Nusantara Throne - Senandung Kebangkitan
Nirmala

Benak Nirmala spun violently as he rushed down the village road. He ignored the eyes of those who were on him. Nirmala ran as fast as she could, refusing to stop even when she was breathing heavily. His steps stopped at a riverbank on the edge of the village. His feet were galloping on the cold ground, he was leaning against a boulder, looking at the rushing stream of rivers.

            Meat...

Hungering...

a tiny sound slipped into his head, heavy and menacing. Instantly his stomach was nauseous, Nirmala jumped and fell. He looked around, but only the trees stood still like a statue watching.

“Whose voice it is!” nirmala Sahut.

Nirmala's cry was washed away by the swiftness of the river's splash. He felt tired, even considered himself crazy. He sat curled up and buried his face. Crying out, letting the sadness flow like a beautiful river in front of him.

“Mr Princess crying,” voice words on a big rock.

Nirmala turned her head and almost pelted a pebble that she had secretly taken. The voice is Arka.

“Why is it here?”

“Play tile umpet.” says Arka. “Mr Princess why cry?”

“Nothing Arka, I was sleepy,” Nirmala dodged, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, instantly her purple pupils seemed to sparkle.

“Lying! Lie princess, crybaby princess,” Arka said, she jumped down while running around Nirmala with a whimper.

“Really!”

Arka sticking tongue, “daughter crybaby.”

The noise caught Damar's attention, he emerged from the bushes quite far away. “Arka too noisy!”

He galloped towards the princess, at her hugging the running Arka. “Because of you.”

“Kakak see no? Princess crying.”

Damar observed the princess's face, her face turning red.

“What if the princess cries? You also cry a lot.”

“Mr Princess is already big, I'm still small!”

“Samely, your cries are much noisier,” Damar chuckled.

The joke was that even though Arka felt bad, he was chasing back the brother.

“Do you guys hear the sound?” nirmala asked, breaking the children's joy.

They fell silent, looking at Nirmala in wonder. They shook their heads and continued running. Nirmala tried to forget the incident, she regarded the voice as a form of sadness.

“Where's Naya? Not coming to play?” nirmala said, for a moment she wanted to smile at the children's behavior.

“Maybe still hiding,” says Damar. He then shouted to call the name of the youngest, but Naya did not come out.

“Maybe he's hiding in the corn garden,” Arka said casually.

The two children ran north down the river until they arrived at a large corn plantation on the edge of the village. Unknowingly Nirmala followed him, there was a feeling of heaviness in her body that appeared to seep into the bone joint.

The humans...

I want human flesh...

Nirmala's stomach feels nauseous again. The sound entered his mind instantly like an ice storm. His breathing became heavy, he then split the corn plants, following the two children who kept shouting to call the name of the youngest.

“Naya out, we go home, I'm hungry!” yell Arka.

“Normally Naya always appears every time we ask her to go home,” Damar said, her face began to worry.

“Maybe he's gone home first,” said Arka, then re-penetrated the maize weeds heading towards the village.

A sweat dripped from Nirmala's forehead, her steps staggered. Unaware of his steps leading Nirmala out of the corn garden, he fell to the ground on the path leading to the village road. There were a number of farmers who looked at him with pity, but Nirmala's vision blurred, she tried to find a place to rest.

Little girl...

Human meat...

With trembling hands, Nirmala touched her cheeks and found her cheeks wet and warm. Naya... is in danger, he thought while staggered.

An outstretched hand stopped Nirmala's steps.

“Mr Princess, you look pale,” Wyat asked, along with the two cave guards.

“Naya... in danger, Wyat I heard it, the voice,” he said gasping for breath. “Naya... dia...”.

Wyat did not ask much, as soon as he knew what happened, he then turned to his two guards, “Quick call Mr. Wikrama, this must be a demon!”

“What a smile actually threatens this village Wyat,” asked Nirmala still gasping for air, leaning against the wooden fence.

The sharp highlight of Wyat faded, he frowned, his headband seemed to wrinkle, “Ahool Princess, that's how we call the name of the cursed demon.”

“Ahool?”

“The smile flies, when he is around us, he will make a loud noise with the sound of ‘Ahool’. Since then we call his name according to his terrible screeches.”

Nirmala tried to get up, her blonde hair fluttering in the free wind, “I heard her speaking in my mind.”

“For safety's sake, you can really hear it?”

“Yes, terrible,” said Nirmala could not remember any more raucous voices in her mind.

