Shivaratri: Destroy the Darkness

Unrelentingly

In the cold waterfall. Ganendra is meditating. Feel the rush of water that hits the body. There was a little relief in Ganendra's heart, as it could avenge Kemuning's death. On the other hand, somehow the relief was not fully resolved. Something still baffles. So Ganendra made up his mind to find answers.

The young man who was once called an impostor, has begun to change the course of his life. Ganendra focused his mind. Feel the energy surrounding his body. Then channel to the hands and feet, in the blink of an eye Ganendra out of the flow of the waterfall. Jumped into the air and spun around while aiming his left hand punch towards a tree.

Blars!

The tree split in two. Not long after, he stomped his foot on a rock. The jolt was powerful and quite loud. A large rock exploded into small pieces.

His body movements felt light. His movement as he stepped so fast. Moving from one place to another. A smile was clearly drawn from his face. The rank of Eka and Tri as the Knights of Saka is perfect.

Until a pat was heard from the river. The voice was none other than Soma who was paying attention to Ganendra's practice. Beside Soma, stood Buyut Wengkeng who stroked his beard while staring expectantly at Ganendra.

“I'll test your skills!” peekkik Soma's.

“Please.” reply Ganendra full of confidence.

An arrow was in Soma's hand. Stretch out a bow and aim at Ganendra. The count of seconds, the arrow shot towards Ganendra. Ganendra prepared, with a nimble movement he shrieked the body. Avoiding Soma's arrow. However, Soma did not give Ganendra a breath.

Again three arrows at once shot from Soma's bow. Ganendra's eyes were stupefied to see three arrows pointing at him. Ganendra nodded quickly. Then kicked two arrows belonging to Soma at once. All of Soma's arrows were wasted.

“How? I'm great, right?” asked Ganendra when dealing with Soma and Buyut Wengkeng.

“Do not feel arrogant. Your level is still lower than mine. If I wanted to use more power, you'd be like a porcupine. Your body is filled with arrows of mine.” replied Soma.

“Hei! Don't like to show off. Want to feel my punch?” asked Ganendra while glaring towards Soma.

“Ah...already.....how old are you? Do not be like a child who always argue.” said Buyut Wengkeng mediate.

The three sat cross-legged by the river. Soma and Ganendra were facing Buyut Wengkeng. As usual, Ki Buyut gave his condolences to two young men who had the potential as great Knights of Saka.

“In Swastamita, a lot of the Knights of Saka have potential and greatness. Not just the two of you. If it has more power there is no need to boast. If doing something useful there is no need to exaggerate. Like unen-unen ‘aruming jeneng, pictures of salumanging earth’ said Buyut Wengkeng.

“What meaning is contained in unen-unen is Ki?” ask Soma.

Buyut Wengkeng stroked his beard. Show a thin smile.

“A person who does good and it benefits the public interest. No need to exaggerate and coarse.”

Then Buyut Wengkeng continued, “Soma, your Saka Knight level has risen to Sapta level like Sadana. Practice harder.”

“Thank you very much for the surprise Ki.” said Soma.

Buyut Wengkeng looked at Ganendra.

“I do not know, the reason behind your arrival to Swastamita. Only the Great God knows for sure why. But I do believe you will be a great Knight Saka beyond what you can imagine. Finding your true existence here. Never use your anger to deal with problems. You have incredible intelligence. Use it to help others. Especially destroy the darkness.”

Ganendra did not give any reaction. Hearing Buyut Wengkeng's words, made his mind filled with many questions. He came to Swastamita because he wanted to get Tirta Amerta which he could exchange for gifts. Over time, however, the direction slowly changed. Since Kemuning's death, Ganendra thought of making the Swastamita peaceful. Without the threat of the Ditya.

While Ganendra was preoccupied with his thoughts. A relentless cry.

“Is Ditya attacking?” ask Ganendra.

“Entahlah, we should check.” invite Soma.

“Balin, what's up?” tanya Ganendra after holding both shoulders Balin.

Balin looked panicked and anxious.

“Gu….Pu...Na...” Balin's breath sounded breathless.

“Pull your breath slowly and say what is it exactly?” ask Soma.

Balin followed Soma's orders. He took a slow breath, calming himself.

“Gu..Gusti Putri Na...Nalini..captured Ditya Kalandaru.” Balin said in an anxious tone.

Balin's speech ignited Ganendra's emotions.

“Basic Ditya damn! Not even her yet! I'll teach you a lesson.” shouted Ganendra annoyed.

His feet are about to step. But Balin hurriedly prevented it.

“Freely.” says Balin.

“What's really why? We just have to kill that ugly Ditya.” said Ganendra.

Soma chimed in, “ is exactly what Ganendra said. Let's just kill Ditya Kalandaru and save Gusti Putri Nalini.”

Buyut Wengkeng spoke up, “Balin, tell me what you really know.”

Balin looks confused. But neither Ganendra nor Soma continued to urge him.

“I..it…. Princess Nalini has tied the yantra binding agreement with Ditya Kalandaru. For the day, Gusti Putri made a deal with Ditya's. Ditya Kalandaru will give the antidote to Ganendra. Provided Gusti Putri is willing to be used as a birth container Ditya instead.”

“A...what?!!” making Ganendra surprised to death.

Soma was no less surprised. Especially Buyut Wengkeng who felt suspicious. How could Princess Nalini get the antidote to Ganendra's poison so easily.

“I don't care. I will still save Nalini.” said Ganendra filled with anger.

“You can't just kill someone. If the person has been bound by an agreement with others.” prevent Buyut Wengkeng.

“What do you mean Old Man?” asked Ganendra with a congealing taste.

“Although you can kill Ditya Kalandaru. Gusti Putri Nalini will also lose his life, because Princess Nalini is on the side of the bound. Not the binding. However, the yantra binds the person to death. Until the promise or agreement between the two is fulfilled.”

“Gyaaah!!! Basic damn!!!!” ganendra shouted while hitting the ground he was treading.

He's so angry. For her sake, everyone had to sacrifice their lives. Ganendra felt very useless. Feel very guilty. Formerly Kemuning who was willing to deliver life. Now it's Princess Nalini's turn to do it. How could Ganendra stay silent.

“Tell Old Man, is there a way out? Whatever it is I will do to save Nalini.” pinta Ganendra with mixed feelings.

“There is no way out. Besides Gusti Putri fulfilled his promise to Ditya Kalandaru.”

Hearing the words of Buyut Wengkeng. Makes Ganendra's body stagger. Right in his eyes, flash of events in Medangwantu when the women of the village used as the birth container Ditya. They still died in the prey of Ditya little after giving birth to him.