Realm Memories in Ratu Bunian's Enchanted Garden

Tengku Najwa and Ayyash ventured toward the front gate of the enchanting garden. Ayyash's heart pounded with anticipation as he embarked on a mesmerizing journey to the garden's entrance.

Ayyash's request for entry had been personally granted by none other than the ethereal Putri Mayang Sari, Tengku Najwa's mother. This marked the commencement of an unwritten tale. As they pushed open the ornate gate, Ayyash's breath was stolen by the breathtaking spectacle that lay before them—a world of enchantment and beauty beyond imagination.

Stepping through the gate's embrace, one was immediately transported into a world of ethereal beauty that defied the boundaries of imagination. The very air seemed to shimmer, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of countless blossoms. Each petal possessed an otherworldly luminescence that swayed gently in harmony with the soft caress of the breeze. This scent was an invitation, an irresistible lure to explore the magic that lay within.

The garden itself unfolded as a symphony of colors. Vibrant reds, like the velvet robes of royalty, adorned the petals of roses. Serene purples whispered secrets in the delicate lavender blooms. And amidst this kaleidoscope, every hue in between danced to nature's melody. Each color was a stroke of a masterful brush, a living canvas for the eyes to embrace.

Stone chairs, hewn from the very heart of the earth, were thoughtfully placed throughout the garden. Their backs bore intricate carvings of vines and leaves, as if sculpted by the hands of ancient artisans. These chairs beckoned, offering a respite, a place to immerse oneself in the tranquility of this Eden. The stones themselves, warmed by the tender touch of the sun, cradled those who sought solace.

The garden was a realm of ethereal beauty, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Moonflowers, with petals as white as the purest snow, unfurled their delicate blossoms, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Fireflies danced in intricate patterns, casting fleeting trails of light through the lush foliage.

Ayyash marveled at the tranquility that enveloped the garden. The leaves of ancient trees whispered secrets carried by the night breeze, and a gentle, melodic hum seemed to emanate from the very heart of the garden, as if nature itself was singing a lullaby. As he ventured deeper, the garden's landscape revealed itself as a masterpiece of natural design, with stone borders and carefully arranged pebbles creating an organized, yet organic, balance. The pathways meandered gracefully through the floral displays, beckoning him to explore further into this enchanted realm.

He turned to Tengku Najwa, his eyes filled with wonder. In a hushed, intimate tone, he whispered, "This place... it's like a dream, but being here with you, it's a dream come true."

Tengku Najwa's eyes sparkled with affection, and a gentle smile played at the corners of her lips. Her fingers softly brushed against his, a silent but heartfelt acknowledgment of the love that enveloped them in this enchanting garden.

Overhead, the gnarled branches of ancient trees reached out, forming a natural canopy that bathed the garden in a gentle, golden glow. Birds of countless varieties had made their home here, their melodies a constant symphony of joy. Vivid plumage in shades of sapphire, emerald, and ruby flitted and danced among the branches, adding an extra layer of enchantment.

This enchanted Bunian Garden, hidden within the backyard of Istana Bunian, was a realm apart from the mundane world. It was a haven of unrivaled beauty and serenity, where nature's splendors and ancient magic merged in a delicate dance. It was an oasis frozen in time, a testament to the breathtaking wonders of the natural world. This secret garden, accessible only to Ratu Bunian, was a sanctuary where dreams and reality merged, a place where every sense was awakened and delighted.

Ayyash's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the garden's splendor. Overhead, his gaze fixed on the celestial canopy of trees, he was mesmerized by the symphony of birdsong. His heart danced to the melodies of this enchanted haven. He shifted his gaze to Tengku Najwa, his voice filled with wonder, "Najwa, this place... it's beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It's as if we've stepped into a fairy tale, a world where magic and nature intertwine in the most enchanting way."

Tengku Najwa smiled warmly at Ayyash, understanding the depth of his feelings. She reached out, gently touching his hand, and said softly, "Ayyash, I'm so glad you feel this way. This garden is a reflection of the beauty I see in you, and being here with you makes it even more magical. Our love is like the enchantment that surrounds us—timeless, precious, and full of wonder."

Tengku Najwa continued, her gaze fixed on a serene, moonlit pond at the center of the garden. With a soft, affectionate tone, she said, "Ayyash, look there. It is a place of profound magic and memories," she replied. "My mother, Putri Mayang Sari, often comes here to reflect and seek answers to the mysteries of our realm." She then turned her gaze to him, her eyes filled with love and a touch of vulnerability, as if inviting him to share in this intimate connection.

As they drew closer to the pond, Ayyash couldn't help but be captivated by its crystal-clear water, shimmering like liquid silver under the moon's gentle caress. Beneath the glassy veneer, graceful koi fish glided serenely, their scales shimmering like liquid silver and gold, performing a mesmerizing ballet. Kneeling beside the pond, they dipped their hand into the cool, clear water, feeling the ripples caress their skin.

