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Phantom Samsara: Path of Deva
Chapter XXXVIII: Pink Ocean

Chapter XXXVIII: Pink Ocean

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One day when they were walking, visiting the natural ocean sites--causing Ren to yell in shock to see so much beautiful sparkling water under the sunlight that hits them with gentle brightness--it's really a calming atmosphere that makes them wanted to stay there. Ren took a photo of a pelican, he had his thumbs up in happiness before Andini helped him to identify and guide him the more rare birds and creatures around the areas in the island. "Woah, there's a komodo dragon on the beach!" Ren yelled in awe to see an infant komodo dragon in curious manner, causing the people turned to see the creature.

"Don't scare them too much!" Andini warned in low-voiced, Ren cleared his throat with a nod at his friend--before he watched the komodo dragon was eating a deer's carcass in group of ruminants and the animals continued eating. "Scary, is this a good sight to see... komodo dragons have a unique characteristics like a large lizards with long tails, strong and agile necks, and sturdy limbs. Also, they are known as the reptiles from Jurassic period, but the large females are fast in surprise," Andini explained the more things in deep detail to Ren who nodded eagerly.

They stepped back to give them privacy to do the slaughter, yet another creature wandered curiously, before the komodo dragon slithered its slender tongue to smell the new, familiar scent. "Be careful, komodo dragons' bite is very poisonous--their mouth is actually like 142.65 times more infectious. If you got a bite on your limb, then you have to accept the fact that you'll be amputated," Izumo said, Ren's eyes widened upon his description, gulping and letting it walks carefully. Hakuren watched one of the komodo dragons was not moving, she wanted to pet its head and glanced at the local tour guide and the handlers. "(Is it okay if I can pet it)?" she asked in Indonesian.

"(Sure, miss! Just stay calm and make sure you're not startling it. Komodo dragons are lazy, but fast and they can eat the same prey on the same site at the same time--they are intelligent creatures)."

"(Thank you)!"

She slowly touched its body, until the komodo dragon raised its head from the grass with pleased expression when she touched its back. "Woah, look at it!" she murmured in amazement, watching the sleeping lizard dragon--seemingly trust to be close with her, when it approached Ren and was trying to make the small movement as if it is trying to say something to him. Kaizo was taking photos like usual, while Izumo was gathering some knowledge through the encyclopedia. "They are prehistoric creatures, but they actually survived despite being endangered... such adorable fellows!" he whispered.

The handler told them not to disturb when they were eating the carcasses for them, the staffs gathered some of the komodo dragons were slithering their tongues as if testing the scent they were smelling--as a reminder and warning to the foreign who stepped inside to not disturb their moments. They had to hold a long stick with a two Y-like branches on the front to keep the komodo dragon from biting their hands or attack them, leaving it alone to eat the dead animals. As the guides brought them in tour to explain some details, various of komodo dragons were eating before they left the site.

Later that day, everyone was having their time when the other people announced a contest between the adventurers from all around the universe for martial artists, magicians, wizards and more skilled ones.

***

Ren was eyeing the beach filled with wonderful aesthetic sightseeing view--the teenager cannot stop taking pictures and was busy taking videos, he tried to re-watch the video one more time to double-check it. While he was by himself and his friends doing their fun, he encountered a familiar face that made him pale--he knew who the fuck it was. He saw him standing on top of the flat high rock of the beach, somewhat holding the envelope on his hand as he has been waiting for him the whole fucking time. "S-Sanjaya?!"

Sanju retained his usual hairstyle from before, from his short scruffy black messy hair, dark brown eyes under his bangs and alabaster complexion with tanned shades. However, he wears a work attire instead of his signature attire. From his white formal shirt with black tie, black vest, matching blazer with holsters underneath, black pants and polished black shoes--he also wears a black gloves. "Remember the deal that you'll be competing in the arena?" he asked with his usual coolheaded and calm expression, despite having his ever-stoic face like before. The amber brown-haired Vidyadhara merely shuddered as he saw the familiar note with certain inscription on it. 'Shit... it's him, the infamous Garuda Raksha I befriended...'

