Nazzares Abhiseka - The Beginning of Destiny

On a quiet night in the village of Gousan, a small settlement on the western edge of the Blora forest, within the Majapahit Kingdom, stood a humble house illuminated by the glow of an oil lamp. Inside, an elderly man named Abail, a former royal healer who now chose to live out his old age in peace with his only son, Nazzares Abhiseka, resided.

Nazzares, a twelve-year-old boy with long black hair and a handsome face that reminded anyone of his late mother, had red pupils—a unique trait passed down from his mother—that gave him a distinct appearance.

In one corner of the house, Nazzares was busy examining a line of potions on the table. His hands moved swiftly, arranging small bottles containing colorful liquids, ensuring everything was in order. Once he was done, he let out a sigh of relief, then looked at his work with satisfaction.

"Hmm... seems like everything is ready," he murmured quietly, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

From the workroom, Nazzares's voice could be heard calling, "Father! I've finished everything. The rest is up to you!"

Abail, who was preparing the final potion in another room, smiled faintly upon hearing his son's voice. "Alright, my child. Go to sleep," he replied warmly.

As Nazzares slowly walked toward his bedroom, Abail turned his attention back to his worktable. In front of him were several potion ingredients, some half-prepared. He took an empty bottle, poured liquids from several vials, and began to stir carefully.

"Hmm, just one more to go," he muttered, glancing at the order list beside him. He smiled slightly as he read one of the potion names. "The strong 'wife's love' potion... always a favorite among the royal aristocracy. Hahaha," he chuckled quietly. With care, he continued his work, making sure everything was perfect before dawn arrived.

The next day, a bright morning embraced the village of Gousan. In front of a simple house, Nazzares stood with a large basket hanging on his back. The basket seemed too big for his small frame, but he was accustomed to this morning routine.

"Father, I'm ready!" he called, his voice echoing around the house.

From inside, Abail's voice responded. "Wait a moment, my child!" His father was still busy preparing everything they needed for their trip to the forest to gather medicinal plants.

This routine was a part of Nazzares's life. Every morning, he would accompany Abail into the forest to gather various types of medicinal plants. Usually, the activity would last until midday, but sometimes they wouldn't return until the sun was nearly set if the plants they were searching for were hard to find.

As Nazzares sat in front of the house waiting for his father, a soft voice called his name. "Nazzares..."

He turned and saw Kandhita, a village girl known as the village beauty. "Oh, Kandhita? You're here so early," he said, smiling.

Kandhita returned the smile gently. "Yes, I just wanted to make sure you and your father are doing well. Are you going to gather plants again today?" she asked.

"Of course," Nazzares replied with a wide smile.

Kandhita, who had become a part of Nazzares's family, had a habit of cooking for them. This morning, she came with the same intention. "Alright, I'll prepare food for you two at noon. Don't forget to eat well," she said with a sweet smile.

Nazzares nodded enthusiastically. "Your cooking is always delicious, Kandhita. Thank you!"

Soon after, Abail came out of the house, carrying additional equipment they would use in the forest. He was surprised to see Kandhita already there. "Ah, my daughter-in-law is here so early," he joked.

"Yes, Father. I'll prepare a delicious meal for you two at lunchtime," Kandhita answered politely.

Abail chuckled softly. "Alright, I'll leave this house in your care. Stay safe."

"Yes, Father. Be careful on the road, Father, Nazzares," Kandhita called, waving as they began their journey toward the forest.

As they walked along the path, Abail reflected on the relationship between Nazzares and Kandhita. They had been betrothed since infancy, a tradition in this village. At the age of fifteen, they would be officially married, following the customs of the time. Abail believed that a girl like Kandhita would be the right companion for his son, and he felt relieved knowing that the house was always safe in her care.

Abail and Nazzares continued along the path leading to the forest, where they usually searched for and harvested medicinal plants. Abail had his own herb garden deep in the forest, far from the village's hustle and bustle.

"Father...!" Nazzares called, breaking the silence between their footsteps.