Water lilies, with leaves as expansive as platters, floated regally upon the pond's surface. Their blossoms unfurled in pristine white and delicate pink hues, releasing a subtle fragrance that added yet another layer to the sensory tapestry enveloping them. The pond seemed to hold within it the wisdom of ages, and ghostly images of past events played across its surface like fleeting apparitions.

Seating themselves by the pond's edge, Ayyash and Tengku Najwa prepared to discuss the possibility of bridging the realms. Ayyash began, his voice a mixture of hope and uncertainty, "Putri Mayang Sari, I long to return to my human realm. My friends, my mentor, they are all there, and a part of my heart remains tethered to that world. But Tengku Najwa and I, we are bound by love, and I cannot abandon her."

Putri Mayang Sari regarded him with a knowing and compassionate expression. "Ayyash," she said, her voice as melodious as the garden itself, "I have spoken with my daughter. I understand the depth of your connection, and I recognize the dilemma that weighs upon you."

She extended her hand over the surface of the pond, her fingers barely skimming the water. As she did, the reflection of Ayyash's father, Ahmad, began to form on the still surface, like ripples in time. Ahmad appeared as a figure of grace and mystery, moving between realms effortlessly.

Ayyash's heart skipped a beat as he gazed upon the image, his eyes welling up with tears. "That's him," he said, his voice quivering with a flood of emotions. "My father, Ahmad. He held within him the incredible gift to traverse between realms effortlessly."

The connection he felt to his late father ran deep, like an unbreakable bond woven from cherished memories and a profound sense of admiration for the man who had guided him through life.

Putri Mayang Sari nodded, her gaze locked onto the image. "Ahmad's gift was a rare and extraordinary one," she explained. "He held the key to bridging the realms, but the secret of his ability eluded even us Bunian. We watched him traverse between worlds with fascination, yet the true source of his power remained shrouded in mystery."

Ayyash leaned closer to the pond, his eyes fixed on his father's image as if seeking answers. "Did he ever share this secret with anyone?" he asked, his voice laced with desperation.

Putri Mayang Sari's voice trembled with a sense of intrigue as she shook her head slowly. "Ahmad guarded his knowledge closely, as though it were a treasure too precious to be shared. He carried this enigma within him, and even his dearest friend, my husband, Tengku Iskandar, could not unlock the mystery."

Ayyash furrowed his brow in contemplation, his eyes reflecting a deep curiosity. "But why, Putri Mayang Sari? Why would my father keep such a vital secret from everyone, even his closest confidant?"

Tengku Najwa, standing nearby, joined the conversation. "Mother, did Ahmad give any hints, any clues at all about the nature of this enigma?"

Her eyes sparkled with an air of mystique as she continued, "What Ahmad said to my husband was cryptic, his words laden with a weight of secrecy. He warned that the secret couldn't be revealed, as it held the power to jeopardize both realms. It was as if the very fabric of existence hung in the balance, waiting for the key to unlock the mystery of the breach."

The three of them now stood, bound by curiosity and a shared sense of foreboding, as they contemplated the depths of this enigmatic secret that had shrouded Ahmad's knowledge.

As the image of Ahmad continued to unfold, it became evident that a hidden pattern lay within his actions, one that defied easy understanding. Putri Mayang Sari reached out, her fingers gently tracing the ripples on the pond's surface, as if trying to grasp the elusive secret.

"I have attempted to glimpse the truth behind Ahmad's remarkable ability," she confessed, her tone filled with a sense of both curiosity and yearning. "But it remains veiled, even within the depths of my own magic." She let out a soft sigh, her eyes reflecting the longing to unravel the mystery. "Perhaps, young Ayyash, the key to unlocking this enigma lies within the realm of memories."

Ayyash's heart quickened with anticipation. "Memories?" he echoed, his gaze unwaveringly fixed upon his father's image.

Putri Mayang Sari nodded, her eyes meeting Ayyash's with a resolute determination. "Memories are like echoes from the past, whispers that can unveil hidden truths. Together, we shall endeavor to peer into the memories of Ahmad, seeking to understand the wellspring of his extraordinary power."

With a graceful wave of her hand, the pond's surface transformed, morphing into a shimmering pool of liquid memories. The image of Ahmad now materialized not as a mere reflection, but as a vivid scene from the past. Ahmad stood poised at the threshold between the human and Bunian realms, his countenance a blend of unwavering resolve and enigmatic wisdom.

Ayyash watched in profound awe as his father moved seamlessly between worlds, his every step guided by a knowledge that transcended mere comprehension. Ahmad interacted with both humans and Bunian, forging connections that bridged the realms, leaving behind a trail of intertwined destinies.

Tengku Najwa, who had been observing in thoughtful silence, finally spoke. "This reveals a deeper bond between our worlds than we ever imagined, one that only Ahmad seemed to truly understand." Her words held a mix of reverence and curiosity, as they all continued to unravel the enigma of Ahmad's extraordinary gift.

Putri Mayang Sari leaned closer to the image, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "There," she whispered, her finger pointing to a faint glimmer of light that seemed to emanate from Ahmad's chest. "That, my dear Ayyash, may hold the key to his power."

Ayyash's heart raced with anticipation as he leaned in, his eyes fixated on the glowing point within his father's chest. "What is it?" he asked eagerly.

