Boredom began to creep through Wisesa's body as he fiddled with his communication box and tobacco pipe. The sun-kissed facade of his old home beckoned to him, scattered with people as he indulged in another cigarette. He could not deny the spark of nostalgia as he gazed upon the old, well-maintained castle. Not all memories of the palace were bad. There were times when he lived as a normal little boy. Memories of his childhood days frolicking in the garden with his brother. And that conjured up a sense of longing for those simpler times.
Not only boredom and memories of the past but also fierce energy, the colour of a blazing sunset, slithered up his spine, forming itself into the shape of a bulging-eyed tiger.
"Good times, huh?" the energy asked.
"Not all of them but yeah." Wisesa blinked, shocked. "...the fuck? Why are you coming out now?"
The tiger energy snorted. "I haven't felt the need to hide since you last meditated. I can come out whenever I want—"
Wisesa hurriedly cut off the communication network before anyone could overhear, especially if that one was Kenthol Badra. The thought of screaming in terror amidst the party was enough to make Wisesa break out in a cold sweat. After all, even if the entire crowd screamed in unison, they would still recognise Kenthol Nusakencana's unmistakable voice.
"Yes, you can come out whenever you want, even if you're sulking because of that incident. But why choose a time like this, you moron?" His tone raised by half an octave.
"Listen to that. Those harsh words again, but alright. I'll let it slide this time..." Barong swatted the wind away with his hand. It circled around the man to see that the communication box was still on. "You might need some help. I overheard your spies mention something about a big box."
"You're only helping now? What is this, an apology?"
"I, the wisest entity, with the intuition of Sang Hyang Sukra, understand that you lack the courage to admit your mistake first. So, let me set an example for you."
"Oh, good. Suit yourself, not that I care. Then about the big rock box..." Wisesa raised his voice again. "Why didn't you tell me when the spy gave you that hint?"
"What’s wrong with you? Weren't you the one who didn't want me to come out?"
"But—screw it!" The man returned to his seat. "What kind of help?"
"Giant stones are one of the mediums for storing things—treasures, sacred knowledge, even prisons for criminals. I've seen this in desert countries, where they're used to seeing rocks in random shapes, the only kind of their amusement in the middle of the sand, and then beautifying their seal stones into cubes."
"Soul of Durga, another magic trivia... you—"
"'You sound like that Western girl'?" Barong interrupted. "You should stop attributing trivial things to that girlfriend of yours. It's not a healthy relationship."
Hearing Old Entity's pretentious advice, Wisesa’s insides rocked with guffaws. "Oh, you stupid ass cat. Why didn't you hear this one while inside me? Come here!" Wisesa adjusted the settings for Barong to hear what he could hear in the marrad. "How can I be her lover, if Alicia is with the lover himself…?"
***
The rows of krises, precious stones, rings, and other rare heirlooms were confined, floating inside the glass cubes. Wisesa had cautioned Alicia not to be too interested in her worldly pleasures, also known as magic artefacts. However, the well-organised display cases in the minimalist, plain white room were a feast for Alicia's eyes. She missed her notebook, which was a pity, but she could remember all the descriptions of each artefact in her keen memory. Wisesa could nag her to his heart's content in the marrad, but scrutinising all those national treasures was an absolute must!
"I have to tell you; you must see this!" Alicia murmured, her voice sharp in admiration.
"If it's not related to Bathara Kala, then I don't need to see anything, Alicia," Wisesa on the communication device remarked. "Go find where the Moon Eater is! The exhibition closes in five minutes!"
Mars' mint green eyes observed Alicia's still-grinning face. "Huh? I'm looking at all of this, Alicia."
"Eh...! Uhm, well, sorry, I wasn't talking to you," the lass gasped.
"Then who were you talking to?"
The question caught Alicia's breath. "Ah... uh... it was... myself! M-myself! I was talking to myself in awe of all this!" After uttering those words, the girl scurried to a nearby display case, avoiding further conversation with the petite lad.
