Contracted Spirits
Through the hologram, Arjuna can feel their presence and the weight of their existence. He felt like an outsider as if he had stumbled into an exclusive gathering of VIPs.
The doctor rhythmically tapped his fingers against the table, creating a soft, repetitive sound. "Let's introduce you to the others, shall we?"
The hologram who sat beside the doctor inclined her head slowly. "I'll go first. I'm Dewi."
She was taller than the doctor, rivaling Kunti in height. She wore a veil, adding an eerie feel to herself. Her voice was as soft as a whisper, barely audible like the rustling of leaves.
"This one here is Langsuyar," Dewi put her palm out.
A figure unraveled behind Dewi, revealing a petite woman with sunken red eyes and dripping wet, waist-length hair.
"You must be the rumored boy they spoke of," Dewi mused. "The smell of death lingers on you, like an old lover."
Arjuna suppressed the urge to shudder in response. "I'd prefer it not."
A chuckle slipped from Langsuyar's lips. "He said the same thing you did."
Next to her sat a man, slouched halfway in his chair, with the lower half of his face hidden behind a fanged mask.
"Rafiq," his voice was filtered through the mask. "O Tokata's mine."
A specter appeared at his back, melting into the darkness, only to appear in another place at a moment's notice. It was as if he saw an illusion.
Rafiq tilted his head behind. "Not everything you see is real."
huh?
A woman sat across from Rafiq, a cigarette between her fingers, letting out a long and slow exhale. Her clothing was loose, and her hair was cut short. Her jaw was riven with scars.
"Call me Ibu. That's Sundel Bolong, the annoying one," she let out a puff of smoke.
Sundel Bolong leaned on her. "Oh, come on. You know that's not true."
Arjuna was taken aback by the sudden presence of a stunning woman, with her smooth, pale white skin and long, black hair standing out. Her smooth, pale white skin and long, black hair highlighted her beauty from the front.
wow…
Ibu blew another stream of smoke in her direction. "Shut up."
"You guys look… close," Arjuna stared at the two beautiful women.
Ibu deadpanned. "You'd have to."
"She's just naturally grumpy," Sundel Bolong covered the side of her mouth.
However, Arjuna's attention shifted to a woman seated beside Ibu. She was built like a mountain, with broad shoulders and an imposing vibe. Contrary to her build, she was calm, her hands folding neatly over her woven shawl.
She noticed Arjuna's glance. "Sari and Wewe Gombel." Her voice sounded brash.
Wewe Gombel? The one Kunti mentioned?
A towering, emaciated woman with stretched, sagging skin stood behind her, with a belly contrasting her skeletal frame. Her elongated fingers twitched at her sides, her nails cracked and jagged.
I get what Kunti meant now.
Abruptly, a scraping noise filled the room as the next figure made its introduction. Beside the hologram was a tattered nurse, dressed in a bloodstained uniform.
Her legs twisted and mangled beyond recognition. Her skin was a sickly grey, her lips cracked as if parched for years. She dragged herself forward with her arms.
"Is she fine?" Arjuna pointed at the downed nurse.
The hologram glanced beside her. "She chose to be like that. Anyways, the name's Kirana. Nice to meet you."
Arjuna chuckled softly. "Nice to meet you too."
Then, the air got heavier, and the final hologram was revealed. The hologram was a man, built even bigger than Sari. His skin was rough, and his muscles seemed to live another life.
"Bada," he grunted. "The ape here is Genderuwo."
The enormous figure with the red-flaming eyes stood behind him. The projector barely had room for it. Like its contractor, it grunted at Arjuna. Arjuna nodded back in response.
The doctor ended the introductions with a clasp of his hands. "And that is us, the Ghost Guild."
Way too sketchy…
Arjuna stared at the doctor intensely. "This is the group opposing the jester's group?"
"The kid's belittling us," Bada slammed his hand on the table.
"Let's all calm down," the doctor gestured at Bada.
The tension in the air became palpable, weighing down on the room. Even through the flickering holograms, Arjuna felt the weight pressed down on him. He felt their strength, not as an individual, but as a group.
Ha…
Arjuna exhaled sharply. "I prefer not getting into the politics of the factions."
The doctor sighed wearily, leaning back in his chair. "I suppose that's a no."
"It's a no," Arjuna said firmly.
The holograms had differing reactions. Some exchanged glances, while others stayed put. They weren't showing a definitive emotion.
"However, feeling how strong you guys are, I wouldn't mind a few training sessions. I need to harness Poci's power properly," Arjuna shrugged.
A heavy silence descended upon the room. The members were stupefied by what Arjuna said. The members found the offer arrogant. No one would want to train an immature brat. Then, a deep laugh rumbled through the room.
Bada smirked, his hands crossed. "You're one cocky son of a gun."
Ibu let out a slow exhale of smoke. "He's gutsy."
Sundel Bolong interrupted. "Not like you at all."
"Quiet, you," Ibu popped a vein.
The doctor put his hands together. "How about this? We let you train with one of us. Then, you can decide again."
Arjuna thought for a moment. "Fine."
"Any preferences for an instructor?" the doctor smiled at Arjuna.
Arjuna glanced again at the faces around the table. This time, he noticed something amiss. There was an empty chair, two of them to be exact. He thought that one was reserved for him.
The doctor followed Arjuna's gaze and smirked. "Noticed, have you?"
He tapped his fingers against the table. "That seat is reserved for someone the Tuyul has been keeping an eye on."
Tuyul?
Bada slammed the table. "Quit stalling! I'll take you on. How about it, kid?"
Arjuna blinked in disbelief. "Huh?"
"You heard me," Bada grinned, resting his chin on his fist.
Bada pointed at Arjuna with the other hand. "A brawl. Man against man. No magic, no tricks. Pure physicality."
Arjuna looked at his skinny self. "You've got to be joking."
"Wouldn't that be too much, Bada?" the doctor looked at Bada at the other end of the table.
Bada scoffed. "He needs to learn how to take a hit."
Arjuna raised a brow. "I'd rather dodge."
Bada laughed. "You won't be able to."
Ibu shook her head. "There go his ribs."
"Well, if you're up for it, I don't see why not," the doctor looked back at Arjuna.
Arjuna considered his options. He glanced back at the holograms, but everyone seemed disinterested except Bada.
Arjuna sighed. "Let's do it."
Bada grinned. "I'll be waiting."