"Sorry! I nearly forgot when I got here, this will be my first match--probably?" Ren asked him, smiling sheepishly. He didn't know the details, he doesn't have any signups or an opening in an agenda. Ren merely forgot all of the expectations he must fulfill since he didn't really expect too much. "Yes, but don't worry--we're still under preparations because we're gathering sponsors and guests around the world but the arena is already furnished and ready to use. I'm expecting to have at least... probably fifty participants. Because you and your friends are invited, I already reserved the entrance to have a seat to watch... and you're gonna beat up some weaklings, aren't ya?"

Ren grinned, nodding as Sanju sat in the rock. "I got a proposition," he stated. The young boy stared at him in confusion, not knowing what he really meant. "What is it?"

Sanju watched him for a moment, before speaking in a confident voice. "Would you like to contribute your golden imperial Ingot business to my hotel? You don't have to charge any fee or give them your money as long as your efforts are rewarded. It seems like you got yourself a good partner and I figured we might need something to survive this world where the real threats are taking action and changing the course. My organization must expand if we want to win the race before everything escalates and turns into a chaos," he asked him, the information hit him like a train. 'What?! Like... a business?'

Ren thought his idea might work, yes in this world there are risks everywhere--but a partnership between an astoundingly wealthy businessman and a young fellow like him who started from nothing is amazing. 'It is rather an appealing offer, but it can break boundaries if not in the right time... unless if it's necessary. The power, skill and even knowledge of the business must be strengthened at the same time for further strategies. If this was for business, a partnership is just like a steppingstone to their status,' he considered. "Uhm... will there be benefits that can we share? For example, if there are bad guys at the business for the right reason but somehow will make a mistake and hurting us, we can give them a... 'punishment', I guess..."

The young Garuda Raksha explained, tapping his feet as he was anxious with this, to which Ren gulped as he smiled nervously when he processed his proposal. After thinking carefully, Sanju replied. "Hmm... pardon me for being blunt, but perhaps we'll need to discuss this further to our partners or organizations. In this way, no harm will come to us from enemies," Sanju said, crossing his legs. "Why don't we visit the arena? The colosseum-like arena that people can host the event, sports competitions or have a fight. You're the first one to begin as a special guest of honor," he offered with a fist bump to Ren, and he returns the punch with a simple fist bump too.

This conversation sure is long and detailed, it makes his head spin as he wasn't paying attention as usual--but to take action and listen, he must do it all the time. The arena was filled with spotlights to lighten up the floor, stone walls were formed of the circles like from Ancient Rome times and it can adapt from human to supernatural one. Each fighting rings can accommodate so many people all over the world. "To see this modern-day gladiators, fighters and even powerful humans to fight, an interesting setting that the Colosseum of Capitoline Roman used the basic rules for many centuries," Sanju added.

And the fight was starting soon, as the large crowds began to enter and prepared for the future show that will be presented. There are few dozen competitors in each areas of the Colosseum, starting from the west side to the east--north and south are in their small stadiums that only can hold up five to ten competitors as they were practicing and fighting to show their skills that will make them attracted to join the tournament. "Woah, so this is the area where they can start their careers to be a great athlete and fighter in future!?" Ren asked in amazement when seeing the area, he wasn't seeing anything for a real wrestling but through TV.

Sanju can see Ren's eyes glimmer, since the teenager couldn't stop but smiled happily in excitement. "This stadium is one of the reason to create many fandom of martial artist from some athletes, right now they were still in the beginning process," he answered, then Ren's eyes widened in realization when he blinked twice. "So, does that applies to us Vidyadharas?" he asked, Sanju knew this Vidyadhara are strong--but he want to see how strong they are. It's not just them though, because this also prioritizes Rakshas, Tiryags and Vidyadharas. He smirked a little and told them to join him, as the other spectators were excited with the upcoming tournaments and took a seat around.

There's many contestants and fighters in every seats, some were having short and small competitions, some were chatted or spectating in a table and drinking sodas and spirits--like anyone prepared for the parties and have their expectations of certain victories. "Welcome to the Hyang Seram Grand Colosseum sponsored by Silver Slumbering Dragon Organization, to engage to this first day of the arena to present the best sports on the area and competitions! This will determine our ranks, making the world wants to become stronger than the otherworldly..."

