Canticles

116. There Never Was

After the popobawa was removed, the lives of the citizens returned to normal as well as Sister Tami.

A few days after the events of the terror popobawa, an indigenous elder named Jacquel came to visit the settlement of residents who were also his former residence.

Then Banga invited Jacquel to visit the camp to meet Rex and other fellow volunteers.

When he first met Rex, Jacquel was delighted that the positive aura that accompanied Rex made him comfortable.

" This is our tribal chief or our customary elder. His name is Mr. Jacquel.," said Banga introducing Jacquel to Rex.

" It's nice to meet you Mr. Jacquel..," Rex greeted kindly as he extended his hand.

" I'm also happy to meet you Mr. Rex. Young people with a warm leader spirit, polite and tough. I'm sure everything will be fine as long as you are with them." Jacquel said as he shook Rex's hand tightly.

" Don't praise me too much sir. I still have a lot to learn" Rex said.

" No need to go low. I know what you've done to help our people who have just been terrorized by the popobawa demon...," jacquel said, shaking his head and shaking his index finger to the right and to the left.

Rex and Banga laughed at him. Jacquel was also taken around by Rex to be introduced to all the volunteers in the camp. Afterwards the three of them sat facing each other on the porch of the house while talking about many things.

On that occasion Jacquel said that the popobawa would not return to the same place where similar creatures once made a mess.

" In other words, the region is safe from the terror of the popobawa because the popobawa have previously signaled this area to prove its territorial power" Jacquel said.

" What about the fate of the victims, sir...?" ask Rex curiously.

" They'll be fine. Moreover, the abuse only happens once, said Jacquel optimistically.

" What do you mean, Mr. Elder...?" rex didn't understand.

" Popobawa does indeed harass its prey in a**al manner. Automatically it will make the mental victims fall. Never mind being harassed by demons, being harassed by fellow humans alone must cause its own trauma. Isn't that right, Mr. Rex...?" ask Jacquel.

" Right sir..," said Rex quickly.

" That's what popobawa attacked. Mentally knocking his victims to their lowest point. Terrorize them every day until the victims are frightened and feel better dead than tormented because of the continuous terror of popobawa. This is done because popobawa likes popularity. He likes to be known and called by many. Wasn't it when the victim screamed hysterically, surely he also said his name ?. He does not care if called in various bad nicknames. For him to be famous in a barbaric way was an achievement, " said Jacquel.

" Basic strange psychopathic creature.," muttered Rex while grumbling.

" I see the creature so-called events in Our country Mr. Rex.," said Banga, smiling wryly.

" When the victim dies, the popobawa will go away on its own. But not infrequently he also targeted the victim's family. Maybe when the victim screams hysterically and says his name, that's when the victim's family will come and say many things. Well popobawa will attack anyone who swears and berated him." said Jacquel.

" Clearly cursed, his actions have exceeded the limits of fairness. How can they vent their desires to humans of various genders. He could not vent his desire to a creature of his kind...?!" ask Rex gusar.

" When that's beyond my ability, Mr. Rex. I don't know about it.." said Jacquel as he raised his palms up.

Rex and Banga stared at each other for a moment then let out a long sigh.

" yes. But it will be difficult for them to find a partner especially if the victim is a woman like Sister Tami.

" Why is it hard...?" ask Jacquel.

" Now they have been subjected to se**al abuse, their membranes are automatically damaged. How do they admit that they have been abused by supernatural beings, and maybe their partners believe ?. While virgin or not a woman in our country is still an important thing in a marriage..," said Rex while staring at the distance with a huffed look.

Rex's speech made a momentary silence but was disturbed by Jacquel's laughter. Seeing Jacquel's reaction that seemed to underestimate Tami's sister who was the victim of se**al abuse it made Rex offended.

" I'm sorry..," said Jacquel as he grabbed Rex's hand as he watched Rex rise from his seat.

" I respect you as a customary elder or tribal elder here Mr. Jacquel. But that does not mean you are free to laugh at the misfortune that befell Our colleagues. I don't take that...!" rex said as he looked at Jacquel with a hostile look.

" Yes yes. Again I'm sorry. Please listen to me one more time. I haven't finished talking Mr. Rex..," Jacquel said.

" Just talk there, let me stay here...!" rex reluctantly.

" alright. This is Mr. Rex. Popobawa abuse victims are mentally ill but physically healthy. That girl, whatever her name is. He'll stay 'whole' as if the sex**and it never existed. Popobawa just did that. It would be different if it happened to victims who have been subjected to popobawa abuse many times..," said Jacquel with a serious facial mimic.

Jacquel's words surprised Rex and Banga. It turned out that Banga had just heard that statement this time.

" Alhamdulillah.., does that mean that Sister Tami remains virgin Mr. Jacquel...?" rex asked half a whisper.

" Virgin or not I don't know for sure Mr. Rex..," said Jacquel also whispered to make Rex frown.

" Don't convolve Mr. Jacquel...! " rex said half annoyed.

" I'm speaking honestly Mr. Rex. If at the time of the abuse Sister Tami was still virgin, then she would come back like that later. But if when the abuse happened Sister Tami had done that with another man before, it means she's not holy anymore right. So it's not possible that her chastity is back again. But I guarantee the condition of Sister Tami's reproductive apparatus will be fine because it is only once subjected to abuse..," Jacquel said with a meaningful smile.

Rex stared for a moment then nodded his head in understanding.

Afterwards Jacquel and Banga decided to return to the house of Ebes. They will perform another ritual. This time as an expression of gratitude for having escaped the bat stealth terror nicknamed popobawa.

" I thank you again for helping our people. If you'd like, you and the volunteers can attend to see Our ritual later." Jacquel said.

" I'm sorry Mr. Jacquel. Not to be disrespectful, but the rituals that you and the citizens perform are contrary to Our religion. So sorry if we can't attend" Rex said, cupping his palms together and making Jacquel smile.

" It's okay young people, we understand that. I am proud of your life principles. We say hello to all the volunteers here, "Jacquel said, patting Rex on the back gently.

" Ready. Insha Allah I will convey later..," said Rex while shaking Jacquel's hand warmly.

Rex also let go of Banga and Jacquel with a big smile. He was grateful in his heart because the disaster experienced by Sister Tami will not affect the personal life of the woman later.

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