A black-bladed machete in the first row of display cases conquered her focus. Its handle was a glamorous, silken jade. Her glance then fell to a button beneath, and her intrusive thought told her to press it. So she pressed it. As she did, a blue projection of a man dressed in a traditional Yawanese garment appeared. Of course, Alicia knew what she was beholding to. It was the same projection system the girl had always encountered in the magic museum she had visited back in Camelot—the mana hologram.
"The Heavenly Stone Cleaver," the hologram stated, "also known as the Breath-Slaying Sword, is one of the Warrior Mandrawata’s famous weapons. It was forged by Qiao Lingxin, a blacksmith from Yuedong province, Chixian Shenzhou Empire, as a reward after Mandrawata defeated the shaman titled the Hand of the World, Djanggola Lasahido, who held captive the family of the Yuedong Governor in Uwentira State. The sword's name comes from its synergy with Mandrawata's Knowledge of Slaying Breaths, which allows the user to release the inner strength to create an airless vacuum at the incision site when they slash the air around the enemy's head. This machete was found with his body and is kept by Alas Purwo Sunanate to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Please do not pick up items behind the display case. Press the back button to hear more facts. This picture message will go out in five seconds."
Mars walked over to Alicia, nudging her back, "Ah, the Heavenly Stone Cleaver."
"You're familiar with this?"
The little man's head nodded slowly. "I've come across it in my readings. Mandrawata was one of the great magic warriors who could slash his enemies without seeing them."
"He… did not see, Mars. His macaque did the seeing."
"Is that so? Aren't you the expert in all things magic?" Mars teased as he playfully bumped Alicia with his fist. Even with such a simple interaction, Alicia's sense of flattered shot up to the high-rise skies.
The feelings did not last long, alas, as she remembered Wisesa overhearing her, and the roar of his tirade was enough to make her temper equalise with the ecstasy. Moreover, the announcement from the loudspeaker declared that the magic vault would only be open for three more minutes. An icing on top of her misery. There was no way she could sate her desire to study all of those artefacts. So in all her rush, she kept walking in search of clues that could help her identify the Moon Eater Shaman, at times stealing glances at the passing displays. How her heart ached that she could not spare the time to study each object in detail.
Eventually, she came across a room guarded by a pair of soldiers at the end of the corridor. This must be where Bathara Kala is kept, she thought. She could even notice an illuminated stone cube inside the room, the same cube Kenthol Badra had told her about. Of course, the Moon Eater was not something that would be put on open display like the other artefacts. Its value could even surpass that of ten jade cleavers wielded by Mandrawata himself.
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"I think I see it, Wisesa...," Alicia whispered into her earpiece. A quick glance over her shoulder, just to make sure Mars was not eavesdropping. Thankfully, the petite lad seemed preoccupied with examining a pair of rusty gloves.
Wisesa responded with ire, "What? Another artefact? How many have you seen already?"
"Of course not!" the girl rebuked in a mutter. "I-I mean, aye, technically, aye, but this isnae like the rest. It's the Moon Eater."
Wisesa let out an exasperated sigh. "Great, now get out of there before you get yourself into trouble."
"A moment, please. I need tae take a gander up close."
"By the gods, Alicia! Your curiosity might kill you!"
"All I see is a big stone box! What are you gonna dae with a big stone box? Do you want to nick a big stone box?"
"You're the nerd here! Can't you tell me what that big box is, and how to get something out of it?"
"There are hunners of possibilities, ye ken! Just quiet a wee bit, Wisesa. I have an idea."
"Oh, I forgot; there's a friend of yours who wants to offer a hint." The marrad's voice in Alicia's ears turned static for a moment before a high-pitched voice pierced through. Alicia's expression betrayed a mix of surprise and apprehension.
"Arcane woman! Long time no hear!" exclaimed the shrill voice.
Why did Barong suddenly come out now? Alicia stuttered to herself.
"No need for pleasantries, just listen. That stone box is a seal, a common feature of mystical arts in desert regions."
"A magic stone box from the desert...? Don’t tell me...!"
Another glance at the shiny stone box. Alicia considered the various possible origins that her knowledge from her mother's magic encyclopaedia had suggested. Barong's input might help narrow down the search.