It was just a simulation, making the other people became even more excited when there are announcers that will report what's happening around the world in this case. 'Even though it's just a simulation... yet, they took it seriously. Does he means, competing between each worlds where there are demigods and such? Also including mortals that have their expectations? It's not about winning this time, but losing for an acceptance with each match we joined, for the better chance of getting an opening. They even made it more possible for their reputation and experience... man, I need to discuss this further with him. It's worth a try,' he thought.

Raiden was standing on top of the pillar, before he got called by Sanju and he began to step down and landed smoothly on the ground. Ren was surprised to see the familiar purplish-black messy short haired young man in a black suit like Sanju, dark magenta eyes and pale complexion. He also carries his katana as well, before standing up and bowed at them. "How was the arena's condition?" Sanju asked his comrade-friend, he nodded. "They had been entertaining the citizens that enjoyed these events, the others were here and agreed to join like you've said. We can make an announcement on the next day of the gathering," Raiden replied, with a strong emphasis on his words.

This swordsman... the emissary of thunder and known as Thunder Raksha, Ren knew he was the one who defeated Vritra once--like how is he alive and they're friends in the first place? "Riyanda Tjahyana, I never thought we'd meet again," he greeted with a smile, before his female red dragon companion--Kurikara was appearing on his shoulder. Ren, meanwhile, was shocked that this man remembered him so easily. "This is my dragon," Raiden introduced his companion, who was roaring and waved his clawed limb like a big happy puppy (maybe she can?).

It made Ren went silent, he didn't know how to react properly--so he waved back and nodded with a smile. "Akito and Kanae told me that everything is all settled, but we need some weapons from them. With their assistance, this whole event won't be a disaster. Even though we didn't expect them to come and tell everything about the tournament," Raiden added, his tone was serious and calm, yet not enough for the audience to know what they were talking. "Senja did get rid of the suspicious agents after he informed us the updates, Karina reminded us not to lose our guard and... Kinana did the same."

"Woah, what's going on...?" Ren asked, trying to ask the Raksha team. Sanju crossed his arms, taking a deep breath as he placed his hands in his pocket. "We are recruiting as many teams as possible, not just one team because the chances are less than their numbers of members. You and your group must join as well," he stated. Ren still maintained his smile, trying not to look affected by his voice but still looked afraid of the Rakshas because they almost tried to kill him when they caught him and his friends in Sanju's hotel. "Is it... mandatory?" Ren added, with a concerned tone. "Not really, but we are already preparing the audiences, sponsors and fighters to be here."

"I think I get it now, a cooperation between friends," the amber-brown haired Vidyadhara replied, grinning and looking braver that the Rakshas barely threatened him like before. "I was gonna use all of our special abilities and teamwork to make a strategy, making our partnership stronger if we cooperate together in doing something. My crew and I made it a lot, we will always come up with something if we need it. If we are under enemy attack, it won't be easy to take the position," he said, rubbing the back of his head as he looked at his friends, which they nodded in determination.

When Ren left the scene, Sanju knew the script would work because he just gave him the invitation whether he wants to join or not--before he turn to Raiden. "Alright, looks like everything is according to the plan. Kayana and the OUTLAW assassins will be arriving the next two weeks. Seriously, I have no idea what Althair is plotting with his script... but Salihin told us not to worry about it," he explained, his best friend grinned. "Don't worry, we'll be on your side y'know."

Ren was in the park as he watched the large fountain statue of water, he was so bored that he only stayed in house alone when the friends was going to beach. The other Narayana's Scions has gone to their mansions to visit while some are doing their own businesses to prepare the things until the meetings, knowing that there's still a long way to go. Then, he encountered a familiar face that made him shrieked--he knew who the fuck that Indonesian compatriot of his is. "K-Kayana?!"

Kohaku was seen standing in front of the coin fountain, tidying up his short messy auburn hair with long bangs over his magenta-red eyes and fair complexion. He wears a white shirt, dark blue denim jacket, dark blue denim pants and red-white sneakers--he adjusted his glasses as the young lecturer turn around to face him. "Huh? Oh, Riyanda," he greeted him casually, making the teenager stared at him with his jaw dropped. "I-I didn't know you will come too! Shit, and where are the others?!" Ren retorted in sheer surprise, his face was white like a ghost as he tried to act normal and ignored what just happened earlier--scratching his head.

