka. The one standing behind is Tuba. My mother, Lastika, resides in the valley, and I seek to reunite with her and bring her to safety.

ISYANA

(skeptical)

Lies! Do not fabricate stories!

SARI

(shocked)

I speak the truth! Why do you doubt me so vehemently?

ISYANA

(stern)

My duty as the guardian of Lake Tarub extends beyond protection. I am tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between white and black powers. Upon seeing you, I sensed the potential to disrupt that balance.

Sari is stunned, the information she receives completely unexpected and seemingly absurd.

SARI

(astonished)

Is that so? I cannot fathom how my mere presence could upset such a delicate equilibrium.

Jaka, unable to remain silent, challenges Isyana's perspective.

JAKA

(defiant)

Even if that were true, there must be a better way than resorting to barbaric measures. We can find a middle ground.

ISYANA

(angry)

You are mistaken, human! There is no middle ground when it comes to maintaining the balance between black and white. There can be no compromise. Any force that threatens that balance must be eradicated without hesitation!

Sari's emotions ignite, fueled by the lake guardian's uncompromising stance.

SARI

(fierce)

Very well! Know that we have received the guidance and support of two esteemed elders on this journey, Ki Rukah and Ni Dyah! If I truly possess unique powers, I will use them to reveal the true nature of the Leyaks to my mother!

ISYANA

(dismissive)

The Leyaks are practitioners of black magic, nothing more, nothing less!

SARI

(determined)

They can be more if they choose to be!

ISYANA

(resolute)

They are better off embracing their dark nature!

Isyana's perspective remains narrow, focused solely on her duties and responsibilities. While not entirely misguided, her limited view adds to the complexity of the situation.

Jaka concludes, his tone resolute.

JAKA

(defiant)

If fighting is the only way to negotiate, so be it.

Tuba echoes Jaka's sentiment.

TUBA

(determined)

Yes! We must fight the dragon to prevent it from achieving its aims!

ISYANA

(angry)

So that's what you desire, is it? Fish mutants, attack!

The Bejlema fish mutants emerge from the lake, advancing rapidly. Sari, Jaka, and Tuba brace themselves at the water's edge, weapons at the ready. Tension fills the air as the three contemplate how they can possibly withstand the onslaught of an entire army.

Suddenly, reinforcements arrive. Nira and Duhita, the two starling mutants, swoop down from the air. Duhita impales one mutant with her spear, while Nira's clawed feet lift another, her dagger piercing the mutant's head.

Sari gasps, realizing that Isyana only intended to target her, leaving the other mutants to the Bejlema fish.

SARI

(determined)

Hey, Isyana! You're after me, aren't you? Come and catch me if you can!

With determination in her eyes, Sari punches a Bejlema in the head, retrieves her dagger, and dives into the depths of the lake.

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