After successfully reinforcing the seal at Borobudur, Arya, Barong, and Vassago continued their journey to Prambanan Temple. They realized that each location held unique challenges and secrets of the Nusantara that required deeper understanding.
The journey to Prambanan was filled with silence, as Arya was still reflecting on his experience at Borobudur. The power of the Nusantara seal turned out to be more complex than he had imagined, involving a harmony between spiritual forces, history, and humanity.
The Dark Aura of Prambanan
Upon arriving at Prambanan, Arya immediately sensed something unusual. The magnificent temples, adorned with carvings depicting the Ramayana, felt unwelcoming. A dark aura enveloped the place, as if something malevolent was lurking in the shadows.
"This place is filled with chaotic energy," Vassago remarked with a serious tone. "Someone or something has disturbed the balance here."
Barong stepped closer to the main temple. "This isn't normal. The guardian of the seal here should maintain harmony, but I don't feel its presence."
Arya followed, entering the temple complex. When he touched one of the temple walls, a vision flashed through his mind: a beautiful woman dressed in traditional Javanese attire, standing in the middle of a sea of flames. Her voice sounded like a gentle whisper.
"Save me…"
"Arya, what's wrong?" Barong asked, noticing Arya's change in expression.
"I saw someone," Arya replied. "A woman, as if she's trapped… or imprisoned."
"Then we must find the source of this energy," Barong said firmly.
Encounter with Loro Jonggrang
As they ventured deeper into the Prambanan complex, the air around them grew heavier. The once-clear sky turned cloudy, and the wind carried faint, incomprehensible whispers.
At the heart of the main temple, they encountered the same woman Arya had seen in his vision. She wore an elegant kebaya, her long hair neatly arranged. However, her eyes radiated deep sorrow.
"I am Loro Jonggrang," she said, her voice soft but filled with anguish. "I was once the guardian of this seal, but now I am cursed."
"A curse?" Arya asked, trying to comprehend.
Loro Jonggrang nodded. "This curse stems from the past when I rejected Bandung Bondowoso's love. In his anger, he cursed me to become part of this temple. The energy of Prambanan's seal depends on harmony, but lingering resentment has created cracks in the seal."
Arya exhaled deeply. "How can I help you?"
"You must free my soul from this curse," Loro Jonggrang said. "But be cautious, for Bandung Bondowoso will not remain idle. His energy still resides here, striving to destroy the seal entirely."
The Battle with Bandung Bondowoso
Suddenly, the ground trembled. From the shadows of the temple emerged a towering figure with glowing red eyes. Bandung Bondowoso, now a vengeful spirit, stood in their path.
"How dare you attempt to break my curse!" he roared.
Arya drew the Kyai Nagasasra dagger, ready to face the threat. However, Bandung Bondowoso was no ordinary foe. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a storm of dark energy toward Arya.
Barong leaped forward, shielding Arya from the first attack. "Be careful, Arya! His energy is extraordinarily strong."
Arya tried to calm his mind, recalling what he had learned during his journey. "Bandung Bondowoso, I am not here to fight you. I only wish to restore the balance of this seal."
"Restoring the seal means freeing Loro Jonggrang," Bandung Bondowoso bellowed with rage. "I will not allow that to happen!"
A fierce battle ensued. Arya, with the help of Barong and Vassago, fought Bandung Bondowoso with all their might. Every strike Arya made with his dagger seemed insufficient to subdue the vengeful spirit.
Amid the fight, Loro Jonggrang appeared behind Bandung Bondowoso. With a voice full of calmness, she said, "Bandung, enough. It is time."
The End of the Curse
Bandung Bondowoso turned to face Loro Jonggrang, his expression a mix of love and hatred.
"I never stopped loving you," he said softly.
"But the love you bore turned into a curse, destroying everything," Loro Jonggrang replied. "We must let go of the past to save this world."
With Loro Jonggrang's guidance, Arya used his dagger to break the dark energy binding them both. A brilliant light filled the temple, banishing the darkness and restoring harmony.
Bandung Bondowoso slowly vanished, leaving behind a tearful expression. Loro Jonggrang smiled gently at Arya.
"Thank you for freeing us," she said. "Now the Prambanan seal is strong once more, and balance will be maintained."