The first thing that greeted the blurred pair of ruby eyes was a tarpaulin teeming with flowers. Alicia could hear the sound of rapid breathing, which, in reality, was her own, muffled by the oxygen mask. She refrained from turning her head, for the soothing chirping of Orb had already pacified her mind. Her hands did not frantically search for her spectacles; she knew full well that the lenses, now became grains of shards, would not help her vision in any way.
As Orb's babbles grew more melodious by the second, it finally directed the lass' eyeballs towards the origin of the sound. Despite her numb hands, Alicia reached out to her ballmate, cradled it against her chest, and shut her eyes again.
My brave wielder, Orb intoned in Alicia's ear.
Alicia's eyes remained closed, bathing in the serene embrace of Divine Grace.
How do you feel? Orb inquired once more.
"Head's still spinning. My ears hurt," Alicia’s reply was soft.
Go back to sleep.
Alicia did not rebuff Orb's suggestion, but her inquisitiveness lingered. She wanted to know where she was and what had transpired after the magical battle. The creaking of the door and the faint footsteps realised the last of her contemplation.
"Alicia. Praise the gods..." Cahyaningrum approached Alicia. A clay mug was in her grip, but before she offered it to the crimson-haired lass, she gently pushed Alicia onto the pillow and checked her eyes. "No further haemorrhaging. You heal fast. That's a relief! Do you feel any sting in your eyes?"
"A wee pang, perhaps." Alicia mulled for a second before a tinge of worry crossed her look. "I-I'm not going blind, aye?"
"I'm not a healer. But they said you'll do just fine." Cahyaningrum removed the oxygen mask on Alicia's face. "I don't think you need this anymore." Afterwards, she placed the warm mug between Alicia's palms. A smile was offered.
"Blessed be the Silent Divine. I really need this." Alicia's nostrils were already sensing the scent of sweetness and spice. She downed it instantly until she choked again.
"That nasty bad habit of yours!" Cahyaningrum rubbed Alicia's shoulder.
A giggle escaped the Camelot lass. "Sorry."
"So, how are you feeling?" Cahyaningrum assisted Alicia in putting the mug aside.
"Besides the eyes? Orb just asked me that. My head's still spinning. My ears, uhm... they're still ringing, but I still can hear ye just fine, nae worries. The rest of me is just tired, probably no longer thanks to yon delightful drink. Am I in the clinic?"
Cahyaningrum shook her head. "Palace Guest room... Well, half of it." She glanced at the tarp starting to undulate in the wind. "Bathara Kala's windstorm nearly destroyed every structure in the city."
"How many days was I unconscious?"
"Twelve hours."
"Oh." Alicia returned to the mattress's embrace while she put her thoughts in order. Suddenly, her back failed to ease. "S-Semar’s family?"
"Them? They're safe," Cahyaningrum replied. "In fact, they're all out enjoying the party."
Alicia was stunned. "Already?"
"They were helping the townspeople tend to any damages they could during the day. After all, it's still a holiday. I think a little closing party would be fine."
"Last day of Uryanwarsa, eh?"
Cahyaningrum nodded.
Alicia had made up her mind. She pulled the infusion needle out of her hand and rose from the bed.
"Alicia?" Cahyaningrum gasped. "Are you sure?"
"I dinnae want to miss the party either. Come on!"
Just as Cahyaningrum managed to guide Alicia out of the palace, the entire populace of Yawadwipa and beyond turned their gaze towards the red-haired girl. An awkward silence reigned for a short second, then a flurry of cheers and clapping. A new jolt of the day for Alicia. Their eager feet unconsciously ran towards her to manifest all forms of affection. Gareng and Petruk appeared out of nowhere just in time, troops with them, intercepting the curious onlookers. Outstretched hands desperately wanted to caress that sweet, tired face of the Kalimasada Wielder.
"Gentlemen and Ladies! Make some room for this young girl, please?" beseeched Petruk. "She just lost her breath from the height, don't make her cramped by your crowd too!"
Meanwhile, Semar and Bagong called Alicia from the side and hugged her.
"Even though you're not my biological daughter, it would be a lie if I didn't tell you how proud I am of you," Semar whispered in her ear as he released his grip.
"Oh, you can adopt her as a daughter too!" said Bagong.
Alicia laughed heartily. "My papa's still alive, Bagong."
"What's wrong with having two fathers?"
"It's nae natural where I come from," Alicia replied. She turned to Semar. "Ki Semar and the others have helped me so much. I am grateful to have known you."
Semar gave Bagong a gentle nudge. "Don't hug her for too long."
A giggle anew from Alicia as Bagong released her with a mildly sheepish expression. He then requested her to stay in place while he procured a small crate from his bag.
"New glasses with extra features!'' The pygmy man's pompous demeanour surfaced again, and so did Alicia's beaming face as she picked them up. "I used several layers of glass this time, then mixed it with strong and flexible aetherite I got from the local miners' association."
"Ballistic lenses?" Alicia gasped, her mouth agape. "Bagong, that's too much!"
"Of course, I can't let you break your glasses again anytime soon, Miss Alicia."