"So you haven't been fully warned about this? Everyone is busy with their own thing and working, but it's fine," Kohaku replied, as Ren walked to follow him. "About what?" he asked, seeing the leader of OUTLAW assassins scoffed. "You don't know? The Grand Championship Arena, duh! Well, the Hyang Seram Colosseum Arena, sponsored by Silver Slumbering Dragon. Hey hey hey, why the long face?!"

Ren groaned in utter disgrace, he whined. "Well, it didn't mention it in the brochure, okay?!" he snapped, clenching his fists. Kohaku clicked his tongue. "That's how the shit works, buddy--the officials and organizers are hiding it for the last meeting and never said until the day when you fight in that stadium is like an actual death game. The weapons aren't barred, it is a must-have so the crowd won't lose their satisfaction. What the heck, they're trying to send some people into Hell! Have they forgotten about the Phantom Eruption that happened three years ago?!"

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Kohaku had to shut his ass up as he remembered that his ass will get smashed by the gods for his abysmal potty mouth, so he use his hand to swat his lips--quieting him down. "Shut the fuck up, are you crazy?! HYANG SERAM ISN'T JUST A FUCKING PARADISE AND UTOPIA FOR EVERYONE, IT'S MORE OF A SAVAGERY AND MISCHIEF PLACE!" he yelled back at Ren, making him blinked after he got scolded by Kohaku. "I'm saying this not because this island is a happy happy good place but after reading those archives, the records are quite classified!"

Ren huffed, blinking in disbelief as he pursed his lips. "Okay, what's in that confidential files? If it's a criminal record, then count me in," he protested, causing Kohaku frowned. "Seriously, kid... you know you're not mentally tough enough for that kind of horror stuff?" he protested in concern, then he smacked his forehead when he was ignored. "Fuck, you're so stubborn! It's either a psychopath crime, gruesome injury, illegal matches or even Phantom Eruption--the worst one!" he exclaimed, his shoulders shivered as he got reminded. "... How bad?"

Kohaku wanted to whack his head as Ren didn't get the hint, telling him in most brutally honest way that makes he cringed. "Do you want me to refresh your memories--"

"Okay okay, I remember! I just don't want to recall that shit," Ren interjected, before Kohaku crossed his arms. "It's easy for you to say it without trying to remember, I literally cried while reading the records which almost haunts me for the rest of my fucking life! I have seen war, many bloodshed like some kind of damn movie slash novel hell... the thought of it horrifies me to point that the psychological trauma is almost similar to Phantom Eruption--"

"YOU'RE NOT FUCKING HELPING ME HERE," Ren shouted, almost ready to brawl with him but stopped--because Kohaku really had a point that he wanted to burst his mind. 'You got to make a conclusion whether this place is suspicious or not...' Ren thought as he tried to see the bright side of this so-called hell-scape of colosseum, because there's so much unknown information in this place and every page describes how this is built. "What are you doing in this island?" Ren asked.

Kohaku blinked, before he take off his glasses and folded his arms. "Me and my friends are having holiday, and our colleagues are having fun--some visiting their relatives and some are relaxing. You know we're Tiryags, right?" he asked, Ren nodded. "Yeah...? What are you even doing in this peaceful island?" he added again, knowing his nosiness is kinda irritating--to be honest. "I'm a fucking vacation and holiday, dumbass. I also need some peace to hang around this island..."

But is he one of the candidates? Somehow Ren just didn't knew if Kohaku is doing just fine in this holiday, but doesn't look like he didn't want to spoil the mood. "Maybe it's not just a death trap, but to have a nice time? Who are you referring to?" the teenager inquired, he had to do something about this and maybe... it could be a better answer than he ever thought. "... if it's not Sanjaya Adinata, then who?" Kohaku asked, referring to Sanju--the Garuda Raksha that Ren encountered back then. He froze when he recalled that ADVENT leader, he must have told him about the true identity of this luxurious but luxurious island that he almost didn't understand. 'Does Kayana tell me the truth? Then what the hell is going on here?'

