The Thousand Mask Warrior

Rajah Kembang Kenanga

Pride in the chest of Datuk Mas Kuning saw the development of Jayaseta. He was not surprised at all that the young swordsman was able to master the lessons and knowledge he gave, but that does not mean the effort that the man does not need to be praised.

During the practice of this more organized silat movement Jayaseta never seemed to complain and underestimate the orders and requests of the teacher.

His dance-like movements are more perfect. It seems that Jayaseta is really trying to get to know her body more deeply.

Dara Cempaka is inexhaustibly amazed by everything that sticks to Jayaseta. In addition to his good looks and physical charm, Jayaseta is someone who has a person and good temperament. She is polite, appreciative of Datuk Mas Kuning as a teacher and an older person, as well as Dara Cempaka, as a younger woman but has an elevated place.

Both of them every night always pair up doing gentle but broad movements of this Malay silat.

Although it is clear that Dara Cempaka really enjoys this togetherness every night, the girl still does not play around in terms of this practice. He was as real as Jayaseta and behaved as an exemplary disciple.

Coincidentally, both of his parents who had special and special positions in the kingdom of Sukadana, now went as ambassadors to the Kingdom of Banjarmasin. They had to leave for some time leaving Dara Cempaka.

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Dad," said Dara Cempaka as her father expressed his concern about leaving their only daughter in Sukadana.

"Yes, yes ... You're not a child anymore. Do not act like a child. You worry us constantly" replied the father.

"Dad you mean, because I keep visiting Grandpa?"

"certain. Do you realize that your grandfather was not a random person? He was a house arrest. Until now I can't do much for him. It's because he forced me to do nothing."

"Well, Dad's been obedient to Grandpa, let alone me. Grandfather doesn't mind me coming to his house anyway. He even taught me silat, just like when he taught me first. How can a disciple fight his teacher, can't he, Father?"

If it's like this, the father can only shake his head. Free to fight and defend his daughter.

With the departure of his parents to Banjarmasih in royal duties, it is certain that Dara Cempaka not only came to visit the Datuk's house, he could instead be said to be currently living there.

Jayaseta himself followed the instructions and teachings of the Grandfather to concentrate everything this time solely on the movement and understanding of his body, not the inner energy that comes from anger.

"I think you've mastered enough of all the moves I teach?"

Jayaseta jerking. "Really, Grandpa? Did you make no mistake?" jayaseta said a little suspicious because he could hardly believe his progress.

Datuk Mas Kuning nodded steadily. "If you're an ordinary person, it takes years to learn these whole moves perfectly. If you're an ordinary swordsman, a whole month is needed. But, you can master it in just a few days, nakmas."

Jayaseta is not good at ignoring a teaching. He is not the type of a martial artist who feels able to master the silat of a teacher or experience, and then thinks that he has become perfect in the canuragan.

Dara Cempaka was not surprised either. He was self-conscious from the beginning and understood that he was incomparable to Jayaseta. He can't compare the way Jayaseta studies with him. Almost everything can be said to be very different.

How easy Jayaseta is to follow the movements of this Malay silat. Not only imitate but also absorb the essence and use of every movement.

"It's time for me to try to give you treatment for the wounds caused by the poison of the curse of Kyai Ageng Plered's magic spear" murmured the Datuk.

Jayaseta breathed a sigh of relief. His heart rumbled, he was looking forward to this moment. This is the point he will be at. Is he really able to escape from the foreign power that so dominates his body? Can he return to Almira's embrace as a peerless warrior man who is sane and healthy?

This is the fateful night.

Jayaseta bare-chested. The injuries he had from the fight on the deck of the ship could already be said to be healed, perhaps miraculously, perhaps because his body was trained to heal wounds well.

With his sasmita ability, the Datuk can see clearly the rajah Nagataksaka and Garuda Sentanu unfinished pictured lit up around the Spear Pusaka Kyai Plered puncture scar.

According to the command of the Grandfather, Jayaseta sat cross-legged and in a state of fury and regulated his breathing, recognizing each of his own nerves and muscles. This time he was required not to involve his inner power in any form. An effort that is not playful. Therefore the Datuk taught him the Malay silat to prepare him with this situation.

The atmosphere became very stressful. Even Dara Cempaka could not enjoy the view of the body of the man he liked because he himself felt his heartbeat beating fast. He was worried and hoped everything would go well.

Datuk Mas Kuning grasped a golden skewer with a flower decoration belonging to his grandson, Dara Cempaka, which Dara had used to attack Jayaseta when the two first met.

The sharp tip of the konde puncture stick has now pierced Jayaseta's skin, making her bleed. Jayaseta frowned, while Dara Cempaka held her breath and screamed.

A tattoo is inscribed to form a flower bud, Rajah Kembang Kenanga.

Blood continued to flow from the nicks of the konde puncture wound. Slowly Dara saw the grandfather inscribing the diagram of the keepsake flower to Jayaseta's body with a mysterious look. He could not imagine how much pain Jayaseta was feeling. Jayaseta himself brings out his best abilities.

He does not avoid pain, instead he familiarizes himself with that feeling. This body is his, the pain is only a temporary guest, so is the poison of the curse of the spear Kyai Ageng Plered, Nagataksaka and Garuda Sentanu.

There was no war of those powers with the curse poison of Kyai Plered within his body. It is inconceivable that Garuda Sentanu who has not been completed by Grandpa Salman will have to fight again with the poison Kyai Ageng Plered.

With sweat and blood Jayaseta held back and felt the turbulent pain in his body, while Dara Cempaka continued to grimace every time the tip of his skewer scratched Jayaseta's skin and injured him.

Finally Datuk Mas Kuning successfully completed the petals and incised for the last time, a line that resembles a flower stem towards the beak of Garuda Sentanu.

Now there are three lit faces on Jayaseta's chest. A Nagataksaka who was gripped by a Garuda Sentanu aimed at suppressing the ferocity of the dragon. While the keepsake that is clamped in the beak of the Garuda is displayed to dampen the anger of the bird.

Done already.

Jayaseta opened her eyes, feeling a new force in her body.

Done already.

Isn't this all done? Is this really the end of his journey against the curse of Kyai Ageng Plered?

"You'll have to wait a while longer, nakmas Jayaseta. You can't use your inner energy at all in a few days, maybe longer, until your wound dries up. The fragrant blossoms help to relieve the power of inner anger and eliminate toxins. However, you must be patient, nakmas. If you use your inner strength, even a little bit, then the results will be more severe and terrible. That's why, I've been trying my best to teach you to be patient and recognize your body with that dance-like silat art all along."

Jayaseta nodded. He understood the true meaning of the word of the Grandfather. He arrived at this place with a struggle. A little patience, what does it mean.

It was then, that both Jayaseta, the Datuk and Dara Cempaka heard the noise below.

Datuk Mas Kuning raised his hand so that Jayaseta and Dara Cempaka did not look out. He stood up and walked to the window, seeing what was going on out there.