A month had passed since that night—the night when strange dreams first began to creep into Arya's sleep, tainting his nights with faint shadows he could never fully understand. And now, the dream had returned… sharper, more painful.
In his dream, Arya saw Rika standing in the middle of darkness. Her copper-red hair swayed gently, as if a soft breeze blew, yet the air around her felt cold, eerily silent. She seemed to clutch her chest with both hands, fingers wrapped tightly around something—a small object emitting a golden glow, pulsing like a beating heart. But every time Arya tried to step closer to see it clearly, the distance between them felt endless. The more he moved forward, the more blurred her figure became, and the golden light seared into his eyes, stabbing at his very soul.
Each time he woke from the dream, his chest felt tight. His breath came in shallow gasps, as if something pressed against his lungs, forcing the air out. Arya's nights grew restless, the dark circles under his eyes deepening. He hid all his unease behind silence, choosing to stifle the questions that thundered in his mind.
In the real world, Arya's demeanor began to change. The shy smile he once offered Rika became scarce; he often stared blankly at the dorm window, his voice soft and rare, his steps heavy as if bearing an invisible burden.
Rika noticed this with a confused look. There was something foreign in Arya that she had never seen before—a strangeness that made her want to ask, to understand, yet she restrained herself.
"Maybe Arya has a lot on his mind," Rika murmured to herself, hugging her knees at the edge of the dorm bed, watching him as he gazed off. "Or… maybe this is just what humans go through when they start growing up? They change sometimes…" she thought again, trying to soothe herself.
Yet, deep down, a creeping unease gnawed at Rika. She didn't know why, but every time she looked at Arya pulling away, a sharp pain stabbed at her chest—a feeling she couldn't understand, because as a wandering spirit, she wasn't supposed to experience human emotions.
What Rika didn't know… was that every time Arya stole a glance at her, his eyes held fear—not of her, but of the dreams… fear of a truth that might destroy them both.
After the afternoon class ended, Arya checked his phone, which vibrated quietly. A message had come from Dio:
"Meet me at the parking lot of Building 1. We need to talk."
Arya frowned. The message was short, yet there was a seriousness in Dio's words that he could feel. Without overthinking, he packed up his books, slung his bag over his shoulder, and glanced at Rika, who floated beside him.
"Let's go to the parking lot," Arya said briefly.
"Eh? Why? What's going on?" Rika asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Dio… wants to talk," Arya replied as he quickened his pace.
When they arrived at the parking lot of Building 1, Dio was already there, leaning against his motorcycle with his arms crossed. His sharp gaze immediately locked onto Arya, as if he had already read his thoughts. Rika peeked out from behind Arya, only half-visible, careful not to get too close. The cold aura surrounding Dio was something she always felt whenever near him.
"Arya," Dio said softly but firmly, breaking the silence. "I've noticed your aura weakening over the past few days."
Arya furrowed his brow. "Aura? What do you mean?"
Dio exhaled and stepped closer, stopping just a meter away. "Aura is the energy of life. If it diminishes, you become weaker, even vulnerable to malicious energy. In the astral world, it's like a fortress—a final barrier protecting you."
Arya swallowed. The memories of his dreams—the weight in his chest, the cold sensations—came flooding back. "So… what does that mean?"
"I can teach you a bit," Dio said firmly. "At least enough to strengthen your aura before it's too late. Come to my dorm tonight. Here's the address."
Dio reached into his pocket and handed him a small piece of paper with neatly written directions. Arya took it, feeling a swirl of anxiety and anticipation.
Rika, overhearing the conversation, squeaked with excitement. "Dio's dorm? Yay! We get to hang out again!" she whispered, though only Arya could hear her.
Arya cast a brief glance at her, trying to suppress a smile amidst his nervousness. Dio, noticing Arya's hesitation, only narrowed his eyes.
"Don't be late. If you're serious, be there," Dio said, then walked away.