"Look, Riyanda... it's not bad to be positive, but sometimes--that reality is not like any other happy things. All I say is for you to do whatever you want, okay?" Kohaku replied, placing his hand on his shoulder with assurance--which makes him more curious about Sanju and this place that's not always what it looks like. "What are you going to do now?" Ren asked again, like a usual dumbass. 'You know I'm just searching for new adventures,' he thought. "I'm looking at some arcade and ice cream as usual, also watch an opera--really a marvelous place to start, especially when I'm looking for entertainment--"

They paused when they saw a running piglet rushing past them, shocking them when the children that was chasing him yelled happily. 'A WILD PIGLET--wait, what?! They have WILD LIVESTOCK here?!' Ren thought, before he yelled at the children to not chasing the poor piglet and Kohaku grabbed the piglet from the grassy ground. "You brats, can you not scare this thing?! Can't you teach how you should treat the livestock?!" the young lecturer scolded them, placing the piglet on his palms. "Well, we're too excited for the food tonight and since our parent is busy with work until midnight, we want to clean the animal because there are many foods in it to cook."

The piglet oinked, it squealed as it rubbed it's head against Kohaku's leg. "Okay... but don't make fun of it, you guys are gonna scar them for life like this. Now go home, and we're sending this one to the farmers," the Tiryag admonished the kids, before he carried the piglet on his shoulder--they thanked him for saving the livestock and finally went home to their homes, hopefully. Ren was staring at Kohaku in disbelief, amazed by him after handling this situation. 'Woah, that was awesome...' he praised.

Ren yelped as he woke up from the dream and sitting up from the bede, panting as he realized that it was just a vision. He look around, before he let out a soft sigh, seeing Kaizo slept in the morning. 'What the hell was that...?' he thought.

***

Ren was meditating in the waterfall after running into many troubles and adventures, what can an adventure do for him other than making him even sicker and more 'abnormal'? His father Rihan was assisting him in his training, letting him fall into the waterfall that washed down his worries. Although he felt a little unconcerned of him, Rihan was watching him in case he encountered something in the past. Ren learned the meditation, making him very calm and patient, letting the pressure and anxiety go away. "Take a deep breath, Riyanda. You'll be able to breathe properly if you have the right state of your mind..." Rihan replied.

Ren nodded, as he was meditating underneath the river waterfall and let himself do whatever he liked. He concentrated his chi on the meditational object, getting his body to relax and maintain calm. He closed his eyes as he began to focus on his breathing while the waterfall cascaded around him in a cold manner, he sighed deeply in tranquility as he calmed himself. "Your weakness can be revealed after revealing your heart, how fast it beats faster during negative experiences. There are many forms of evil, Riyanda--but this could be a key to your salvation and freedom."

Rihan added, watching his son's meditating form glowing in gold-red, spreading up the air and surroundings even like a calming energy. And his son always manages to retain those memories and revert it for the good like pure energy, no longer cursed or held the wretched grudges in his heart. "Don't think of negative thoughts, think of positive energy and release all of those anger and fear, guilt, hatred and everything you hate..." his father spoke to him. Ren closed his eyes, as he let it goes away. His breathing was becoming slower and calmer, the boy seemed to no longer hold back to show his fears and weaknesses as he watched the light from his memories becoming brighter and showed himself when he got saved.

By his enemies' salvation.

Rihan smiled as he watched him calming down, before he closed his eyes and allowing his son to choose his own path and never look back. "Embrace every emotion in your heart, allow it to wash them away," he said, smiling gently at his son. Ren gripped his chest, his tears were no longer in control and flow downward. 'Riyanda, you don't deserve all those pain in the past. Sometimes when we keep it hidden, it can't be reached again. It doesn't matter how dark it is, I know what will happen...' he thought. He can see how his son reflecting his past and purge his power against the energy that was trying to consume him, opening up and unleash his power to gain freedom.

They were walking together in the past before the war, the one who healed him. Suddenly, he saw Ren crying and he began to embrace him, holding him as tightly as he did as tears flowed down his cheeks. 'You may blame me for many times, thinking of my decision for a long time--it can hurt you. I knew I should apologize for not seeing how much pain you had. Because of a burden, you had to suffer alone...' he thought. He watched his son finally accepted his love and love him back, he only let him share everything he hide and no longer give his life to serve in that abysmal land.

