Chapter 16
"Skasta Mountains"
After three days and two evenings, they finally reached the foot of Skasta Mountain. You'll know you're there when you catch the enchanting scent of the Juniper Trees and see the majestic, towering Oak Trees.
In the heart of the Skasta Mountains lies a land filled with mystery and adventure. These towering peaks, shrouded in mist and legend, have long captivated the imaginations of those who dare to explore their rugged terrain.
According to the Covens in this area, they will find the Great Baba Matuwa. But it's impossible for them to embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of the Skasta Mountains. The Warriors of Ciboro, armed with their compass, radar, and a heart full of determination, set off on a journey that will test their courage and resilience.
As they venture deeper into the mountains, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles. From treacherous cliffs to hidden caves, each step brings them closer to the truth they seek. Along the way, they depend on a compass radar that imparts valuable knowledge and guidance.
The sage navigates the treacherous landscape, facing mythical creatures and solving ancient riddles. Yet, they have not yet searched for the exact location of Baba Matuwa.
***
"Looks like we're near," Jrazm said in a felicitous mood.
"Is that radar compass accurate? Why can't we see or hear where his abode is?" Tatukwe replied, annoyed.
"Think about it, even we various creatures are trying to get us. Baba Matuwa is an extraordinary creature, and you all know that," suggested Harris.
"You have a point, Harris," Wamaro agreed.
"He has to be elusive to the masses, and therefore it's difficult to enter his territory," added Wamaro.
"Couldn't there be a ritual or offering for Baba Matuwa to appear?" asked Endang.
"Guys, wait a minute, my database caught something," revealed Ahn-Ahn.
"Oh! What is that?" asked Jrazm.
Everyone quickly approached where Ahn-Ahn was standing. She pressed the screen of her spaceship's monitor, and the data about this place appeared one after the other.
***
They have one more test to go through. The season is approaching, the temperature will change, and autumn will arrive. The leaves are changing color on top, the temperature is getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter. It is a motion that everything in nature gradually falls asleep.
This simply means one thing: it is time for the great Babaylan, Baba Matuwa, to rest. He also sends his apprentices on holiday, and they come back when it's a winter season.
The difference in the choice between Doctor Bharit and Baba Matuwa was that the great Babaylan chooses only extraordinary students, while ten Pollacias were selected to be Doctor Bharit's alchemist students.
Baba Matuwa has a different goal because his choice is for everyone who is extraordinary, has exceptional skills, and has inborn talent. His students are mostly of various races but have the same status in life or are nicknamed "Curse babies."
He built this academy after the prophecy was fulfilled. A horrendous result occurred because those born on that very day gave birth to offspring of a strange form, which turned out to be half human and half animal. At the canopy of the mountain range is the Zanrta Land Academia. Predominantly, what is taught here is the use of magic.
It is remarkable for Baba Matuwa when it comes to the Ha-Os, contrary to what most people say that they are "Cursed Babies." That's why Zanrta Land is difficult to locate because he keeps these children unassailable.
However, not everyone has embraced this opportunity, as there are some societies that view them as plagues that bring misfortune and death. Their classification has been diminished due to being hunted down and slaughtered like animals.
Furthermore, there are bounty hunters who specifically target and prey on these individuals, intending to trade them to mysterious creatures who collect them. Even Baba Matuwa is unable to determine the identity of these mysterious beings who desire to possess all types of Ha-Os.
In light of this, Baba Matuwa took it upon himself to establish a school to educate and protect these individuals from their pursuers. The esteemed Babaylan has his objectives, and that is why he cares for them.
Although it is the autumn season, most of them have already returned home, and the others who have no family to go home to will remain here in Zanrta Land.
Only exclusively selected or exceptional beings could pass into this academy, as there was a spell covering it. Not even Pollace's satellite or any kind of mysticism or technology had access to its exact location. You can only enter its territory if you know how to enunciate the supernatural spell.
That's why Alexandre is instructed to find Baba Matuwa. He is convinced that Baba Matuwa will help them, just like he took care of the Ha-Os.
***
"We've been flying around up here in the sky, Ahn-Ahn, but we can't find where Baba Matuwa is," Tatukwe complained.
"You see it on the radar again, right? What do you think I'm doing, just playing?" answered Ahn-Ahn.
"Please, let's stop. Besides, I'm dizzy and hungry. Aren't you hungry too?" Harris spoke out.
"Let's rest first," suggested Endang.
Everyone agreed, so they settled to rest under an oak tree. Days passed, and they still could not find Baba Matuwa's whereabouts. The following day, the siblings decided to go their separate ways to explore this mysterious mountain range.
"Let's split up first, so we can find out where they are," requested Jazm.
"As usual. Alright!" Wamaro agreed.
