The fog grew thicker, wrapping the world around them in a silence that felt heavy. In the midst of it, Nagini stood tall, though her body carried an exhaustion she wasn't used to. Her eyes gazed into the distance, trying to understand what had made this day feel so strange.
"That bell…" she murmured softly, breaking the silence. Her gaze was drawn to a faint light in the distance. Slowly, the light took shape—a magnificent golden carriage, pulled by two giant serpents with glistening scales.
Nagini stood still, her body tense. She knew who was inside that carriage.
************
Meanwhile, Arya began to open his eyes. His vision was blurry, but slowly he recognized the figure beside him—Rika. She was still holding onto him, her small hands gripping his arm tightly, as if afraid he would fall again.
"I guess… this time we're even," Arya said weakly, trying to smile to lighten the mood.
Rika turned to him. Her slightly tired face was adorned with a thin smile, but a clear blush was visible on her cheeks. "That makes a woman uncomfortable, you know," she said, turning her face away, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Arya let out a small laugh, even though his breath was still ragged. "Sorry… I was just joking."
A moment of silence passed. Without warning, Rika suddenly let go of him. Arya fell to the ground with a loud thud.
"Hey! What was that for?!" Arya yelled, groaning in pain.
Rika turned to him with a flat look, though the corner of her lip twitched upward. "Seems like you're healthy enough to joke around like that."
Arya let out a soft huff, but he knew Rika wasn't really angry. Struggling, he tried to stand. His gaze was full of resolve, this time more serious.
"I'm Arya Prawisandha," he said, his voice firm. "My name is Arya. Would you be my friend?"
The words hung in the air. Rika went silent, her eyes widening. She stared at Arya with doubt, trying to make sure what she had heard was real.
"Friend…?" she murmured, barely audible.
Arya nodded, though a little nervous. "If that's too sudden, I'm sorry. I just… I just—"
Without realizing it, tears began to well in the corners of Rika's eyes. She couldn't remember the last time someone had offered her friendship. But the emotion only lasted a moment—quickly, she covered it up in her usual way.
SMACK!
Rika smacked Arya's head, making him wince.
"Ow! Why did you hit me?" Arya complained.
"Because you talk too much," Rika answered, trying to keep her voice cold. But a warm smile finally appeared on her face. "Fine. We're friends."
************
On the other side, the golden carriage stopped right in front of Nagini. A wooden door carved with serpent and lotus motifs opened, and an elegant woman stepped down with slow, deliberate grace. Her long hair was adorned with jasmine flowers, and her bluish attire with sea-green patterns radiated an aura of majesty.
"My child, Nagini…" the woman said, her voice gentle yet carrying a power that could not be ignored.
"I—Queen Mother…" Nagini stammered, her body trembling slightly. The figure standing before her was the leader of the Southern Sea spirits, someone she had never expected to appear here.
"You look more grown," the Queen said with a faint smile. "Though your heart remains as stubborn as ever."
Nagini could only bow her head, not daring to meet her gaze directly. "What brings you here, Mother?" she asked softly, her voice nearly trembling.
The Queen looked at her with a gaze full of meaning. "There is something that must be settled. And you, Nagini… you have crossed a boundary we once agreed upon. You know what must be done, don't you?"
************
Rika and Arya finally arrived at the place Nagini had mentioned. A giant tree stood firmly in the middle of the fog, its roots spreading like hands gripping the earth. The air around them grew colder, making Arya shiver slightly.
"This is my home," Rika said cheerfully. She jogged toward the tree. "My mother will definitely want to meet you, Arya!"
But her smile instantly faded when she saw the scene before her. Her steps stopped, her body froze.
Beneath the shade of the tree, a man sat casually with his legs crossed. His face looked calm, but both his hands were gripping tightly onto a woman's hair—Rika's mother—who hung helplessly before him. The woman's hair was disheveled, her face bruised, and her clothes torn.
"Why did it take you so long?" the man said, his tone casual yet full of menace.
"Mother…?" Rika whispered, barely audible. Her eyes went wide, her breath caught. Tears began to flow without her realizing it.
The man slowly turned toward them, and his smile widened. "Ah, there you are. Hurry up and take that jasmine."