"Still a strange notion, Bagong. What else did you add, eh? Dinnae tell me the glass material is flexigasite?"
Bagong grinned.
"No way! I'm just messing with you!"
"Every layer of it. Flexigasite. Maybe your vision will improve or worsen in the future. Here." Bagong's hand guided Alicia's finger to the right handle of the glasses. "There's a little gear here. Just turn it and adjust it to your vision!"
"You're pure mad, Bagong! An invention like this would blow up the eyewear market in Camelot!"
"I'm not even done yet. Channel your power into those glasses."
"What?"
"Just do it."
Alicia combined her might with the Arcane might as Bagong had requested. Suddenly, the lenses flickered to life. Her gaze filtered with azure. Words were emitted from it:
| POSSIBLE PRACTITIONER DETECTED |
| {Faces here} |
| RANK: MEDIANUS III |
| POSSIBLE MYSTIC ART: SHAMANISM |
When Alicia withdrew the Arcane synchronisation, the little statistic's vision disappeared. Her tongue stiffened. Even her smile was gone. She linked with Orb again and drew her gaze towards Ki Semar.
| POSSIBLE PRACTITIONER DETECTED |
| {Faces here} |
| RANK: SENES II |
| POSSIBLE MYSTIC ART: SHAMANISM |
Now Alicia was addicted to the whole donning and doffing of glasses ritual. While she continued to scan everyone, Bagong let out another explanation, "Between the layers of Flexigasite, there's another glass layer connected to a mana-powered device within the glasses. It scans and displays an interface to determine if someone is a mystic practitioner based on their active cultivation, then converts that into the Prospero Scale to gauge their potency—although… such a scale is only common among Western practitioners. Oh, and you can also recognise which mystic arts they have because, you know, learning different magical disciplines can affect the body in different ways, both inside and out!"
"Bagong?"
"Yes."
"I want to hug you one more time."
"Let's go!"
Their warm embrace kindled the envy of Semar's other sons, who, instead, embraced the sweating crowd.
But their envy was then quickly forgotten by Semar's announcement. "My brothers and sisters!" he began. "This year's Uryanwarsa celebration is the most shocking and tense for all of us. But everything will always end well at the end of the day. Know that it was not Alas Purwo or Pulomas that we overcame, but rather the daunting challenge of our own egos! Thus, let us conclude this final night of Uryanwarsa with tranquillity, bearing in mind that we have all faced our struggles, burying our grudges, and clinging onto the hope of tomorrow!"
"And feasting!" one of the citizens chimed in.
"And feasting, yes indeed. Of course!" replied Semar, to laughter from the others. "Despite shortages, let us feast!"
***
While everyone was immersed in the joys of feasting and the savoury delights that accompanied it, the banqueters, nestled on their settees before the regal throne, refrained from touching any of the food, for their appetite was overridden by their mesmerisation towards a singular figure among them.
Alicia, the object of their fascination, snatched up every dish in front of them without even flinching, occasionally letting out a sigh in appreciation for the scrumptious meal. Her right hand raised a stick of worldly pride and fame in the form of a grilled chicken thigh, while her left scooped up rice, vegetables, and sambal in one swift motion. It took her a long time to notice she was the only one picking the dishes.
Seeing the mouth-agape looks on their faces, Alicia retarded her hand movements, and her chewing came to a hesitant stop. Semar and the others burst out laughing, leaving Alicia gawping at the chicken thigh.
"No, no, no," Petruk chuckled. "I've never seen you behave without reluctance. Don't stop that now."
Without delay, Gareng and Bagong quickly piled all the side dishes in front of Alicia. "Eat up, my lady! I know you're exhausted after defeating Bathara Kala. We can ask the cook for more," said Gareng.
"Come on, don't be shy! Eat your fill! You deserve it." Bagong joined in the persuasion. Semar and Cahyaningrum gave nods of approval while giggling.
"Apologies, pals." Alicia gave a reluctant nod. "Don't worry, I'll eat. With etiquette this time. Thank you for reminding me."
Another laugh's peal erupted anew before they finally took their plates.
Amidst the feasting, Alicia turned to Semar with a question. "Ki Semar, I ken I dinnae see Bathara Kala in the sky anymore. But did I truly purify him?"
"Indeed, Miss, you've purified Bathara Kala," Semar replied. "He cried out and was enveloped in the light of Kalimasada before disappearing. Wisesa caught you and your aunt in the sky and brought you down safely before he fainted too. And Miss Alicia, I have news for you."
Alicia chewed on a side dish as she looked at Semar. "Whafff newss ifff that?"
"The state leaders and I had a brief meeting. Nothing official, just a preliminary discussion, but hopefully this will be realized after the senate meeting. In essence, we are considering reopening relations with the Western nations. Not directly with the Eternal Empire, of course, but we will start with the Magisterium of Arcane Plane congregation. We want the magical trials for your aunt and Wisesa's father to be overseen by them as well."
Alicia glanced at the empty throne behind her. "Oh, aye. Wisesa's father. He's in prison then. But I haven't seen Wisesa since earlier."