The news spread as fast as the wind, As soon as the villagers scattered into the streets of the village while shouting the name of the little girl. Searching in between ditches, wooden barrel, carts, livestock cages to plantations. However, the little girl did not reply.

As Wikrama gathered warriors on the ground, Nirmala and Wyat joined. Nirmala could feel the tension filling the air around a bunch of warriors. Wikrama's face turned serious. Wikrama ordered the guards to make torches and prepare to enter the forest.

“Let me help you,” Nirmala said.

“I do not allow, Mr. Putri is not ready for this,” replied Wikrama want to ignore Nirmala, her courage is distracted by worry for the little girl.

“You can't find it, not with me as the clue,” said Nirmala straightforwardly. “I can hear that stealth sound in my mind.”

“Lantas what will you do Nirmala princess Mahardhika?” cetus Mahda, intimidating.

“I'll lure him out, exchange Naya for myself,” Nirmala said.

“Bah! Bullshit, this Princess seems to have guts,” snorted Mahda.

“I do not agree to the plan Mr. Princess,” Wikrama said after realizing Nirmala's look as if frozen. “You make yourself as bait.”

“Really! What if it turns out that you herded the demon on us?” Mahda could not resist.

Nirmala looked away, her tears coming out again. “So this is how the full moon warriors solve the problem? Really you pathetic men.”

They felt the sharpness of Nirmala's voice. Wikrama was embarrassed, rubbed Mahda's shoulder so that she realized her words had harassed the good name of the swordsmen.

“I apologize for Mahda's carelessness, I trusted Mr. Princess with my life, with all our burdens,” Wikrama then clasped Nirmala's hand while half kneeling. “Take us to trap Ahool, tonight he must perish, for us to restore his soul to the dark earth.”

“What are our plans Young master?” Wyat said next to him.

“Ahool fish out to this open area, use cattle. Meanwhile the archers will hide behind rocks and shrubs. Make sure Princess Nirmala already knows where Ahool hid Naya after asking her to talk, after that kill the demon,” Wikrama paused, she looked at Nirmala who was replied with a small nod. “We will stake princess Nirmala as the key to this plan.”

Nirmala then whispered to Wikrama in a soft voice that was difficult to hear by warriors including Wyat.

“You are sure of the plan Princess Nirmala?” ask Wikrama, looking at Nirmala nervously. “I agree this time about the plan, but I will still be near you to ensure your safety Princess even if you have to.”.

“No problem,” replied Nirmala sprightly, her face looked pale, her hands were trembling slightly. “How do I communicate with that demon?”

“It depends on you. Previously, Ahool's mind entered your head without him knowing, now it's your turn to enter his mind, reach Ahool's mind when he appeared, only you can feel and do it Princess.”

The warriors poured into the corners of the open field area, their bows hanging standby on their backs. Silence becomes a barrier between Mahda and Nirmala. He needs time to accept that trust. Mahda then turned around and looked for a position in the reeds at waist level.

Nirmala smiled even though she started to feel afraid, as soon as Wikrama's face reddened to look at Nirmala's elegance. As he was about to turn his face away from Nirmala's gaze, Damar and Arka ran towards them from the direction of the village, behind which appeared two warriors chasing after the two boys.

 “Mr Princess please save Naya,” said Damar as hiccups, tears and snot drenched his tiny face and chin, as well as Arka.

“I beg the Princess,” Arka now hugs Nirmala's leg wrapped in a shabby silk cloth. With a hearty look while hiccuping, Arka regrets, “god is not evil, evil demon.”

Nirmala then sat together, she tore off the scarf with the symbol of the sun fluttering on her waist. Gently rubbing the child's face, Nirmala smiled at the boy's faces, “I promise, but I can't keep the promise that your lives are in danger, you must wait and pray. Later if Naya is back, take me to play hide and seek, you guys promise?”

His pupils and hair seemed to reflect the bright light of the sky. There was a calm creeping into the children, they were beaming.

“I Promise,” Damar tongue stuck out of tooth ompongmya. Without taking long, the warriors carried them towards the village. Their smiles faded as the distance got further away and the roars of the cries of the two broke out again, echoing from a distance.

“Those kids will be tough kids,” Wikrama said helplessly. “They are the successors of our determination and hope.”

