Nagini's Red Clothes
Tina approached Nagini and whispered,
Tina: "Don't you want to talk to Burhan, Nagini?"
Nagini pinched Tina's arm.
Tina: "Just look at him, Nagini. He keeps staring at you."
Nagini gave a wry smile.
Nagini: "Alright, Tina, I'll talk to him."
Tina: "Will you talk by yourself, or should I help you?"
Nagini pinched Tina's arm again.
Nagini: "You keep talking nonsense, Tina."
Tina chuckled.
There was visible tension on Nagini's face.
Suddenly, the time-breaking stone in the pocket of Nagini's clothes began to vibrate on its own.
Nagini took off the small backpack from her shoulder and showed Tina what was inside.
Tina: "A red shirt and pants?"
Nagini nodded.
Nagini: "This is my origin, Tina."
Tina: "What do you mean?"
Nagini: "Wait a moment, Tina. I'm going to change my clothes."
Without Tina's permission, Nagini flashed into the forest through the front post.
Moments later, Nagini returned wearing the bright red attire of a 16th-century warrior — the same outfit she wore the first time she met Burhan.
Burhan looked at Nagini, memories of their short time together flooding back.
Tina: "You look so beautiful in your red clothes, Nagini."
Nagini smiled at Tina.
***
Broto, Tugimin, and Zakiran
Meanwhile, at the rear post.
Giono, Ngatmo, Karsiyah, as well as Rani and Rina, had recovered from their internal injuries. Regular meditation had restored them to full health.
Karsiyah: "Hey Broto! Get out of your hiding place!"
Ngatmo: "Or my wife's marbles will smash your head."
Frightened, Broto urged Tugimin and Zakiran to come out with him.
Tugimin: "Please, sir, we repent!"
Zakiran: "I have a wife and children!"
Broto just stood there, staring in fear at Karsiyah.
Karsiyah: "Do you still want to bother my child?"
Broto: "Mercy, ma'am, I wouldn't dare."
Ngatmo: "If you dare, this knife will go straight into your neck."
Ngatmo pulled out a small, gleaming white knife.
Broto's face turned pale.
Broto: "Mercy, sir! I won't dare."
Giono saw police officers approaching.
Tono: "Captain Giono?"
Rudin: "You caught them?"
Rudin pointed at Broto, Tugimin, and Zakiran.
Giono laughed.
Giono: "Wedus! They're a gift for you."
Tono and Rudin exchanged glances.
Tono: "You're always ahead, Captain."
Rudin: "Without our directions, you still found this mafia hideout."
Giono just smiled.
Tono and Rudin quickly handcuffed Broto, Tugimin, and Zakiran, leading them to the front post.
Giono, Ngatmo, Karsiyah, Rani, and Rina followed behind.
***
One-Sided Love
At the front post, all eyes turned to Nagini. Even Mariana was stunned by her 16th-century red warrior outfit.
Burhan approached Nagini.
Burhan: "This is the outfit from when I first met you."
Nagini nodded.
Burhan: "I want to talk to you, Nagini."
Tina stepped aside, giving space for Nagini and Burhan.
Burhan: "I like you, Nagini."
Nagini turned her face away. She couldn't deny the feelings she had for Burhan, but the image of Suro Gebleg still lingered in her mind.
Nagini: "I can't, Burhan."
Burhan: "Why? Didn't you feel the bond we've had these past few days?"
Nagini: "I felt it, Burhan."
Burhan: "Then why are you avoiding me?"
Nagini: "I can't, Burhan."
Burhan couldn't understand. His eyes began to glisten.
Nagini: "I'm not from this era, Burhan."
Burhan: "I don't believe it!"
Burhan shouted in despair.
Nagini: "You might be one of my descendants, Burhan."
Burhan: "Are you rejecting me, Nagini?"
Nagini: "I'm not rejecting you, but this is wrong."
Burhan: "Why?"
Nagini: "Because I also have feelings for you, Burhan."
Burhan: "Then why avoid me?"
Nagini: "Because you might be one of my descendants."
Nagini brushed the tip of her hair.
Nagini: "Even if I like you, we can't be together."
Burhan stood there, heartbroken.
To be continued