"He said he wanted to visit his father in prison." Semar nodded, "and also, his mother in the mental hospital."
"Her mum?" Alicia pondered for a moment. "I appreciate your desires to open diplomacy with the Magisterium, but aren't there states that practice black magic?"
"That's precisely why we want to establish diplomacy. The times are different from how they were centuries ago. The black magic that divided the country has really left a terrible mark on Lojitengara, especially the Yawadwipa region. In the end, we just want to live in peace, without problems from within and without. After the Bathara Kala tragedy, we're considering a ban on black magic and Protos Particle usage in Lojitengara, even if it means facing hostility from states like Girah and Halimun."
"But before any of that can happen, you need to choose a new Ratu," Alicia reminded him.
"Elections will be re-established," Semar assured her. "And I'm certain the leaders of Girah and Halimun won't be ascending to the throne anytime soon."
Despite Ki Semar's optimism, Alicia's flat face seemed to imply an objection. "And the most reasonable person to represent Alas Purwo... Wisesa."
Semar understood what Alicia meant. "No one is more qualified than him. After all, he is the crown prince of Panggaraknagara. But if you insist, I can find a way to relieve Wisesa of his duties."
Gareng took out his forefinger, scowling at them both. "Surely we have a more experienced king than Wisesa?" He tapped Petruk on the shoulder as he spoke.
"Ah, of course!" The tall man exclaimed with a wide grin. "And as luck would have it, Kalimasada is right by my side once more! Thank you for recommending me to Alicia, Gareng!"
Gareng came to his senses. "Hey now, that's cheating!"
"Pals, I'm leaving tomorrow morning," Alicia announced. Waves of disappointment washed over the trio's countenance. Especially Gareng and Petruk; they had yet to receive a hug from the bespectacled beauty!
"That was quick! We haven't even started dating yet!" Gareng grumbled.
"I'm only staying until Uryanwarsa, remember?"
"Yes, if only something like this hadn't happened."
"Please stay for at least a week, I'll teach you advanced martial arts moves!" pleaded Petruk.
"And we haven't even collaborated on our workshop project because you're too busy frolicking in Father's greenhouse!" Bagong chimed in.
Petruk and Gareng glared at their younger half-brother. "You've already received two hugs, you greedy bastard!"
A gentle smile spread across Alicia's sweet face. "I too wish I could spend more time with you, but Orb and I have pressing matters to attend to. I apologize, my dear friends."
Semar's three sons accepted her apology, albeit with heavy sighs.
Alicia was the first to finish her meal; a natural fit, considering her intense hunger in the first place. She rose from her chair. "If you please, I'd like to get some fresh air first."
Semar acquiesced. Alicia wove her way through the throng of people who were vying for her attention, and as she neared the door to the foyer, she collided with a familiar face—not entirely familiar, but Alicia recognised the man in the dapper suit and fake grey hair. The butler.
"You!" The butler gasped.
Alicia bowed. "Good evening."
"Oh, Miss, I beg your pardon!" the butler exclaimed, falling to his knees to kiss the ground. "Had I known that you wielded Arcane might, I never would have dared to even lay eyes on you! Forgive me, Miss!"
Alicia was taken aback, especially as the butler's loud voice drew the attention of onlookers. "Sir, please stand up! There are many people here," she urged frantically.
The lass swiftly helped the butler to his feet. Their faces passed each other. "Sir, you were simply carrying out yer duties, perfectly well indeed! Don't apologise for doing a good job." Alicia then strode to the exit, leaving the butler stunned. "Please dinnae kneel again. And be excused, I'm going to walk through the garden on my own."
***
As Alicia gazed upon the small gazebo near the pond, she briefly recalled her brief encounter with Mars, the charming lad from Asphodel. Her little heart hoped that if she could make time to go to Asphodel, or if fate allowed it, they would be reunited amidst other difficulties in other people's lands.
Carrying the white cloth bag she got from her room, Alicia continued to walk in the palace garden until she came to a small stone gate. Upon opening it, she found herself in a larger courtyard with torches aglow on each side, while the centre was tense, eaten away by the darkness. Alicia's eyes could still catch sight of the mini-island on the artificial lake with the felled banyan tree—which had pulled Bathara Kala down—still stuck in the ground. Someone was sitting on it, his back to her, smoke billowing over him.
"Medianus three!" Alicia exclaimed; she had already crossed the lake apparently. The person turned around, showing Wisesa's unremarkable face with a pipe still affixed between his lips. "Medianus three! Lower than Petruk or Gareng, on the level of Superiorem Medianus, but it’s awright, considering they've lived more than a hundred years."
Wisesa took a drag from his pipe. "Oh, great. Another oddity from Bagong. Why are you looking at me like that? Are you peeping at me without clothes?" he quipped.
"What? No! I was talking about your magical ability level," Alicia retorted, her cheeks flushing.
"I heard. But did you see through my clothes—"
"Ugh, yer such a wet blanket! I'll just go talk to Barong."
Wisesa simply shrugged and turned away. "It hasn't spoken or whispered to me since that incident, thankfully."