The teenage Vidyadhara finished his meditation, opening his eyes and showed his eyes in the eyes of spirit and let it go, releasing a powerful gust of spiritual energy around the area and cleansed everything. His father released him, before Ren muttered. "Thanks, dad... it's just the perfect choice to be on par with myself..." Ren said with a small smile, looking at the mountain for a brief moment as it makes his tears rolled down his cheeks. The teenager hugged his father with affection and tears of gratitude, they were staying for a short while as Rihan helped his son to get up. "I know, life is so scary with you as a mediator between the other worlds, Riyanda--but didn't you ever realize how strong and intelligent you are? I was so proud of you after all."

The moment was precious, it was true that the gods tried to set him up--yet his presence allowed everyone around to restore their freedom through the clutches of karma, letting him see another side of him that wasn't exposed since his birth as well as another awakening. Everyone was waiting for his chance to present it in the future, facing it with smiles and never holding back. "I used to... have a low self-esteem and trust issues, thinking that it's my fault for pushing everyone away. I think about it for many times, but thank you..." Ren sobbed, taking off his non-prescription glasses and wiping the tears from his eyes. "Riyanda, you have braver friends, strong family that I want to meet and protect. Don't give up..."

He nodded, listening as his father's voice soothed him with the right melody of his tone. After that, he let Ren free and cleaned himself from the river pool before letting his hair dry. He knew that the world he was born is very harsh, cruel and imperfect, so he watched his son embracing the truth--and he embraced the truth that nothing is perfect in the world he had witnessed or read. "Riyanda... if we take another step, I'll help you to walk..."

No one was perfect, but his strength lies within his heart and hope for himself and the others. No matter the challenges, he must be kind and not be ashamed. Ren closed his eyes, the tears were rolling down his cheeks once more as he smiled. "The Shangri-La... that all of us looking for... isn't above that after all, it was... in our hearts."

And Rihan agreed as he watched him over the place where they have been together, remembering their memories that were attached with smiles. "Yes, a perfect Shangri-La is in the heart," he replied. Ren nods his head, before he look to the side. "Maybe... I'm just too idealistic to change this world, but we gotta keep holding on no matter what happens."

After that, Ren was washing his face and putting on his glasses as he looked at the forested area in the waterfall. "Come on, you must be hungry. We're going to get something after this--" Rihan called his son as he tapped his back to get his attention, wanting to treat his kid--even though Ren is not so little anymore. "Okay... it's just, I'm not ready to become an adult in real world. Despite being on 18 years old, I thought myself as a child that need the most adults in this world," the teenager admitted, walking alongside his father to a restaurant. "There will always be something inside of you--what does make a man on the outside and real person on the inside?"

Weeks later, Prime was identifying the Angel's trumpets and Devil's trumpets in the vegetation area with Andini who was assisting him, she observed the blooming vegetation. "Do you think we can make herbs with those?" she asked. Prime paused when he was taking notes, his impassive garnet-red eyes met her sparkling yellow-blueish eyes with round pupils. "What for?" Prime asked, wondering if she wants to experiment some cooking with them. "Um, making cookies and cakes. At least the sprites at home appreciate the sweets," she replied. "I wanna try steeping the leaves and letting it sit as well," she replied with a toothy grin.

"You don't use poisonous flowers for baking," Prime teased her, before giving her a flick on the forehead when he was taking the notes again. "Oh right, I know about that. Besides, it will kill the customers," she replied with a grin, as she playfully hit him on the shoulder and Prime chuckled, causing Andini become flustered and surprised before Prime pulled her closer and placed a peck on her cheek, the affection was very gentle and sweet. She blushed red and buried her face on his shoulder, hiding in embarrassment. "Stop... you're making me want to... hide inside a hole and never coming out," she grumbled.

"Aww, that's something that I expected from you," he caressed her head, not minding how much that will make him be more affectionate. Prime smiles with his arms snaked around her waist to pull her close as they lean into each other, they ignored the others' presence and decided to focus on each other--enjoying their moment.

On the other side...

The other group also headed to the village known as Hyang Seram Village, a village where there were small huts and traditional marketplaces near a massive beautiful bridge. Of course, they must pay for the train service--but thankfully this place wasn't all free even if they worked hard for their well-being. There are cottages as well, though for a big group--there's also fogs and downpour around the village, the rural areas and the rice fields but it made the view seem mysterious but beautiful as well. There were lotuses that were blooming as well--which is beautiful.