Arya stared at his retreating back, exhaling heavily. He gripped the paper tightly, as if the answers to all the fears weighing on him depended on it.
"Guess I need to mentally prepare…" he muttered.
"Yup!" Rika exclaimed with boundless enthusiasm. "And I'm coming to see too! Maybe Dio has cute pets or plants?"
Arya managed a faint smile, though the unease inside him remained. He had no idea what awaited him tonight—spiritual lessons? Or something far bigger than he could imagine.
That night, the air was slightly humid. The afternoon drizzle had left the scent of wet earth mingled with exhaust from passing vehicles. Arya sat by the bus window, occasionally glancing outside, watching streetlights reflected in puddles. The bus was crowded with commuters heading home and a few travelers with large backpacks.
Rika sat beside him, though she didn't need the seat, her feet floating inches above the floor. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Arya, what do you think Dio's room is like?" she asked, resting her chin on her hands.
"Huh?" Arya looked startled. "Why suddenly ask that?"
"Just curious… maybe he has cute little figurines in his room," Rika continued, her eyes imagining shelves filled with plush bunnies, cats, or other adorable characters.
Arya almost choked back a laugh, covering his mouth with his hand. "Figurines… in Dio's room?" he whispered.
"You realize he's a practitioner, right?" Rika looked puzzled.
"So… what does a practitioner's room look like?" Arya whispered back. "Usually dark. Full of incense or candles, some eerie decorations like skulls, charms, maybe even moving dolls."
Rika's eyes widened. She pictured Dio sitting cross-legged amidst smoke and candles, surrounded by moving wooden dolls—a scene straight out of a horror film.
The two exchanged glances, each silently laughing at their own imaginations.
"Ah… no way Dio's like that," they said simultaneously, then laughed softly, trying to calm the tension.
But Arya's laughter was short-lived. The haunting weight of his recurring dreams returned, pressing on his chest, especially as he recalled Dio's serious expression earlier.
Rika, oblivious to Arya's inner turmoil, chattered about what might be in Dio's room. "Maybe he has cute plants… or a cat! Imagine that…"
Arya gave a small, tight-lipped smile, though his heart remained unsettled.
The bus finally stopped near a large trembesi tree beside the road, across from the University of Health. Streetlights glowed dimly, reluctant to chase away the shadows. Arya stepped off first, surveying the quiet street. Rika followed, hands clasped at her chest, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Wow, this alley is spooky," Rika whispered half-nervously. She peeked around, checking that no one was following them.
Arya remained silent, taking deep breaths to steady himself. The visions from his dreams kept replaying in his mind, shadows threatening to engulf him.
After fifteen minutes, they arrived at the green-painted iron gate of the dorm. A small sign read "Kost Taman Asri"—though from the outside, it hardly looked "asri." Behind the gate stood an old shop-house, paint peeling, giving it a weathered look.
Arya paused at the gate, glancing at his phone—the last message to Dio had only one tick. His call earlier went unanswered. His hands trembled slightly as he tried dialing again, but the line went silent before dying.
Rika stood beside him, scanning the area. "Arya, if Dio doesn't answer, maybe we should ask someone around here. You can't just wait all night," she suggested.
Arya stayed silent, staring at the ground. Asking strangers made him uneasy, let alone dealing with the unknown.
"Hey! Aren't you listening? Don't just stand there like a statue!" Rika exclaimed, giving his arm a gentle push. She spotted a young man emerging from inside, carrying a helmet. "There! Go ask him!"
Arya straightened but his legs felt like lead. "I… I can't," he whispered.
"Argh! Let me do it!" Rika called out, waving and shouting cheerfully, unaware that as a spirit, her voice couldn't be heard by humans.
Arya realized he couldn't rely on her this time. He forced himself forward. "Ex-excuse me…" he stammered softly, just enough for the man to hear.
"Yes? What is it?" the young man asked, eyebrows raised.