As Alicia walked closer, she paused beside Wisesa and gazed at the night sky. The full moon could safely shine its light now, without the fear of being eaten by the Moony Eater. Or any moon-eating daredevils, she prayed. She imagined the moon was breathing a sigh of relief.
Her attention then turned to a sprawling expanse of grass that reflected the moonlight. "Tis pure big. My home has a courtyard like this. Not much bigger than yours, of course. Do ye and yer brother play here often?"
"I mean, this is still part of my home?"
"Dumbass question, huh? Fair enough."
Feeling the welcome grass on her fingers, the bespectacled lass sat cross-legged. There was a moment of silence before the lass' head pivoted slightly to the young lad. "I heard you visited your parents."
"Yeah," Wisesa answered flatly. There was no follow-up reply, no distressed look or demeanour. His stoic disposition spoke volumes about how he had learned to deal with such situations—at least that was what he wanted to show to others. There was another pause before he spoke again, "Their destiny in each place is for life. I mean, they've got their allotted 'fun' outside. There you have it."
"I'm sorry, Wisesa."
"Save your sorry for someone else."
Alicia's eyes were then drawn to a doll held in Wisesa's left fist. Wisesa noticed the interest, already knowing that the Western lass would ask more questions to satisfy her curiosity. "An automaton made by Gading," he said. "I found it in my old room, forgot I still had it."
Suddenly, the one aspect that often disrupted the man’s moments of peace woke up. "Alicia! How exciting that you're still alive!" Barong, as always, leapt from Wisesa's body, taking the shape of a kitten. Its minuscule form did not prevent it from brightening the dark land with the golden light. "Hey, Wisesa, what toy are you holding? Another ushabti?"
Alicia waved her hand at the Patron of Lands, while Wisesa chose to ignore it. But at least the beast’s illuminated spirit radiated some inspiration in his head as well. "Want to see him in action?"
Of course, Alicia nodded. Wisesa calibrated the automaton very carefully, then released it on the ground. With impossible grace, the automaton performed a series of martial arts moves, stabbing at the air with a kris, and daring to fly—leaping into a pool, to be precise. Wisesa's deft hands prevented that from happening.
"It's you...," Alicia instantly recognised the automaton's characteristics. She gave the man an appreciative smile. "Genius. Yer brother was pure genius. If only he were still alive, I'd really like to meet him."
"Oh, by the soul of Durga, it is enough that one of you exists. My life could be short if you two join forces!"
Barong's spirit relaxed Wisesa's shoulder with its paws, sending out a warm flow of energy that the man could not lie to. "I believe Gading and all the other gods will be watching your every move. At least now you have a beautiful reminder of him. I'm happy about that, Wisesa."
Wisesa's retort was characteristically blunt, "One shitty reminder and one good reminder. That's quite a balance."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
After putting his figure in his pocket, Wisesa posed another question to Alicia, "What are your plans from here, missy? Back to the West, where you belong?"
Alicia gazed at the water murky with night. "Unfortunately, all of Alas Purwo's flying ships have been converted to deliver goods for refugees, city rebuilding, and other local logistics. So the plan is, that I'll take a ship to Kagatse tomorrow, perhaps enjoying life for a while, sailing in the middle of the sea. I'll look for the Kagatsean branch of the Magisterium there, then collaborate to contact the central Magisterium and look for the other four children of prophecy." She glanced back at the young man. "And I suppose you still have no desire to come along. Royal duty calls, I guess."
Wisesa let out a scornful cough. That was his only reply.
Alicia's tone turned hopeful as she asked again, "Do ye really not want to come with me, Wisesa?"
Wisesa took another puff from his cigarette, shaking his head. "No."
"But Semar said... Semar said he could find a way for you to delay ascending the throne, ye ken?"
"I could always run away to the forest again, as I always have."
The darkness of the night seemed to match Alicia's mood, the corners of her mouth drooping.
"Semar isn't someone who likes to rule over people," Wisesa cancelled his grim joke. "He could have easily become the leader of the state, the people love him. But for the rest of his life, the old man would only favor being a counselor or head of a small village. And the rest of the Yawanese are useless. Whether I like it or not, it has to be me. I thought I'd be the last person you'd bring along, right? It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"Then please tell me that means you're considering helping to save the world of thaumaturgy?" The lass' voice was monotonous. But deep inside, her heart prayed to the Silent Divine that there might be a chance Wisesa would accompany her in navigating the world together.
"Not really." The prayer went unanswered. "I told you from the beginning that I don't want to be involved."
Barong looked at Alicia and shook its head slowly. A rueful smile adorned her face, unnoticed by Wisesa, who remained lost in his thoughts, staring at the vastness of the night sky.
"It's okay. I can do it myself," Alicia concluded. She decided to stand up. "Well then, I must rest and prepare for tomorrow's long journey. Good night, Wisesa."
"Rest well, Miss," Barong offered.
"Yes, yes," Wisesa replied tersely.