"What is it, my child?" Abail replied, turning to look at his son walking beside him.

"You said you're 52 years old now, right?" Nazzares asked curiously.

"Yes, why?" Abail was a bit surprised by the question.

"Then why am I only 12? Don't people marry when they're young?" Nazzares asked with honest bewilderment.

Abail chuckled softly, recalling the struggles of the past. "Haha... Well, your mother and I had difficulty having children. After many years, we finally got you, my child." Abail smiled faintly, remembering his late wife.

Nazzares fell silent for a moment, reflecting. "Hmm, alright... So, what do you want today? I'll make it happen!" he said enthusiastically.

Abail laughed, teasing him slightly. "Grow up quickly and give me grandchildren, that's what I want... Hahaha!"

Nazzares blushed and smiled shyly. "Ah, if that's the case, be patient, Father. I'm still a child," he replied, unintentionally thinking about Kandhita.

Abail laughed heartily at his son's innocent answer. "Haha, take your time, my child... I'll wait," he said with a warm smile on his face.

Since the passing of his wife, Abail had raised Nazzares alone. Although he was deeply affected by the loss, time had helped heal that wound. The sight of Nazzares growing more and more like his mother eased the longing that always lingered in Abail's heart.

A while later, they arrived at the medicinal herb garden deep in the forest. They immediately began their work, sorting through the plants they had planted, taking care of them, discarding the rotting parts, and harvesting the ready ones.

"My child, take care of the plants over there. I'll handle this part," Abail said gently, breaking Nazzares's focus as he worked.

"Alright, Father," Nazzares responded promptly, moving to continue the task his father had given him.

Under the scorching sun, the two worked with smiles. Even though the heat became intense, Nazzares continued to carry out his duties joyfully. There was something fulfilling in every step he took alongside his father in this garden—an unbreakable bond between father and son, forged over time and love.

By the time noon approached, Nazzares and Abail decided to head back home, as their baskets were full, and Kandhita was surely waiting for them.

"Nazzares, let's go home, Kandhita is probably waiting," Abail said while carrying the large basket on his back.

"Alright, Father," Nazzares replied. Together, they made their way back from the forest to the village.

Meeting with the Raksha Creature

In the middle of the day, under the scorching sunlight fading toward the evening, they were returning home with enough harvest to stock up on medicinal supplies for a week.

TAP TAP TAP — the sound of their footsteps echoed in the peaceful forest, accompanied by the gentle breeze.

However, that calm was abruptly shattered when a terrifying creature suddenly appeared in their path.

"Father, what is that?" Zares asked, his voice trembling.

Abail tried to calm him down, hiding his son behind his body as he said, "Stay calm," his reply short. Yet, his eyes remained vigilant.

The creature appeared humanoid but with sharp teeth and eye sockets that penetrated all the way through its back, near the chest. It moved slowly, dragging its body along the ground.

"Why is there a Raksha here? Where are the kingdom's soldiers? They should be on guard, eliminating creatures like this," Abail thought, sweating, his gaze locked on the terrifying Raksha in front of him.

"My child, when I attack this Raksha, run as fast as you can!" Abail spoke urgently.

"What about you, Father?" Zares asked, his voice filled with worry.

"Hey, don't talk so much..." His words cut off as he realized the Raksha had already positioned itself right behind him, letting out a chilling sound.

HARGGKK The Raksha's sound made Zares scream in fear.

"AAA!" Zares screamed, his eyes wide with terror.

With courage, Abail attempted to strike with his knife. SLASH! However, his attack only caused a small scratch. The Raksha appeared unaffected.

RRKKHH The Raksha's voice echoed, its gaze full of murderous intent.

Swiftly, the creature strangled Abail, lifting him off the ground.

HEGHK! HEGHK! Abail's voice choked as the Raksha's grip tightened.

Seeing this, Zares immediately attacked without thinking. The Raksha noticed the child was about to strike, and in response, it slapped him, sending him crashing into a tree.

BLAM!!

"AAA!" Zares screamed as his body slammed into the ground.

To be continued...