"I… I want to ask… what floor Dio's room is on? He hasn't answered my calls or messages."
"Oh, Dio? Engineering student, right? His room is on the second floor, with a 'Do Not Enter' sign on the door," the man replied, pointing inside.
Arya nodded stiffly. "Thanks a lot."
Rika grinned. "See? That wasn't so hard."
Arya exhaled, looking at the gate, feeling an ominous chill. "I have a feeling tonight is going to be long…"
Rika tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"Ah… never mind," Arya muttered, slowly pushing the gate open.
Finally, Arya reached Dio's dorm room. A dull brown wooden door stood before him, with a large hook sign reading:
"DO NOT ENTER"
The words glared at him, as if warning anyone who dared approach. Arya frowned, feeling the air grow colder. His hairs stood on end, his breath shallow. "Why would Dio hang such a warning? What's behind this door?" he wondered.
Paranoia crept in. He imagined rituals, unseen creatures, or sacred relics hidden within. His face turned pale, sweat dampening the back of his neck.
A knock sounded from inside.
Tok… tok… tok…
Arya spun around, startled. There was Rika, cheerful as ever, unaware of the fear looming around them. She knocked as if inviting someone to play.
"Diooo… Diooo… open the door!" she called, louder this time.
Arya panicked, wanting to pull her back. "Rika! Don't! You don't know what's in there!" he hissed.
Rika paused, recalling their bus conversation about practitioners' rooms—dark, full of incense and candles. Her imagination ran wild, picturing Dio with glowing red eyes and a bloodied ancient dagger.
Her tiny body shivered. "…Maybe Dio's room is like we imagined on the bus…" she whispered.
Arya nodded, pale with terror. But before he could retreat, a creaking sound came from inside.
Krak… krak…
Footsteps approached, slow, deliberate. Arya and Rika froze, panic in their eyes.
The door creaked open halfway, revealing Dio standing in the doorway. His shadow stretched across the hallway, larger and more imposing under the dim light. Only his eyes caught a glimmer in the darkness.
"Finally… you've arrived. Come in," Dio said softly, yet his tone carried secrets untold.
Arya and Rika stood stiffly, hearts racing. The hallway seemed colder, sweat trickling down their temples.
"D…Dio… why is your room dark?" Arya asked, pointing behind him, squinting at the dim interior.
"Oh, that," Dio replied nonchalantly, clicking a switch. "Energy-saving."
The LED lights flicked on, bathing the room in bright light. Rika blinked, astonished. Dio's room was… normal. Too normal. A neatly made blue bedspread, a laptop on the desk, shelves filled with books, floors polished and clean. No red candles, no incense smoke, no charms or daggers on the wall.
Rika tilted her head. "This… is too tidy. Not like Arya's room at all," she thought.
Arya and Rika stepped cautiously inside, their minds still replaying the fear. They surveyed the room like detectives searching for clues.
"Where are the candles?" Rika asked innocently.
"The incense?" Arya added suspiciously.
"The charms? The dagger?" Rika looked at Dio with wide-eyed confusion.
Dio, seated calmly, raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Arya explained, blushing, sitting on the floor. "Well… on the bus, we imagined your room would be like a practitioner's—dark, filled with candles, incense, charms…"
Rika sat next to Arya, stifling laughter. "I even imagined you as some kind of shaman chanting spells…"
Dio's eyes widened. "WHAT?!" he shouted, voice rising sharply.
"HAHAHA—" Rika burst out laughing, covering her mouth. Arya grinned awkwardly.
"YOU THINK I'M SOME SHAMAN?! HOW DARE YOU?!" Dio exploded, pointing at them, face red with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"See? Not what we expected," Rika teased, eyes narrowed playfully.
"Crazy ghost!" Dio barked, while Rika rolled on the floor laughing, and Arya buried his face in his hands, half-resigned.