The man returned alone with his pipe. Feeling it was not the time for conversation, let alone patronising its host, Barong slowly withdrew into Wisesa's skin…[]
The first thing that greeted the blurred pair of ruby eyes was a tarpaulin teeming with flowers. Alicia could hear the sound of rapid breathing, which, in reality, was her own, muffled by the oxygen mask. She refrained from turning her head, for the soothing chirping of Orb had already pacified her mind. Her hands did not frantically search for her spectacles; she knew full well that the lenses, now became grains of shards, would not help her vision in any way.
As Orb's babbles grew more melodious by the second, it finally directed the lass' eyeballs towards the origin of the sound. Despite her numb hands, Alicia reached out to her ballmate, cradled it against her chest, and shut her eyes again.
My brave wielder, Orb intoned in Alicia's ear.
Alicia's eyes remained closed, bathing in the serene embrace of Divine Grace.
How do you feel? Orb inquired once more.
"Head's still spinning. My ears hurt," Alicia’s reply was soft.
Go back to sleep.
Alicia did not rebuff Orb's suggestion, but her inquisitiveness lingered. She wanted to know where she was and what had transpired after the magical battle. The creaking of the door and the faint footsteps realised the last of her contemplation.
"Alicia. Praise the gods..." Cahyaningrum approached Alicia. A clay mug was in her grip, but before she offered it to the crimson-haired lass, she gently pushed Alicia onto the pillow and checked her eyes. "No further haemorrhaging. You heal fast. That's a relief! Do you feel any sting in your eyes?"
"A wee pang, perhaps." Alicia mulled for a second before a tinge of worry crossed her look. "I-I'm not going blind, aye?"
"I'm not a healer. But they said you'll do just fine." Cahyaningrum removed the oxygen mask on Alicia's face. "I don't think you need this anymore." Afterwards, she placed the warm mug between Alicia's palms. A smile was offered.
"Blessed be the Silent Divine. I really need this." Alicia's nostrils were already sensing the scent of sweetness and spice. She downed it instantly until she choked again.
"That nasty bad habit of yours!" Cahyaningrum rubbed Alicia's shoulder.
A giggle escaped the Camelot lass. "Sorry."
"So, how are you feeling?" Cahyaningrum assisted Alicia in putting the mug aside.
"Besides the eyes? Orb just asked me that. My head's still spinning. My ears, uhm... they're still ringing, but I still can hear ye just fine, nae worries. The rest of me is just tired, probably no longer thanks to yon delightful drink. Am I in the clinic?"
Cahyaningrum shook her head. "Palace Guest room... Well, half of it." She glanced at the tarp starting to undulate in the wind. "Bathara Kala's windstorm nearly destroyed every structure in the city."
"How many days was I unconscious?"
"Twelve hours."
"Oh." Alicia returned to the mattress's embrace while she put her thoughts in order. Suddenly, her back failed to ease. "S-Semar’s family?"
"Them? They're safe," Cahyaningrum replied. "In fact, they're all out enjoying the party."
Alicia was stunned. "Already?"
"They were helping the townspeople tend to any damages they could during the day. After all, it's still a holiday. I think a little closing party would be fine."
"Last day of Uryanwarsa, eh?"
Cahyaningrum nodded.
Alicia had made up her mind. She pulled the infusion needle out of her hand and rose from the bed.
"Alicia?" Cahyaningrum gasped. "Are you sure?"
"I dinnae want to miss the party either. Come on!"
Just as Cahyaningrum managed to guide Alicia out of the palace, the entire populace of Yawadwipa and beyond turned their gaze towards the red-haired girl. An awkward silence reigned for a short second, then a flurry of cheers and clapping. A new jolt of the day for Alicia. Their eager feet unconsciously ran towards her to manifest all forms of affection. Gareng and Petruk appeared out of nowhere just in time, troops with them, intercepting the curious onlookers. Outstretched hands desperately wanted to caress that sweet, tired face of the Kalimasada Wielder.
"Gentlemen and Ladies! Make some room for this young girl, please?" beseeched Petruk. "She just lost her breath from the height, don't make her cramped by your crowd too!"
Meanwhile, Semar and Bagong called Alicia from the side and hugged her.
"Even though you're not my biological daughter, it would be a lie if I didn't tell you how proud I am of you," Semar whispered in her ear as he released his grip.
"Oh, you can adopt her as a daughter too!" said Bagong.
Alicia laughed heartily. "My papa's still alive, Bagong."
"What's wrong with having two fathers?"
"It's nae natural where I come from," Alicia replied. She turned to Semar. "Ki Semar and the others have helped me so much. I am grateful to have known you."
Semar gave Bagong a gentle nudge. "Don't hug her for too long."
A giggle anew from Alicia as Bagong released her with a mildly sheepish expression. He then requested her to stay in place while he procured a small crate from his bag.
"New glasses with extra features!'' The pygmy man's pompous demeanour surfaced again, and so did Alicia's beaming face as she picked them up. "I used several layers of glass this time, then mixed it with strong and flexible aetherite I got from the local miners' association."
"Ballistic lenses?" Alicia gasped, her mouth agape. "Bagong, that's too much!"
"Of course, I can't let you break your glasses again anytime soon, Miss Alicia."
