"I was trapped here on a mission, and they wouldn't let me leave unless I helped. I told them that two of my strongest friends were on their way. With your help, we can bring peace back to this land," Gema explained, calm and composed, addressing the knights waiting for their arrival.
Suria scowled, annoyed.
"Why, you little…! And here we are, roped into your mess."
Purnama, more focused, eyed Gema.
"I know you, Gema. You could've escaped if you wanted. You stayed for a reason. You knew we were coming, and you've been waiting for us. You must've met Ria."
Arthur turned his gaze upon Purnama, then shifted it to Suria, his voice resonating with timeless weight.
"I know this battle is not yours to bear. None of us foresaw facing a malice that hails from beyond our world. Yet, within this darkness lies something that belongs to you, Suria—something only you can reclaim."
Suria blinked in surprise.
"The Darkseed we speak of is Kelembai. And it possesses your kris, the legendary Gerhana. It was employed in a manner most foul to amplify the potency of the Darkseed's essence. That is why this battle has been so arduous."
The revelation left Purnama and Suria frozen in shock, their minds reeling from the unexpected news. Gema, on the other hand, stood quietly, observing their reactions.
"That kris should only be in your hands, Suria," Gema said, resting a hand on her shoulder.
Suria narrowed her eyes and glanced.
"And what's in this for you, Gema?"
The other knights turned their sight to Gema, awaiting his response. A long, tense silence followed before Gema sighed deeply.
"I'm going to fight like in the good old days with my beloved friends!" Gema exclaimed with excitement.
Despite their iron helmets, the knights around the table seemed to sigh in unison as if they had expected Gema's response.
"He wants my sword—the Excalibur," Arthur said calmly, gesturing to the sword in the stone before them.
Gema's excitement faded as Purnama and Suria turned their eyes to him, suspicion apparent in their gazes.
He let out a deep sigh.
"Alright, fine, fine. It's for Ria. She asked for it, but I don't know exactly what she wants to do with Excalibur," Gema admitted, pointing toward the legendary blade.
Purnama nodded thoughtfully.
"...If it's for Ria, that does make sense. She's always been drawn to strange and powerful things. But I'm guessing she promised you something in return for your help, didn't she?"
Gema looked away, clearly uncomfortable.
"Yes, but I'll explain everything when the time is right. Not now."
Suria, sensing the tension, yawned loudly.
"Well, I'm just letting you know enough of this. I'm exhausted. Can we at least get some rest before we dive into all these plans and battles?"
Arthur nodded, understanding their weariness.
"Galahad shall escort you to your rest chamber. Tomorrow, we march forth to Avalon. Rest well, my celestial companions." He signaled Galahad, who led the twins and Gema to a quiet resting area, providing them a warm place to sleep.
Purnama, Suria, and Gema slept peacefully as the night grew still. But the knights of the round table remained seated, deep in discussion about the mission ahead.
"This will be our final battle, my fellow knights," said Arthur, his voice echoing through the chamber.
A golden flame aura could be seen through his dragon-shaped iron helm, illuminating his determined expression. In unison, the Round Table knights let out a thunderous roar, their voices filled with determination and defiance.
"May glory be with us, and may your souls finally find peace," Arthur continued, his words carried by the wind.
Morning dawned...
Arthur summoned Berdivere and Palamedes to invite the Celestrias to discuss their plan of attack.
Purnama, Suria, and Gema had been deep in conversation in their resting chamber inside the rock when the two knights arrived to escort them to the round table.
Lancelot's voice carried the weight of a seasoned warrior as he began to outline the plan.
"The city of Avalon, forged in the heart of steaming earth, is divided into three mighty fortresses, each guarded by a Darkseed of immense power and its legion of fiends. King Arthur, Sir Gema, Kay, Percival, and I shall ascend the central path to confront Bota," He explained.
Lancelot, his voice ringing with authority as he orchestrated the assault.
"Westward, let Sir Purnama, Galahad, Lamorak, and Gawain confront Kelembai, the vile wretch who possesses Lady Suria's cherished kris. Concurrently, let Tristan, Palamedes, Bedivere, and Gareth, guided by the valiant Simalaun, escort our fair lady along the eastern flank," Lancelot added.
"We shall hold our position safely beyond the entrance," Percival declared. "When the shadows lift, we march forth as one. This will be no stealthy strike—let them feel the weight of our approach."
"Engage in battle with wisdom and restraint," Kay urged solemnly. "The safety of the people must remain our foremost concern."
"Our sacred duty, valiant knights, is to vanquish this foul creature of darkness and awaken the slumbering iron pathways that once bound this isle of Avalon to the broader realm." Galahad proclaimed, his words carrying the gravity of their mission.
"Those who venture across the vast ocean sail beneath the banner of a single, formidable leader," declared Palamedes. "They employ a vessel of iron and steam, which awaits their arrival at the quay every three weeks to replenish their stores."
Suria arched an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"If we're not crossing the bridge, does that mean we're to seize one of the ships instead?"
"Nay, we shall journey by other means..." Tristan responded, his tone resolute.
"Follow my knights," Arthur commanded; Excalibur raised high, its power gleaming in the air, a symbol of hope and strength. "We shall travel by Bertangkup," he continued, referring to a mystical mode of transportation known only to a few, a sign of their unique advantage in the upcoming battle.
The knights rose and marched towards the path where Purnama and Suria had first entered.
Purnama turned to Gema, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Do you know their plan?"
"It seems we'll cross the treacherous sea using this colossal rock," Gema replied, his expression serious.
"This rock?! How is that even possible?" Suria exclaimed, incredulity evident in her voice.
"Fear not, my celestial brethren," Lamorak assured them, his voice steady. "Bertangkup is no mere stone. Our king commands it through the very essence of his soul."
Arthur began channeling his Shakti into Excalibur. A brilliant golden aura emanated from the sword, spreading across the rock's surface. The giant rock, previously flat, slowly began to rise from the ground, awakening from a deep slumber...