Wikrama ordered the rest of the warriors to bring a sheep. The sheep was tethered to a wooden stake planted by one of the warriors. After all the preparations were done, Wikrama approached one of the sheep. He then pulled out the keris on his waist, with a sad whisper he said to the sheep, “I'm sorry I have to put this on you. Blood spilled tonight, will be your honor, may the gods deliver your soul to happiness.”

Wikrama slaughtered one of the sheep and let the sheep's blood run down the grass. The lamb lay with a suffocating bleating sound, blood flowing with a slow pulse until his breathing stopped. Wikrama rose after making sure the sheep had rested.

The wind began to blow indeterminate direction, the smell of blood mixed with the smell of wet grass thickly smelled. The twilight is getting past the horizon boundary, leaving a gloomy orange glow. Half an hour had passed, but there was no sign of the demon. Wikrama is almost desperate, maybe today will be the day he will remember. They lost the little girl, also lost the chance to destroy the demon.

The voice of the demon buzzed within Nirmala's head, deep and clear.

Bloods...

I smell blood...

The word was heavy and threatening, as if slicing through the mind. Nirmala touched her forehead, still feeling uncomfortable with the strange sensation she felt. He opened his mind, reaching for the demon's mind.

Ahool, listen to me ahool, said Nirmala trying to reach.

These sounds?The humans...

Nirmala's stomach was wrapped around the sound as it roared, the cold tickled her neck.

Where did you take the little girl? Let me know...

Human girl? Ahool said digesting, then his voice became a louder tone. Ah... crying girl, I will eat it tonight, as a special dish.

Bring the girl in front of me and you'll get a bigger reward.

Ahool laughed, making Nirmala's teeth grill, Ahool said arrogantly, A man dares to speak as if he were the ruler.

What if I'm not a normal human being? The blood of the gods flowed in my veins. Do you not want to taste the food of the flesh and blood of the gods?

Ahool was silent as if he was listening and studying. He then muttered an arrogant, snapping mockery! But I. want...

I mean it, meet me, take the girl and I'm gonna trade the girl for me.

Humans are reckless, and stupid, Ahool said. Sounds like the creature was amused to see Nirmala's efforts. I could have tricked you and eaten both of you're flesh at once.

Then you will defile your own name Ahool, I will tell you the story of the cowardly demon that lives in the Mustika King Forest.

Ahool laughs louder and louder, he hates being humbled by humans.

I'll take the girl, where can I find you a god-descended woman? His tone sounded mocking.

 Follow that stench of blood then you'll meet me.

Easy! His words boomed in Nirmala's mind. Instantly Nirmala fell, a sweat dripped from her forehead.

“Princess Nirmala!”

“He's coming to Wikrama soon, I managed to persuade him to bring Naya.”

Decitan rang out breaking the silence of the night, shaking the warriors from their hiding places. A deaf creature was flying in the distant ceiling, the figure was gloomy, carrying the silhouette of little Naya's shadow in both of her hook-like legs. He landed in the middle of the field, dropping the girl next to the corpse of a sheep.

Appetizers...

Ahool is no longer than a bull, but it looks wide and terrible. Its body is hairy like a rodent mammal, its fur color is reddish black. The creature flapped its wings which made its body look strange. Its wings were twice the length of its body, the thin red membrane on its wings stretched all the way to the small hands with sharp claws.

Ahool's two yellow fangs appear to be sticking out beyond his pointy chin, the claws are also ivory yellow. His hard eyes were blood red. Warm steam came out of the snubby nostrils like a pig, its breath as though it was breathless, heavy and long.

Come show yourself, I've brought the girl.

After the shadow of Ahool's body became increasingly clear. Nirmala can see Naya. The swordsmen shuddered, Ahool could easily split the girl's body.

“Shoot his feet and head, don't get about Naya until princess Nirmala makes sure Naya is in her arms,” whispered Wikrama to the hiding swordsman.

The warriors stood by, pulling the bowstring.

“I'll meet him,” said Nirmala, he immediately got up and approached the demon.

“Strue Princess I don't like this plan.”

“Please do Wikrama, if indeed the power of the gods flows in my body, you should not hesitate in the slightest with your determination,” he looked at Wikrama's face, bronze look his eyes as if piercing, Wikrama nodded in silence.

Special man, you kept your word, Ahool's voice was ringing. Nirmala could feel the great killing intent of the demon.

Let me take the girl away from this field and you can take me, Nirmala said, pretending to be tough.

Ahool sighed hoarsely, he looked up towards the sky and snapped loudly.

Ahool! Ahool! Ahool!

