038. Away From Water

Blood-related, Jalu inherited the DNA of his grandfather through Bayu. Even before joining Division 96, he was far from ordinary. Along with his comrades, Jalu had undergone a series of genetic enhancements, transforming him into a superhuman—or mutant, as he and his fellow operatives referred to themselves. These modifications endowed him with extraordinary abilities, making him significantly more perceptive and resilient than the average human.
Members of Division 96 seldom experienced surprise or succumbed to sudden sleep, especially in the presence of otherworldly beings. Their heightened senses were finely tuned to detect the subtlest fluctuations in their environment. Every shift in the air, every nuance of humidity, and every trace of presence was registered with an almost preternatural awareness.
Every creature across dimensions radiated a unique life energy aura, a subtle field that allowed them to perceive the presence of others without relying on sight, sound, smell, or touch. Yet, as Jalu focused on Liriénka, he sensed nothing—no signature of this energy that should have surrounded her. She appeared to merge effortlessly with her environment, her presence as elusive as mist blending into the morning fog.
"What's wrong?" Liriénka asked, breaking Jalu's train of thought.
"My friends and I had to undergo painful surgery to eliminate body scent that could hinder us during missions. But you seem to naturally possess that gift."
"Why would you want to get rid of your body scent?"
"There are many beings from other dimensions that can track someone based on their scent. Imagine if we had to ambush such creatures with the stench of our armpits or the fragrance I'm wearing now." Jalu pinched the collar of his shirt, lifting it briefly to release the subtle aroma of amber.
Liriénka stared at the man, puzzled.
"So why are you wearing fragrance now?"
"We're getting you some proper clothes," Jalu replied casually. "Every human, whether naturally or artificially, carries a unique scent. It's odd when someone doesn’t—especially around the opposite sex."
"Opposite sex?" Liriénka echoed, tilting her head.
"Men and women," he clarified.
The red blush returned to the beautiful girl's cheeks. She seemed to weigh her options for a moment before saying, "In that case, teach me to take a shower until I smell like you."
Jalu shifted uncomfortably at Liriénka’s request. Fumbling, he checked the time on his device—it was nearly eleven. Plenty of time left. He retrieved a set of new toiletries from the guest room drawer, opening each item carefully. With a reassuring nod, he led Liriénka to the bathroom, handing her a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. "Don't forget to change into the dry clothes hanging here," he reminded her, making sure she was settled before stepping out.
While waiting, Jalu started the car engine and lit a cigarette. Alone, his thoughts once again wandered through his memories. Before Liriénka, he had encountered several beings from other dimensions, both in Indonesia and other countries. Jalu allowed the non-aggressive entities to leave. However, every creature that attacked him met a tragic end at his hands. Since the demise of Division 96, he avoided dealing with anything from other dimensions.
But he found something holding him back when fighting Liriénka. His attitude wasn't driven by curiosity about the girl who had killed his targets. Instead, it was the fear radiating from behind Liriénka's eyes since their first encounter. At first sight, Jalu knew that, no matter how fierce the niylath girl fought, she was merely trying to defend herself. Liriénka's instincts were no different from those of an ordinary human wanting to survive. And, for some reason, that prompted Jalu's heart to help her.
"I smell good now!" Liriénka's cheerful voice made Jalu turn towards the open front door.
Jalu's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Liriénka. Dressed in an oversized black T-shirt and camouflage cargo shorts that hung well past her knees, she looked like a sweet girl struggling to pull off a rebellious look. The outfit seemed too mismatched for her innocent demeanor, and Jalu felt a pang of guilt for not having something more suitable.
"You might end up spending more time away from the water, Liri," he said, crouching in front of her.
He noticed her body tensing at the use of the name "Liri" and her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. Jalu ignored it, focusing on handing her a pair of flip-flops and demonstrating how to wear them.
"Is there any way to avoid problems while staying away from water for too long?" he asked, his tone shifting to concern.
"I’ve been away from water for a while while cleaning the garden," she replied. "I wet my hands whenever my body starts to feel odd."
"In that case, I'll bring some water for you." The man quickly entered the house and emerged with a bottle of mineral water in hand.
After locking the front door, Jalu opened the car door for Liriénka, motioning for her to sit beside him. He smiled softly, watching her fidget in the leather seat of his SUV. The slick, synthetic texture seemed to make her uneasy, her discomfort visible in the way she shifted.
The route from Jalu’s house in Cipaganti to Lembang was simple—just a straight drive along the main road. Though alternate routes existed to bypass the usual traffic in Setiabudi and Gegerkalong, he deliberately chose the main road, knowing it was lined with boutiques. That’s where he planned to buy everything Liriénka would need.
"There are so many humans, Jalu. Is it alright if they see me?" the girl asked as they arrived at one of the largest boutique in the area.
"You look like any other human," Jalu reassured her, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "If anyone stares, it'll be because you're wearing men's clothes—completely unsuitable for a woman like you, Liri."
Like before, Liriénka's body and facial expression tensed up when called by the first two syllables of her name.
"Is it alright if I call you Liri?" Jalu asked, gently diverting her attention from the onlookers browsing the store's products.
"In my culture," Liriénka began, her voice soft and her gaze fixed on her slender fingers, "shortening a name signifies taking responsibility for the well-being of its owner."
She glanced up, her eyes heavy with meaning. "In Arüniylath, we hold Innarín every ninth month. Young niylaths fight for status, warriors for ranks, and males for the favor of females. Those who emerge victorious demonstrate their dominance by shortening the names of their defeated opponents."
Liriénka paused, her expression thoughtful. "You have bested me in combat. By our customs, you have the right to shorten my name. Yet, I do not wish to impose the responsibilities of my cultural norms upon you. I understand that your world follows different customs, and I would not burden you with mine."
"I will protect and accompany you while you're in this world," Jalu declared, his voice resolute. Liriénka turned to him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "And when it’s time for you to return, you can forget about our fight."
She remained silent, but her eyes betrayed the conflict swirling within her.
"I didn’t do it to assert dominance," Jalu continued, his tone softening. "I did it because I’ve never heard the name Liriénka before. Your skin, your features—they're just like my people. It’s better if your name isn’t too foreign to those who will hear it."
Instantly, the girl’s face brightened, her features softening into a sweet, reassuring smile. Jalu’s explanation had brought a sense of calm to her heart, easing a tension she hadn’t realized was there. Yet, beneath her smile, Liriénka harbored a lingering secret about the Innarín ceremony—the grim truth of what awaited after each fight's end.