They couldn't contain their excitement about what they had been dreaming of. The reason they had been searching for so long was finally within their grasp. The solution to their problems. The one who would save them, according to their great maestro, Alexandre.
"Where are you, the great Babaylan, Baba Matuwa? Please show us. We badly need your help," Wamaro mumbled.
"Here, Big Brother. The sticks you're asking me to get!" Ahn-Ahn reached out to Wamaro.
"Thank you. All of you, come here. Hurry!" Wamaro spoke out.
"Wait! I'm still eating!" shouted Harris.
"You've been there for a while, Harris. You're not done yet! You're so voracious!" shouted Tatukwe.
"I'm coming!" replied Endang.
"We don't start until we're complete," explained Wamaro.
"H A R R I S!!!" Jrazm and Tatukwe shouted at the same time.
"That's it! That's it! You're all horrid," Harris ran, still gnawing on his food.
Everyone couldn't stop giggling, laughing like there was no problem in those moments. Wamaro brought a stick and split it into six. Every two sticks are the same. Whoever can bring out the same length of the stick goes together.
"Okay," Jrazm approved.
***
Everyone was in agreement with Wamaro's decision. The shortest one would search the atmosphere, while the longest stick would go to the right, and the rest would go to the left side of the mountain. They had to meet on the other side of the mountains before twilight fell.
Tatukwe yanked out first, and Ahn-ahn followed him. Endang and Jrazm pulled out their sticks together. Eventually, Harris hadn't finished eating the juniper berries, and Wamaro pulled out first.
"Don't be stubborn, we're teaming up this time!" Jrazm threatened.
"I'm your twin, but you're always against me. You know the reason I would rather not be with you," Tatukwe replied.
"Stop it! We have the same goal. So, lets all work together," Wamaro scolded.
"They're just joking, big brother," Ahn-ahn agreed.
"No! I'm not," Jrazm replied.
"Oops!" Endang winced.
"Why do you think I want to be with you? You controlled my decision! Please, let's redo the poll. I would rather not be with her!" Tatukwe complained while pointing at Jrazm.
"Rules are rules! You stop. Go on. Harris and I will go first," scolded Endang.
"Just a moment," replied Harris.
"You haven't finished eating! Hey." Endang wondered.
"I wonder about my body too. Besides, this fruit is delicious!" explained Harris.
"Never mind, Big Bro Harris so that he has energy," defended Ahn-ahn.
"You're the only one who genuinely understands me, that's why I love you so much, my sister," said Harris merrily.
"Okay, guys! Okay, guys. You know what to do. Think positive. Good luck to us," said Wamaro.
As a result, Wamaro and Ahn-Ahn went to the left foot of the mountain range. Twins Jrazm and Tatukwe got on the long stick, heading to the right. Harris and Endang will check out the sky. The warriors of Ciboro began to separate in their respective chosen directions.
***
(W/A)
"Before dusk, we should have reached the other side," said Wamaro.
"According to the database, Big Brother, the foot of Skasta Mountain on the other cliff is what they call the Kerfalla Ocean," Ahn-Ahn reached out.
"We've been going back and forth here for more than three days, but we haven't caught a single trace," added Wamaro.
Ahn-Ahn concentrated on the monitor and Compass Radar handed over by the Covens Twins. Periodically, the signal is lost from sight whenever they get close and spontaneously reappears in a distant direction. She also talks to the various species of animals they come across, and all have the same response, unbeknownst to them.
Wamaro inspected all the trees, plants, and rocks he passed. He also dives into towering waterfalls and climbs giant oak trees, but they still see no sign of the whereabouts of the Great Baba Matuwa.
***
(J/T)
"Don't talk to me, and I won't talk to you either," said Jrazm.
"Wow. I can defend myself!" replied Tatukwe.
"Don't ask for support if you run into somebody there! And I have no intention of helping you!" threatened Jrazm.
"I can take care of myself. All brains and no brawn!" he answered.
"Oh. Oh? Really?!" replied Jrazm.
"Eh, it's like this, whoever can track down their location will be considered the winner!" suggested Tatukwe.
Even though Jrazm was seemingly annoyed, she agreed with what her twin said. The first to discover Baba Matuwa's whereabouts will be considered the better hunter.
***
(H/E)
"Look, they're still arguing," Harris implied to the twins.
Endang turned around and looked at what Harris said. Even in the distance, they could still hear the two shouting.
"Nah, let it go. It will be alright. Wamaro and I meant for them to be together, so they know each other's worth," spoke Endang.
"Wow, you guys are cheating. I still thought that time chose us to team up," Harris doubted.
"We did this just a while ago. Well, it seems like the argument between the two of them is getting worse," explained Endang.
"Yes, you're right," he agreed.
"Come on!" ordered Endang.
Harris rode on Endang's back and they flew. The expanse of the Skasta mountain range is clearly visible from the sky.