"Still a strange notion, Bagong. What else did you add, eh? Dinnae tell me the glass material is flexigasite?"
Bagong grinned.
"No way! I'm just messing with you!"
"Every layer of it. Flexigasite. Maybe your vision will improve or worsen in the future. Here." Bagong's hand guided Alicia's finger to the right handle of the glasses. "There's a little gear here. Just turn it and adjust it to your vision!"
"You're pure mad, Bagong! An invention like this would blow up the eyewear market in Camelot!"
"I'm not even done yet. Channel your power into those glasses."
"What?"
"Just do it."
Alicia combined her might with the Arcane might as Bagong had requested. Suddenly, the lenses flickered to life. Her gaze filtered with azure. Words were emitted from it:
| POSSIBLE PRACTITIONER DETECTED |
| {Faces here} |
| RANK: MEDIANUS III |
| POSSIBLE MYSTIC ART: SHAMANISM |
When Alicia withdrew the Arcane synchronisation, the little statistic's vision disappeared. Her tongue stiffened. Even her smile was gone. She linked with Orb again and drew her gaze towards Ki Semar.
| POSSIBLE PRACTITIONER DETECTED |
| {Faces here} |
| RANK: SENES II |
| POSSIBLE MYSTIC ART: SHAMANISM |
Now Alicia was addicted to the whole donning and doffing of glasses ritual. While she continued to scan everyone, Bagong let out another explanation, "Between the layers of Flexigasite, there's another glass layer connected to a mana-powered device within the glasses. It scans and displays an interface to determine if someone is a mystic practitioner based on their active cultivation, then converts that into the Prospero Scale to gauge their potency—although… such a scale is only common among Western practitioners. Oh, and you can also recognise which mystic arts they have because, you know, learning different magical disciplines can affect the body in different ways, both inside and out!"
"Bagong?"
"Yes."
"I want to hug you one more time."
"Let's go!"
Their warm embrace kindled the envy of Semar's other sons, who, instead, embraced the sweating crowd.
But their envy was then quickly forgotten by Semar's announcement. "My brothers and sisters!" he began. "This year's Uryanwarsa celebration is the most shocking and tense for all of us. But everything will always end well at the end of the day. Know that it was not Alas Purwo or Pulomas that we overcame, but rather the daunting challenge of our own egos! Thus, let us conclude this final night of Uryanwarsa with tranquillity, bearing in mind that we have all faced our struggles, burying our grudges, and clinging onto the hope of tomorrow!"
"And feasting!" one of the citizens chimed in.
"And feasting, yes indeed. Of course!" replied Semar, to laughter from the others. "Despite shortages, let us feast!"
***
While everyone was immersed in the joys of feasting and the savoury delights that accompanied it, the banqueters, nestled on their settees before the regal throne, refrained from touching any of the food, for their appetite was overridden by their mesmerisation towards a singular figure among them.
Alicia, the object of their fascination, snatched up every dish in front of them without even flinching, occasionally letting out a sigh in appreciation for the scrumptious meal. Her right hand raised a stick of worldly pride and fame in the form of a grilled chicken thigh, while her left scooped up rice, vegetables, and sambal in one swift motion. It took her a long time to notice she was the only one picking the dishes.
Seeing the mouth-agape looks on their faces, Alicia retarded her hand movements, and her chewing came to a hesitant stop. Semar and the others burst out laughing, leaving Alicia gawping at the chicken thigh.
"No, no, no," Petruk chuckled. "I've never seen you behave without reluctance. Don't stop that now."
Without delay, Gareng and Bagong quickly piled all the side dishes in front of Alicia. "Eat up, my lady! I know you're exhausted after defeating Bathara Kala. We can ask the cook for more," said Gareng.
"Come on, don't be shy! Eat your fill! You deserve it." Bagong joined in the persuasion. Semar and Cahyaningrum gave nods of approval while giggling.
"Apologies, pals." Alicia gave a reluctant nod. "Don't worry, I'll eat. With etiquette this time. Thank you for reminding me."
Another laugh's peal erupted anew before they finally took their plates.
Amidst the feasting, Alicia turned to Semar with a question. "Ki Semar, I ken I dinnae see Bathara Kala in the sky anymore. But did I truly purify him?"
"Indeed, Miss, you've purified Bathara Kala," Semar replied. "He cried out and was enveloped in the light of Kalimasada before disappearing. Wisesa caught you and your aunt in the sky and brought you down safely before he fainted too. And Miss Alicia, I have news for you."
Alicia chewed on a side dish as she looked at Semar. "Whafff newss ifff that?"
"The state leaders and I had a brief meeting. Nothing official, just a preliminary discussion, but hopefully this will be realized after the senate meeting. In essence, we are considering reopening relations with the Western nations. Not directly with the Eternal Empire, of course, but we will start with the Magisterium of Arcane Plane congregation. We want the magical trials for your aunt and Wisesa's father to be overseen by them as well."
Alicia glanced at the empty throne behind her. "Oh, aye. Wisesa's father. He's in prison then. But I haven't seen Wisesa since earlier."