The glowing point expanded, gradually forming into the shadowy image of a place both familiar and filled with memories. It was the wisdom of the jungle chamber, a place where he had often ventured with Tengku Najwa. Just as the image of the cavern took shape, Ayyash reached out, hoping to grasp the elusive truth. But like a fleeting dream, the image of the cavern vanished, the memory slipping away like fine grains of sand through his fingers. The pond's surface returned to its tranquil, moonlit state, leaving Ayyash, Tengku Najwa, and Putri Mayang Sari with more questions than answers.

"The wisdom jungle chamber? Why did it appear?" Ayyash's voice trembled with curiosity, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden appearance of the familiar place.

Tengku Najwa, equally puzzled, chimed in, "Could it be that the answers we seek are hidden within that chamber, Ayyash?"

Putri Mayang Sari let out a sigh, her shoulders drooping with a hint of frustration. "It seems the secret of your father's extraordinary ability may indeed be linked to that cavern, as suggested by his memories. Ayyash, we have made progress tonight, and I believe that with time and unwavering persistence, we may yet uncover the truth that has remained elusive for so long."

——

Ayyash nodded, his gaze now filled with a newfound determination. "Thank you, Putri Mayang Sari. Your assistance and guidance have been invaluable. I am determined to unlock the secret of my father's extraordinary ability and find a way to bridge the realms."

Putri Mayang Sari hesitated for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and reluctance. Finally, she confessed, her voice taking on a tone of solemnity. "Ayyash, there is something I must share with you, but it is not a decision to be made lightly. You see, I too possess a unique magic—a power that allows me to send someone to the human realm. However, it comes with grave limitations and a heavy price."

She paused, as if grappling with the weight of her revelation. "Unlike Ahmad, who could traverse realms effortlessly, my magic is different. I can only use it once every ten years, and it carries a backlash, or what some might call a curse. When I send someone to the human realm, they can never return to the Bunian realm. And, perhaps even more distressing, they lose all memories of our world, including any recollections related to those who know they've journeyed to the Bunian realm."

Her words hung in the air, a heavy silence settled over the trio as the weight of this revelation sank in.

Ayyash's mind raced with the weight of the decision before him. "So, if I were to choose to return to the human realm, you could potentially help me, but it would come at the cost of losing all my memories related to the Bunian realm?"

Putri Mayang Sari nodded gravely, her eyes filled with empathy. "Indeed, Ayyash. It is a choice fraught with sacrifice and uncertainty. The path to bridging the realms is shrouded in challenges, and every decision we make carries profound consequences. But the question remains: How far are you willing to go to reunite with your world and loved ones, even if it means leaving behind all that you have cherished here?"

Ayyash hesitated, a storm of emotions raging within him. "No," he finally said, his voice firm and resolute, "I would rather face any hardship than lose my memories of this place. It's like a second home to me." His gaze never wavered from Tengku Najwa, the depth of his love for her shining through his eyes. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her or the memories they had created together.

Tengku Najwa's eyes welled with tears, but she managed a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Ayyash. I can visit your dreams and ensure you never forget me," she promised.

But then, Putri Mayang Sari interjected cautiously, her brows furrowing with concern. "I'm afraid it may not be that simple, my daughter. Your magic to enter dreams is obstructed by the very curse we are grappling with. Once my magic is employed to send someone to the human realm, that individual severs all connections with our world, including their capacity to enter dreams." The gravity of their situation cast a palpable weight upon them, and they wrestled with the stark realities of their choices.

But then, Putri Mayang Sari interjected cautiously, her brows furrowing with concern. "I'm afraid it may not be that simple, my daughter. Your magic to enter dreams is obstructed by the very curse we are grappling with. Once my magic is employed to send someone to the human realm, that individual severs all connections with our world, including their capacity to enter dreams." The gravity of their situation cast a palpable weight upon them, and they wrestled with the stark realities of their choices.

Ayyash, sensing the growing tension, spoke with a reassuring tone, "There's no need to rush, and I'm not in any hurry to return to the human realm. For now, I am determined to uncover the mysteries behind my late father's extraordinary ability. Once I've acquired that knowledge, I promise you, Najwa, that I will find a way to bridge our two worlds, ensuring we can be together both in and out of both realms." His words carried a sense of determination and a promise of hope, providing a momentary respite from the weight of their dilemma.

As Ayyash spoke, a curious element entered the conversation. He leaned forward, his eyes seeking answers. "During my previous journeys in the jungle with Najwa and Tengku Iskandar, Tengku Iskandar had mentioned a mysterious person—a person he believed I should meet. "Putri Mayang Sari, do you have any clues about who this person might be?" The mention of this mysterious figure added a layer of intrigue to their quest for understanding Ahmad's power.

Putri Mayang Sari, the ethereal and wise ruler of the Bunian realm, fixed her gaze on Ayyash, her expression a mix of amusement and mystery. "Ah, the person Tengku Iskandar spoke of," she began, her voice carrying a melodic cadence, "I believe I know exactly who it is."