***
Everyone had given up hope, as there was not a single sign that would indicate the whereabouts of Baba Matuwa, except for the radar that located the spot where the great Babaylan was destined to be found.
What they had initially thought was an expansive plain or perhaps mountains on the other side of Skasta turned out to be a vast ocean called the Kerfalla Ocean.
(Before dusk…)
Harris and Endang arrived first. Harris was filled with cheer as he witnessed the scene and immediately hopped into the sea to take a bath.
"I haven't experienced the sea in a few days," Harris said in amazement.
"Find something for us to eat there," ordered Endang.
"I'll take care of it," he replied.
Through the sonnet device, Endang openly declared to the others that they had surpassed the other side and announced that no vestige had been discovered of the great Babaylan's whereabouts.
Their complexions showed disappointment in the only hope they were looking forward to, but the remaining two groups did not stop trekking and searching.
Wamaro continually recalls what Alexandre said, that only Baba Matuwa can answer their query and save them from any trial and cataclysm. While Endang was gathering firewood, Ahn-Ahn and Wamaro arrived.
"We haven't seen a single trace of it," Wamaro reported, disappointment evident in his voice.
"There's something wrong with the compass. It seems to intentionally disappear and then move in a different direction," added Ahn-ahn.
"It's okay. There's always tomorrow," said Endang reassuringly.
They were carrying fruits that they had picked along the way to their location. Not long after, Harris emerged from the ocean, hauling a large shark. It was clear from his expression that he was very optimistic about the fish he had caught.
"Do you think they will get along, Wamaro?" asked Endang.
"That's the only way I know. Can you still hear someone screaming on the sonnet device? It's gone, right?" he answered.
"Yes, it seems to have stopped. They need to learn the importance of being partners in everything. Love each other as siblings and don't squabble," Endang responded.
"The fish is cooked!" shouted Harris.
"Let's eat later, let's wait for them," Wamaro ordered.
"I'll be there later, I'll fix this compass radar first," said Ahn-ahn.
While waiting for the twins to arrive, Wamaro lit the firewood. It was getting dark around them, and their faces showed signs of starvation. A few minutes passed, and the twins were heard calling for assistance.
"Guys, we caught a wild boar," Tatukwe said boastfully.
It was struggling under the weight they were carrying! They had caught a large wild boar. Wamaro and Endang immediately helped them, except for Harris, who ate the fish they were cooking first.
Meanwhile, Ahn-Ahn was fixing the tent they were going to stay in when he suddenly lost consciousness. The others didn't notice because they were busy cleaning the wild boar.
Endang gathered a lot of firewood and placed it at the feet of the wild boar. It was obvious to the siblings that they were hungry for grilled meat.
"How was your day?" asked Wamaro.
"Maybe the Coven Twins' information is wrong," replied Jrazm.
"That's not what I wanted to ask. You and Tak?" asked Wamaro.
"We're fine, we talk. And whoever of us can find Baba Matuwa's location is the best hunter," she answered.
"Oh! Okay. I just don't want you to feel disconnected. We're siblings, not enemies. Go ahead and rest. I'll take care of that," said Wamaro.
After Wamaro talked to Tatukwe, he and Jrazm took a nap. Everyone was informed and enlightened by Wamaro's intentions. He did these things to strengthen everyone's bond with each other.
At seven o'clock in the evening, it was dark. First, the chirping of crickets could be heard, as if keeping an eye on them. Waves crashed against the shore, and the current seemed to be creeping towards their location.
You could also see the twinkling stars in the sky, shining unhurriedly. And the fire seemed to dance in the midst of excitement and confusion.
"Hey, who are you?" Harris spoke in a low tone.
After a few minutes, Harris noticed Ahn-Ahn's body being pulled by a strange, shiny critter! Instantly, the surroundings became luminous and bright. They all reflected nothing but brilliant light. It lasted for a few seconds, and they opened their eyes at the same time.
"Help, guys!" yelled Harris.
"Hey, what happened?" Wamaro asked and helped the body to get up.
"Ahn-Ahn is gone!" Harris responded.
"What?!"
"Oh la la! Look at what happened to our butchered pig! It turned into a child!" shouted Tatukwe.
"WHAAAATTTT???! Jrazm, wake up! Something strange is happening!" Endang said, trembling.
"Ahn-Ahn isn't here!" Wamaro shouted.
"WHAAAATTT???!!"
The flesh of the wild boar was gone, but it was replaced by a naked boy! They wondered how it happened. They immediately took out their weapons and rushed to find Ahn-Ahn but found no trace of where he had been taken! Not only that, but they were mightily worried.
"What's strange going on here?!"
"Why is Ahn-Ahn missing?"
"Why did the roasted pork you caught turn into a child's corpse.
"Holy Saints!"
Everyone was surprised and staggered by the rapid turn of events.
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