"He said he wanted to visit his father in prison." Semar nodded, "and also, his mother in the mental hospital."
"Her mum?" Alicia pondered for a moment. "I appreciate your desires to open diplomacy with the Magisterium, but aren't there states that practice black magic?"
"That's precisely why we want to establish diplomacy. The times are different from how they were centuries ago. The black magic that divided the country has really left a terrible mark on Lojitengara, especially the Yawadwipa region. In the end, we just want to live in peace, without problems from within and without. After the Bathara Kala tragedy, we're considering a ban on black magic and Protos Particle usage in Lojitengara, even if it means facing hostility from states like Girah and Halimun."
"But before any of that can happen, you need to choose a new Ratu," Alicia reminded him.
"Elections will be re-established," Semar assured her. "And I'm certain the leaders of Girah and Halimun won't be ascending to the throne anytime soon."
Despite Ki Semar's optimism, Alicia's flat face seemed to imply an objection. "And the most reasonable person to represent Alas Purwo... Wisesa."
Semar understood what Alicia meant. "No one is more qualified than him. After all, he is the crown prince of Panggaraknagara. But if you insist, I can find a way to relieve Wisesa of his duties."
Gareng took out his forefinger, scowling at them both. "Surely we have a more experienced king than Wisesa?" He tapped Petruk on the shoulder as he spoke.
"Ah, of course!" The tall man exclaimed with a wide grin. "And as luck would have it, Kalimasada is right by my side once more! Thank you for recommending me to Alicia, Gareng!"
Gareng came to his senses. "Hey now, that's cheating!"
"Pals, I'm leaving tomorrow morning," Alicia announced. Waves of disappointment washed over the trio's countenance. Especially Gareng and Petruk; they had yet to receive a hug from the bespectacled beauty!
"That was quick! We haven't even started dating yet!" Gareng grumbled.
"I'm only staying until Uryanwarsa, remember?"
"Yes, if only something like this hadn't happened."
"Please stay for at least a week, I'll teach you advanced martial arts moves!" pleaded Petruk.
"And we haven't even collaborated on our workshop project because you're too busy frolicking in Father's greenhouse!" Bagong chimed in.
Petruk and Gareng glared at their younger half-brother. "You've already received two hugs, you greedy bastard!"
A gentle smile spread across Alicia's sweet face. "I too wish I could spend more time with you, but Orb and I have pressing matters to attend to. I apologize, my dear friends."
Semar's three sons accepted her apology, albeit with heavy sighs.
Alicia was the first to finish her meal; a natural fit, considering her intense hunger in the first place. She rose from her chair. "If you please, I'd like to get some fresh air first."
Semar acquiesced. Alicia wove her way through the throng of people who were vying for her attention, and as she neared the door to the foyer, she collided with a familiar face—not entirely familiar, but Alicia recognised the man in the dapper suit and fake grey hair. The butler.
"You!" The butler gasped.
Alicia bowed. "Good evening."
"Oh, Miss, I beg your pardon!" the butler exclaimed, falling to his knees to kiss the ground. "Had I known that you wielded Arcane might, I never would have dared to even lay eyes on you! Forgive me, Miss!"
Alicia was taken aback, especially as the butler's loud voice drew the attention of onlookers. "Sir, please stand up! There are many people here," she urged frantically.
The lass swiftly helped the butler to his feet. Their faces passed each other. "Sir, you were simply carrying out yer duties, perfectly well indeed! Don't apologise for doing a good job." Alicia then strode to the exit, leaving the butler stunned. "Please dinnae kneel again. And be excused, I'm going to walk through the garden on my own."
***
As Alicia gazed upon the small gazebo near the pond, she briefly recalled her brief encounter with Mars, the charming lad from Asphodel. Her little heart hoped that if she could make time to go to Asphodel, or if fate allowed it, they would be reunited amidst other difficulties in other people's lands.
Carrying the white cloth bag she got from her room, Alicia continued to walk in the palace garden until she came to a small stone gate. Upon opening it, she found herself in a larger courtyard with torches aglow on each side, while the centre was tense, eaten away by the darkness. Alicia's eyes could still catch sight of the mini-island on the artificial lake with the felled banyan tree—which had pulled Bathara Kala down—still stuck in the ground. Someone was sitting on it, his back to her, smoke billowing over him.
"Medianus three!" Alicia exclaimed; she had already crossed the lake apparently. The person turned around, showing Wisesa's unremarkable face with a pipe still affixed between his lips. "Medianus three! Lower than Petruk or Gareng, on the level of Superiorem Medianus, but it’s awright, considering they've lived more than a hundred years."
Wisesa took a drag from his pipe. "Oh, great. Another oddity from Bagong. Why are you looking at me like that? Are you peeping at me without clothes?" he quipped.
"What? No! I was talking about your magical ability level," Alicia retorted, her cheeks flushing.
"I heard. But did you see through my clothes—"
"Ugh, yer such a wet blanket! I'll just go talk to Barong."
Wisesa simply shrugged and turned away. "It hasn't spoken or whispered to me since that incident, thankfully."