As Alicia concluded her conversation, Mars appeared by her side. He noticed that Alicia was still gazing towards the heavily guarded room.
"Mars," Alicia said, "I want to see inside that room.”
She took Mars' hand and guided him towards the door.
"Don't come any closer!" Unexpectedly, the Alas Purwo soldiers pointed their rifles at them. Alicia almost slipped as she ran, but she was not that surprised by their response. "No one is allowed to enter this room!"
Alicia raised her hands quickly. "Eh? I didnae mean anything! I'm not armed!"
"Back off!" one of the soldiers became increasingly aggressive. "Servants should be working elsewhere! Don't tell me a Westerner like you had any ulterior motives—"
Her favourite little man, Mars, suddenly intervened. "No need, please," he said. "The servant is with me."
The soldier's voice was still harsh, but he began to suppress the temper at the guest. "Are you invited here? Do you have a pass?"
Mars shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid—"
"Then you can't come any closer!" The soldier snapped. "The magical artefacts in this room are dangerous. Only the ones with a direct invitation from Ratu are permitted to enter. The presence of ordinary people is extremely harmful!"
It was confirmed. Their intense expressions were evidence enough that something of significant magical value was behind that heavily guarded room. It was like they were suffering from severe anxiety whenever anyone approached it.
"T-that's too much!" Alicia exclaimed, her hand lowering slowly. "That's too much. It's just one large stone box. What could be so special aboot it? It's just a basic building material."
Mars patted the girl's shoulder while whispering, "Alicia, that's too rough for you..."
For the first time, Alicia shoved Mars' hand away. Her desire now was to wrestle words with the soldiers there. Adrenaline strengthened her stature. "Can you at least tell me, what makes this one box so dangerous to others? Can it squash people? I mean, aye right, if someone is stupid enough to get squished on it!"
Suddenly, a group of people in elaborate outfits came out of the door as the argument was going on. Alicia froze, and to her surprise, the soldiers immediately slung their rifles over their shoulders, raising their fused hands as they bowed their heads to the moustachioed individual in a silky green suit.
"Kasinggihan Panggaraknagara!" the two soldiers addressed in unison. Their tone was as firm as their berating towards Alicia, with a hint of fear.
And Barong's pristine growl inside her marrad was a hint of killer instinct.
"Panggaraknagara...?" Wisesa chimed in. "Did I hear you wrong, Alicia?"
"I want to rip his body to shreds! Take me there, Wisesa!" Barong let out a guttural roar.
"Barong! We share the same taste, but let's not mess this up for now... and you'll have to wait in line because I'll be the one tearing him apart first!" Wisesa turned to Alicia and said, "Don't force yourself to deal with that kid slayer. Get out of here!"
Alicia did not utter a word. Her eyebrows slowly dipped.
Mars lowered himself in a Yawanese gesture of respect and gently nudged Alicia's shoulder, which remained frozen in place.
Panggaraknagara, the Sunan of Alas Purwo, surveyed the scene before him with interest. "What is happening here?" he inquired, his voice smooth and cold.
A soldier answered, "Kasinggihan, these two young individuals attempted to enter the room without an invitation."
"Kasinggihan," Mars saluted. "Please forgive our ignorance and that of my attendant. We were intrigued by the box and had no knowledge of its restricted access."
The Leader of All Yawadwipa then turned his gaze to the furious eyes of the servant girl. Mars directed his attention towards Alicia, causing her to immediately adjust her demeanour to match the others. "K-Kasinggihan...," Alicia muttered.
"Stand up," Panggaraknagara commanded curtly. "If you were not invited, then you should not be aware of its existence. However, the Yawanese are ever-understanding and ever-merciful, so I am willing to give you a lesson on the stone cube behind me. The cube was a gift from a foreign country, serving as a prison for two thousand wicked entities that were sealed with complex magical encryption. If any reckless individual gains access to this box, woe to us all, from the parents to children.”