Eiko was enjoying the little tour around the town as they enjoyed themselves, Hakusan was surprised that there's a lot to see and do--not gonna lie, he also felt surprise. They booked a cottages for their friends, making the living room being well-organized after the renovation in short time--and a single bedrooms for boys and girls, the design was truly a class. "Woah, these beds were comfy!" Eiko plopped herself into the bed, before she bounced up and down. Until, there was a strange sounds of rustling trees that seem like a normal presence of the local natural wildlife. It was raining outside for the villages to make sure to have a fresh water, everything that turns to their left and right and every direction in the hut can be seen via multiple surveillance camera.

"By the way, did you heard that there's an abandoned mansion here? Some people got scared of visiting there," she said.

Hakusan tilted his head, sitting beside her on the bed. "Really? Who will be willing to visit there?" Hakusan commented, the villagers said there's a shadow presence in the mansion and of course it must be haunted. He might find the answers but didn't dare to venture for safety measures as the orange blonde-haired female rested her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. "Don't worry, the woods around us can protect us from any danger in this village. Although Ren can't visit us, he need to rest," Eiko said, making Hakusan nodded. "We can ask Konami and Hyde about this," he stated, as she gave a small hug. But he couldn't help but sense something sinister within the mist, but didn't dare to sneak-out or talk. "Also, is it bad to be less romantic...?"

Eiko asked--but she blushed when he got on top of her and kissed her, making her flustered by his actions. "So, this is what you meant by that?" Hakusan asked, resting behind her back and wrapped his arms around her--keeping her close to him. Her wish is his goal, and he'll do anything to make her happy. "Whatever you wish, I will fulfill it for you."

Although some people might refuse, some of them believed in paranormal shit and consider it as normal due to the fact the humans and non-humans coexisted under one world. Being aware of the world gave them advantages and disadvantages to prove or show their existence to the spiritual beings. It's fucking Indonesia after all when it comes to supernatural stuff, ghosts exists in this country--in the building or wild, local culture was already enough evidence of the existence of good and evil among humans, it's easy to see beyond the dead with the ability of transcending.

Meanwhile, Hyde was slurping his plastic bag filled with human blood of the criminals as he was staying in the cottage with Konami beside him--while Shiro and Shūhei are on the other side of the cottage. He watched her finished taking a shower and went to their bedroom--texting her older brother Kazuya if everything went well in his workplace in Bali, which he replied 'it went well' like usual. Hyde wondered if Kuroh are okay with the rest of his other five siblings, but the Māra vampire couldn't care less--he just wanted to relax after he visited his siblings last time. However, his eyes narrowed just by listening to the sound of birds outside the cottages. It's clear that it's raining outside for them to keep their crops going--but it feels strange that there is fog and noises from animals that reside within the natural environment.

'Despite the fact the place is completely not in our status, but somehow it gives me a strange vibe...' he thought, before he glanced at his girlfriend-partner Konami who sat on the bed. "Did you sense that, Hyde?" Konami asked, while he turned his head to her and raised an eyebrow. He approached her as she pulled him in an embrace--only making his arms wrapped around her, they thought maybe a 'date' outside will give them good ideas. "Yeah, I did," he replied calmly, before they laid down together on their shared bed and wrapped themselves in a blanket. "Do you think there's something haunted out there?" he guessed, before turning on the television to keep themselves entertained.

Konami indeed believed in supernatural things, after everything they have gone through in their life. She nodded, before she giggled when he pecked her cheek. "Come on, let's eat something that we bought earlier... I'm hungry..." she said as she felt her stomach growled, Hyde smiled back at her--but soon he smirked playfully. "Fine then, but make one for me that has blood on it," he requested, making Konami frowned. "Make that on your own, dummy. I'm not mixing that shit, it's not even edible for me."

Shiro was making some food with Shūhei like usual after they bought the groceries from the nearby Fresh Gallery Supermarket in the cottage, until they also sensed something outside. "What do you think will be happening to the others?" he asked, making his close friend smiled like usual. "You don't have to worry so much about that! Hakusan is a good dude, he can make Eiko happy too so she doesn't need to fear him after they reconciled," he said with a grin, before he made him a favorite strawberry tart and Shiro also made one for him--his favorite chocolate-flavored ones.

"Come on, let's eat!"

And soon, they began to eat their dinner together.

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