As Alicia walked closer, she paused beside Wisesa and gazed at the night sky. The full moon could safely shine its light now, without the fear of being eaten by the Moony Eater. Or any moon-eating daredevils, she prayed. She imagined the moon was breathing a sigh of relief.
Her attention then turned to a sprawling expanse of grass that reflected the moonlight. "Tis pure big. My home has a courtyard like this. Not much bigger than yours, of course. Do ye and yer brother play here often?"
"I mean, this is still part of my home?"
"Dumbass question, huh? Fair enough."
Feeling the welcome grass on her fingers, the bespectacled lass sat cross-legged. There was a moment of silence before the lass' head pivoted slightly to the young lad. "I heard you visited your parents."
"Yeah," Wisesa answered flatly. There was no follow-up reply, no distressed look or demeanour. His stoic disposition spoke volumes about how he had learned to deal with such situations—at least that was what he wanted to show to others. There was another pause before he spoke again, "Their destiny in each place is for life. I mean, they've got their allotted 'fun' outside. There you have it."
"I'm sorry, Wisesa."
"Save your sorry for someone else."
Alicia's eyes were then drawn to a doll held in Wisesa's left fist. Wisesa noticed the interest, already knowing that the Western lass would ask more questions to satisfy her curiosity. "An automaton made by Gading," he said. "I found it in my old room, forgot I still had it."
Suddenly, the one aspect that often disrupted the man’s moments of peace woke up. "Alicia! How exciting that you're still alive!" Barong, as always, leapt from Wisesa's body, taking the shape of a kitten. Its minuscule form did not prevent it from brightening the dark land with the golden light. "Hey, Wisesa, what toy are you holding? Another ushabti?"
Alicia waved her hand at the Patron of Lands, while Wisesa chose to ignore it. But at least the beast’s illuminated spirit radiated some inspiration in his head as well. "Want to see him in action?"
Of course, Alicia nodded. Wisesa calibrated the automaton very carefully, then released it on the ground. With impossible grace, the automaton performed a series of martial arts moves, stabbing at the air with a kris, and daring to fly—leaping into a pool, to be precise. Wisesa's deft hands prevented that from happening.
"It's you...," Alicia instantly recognised the automaton's characteristics. She gave the man an appreciative smile. "Genius. Yer brother was pure genius. If only he were still alive, I'd really like to meet him."
"Oh, by the soul of Durga, it is enough that one of you exists. My life could be short if you two join forces!"
Barong's spirit relaxed Wisesa's shoulder with its paws, sending out a warm flow of energy that the man could not lie to. "I believe Gading and all the other gods will be watching your every move. At least now you have a beautiful reminder of him. I'm happy about that, Wisesa."
Wisesa's retort was characteristically blunt, "One shitty reminder and one good reminder. That's quite a balance."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
After putting his figure in his pocket, Wisesa posed another question to Alicia, "What are your plans from here, missy? Back to the West, where you belong?"
Alicia gazed at the water murky with night. "Unfortunately, all of Alas Purwo's flying ships have been converted to deliver goods for refugees, city rebuilding, and other local logistics. So the plan is, that I'll take a ship to Kagatse tomorrow, perhaps enjoying life for a while, sailing in the middle of the sea. I'll look for the Kagatsean branch of the Magisterium there, then collaborate to contact the central Magisterium and look for the other four children of prophecy." She glanced back at the young man. "And I suppose you still have no desire to come along. Royal duty calls, I guess."
Wisesa let out a scornful cough. That was his only reply.
Alicia's tone turned hopeful as she asked again, "Do ye really not want to come with me, Wisesa?"
Wisesa took another puff from his cigarette, shaking his head. "No."
"But Semar said... Semar said he could find a way for you to delay ascending the throne, ye ken?"
"I could always run away to the forest again, as I always have."
The darkness of the night seemed to match Alicia's mood, the corners of her mouth drooping.
"Semar isn't someone who likes to rule over people," Wisesa cancelled his grim joke. "He could have easily become the leader of the state, the people love him. But for the rest of his life, the old man would only favor being a counselor or head of a small village. And the rest of the Yawanese are useless. Whether I like it or not, it has to be me. I thought I'd be the last person you'd bring along, right? It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"Then please tell me that means you're considering helping to save the world of thaumaturgy?" The lass' voice was monotonous. But deep inside, her heart prayed to the Silent Divine that there might be a chance Wisesa would accompany her in navigating the world together.
"Not really." The prayer went unanswered. "I told you from the beginning that I don't want to be involved."
Barong looked at Alicia and shook its head slowly. A rueful smile adorned her face, unnoticed by Wisesa, who remained lost in his thoughts, staring at the vastness of the night sky.
"It's okay. I can do it myself," Alicia concluded. She decided to stand up. "Well then, I must rest and prepare for tomorrow's long journey. Good night, Wisesa."
"Rest well, Miss," Barong offered.
"Yes, yes," Wisesa replied tersely.
The man returned alone with his pipe. Feeling it was not the time for conversation, let alone patronising its host, Barong slowly withdrew into Wisesa's skin…[]