The voice resounded violently, as if the grass around him was shaking.

Easy! It's easy human! The sneer, then Nirmala heard a terrible sound of laughter, making her hands break out in cold sweat.

When Nirmala knelt on the back of her hand rubbed the girl's forehead, her face slightly bruised and scuffed. However, Nirmala can feel Naya's breathing regular, thanks for keeping her alive.

“Compose the Princess! Protect Naya!” Wikrama calls blow up tensions.

Rough screams split through the air as dozens of arrows shot out like stars falling toward Ahool. The arrows were stuck all over Ahool's body, mostly lodged in Ahool's back and legs.

Ahool howled in pain, he screamed again with a loud voice. Ahool! Ahool! Ahool!

The bow flew again, but Ahool had anticipated. He flapped his wings trying to fly to avoid the blows of the arrows. However, his efforts must be paid handsomely with the membrane of his wings torn because of the lunge of the eyes of the arrow. He flew with difficulty and limping.

Not long after, more warriors came out from behind his hideout, brandishing keris and spears. The first line was about to strike Ahool by crossing him with a spear. Ahool barely wavered, black blood dripping from the holes of the arrow wounds.

That bastard! The damned humans! Low creatures! Ahool's meaning echoed in Nirmala's head, which was being turned over to protect Naya.

Nirmala felt the whirring of the arrows on her back, some of the arrows touched her skin but would not hurt her body, I was not a bait for you Ahool, but I became a decoy for the swordsmen's weapons. Nirmala cries, protects Naya's body, I'm sorry Ahool.

You humans are crafty creatures!

Ahool lunged at the ranks of the warriors, tearing apart some warriors with his sharp claws. But he lost his balance. Ahool fell down with a loud buk sound. The warriors surrounded him. He was pressed and turned around looking at the warriors while screeching loudly.

Ahool! Ahool! Ahool!

He then flew around in circles over the field. Although the way it flew was already strange and rocking, the warriors watched on vigilantly. Ahool went down to the swordsman on the South side, tore the line with one of his left legs, hooked the swordsman's stomach and dropped him in the middle.

Wyat tried to take the chance, he aimed at Ahool's eyes. After pulling the bowstring at full strength, he shot out one arrow with a confident shot. His arrow pierced right through Ahol's left eye. Ahool roared, black blood dripping from the dark ceiling without any light.

“He's getting weaker!” shout Wikrama.

The rain of arrows again rippled through the air. Ahool who had suffered many injuries had to fly away. However, he lost his balance and fell.

The warriors rushed to surround. That moment became a terrible turning point for Ahool. He had trouble trying to fly. Various attacks were launched on Ahool's body. With Ahool's jaws and teeth tearing apart the body of one of the warriors, the swordsman fell down instantly. His teeth are as deadly as daggers. His wide wings flapped strongly as the warriors were about to lung at his weak back. Mahda then jumped over the nape of Ahool, and stuck a spear into the nape of Ahool's head.

Black blood spurted flooding Mahda's burly body. Ahool's howl turned low along with the rush of hot black blood that flowed slowly. He fell down, and died. After Wikrama confirms the death of the demon. The warriors began to cheer triumphantly, they humming around the corpse of Ahool.

“Stop, no wins need to be celebrated at this time,” said Wikrama grimly. As the warriors stopped humming, he continued, “The blood of the full moon brothers is spilled on this ground, their bodies lying on this ground, it is not appropriate for us to hum.”

The officers look disappointed. Wikrama approaches Ahool's head, he pulls out his keris and slits Ahool's throat with difficulty until Mahda helps him.

“Tonight one demon fell, but dozens of demons still reside in the depths of the continent's forests. They wait, waiting for the moment when we turn away from them. Ahool is the proof of darkness of this continent, remember my brothers. Our main enemy is Mahardhika, but the shadow of the dark mist is lurking as our eyes are lulled by what lies ahead.”

Wikrama then raised Ahool's head, the head was quite heavy as a mature goat. “However, while our cattle are free, the threat is gone, our village is safe. Rejoice after we mourn the passing of our brother, and remember, without princess Nirmala we will never be able to remember this triumphant night.”

Princess Nirmala, you arrived with the blood that I shed in your palace, but your kindness obliterated a small darkness in this village. Nirmala, Mahardhika's daughter, I wonder more and more, what fate would you bring if my heart were to open? Is it freedom or destruction? Wikrama said in her mind, instantly she had great goosebumps.

***