"Wicked entities?" Alicia glanced back at the cube. Although it was large for a box, it was not much bigger than her room in Trinketshore. The yellow sand-coloured box resembled more a solitary confinement cell. "Kasinggihan! But... such a large box can hold so many people? How are the rooms partitioned?"
"With the mystic arts of the desert people, which I am not entitled to explain in detail. The wicked entities... were forced into another container.”
Having said that, Panggaraknagara instructed his two soldiers. "The Magic Exhibition is over. Please escort these two people back to the party venue."
The two soldiers guided Alicia and Mars out after they made a respectful gesture. The other guests were also being directed towards the exit by the armed troops.
Alicia and Mars walked back to the previous pavilion, reserved for the Crimsonmane lady alone. Badra was visible in her vision, mingling with elderly guests near the stairs.
"You were quite interested in that sandbox," Mars remarked as they approached.
"It's the largest sandbox among the other magical artefacts. Why wouldn't you be interested in seeing it?" Alicia replied.
"Alas, our visit was brief, and you won't be able to satisfy your curiosity about it. I apologize for that."
"M-Mars! Don't apologise like that...! We met the leader of the state, and he said it was teeming with dangerous magical creatures." Alicia lied, feeling her tongue tingle. "That alone is scary enough, ken, and I dinnae want tae cause more trouble."
"And I'm also sorry I caught you off guard at the magic fair. I might have interfered with your... intel gathering."
Mars seemed unaware of some of the plans of Alicia and her group. Alicia pretended to act naive and panicked. "Oh, yeah," she chuckled, scratching the back of her head. The awkward laugh passed, and the hearty smile emerged once more. "The night is still young. The party's not over yet. I can stay longer."
"At least we can walk together for a while."
"Yes… At least that." Alicia blushed. She playfully tucked her hair behind her right ear.
"Not a bad first date.”
"Date, aye... D-date...?" the girl gasped! "That's n-not a bloody date! We're not dating, and ye arenae a sound jester, ye ken!"
"Well, let's make our relationship official, shall we?"
Alicia stood still for five seconds to become an effigy of mockery by Wisesa and Barong on the marrad. Why did her mind delight in villainising herself by remembering that Wisesa and Barong were always eavesdropping, especially when she was at her shyest? Just the thought of it caused her blush to become more pronounced. However, her widened eyes still could not take it when the cute punches were delivered to the man of the same height as her. “Perhaps your brain is malfunctioning, or maybe you think we're equal because of yer short stature, but let me remind you: I'm only sixteen years old! Stop acting pure weird!"
Mars chuckled heartily, more likely because the punches tickled him. "Oh, come on! I thought you liked it—"
"Hush!"
Alas, every mundane pleasure never lasted forever. A group of strangers approached the two of them—the Bhumidemang Trade Association group and another representative from Asphodel. A sharp-nosed Asphodelian said a few words to Mars in a foreign tongue. The petite lad nodded before turning to Alicia for a proper farewell.
"In that case, maybe one more year. One year from now when we meet, I'll strike you with that sacred question!"
The flashing gaze was still in Alicia's eyes. No answers were given other than her red cheeks puffing up. Still a wee bit swift, eh? she mused in her heart. We've just had two meet-ups so far! Give it a couple more outings and he might just be ready to pop the 'question', I reckon!
But Mars flashed the cold smile again, and the heat in her body magically receded. That firm and calm curve of lips; Alicia was even more coaxed to stroke their beautiful shape with her finger.
"I have to go," Mars said again. "As I said, I have to fly back to Bhumidemang." A quick glance to his colleague before another murmur to the girl, "Good luck with your endeavours. Please, be careful."
Alicia nodded. "Aye, aye," she replied wryly. "I wish yer business trip goes smooth as well."
Mars gave her a nod too. He shut his eyes and smiled cheerfully before his lovely features were lost as his body spun. Alicia was left alone again.
"Well, that was indeed a ridiculous and adorable act," Wisesa commented via marrad. "The thing is, please tell me you not only got the chance to meet a short charming boy and moustachioed jerk, but also something about the existence of Bathara Kala."
A confident grin spread across the girl's face. "The good news, Wisesa, I do know something about that." []