The Thousand Mask Warrior

Battle on the River Part One: Pratiwi Instinct

Pratiwi. His short instincts ignited as the war grew closer and closer. The clink of iron and steel weapons, the smell of blood floating in the air seemed to be grabbing the attention of the female swordsman. He felt a keris tucked in the front belt like a Malay man, though his clothes still looked very Javanese.

Yu looked at his wife. Now they're in the hull of the ship. Beneath them, the crew and the stewarding slaves were in silence waiting for orders. The soldiers had mostly left the ship. Yu did not notice, however, that the threat was approaching.

“I feel we are in a precarious state, Yu,” said Pratiwi.

“What do you mean, Pratiwi? These three ships were attacking the pirates. I am indeed uncomfortable with this state of affairs, but what exactly do you mean by precarious?” reply Yu.

Fong Pak Laoya listened to the conversation. He scratched his chin which had been overgrown with coarse hair after a long time in the land of people.

“Remember, this ship is also used to attack opponents, Yu. The cannon has been fired many times from the bow. You sure they won't reply?” reply Pratiwi.

Yu let out a long breath. “I don't like this at all,” murmured. “What do you think will happen, Pratiwi?” continued Yu.

“We have to get ready anyway. I have this kris, maybe if indeed we are then attacked back by the opponent, I will need another weapon like a sword maybe. You, Yu, it's time to use your silat skills and other abilities. Prepare your toxic needles,” Pratiwi explained flat.

“But you are still in a bad state, Pratiwi. Would it not be better if we just hide with the slaves and crew down there while waiting for the results of this battle? Besides, I'm not sure Laoya can take care of himself,” said Yu as he looked at the Laoya who only shrugged his shoulders.

“I'm fine Yu. I've gotten a lot better, especially since I've understood that I can't use my inner strength. But my body has been stiff for too long. If not moved, healed I will become an old man,” said Pratiwi.

Yu actually still showed his disapproval. Pratiwi understands this. She then looked at her husband's face. “I am a swordsman, Yu. It has become a major part of my life. This is how I was educated, this is how I live. How many people have I killed ...”

“Good, well, alright, Pratiwi. You always use that excuse when you're about to engage in a battle. It is very difficult to love a female swordsman,” said Yu looks annoyed and desperate. “I only asked for one thing. Please be careful, and we have to work together. I will protect you from enemy attack if they really get on this ship with my needles. Instead, you should also protect your husband,” explains Yu.

Yu snorted in annoyance, but softened as Pratiwi smiled.

Since their marriage a while ago, Pratiwi has grown into a different figure. Yu probably realized it, maybe not. Physically, indeed the body of Pratiwi is not as fast as the old, as fast as in the past, or as great as in the past, but he is still an accomplished swordsman. Illnesses

her relatives still come and go, but Yu and Laoya are always by her side.

However, in terms of psyche and nature, Pratiwi became a woman who was no longer too cold and heartless. He once twice could joke and laugh cheerfully. Even without her guessing at all, her affection for Yu grew even more prominent. He could not explain more thoroughly or in detail what the taste was like. What is clear is that he feels accepted, cared for in such a way and trusted.

Pratiwi looked at Yu's face which left that thickness, then approached and kissed her lips slowly. “We will work together, Yu. I pledge. For that we have to go upstairs and see what happens. We do not need to engage in combat if it is not needed, but my feeling is that we cannot remain silent,” said Pratiwi.

Yu sighed. His soul began to calm down. He was willing to die if he had to be with Pratiwi. So, with great confidence he nodded then looked towards Fong Pak Laoya. “Laoya, we beg you to stay down here. We had to go upstairs to see things and be on guard.

Fate has brought us into its vortex. We should be able to get out of it,” Yu said.

Unexpectedly Fong Pak Laoya just nodded. He may agree with Pratiwi's instincts which however is that of a swordsman.

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Dear readers, this episode is the last episode of this month as well as the opening of a full episode without breaking the daily that will air in August. Please enjoy and thank you for your support.