Upon arriving at Pura Dalem Penataran, the atmosphere grew increasingly foreboding. Thick mist enveloped the temple grounds, rendering the moonlight nearly invisible. The howling wind carried faint whispers, as if unseen entities were lurking in the darkness. Arya gripped the sacred dagger gifted by Barong tightly, its warm energy filling him with courage.
"This is the place," Vassago said gravely. "Beneath this temple lies the portal. But don't think you can just walk in. Astaroth will have placed guardians here."
Rangda fixed her sharp gaze on the temple. "Those guardians won't stop us. Arya, you must stay focused. Barong and I will protect you. You are the key to ending this."
Arya nodded, though his legs felt heavy. Deep down, he knew this battle would be the ultimate test of his life.
The Gatekeeper
As they stepped into the temple, passing through a grand gate adorned with intricate carvings of Balinese deities, the air grew colder, as if touching another realm. Suddenly, a thunderous voice echoed through the chamber.
"How dare you trespass into my domain!"
From the shadows emerged a massive creature, a hybrid of man and lion. Its muscular body was covered in golden fur radiating a fiery aura, and its glowing red eyes burned with fury. It was Bael, one of Astaroth's demonic protectors and the lord of hell's legions.
"You think you can challenge our might? Astaroth foresaw your arrival. Your efforts are futile!"
Rangda stepped forward, her eyes blazing with magical energy. "Bael, you have no idea who you're facing. I am no longer just Rangda, I am the guardian of Bali. If you want to stop us, you'll have to go through me!"
The battle began. Rangda and Barong confronted Bael with their combined powers, unleashing bursts of energy that shook the temple walls. Meanwhile, Arya searched for the path to the main altar, where the portal was said to be located.
Confronting Inner Shadows
As Arya made his way through the temple, it felt as though he were walking in a dream. The whispers grew louder, calling his name in a soft yet menacing tone. Shadows from his past appeared—his mother, his father, and moments when he felt weak and defeated.
"You are nothing," the voice taunted. "Just a boy caught in a grand game. Leave this behind, and you can live in peace."
Arya stopped in his tracks as a massive shadow materialized before him, taking the shape of himself.
"You're not strong enough for this," the shadow said. "Drop the dagger and return to your ordinary life."
Doubt crept into Arya's heart. But then, his mother's voice echoed in his mind: "Our destiny is not to be avoided, but to be faced."
He tightened his grip on the dagger and shouted, "I may not be perfect, but I will not give up!" With a single strike, he shattered the shadow, and the path ahead cleared.
The Ritual at the Portal
At last, Arya reached the main altar. Before him stood the portal, swirling like a vortex of black fire, emanating an energy so intense it nearly knocked him off his feet. Vassago appeared beside him, his face tense.
"You must use the dagger to seal the portal. But be warned this is not without risk. The portal connects directly to Astaroth's realm. If you get too close, he might pull you in."
Arya nodded, trying to steady his breathing. He raised the dagger, focusing his energy as Rangda had taught him. A golden light began to radiate from the blade, directed at the portal.
But before the ritual could be completed, the portal trembled violently. From within the vortex emerged a massive figure with curved horns and enormous black wings. It was Astaroth in his true form.
"You think you can stop me with such meager power?" Astaroth's voice shook the room. "You are mere puppets in my hands!"
The Final Battle
Astaroth unleashed a wave of dark energy at Arya, but Rangda and Barong arrived just in time to shield him. "Finish the ritual, Arya!" Rangda shouted, using her magic to counter Astaroth's attack.
Barong charged forward, engaging Astaroth in a battle that shook the entire temple. Though much smaller than his foe, Barong's bravery and strength were unmatched.
Closing his eyes, Arya channeled all his focus into the dagger. He felt the pull of the portal, but Vassago's voice guided him. "Do not let the darkness consume you. Focus on the light within your heart."
The dagger's light grew brighter, filling the entire chamber. Astaroth roared in defiance, his form writhing as he tried to resist.
"This isn't over!" Astaroth bellowed as his figure was drawn back into the portal.
The vortex began to collapse, and the dark energy dissipated. Exhausted, Arya fell to the ground, gasping for air. Rangda and Barong rushed to his side, ensuring he was unharmed.
"Good job, young one," Barong said with a proud smile. "You've saved Bali for now."
Arya looked at Rangda. "Is it over?"
Rangda shook her head. "Astaroth has retreated, but he won't give up. We must remain vigilant. There are still many shadows waiting to strike."
Arya nodded. For the first time, he felt truly prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
(To be continued...)