Early the next morning, Grandmother woke Shanum with a tense but determined look on her face. In her right hand was a large wooden box that Shanum had never seen before. "It's time for us to prepare to face Dewi, child. But before that, there is one more secret you must know—a secret about our family's relationship with the coastal community led by Dewi."
They entered the back room, which was filled with family memorabilia. Grandmother opened the wooden box and took out an old map that had yellowed and was torn in several places. "Look at this, Shanum. Hundreds of years ago, our family and the coastal community led by Dewi's ancestors were one large group living side by side on the southern coast of Yogyakarta. We worked together to manage the land and sea, and protected each other from natural disasters and external enemies."
Grandmother pointed to a spot on the map. "However, in the 19th century, a dispute arose over how we should deal with the threat of foreign colonizers. Our family wanted to seek a peaceful solution and negotiate, while Dewi's ancestors wanted to fight back with violence and stronger supernatural powers. That difference divided us into two groups that ended up living far apart."
Shanum was surprised to hear this. "So we're not just people Denar helped, but we have a deep historical connection with his community?"
"That's right, dear," Grandma replied, picking up an old notebook. "In fact, there are records that every generation, a girl from our family and a boy from their community will be born who will have a special relationship—either as partners or as protector and protected. Denar and you are a couple who were destined long before you were born."
Suddenly, the ground began to shake slightly and the sound of strong winds could be heard pouring into the house. The pungent scent of frangipani filled the air again, and the sound of waves crashing, which should have been impossible to hear in a house so far from the beach, became clear.
"You cannot hide the truth forever!" Dewi's voice sounded like thunder echoing throughout the house. "Today I will take what is rightfully mine—Denar and all the power of your family!"
Grandmother immediately grabbed a small bag containing potions and occult tools. "We have to go out to the backyard, Shanum. That place is the center of our family's energy and the only place where we can face her with full strength."
When they went out to the spacious backyard, the sky, which had been clear, suddenly turned pitch black. Thick black clouds gathered above their heads, and the wind began to blow with enough force to bend the trees surrounding the yard. From the east, the figure of the Goddess appeared, wearing a white dress that now looked more magnificent but also more terrifying. Around her were several other supernatural figures dressed in black, their faces unclear.
"Dewi, stop!" shouted Denar, who suddenly appeared standing between Shanum and Dewi. "We can resolve this peacefully. Don't let revenge destroy you and the community you lead!"
Dewi laughed loudly, her voice piercing the ears. "Peace? You talk about peace after abandoning me and choosing their family who has been at war with us for centuries? No way, Denar! Today, one of us must go!"
Without further ado, Dewi raised both hands to the sky. Lightning flashed from the black clouds, illuminating the entire courtyard with a dazzling white light. A wave of deep purple energy shot towards Shanum and her grandmother. But before it reached its target, Denar emitted a golden light from her body that formed a strong shield, causing Dewi's energy to bounce back.
"You have to help me, Shanum!" Denar shouted as she defended herself against Dewi's attack. "Put on your necklace and use the potion you learned!"
Shanum immediately took the silver necklace and put it on quickly. She took the container of Unifying Water that had been prepared earlier and poured it into the air while reciting the prayer her grandmother had taught her. A silvery light shone brightly from the necklace, and the poured water turned into a white cloud that protected them from the next attack.
Her grandmother also began to move, taking out the potions she had prepared and scattering them around the yard. Each potion that touched the ground produced a spark of green light that formed a strong protective circle. "We must unite our powers, Shanum! Remember what you learned about family energy and your connection to nature!"
Dewi was furious to see her attacks continuously blocked. She raised her right hand, and a jet-black energy sword appeared in her grasp. "If that's the case, I'll destroy all of you with the dark power I've mastered over the years!"
Dewi shot towards them at incredible speed. Denar faced her empty-handed, but the golden light emanating from his body formed an energy sword of equal size. The two swords collided with a resounding explosion, producing a flash of light so bright that Shanum and her grandmother had to close their eyes.
Meanwhile, the ghostly figures accompanying Dewi began to attack the protective circle created by the grandmother. Shanum took some potions from the grandmother's bag and threw them at them. Each potion that hit a ghostly figure caused them to glow with white light and disappear in an instant.
"You cannot win, Dewi!" Shanum exclaimed in a strong and confident voice. "The power of love and unity is far stronger than the power of revenge and hatred!"
Hearing these words, Dewi was surprised and slightly distracted. Denar saw this opportunity and quickly unleashed all his power, making his golden energy sword shine even brighter. He attacked Dewi with a swift yet compassionate movement. When his sword touched Dewi's chest, she felt no pain, only a golden light spreading throughout her body.
Dewi fell to her knees on the ground, crying with a heartbreaking voice. "Why didn't you kill me, Denar? I tried to kill you and the person you love!"
"Because I know that deep down in your heart, you are still the person I used to know, Dewi," replied Denar softly. "Revenge has hidden the goodness within you. Now is the time for you to let it go and accept that the past is gone."
At that moment, the sun began to emerge from behind the black clouds, and warm light illuminated the entire courtyard. The remaining ghostly figures disappeared, and the pungent scent of frangipani was replaced by the sweet aroma of jasmine. Dewi looked at Denar and Shanum with calm eyes, her previously pale face now regaining its color.
"I... I'm sorry," said Dewi softly. "I was lost in the resentment and pain that I had carried for years. I didn't realize that I had hurt so many people."
The grandmother approached Dewi and touched her shoulder gently. "We all make mistakes, my child. The important thing is that we have the courage to admit them and change. Perhaps it is time for us to reunite what has been separated for centuries."
Dewi nodded with teary eyes and looked at Shanum. "I will send a message to my community that our war is over. And I will apologize to those I have hurt."
After that, Dewi stood up and slowly disappeared into the brightening sunlight. Denar approached Shanum and looked at her with eyes full of love and admiration. "You are extraordinary, Shanum. Without your strength and conviction, we would not have been able to defeat Dewi's power of vengeance."
Shanum felt the warmth coming from Denar, even though they could not physically touch each other. She knew that their struggle was not yet completely over, but with their growing bond and the support of her grandmother and even the now-changed goddess, she was confident that their future would be brighter.
In the now clear sky, the clouds formed a pattern resembling two hearts joined together—as if nature itself was signaling that love and unity had triumphed over vengeance and hatred.