EXT. NI DYAH'S HUT - NIGHT

The serene ambiance of Lake Tarub is illuminated by the gentle glow of the half-moon, casting a shimmering reflection on the tranquil waters. From Ni Dyah's elevated hut, the entire lake seems adorned with a mesmerizing tapestry of sparkling lights.

Sari and Jaka sit on the porch, entwined in each other's embrace, their eyes fixed on the enchanting panorama before them.

But their intimacy is interrupted by the arrival of Ni Dyah, who settles down in front of them. Her presence commands attention, drawing the couple's gaze away from the picturesque scene.

NI DYAH

(apologetically)

Sorry to interrupt. But I overheard that you two are planning to leave tomorrow morning, correct?

Sari nods, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her eyes.

SARI

(softly)

Yes, we were going to bid farewell to Mother this afternoon, but we're still undecided.

Ni Dyah's expression becomes serious, her gaze intense. After a moment, she relaxes and responds.

NI DYAH

(gravely)

About what?

Jaka treads cautiously, mindful not to offend the wise hermit.

JAKA

(with caution)

About the final destination of our journey, the Valley of the Skull Tree.

Surprisingly, Ni Dyah remains silent, her face tensing momentarily before relaxing again.

Jaka presses further, seeking guidance from the elder.

JAKA

(curiously)

Does the elder object to our journey?

Ni Dyah shakes her head, a mix of resignation and concern etched on her face.

NI DYAH

(with a sigh)

It is futile. No matter what I say, you are determined to proceed, aren't you?

Sari and Jaka exchange glances, acknowledging the truth in Ni Dyah's words.

NI DYAH (CONT'D)

(somberly)

I understand. I have no authority to forbid you, young ones. You may continue your journey, but I implore you to exercise extreme caution from this point onward.

SARI

(inquisitively)

Is it because of Isyana?

Ni Dyah nods, her expression filled with wisdom.

NI DYAH

(gravely)

Isyana is merely a prelude. The true test of your bond awaits you in the Valley of the Skull Tree.

Sari's eyes widen, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension coursing through her.

SARI

(astonished)

What do you mean? Is the valley a treacherous place?

Ni Dyah's forehead furrows as she struggles to convey the weight of the truth.

NI DYAH

(somberly)

No, my dear. On the contrary, it is a place of unparalleled beauty, even more enchanting than Lake Tarub itself.

Sari is taken aback, her dream turning out to be nothing more than an illusion.

NI DYAH (CONT'D)

(somberly)

But beneath that beauty lies a reality far more terrifying than any nightmare. I am bound by an oath not to divulge the secrets of that place, but I can offer you a few hints.

Sari listens intently, her eyes focused on the elder.

NI DYAH (CONT'D)

(pointing)

Look closely, Sari. To traverse the lake, seek the boat beneath the three hibiscus trees forming a triangle near the lake's southern edge. That place is protected by a magic field. Only women possessing significant magical powers can perceive its existence. As you approach the field, Sari, recite the incantation I am about to teach you. The magic field will reveal itself, granting you access to the boat.

Ni Dyah utters a sequence of words in an unfamiliar language, bestowing upon Sari a powerful incantation.

JAKA

(teasingly)

Haha, looks like I'll have to rely on you two since I couldn't find a boat anywhere.

Ni Dyah raises her palm, halting Jaka's jest.

NI DYAH

(regretfully)

I'm sorry, but I cannot accompany you.

SARI

(curious)

Why, Elder?

NI DYAH

(resolutely)

If I had my way, I would distance myself from the Leyak and worldly matters altogether. My only desire is to remain close to Holy Mahesa for the rest of my days.

Jaka and Sari respect Ni Dyah's decision, remaining silent.

NI DYAH (CONT'D)

(gravely)

There's one more thing. I believe someone or something has been observing you.

Sari and Jaka gasp in surprise.

SARI

(astonished)

But... we didn't sense anyone's presence.

Ni Dyah's expression grows more intense, her voice filled with concern.

NI DYAH

(suspiciously)

Of course not. That figure was watching from high above in the sky, resembling a starling. It doesn't fly like an ordinary bird. Suspicious, isn't it?

The weight of Ni Dyah's words settles on Sari, and she exchanges worried glances with Jaka.

SARI

(apprehensive)

Oh no...

CUT TO:

EXT. SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE TARUB - EARLY MORNING

The sun has yet to rise, casting a faint glow on the horizon. Sari and Jaka, hand-in-hand, embark on their journey from Ni Dyah's cabin towards the south shore of Lake Tarub. They bid farewell to the woman who had provided them with invaluable assistance.

Walking in unison, their steps synchronized, Sari and Jaka move as a single entity. Their connection grows deeper with each passing moment. Before they know it, they reach the triangular formation of hibiscus trees in less than two hours.

Jaka looks at Sari, seeking confirmation.

JAKA

(uncertain)

Are you certain this is what Ni Dyah meant?

Sari responds, her voice laced with determination.

SARI

(resolute)

Maybe yes, maybe no. We won't know for sure until we try the spell Ni Dyah taught us yesterday.

Sari raises her hands, intricately weaving symbols with her fingertips, her mouth uttering a complex mantra in rapid succession.

SARI (CONT'D)

(exclaiming)

Disappear!

A whirring sound fills the air, accompanied by stunning visual effects resembling shattering glass or splintering crystal. The enchanting magic field dissipates instantly, revealing an ordinary boat complete with a pair of oars.

Sari and Jaka survey their surroundings, their expressions turning grim. The boat sits at a considerable distance from the riverbank, more than a hundred paces away. It appears deceptively heavy, raising doubts about Jaka's ability to carry it alone. Even with his inner strength, the fragile appearance of the boat threatens its integrity.

Jaka explains the predicament to Sari, who can only sigh in response.

SARI

(disheartened)

The Leyak must have employed magic to transport such a heavy boat to the riverbank. We should have brought Ni Dyah with us; she might have been familiar with this magic.

Jaka offers his perspective.

JAKA

(pondering)

I believe Ni Dyah had a deeper reason for choosing not to accompany us. Perhaps age has affected her ability to confront the Leyak.

Sari gathers her resolve, shedding any preconceived notions.

SARI

(determined)

You're right. I shouldn't hold prejudice against those who have offered us their aid.

Their conversation is interrupted by a mysterious voice.

VOICE

(resolute)

If you can't manage it, I'll have my husband carry the boat.

Sari and Jaka search for the source but find no one.

VOICE (CONT'D)

(chuckling)

I'm here.

A winged female figure descends from the sky, landing directly behind Sari and Jaka. Startled, the couple instinctively moves away, turning to face the figure.

Jaka recognizes the white starling mutant and curses under his breath.

JAKA

(angry)

Nira!

The mutant smiles mockingly, reveling in their surprise.

NIRA

(mocking)

You're not as perceptive as I thought. I've been observing you from the air, yet you failed to notice.

Sari bites her tongue, unfazed by Nira's revelation.