The tension lifted, replaced by a chaotic burst of laughter. A few minutes later, Dio regained his composure, seated calmly as Arya and Rika sat cross-legged, surveying the room.
"Alright, listen carefully. I'll explain why aura is important, especially for you two, who…" Dio glanced at Arya, "…play too often near the astral realm."
Rika sat up straighter, eyes wide, eager to understand.
"Aura is like a shield for the body. The stronger it is, the better you withstand the astral influence. If your aura diminishes, not just spirits attack—you may weaken physically. Heart slows, blood chills, breathing becomes thin. You could die if your body can't support itself," Dio explained seriously.
Arya nodded, absorbing the words. Rika nodded too, though her eyes were already starting to droop.
"So if the aura's gone, it's like… running out of battery?" Rika asked innocently.
Dio sighed. "Yes… roughly. The difference is batteries can recharge; humans? If depleted… you die. Especially you, Rika… a wandering spirit has a thinner line between existence and nothingness."
Rika swallowed, partly understanding, though Dio's serious tone made her uneasy. She nodded quickly, pretending to fully grasp it.
"Now, Arya, sit properly. We'll stabilize your aura first," Dio instructed, pointing to the floor.
Arya took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He concentrated, controlling his breathing as Dio had taught. Minutes passed… ten minutes… no noticeable change. Sweat dripped down his temples, his face tense.
"Why is it so slow?" Dio murmured, squinting. "Where did that burst of aura come from when he hit me earlier? Was it just a temporary spike?"
Arya struggled, collapsing backward, gasping.
"Do you think something like this can succeed in one day?" Dio snapped sharply, yet calmly.
Rika flopped to the floor dramatically. "Arya… I'm tired too. I thought being a spirit meant no learning like this."
"Quiet, both of you," Dio cut in. He stood, grabbed a glass of water. "Arya, you must train daily. No shortcuts."
Suddenly, Rika sat up. "Hey Dio, where's Bunda Nagini? Haven't seen her?"
Arya looked up. "Yeah… isn't she always with you?"
Dio paused, his gaze sharp. "She can't accompany me tonight," he replied briefly, voice colder than usual, eyes hiding something.
Arya and Rika exchanged glances. For the first time, they sensed a big secret Dio was keeping.
"Where's your sacred dagger then?" Rika asked, eyes bright, breaking the silence.
"In the wardrobe. Can't leave it lying around; would arouse suspicion," Dio said calmly.
Arya perked up. "Can I see it?"
Dio exhaled, walked to the wardrobe, lifted the dagger from a neat pile of clothes. His fingers brushed the hilt, his eyes betraying a flash of concern, longing, and burden. He quickly returned to his usual expression and closed the wardrobe.
Arya and Rika caught the brief expression. The room felt slightly awkward. They exchanged nervous glances and quickly covered it with polite gestures.
"No need, Dio. Keep it," Arya said quickly.
"Yes… yes, just put it back. I'd be scared to see it directly," Rika added, forcing a small laugh.
Dio tilted his head, silent. He carefully returned the dagger.
Not long after, Arya and Rika left, thanking Dio. He nodded, but his gaze lingered on the wardrobe, guarding secrets he couldn't reveal.
On the way home…The bus moved slowly through Jogja's quieting streets. Streetlights reflected dimly in the glass, making the night feel cold and somber. Rika leaned against a support pole, staring blankly at the passing lights. Her face looked weary, unlike her usual lively self.
"Arya…" she whispered. "Why suddenly do you want to learn this stuff?"
"No particular reason… just curious," Arya replied flatly.
Rika forced a small smile, though behind it lingered a tinge of disappointment. "Still keeping secrets, huh?" she murmured.
The words cut deep into Arya's heart. He turned slightly, looking at her, guilt gnawing at him. His lips parted as if to explain, but no words came. He turned back to the window, trying to calm his chaotic mind.
That night, Jogja felt quieter and colder to them—so unlike the warm, playful days before.