Memories of a Thousand Years
Bandits

Nirmala took him to a settlement on the mountain. Passing through a large gate of wood. There aren't many people there. They stared intently as soon as Nirmala came with a stranger. Staring hatefully as if looking at a criminal. Some people are making arrows. Some sharpen weapons. It is like a sword but shorter. Some practice shooting with a bow. Some make body armor. 

Bayu, Nirmala and Tama walk past them. 

Bayu "Why are their gazes like that?"

Tama "Don't mind them you're safe with me"

Bayu "Who are you?"

Tama "Just a boy hahaha"

Nirmala "They will catch anyone who is in the mountain region. You may have heard the rumors. That the Mountain Bandits were ruthless and barbaric people"

Bayu "Is that true?"

Nirmala "Maybe right. But they won't do anything if they're not desperate. They feel threatened by the presence of a stranger like you."

Nirmala took him into the cave. It has a large carved door. Not like the usual cave. Inside it looks more like a house.

Very neatly arranged, with tables and chairs.there are some bulkheads containing the bed. Then there was a large hall. They will use this cave in case of a storm.

Nirmala "Sit down first, I'll be right back."

Bayu sat in a short chair inside the hall. Tama sat with him.

"Is he the man you're looking for?"

"hm." Bayu nodded.

"What's looking for her?"

"It's none of your business"

"You know maybe he won't be allowed to leave here."

"Why?"

"Because he's the leader here."

"Leader?"

"Yes." Yeah."

"There is no leader in charge."

"Yeah, chief yes chief, and he specifically leads the troops."

"Teacher? Are there a lot of people?"

"Hmm all you see here is a part of it."

"All spread around the mountain, guarding this area "

"Key? From what?"

"From bad guys like you."

"Huh? Why do you say I'm evil?"

"Why do you think the princess could be here?

"Ah. Because....."

"if you're not evil it's impossible to do that to the solids."

"I may ask you?. What happened the first time he was found?"

"that I don't know. I don't know why the chairman brought him here. He was seriously injured, the chairman healed him and let him stay here. Usually the chairman will only bring men. You know women are very troublesome"

"Why is that so"

"Chairman says. The heart of a woman is never strong. Easy to seduce and fool. One day they will betray because they are tempted by seduction or the lure of mere lure."

"..."

"Either why the chairman is so good to him, he will usually be firm to new people."

"Then"

"you know, he was unconscious for a week. But after realizing he was like a madman. Just crying and crying. I pity to see it."

"do you know why she was crying?"

"weren't you his friend you should know better why he was crying then."

"After he's healed, why doesn't he come back and look for me?"

"are you kidding?? I don't think you understand him at all."

"??"

"i don't know the details but. His family was slaughtered by robbers or assassins, his best friend was seriously ill, and he was accused of poisoning him, his adoptive father threw him away, and no friends were looking for him."

....

"there was nothing to believe in him, and he was left under the mountain."

"That's.I'm...."

"why do you think he should come back?"

"..."

"if for revenge he might come back."

"but he's not a vengeful man."

"right, that's why he's staying here."

"Why do you call her princess?"

"We don't know his name. He never told her"

Nirmala came from a room. Chairman's room.

"get angry again? ask the boy."

"crewette."

bayu stood up, "nirmala.." a million questions popped into her head.

"We're talking outside."

"don't follow" exclaimed nirmala to the boy.

Nirmala stopped on a rocky cliff on top of a mountain, and sat there. Hanging both his legs. Little creepy. Once slipped maybe you'll slip to death. The rocks beneath it must have destroyed the entire body.

"Noromachi..."

"Sit down.."

Nirmala who is always cheerful as left behind in massalalu. He is calmer and more critical.

Bayu sat beside her, crossing her legs. 

"Nirmala, i..."

"A year has passed, how have you been all this time?"

"..."

"How are Dhika, Haris, Mr Wiriya, Mr Wijaya, how are they?."

"how is Mr Budhi?"

Nirmala took a long breath. He lifted his face to the sky

"How are you Nirmala?"

"you reckon?"

"you're not coming back?"

"where back? to parigi city? or the next thousand years?"

Bayu was stunned to hear that. 

"I miss everything in town, every day I miss, birds chirping, breeze, boisterous markets, fragrances in your shop."

Her tears started to flow.

"Mrs Kake Sapta, Kang Iwan, Uncle and Aunt, Ayu...."

"i miss you." said the baby slowly.

"dad, I miss everything, but I can't go back. I'm a ghost there, someone who's long dead."

"even if I live, I'm just a murderer there."

"But you're not a killer, I know that."

"it won't change anything Bayu, the fact is it's been, made like that."

Nirmala wiped her tears

"so why are you here?"

"i'm sure it's not that you're looking for your savior, are you not that kind of person."

"there really is another reason."

"It's not because I saved people, is it? haha."

"Stop joking"

"hmmm well tell me." Nirmala changed her sitting position. Crossing his legs and shifting towards Bayu, a line of smile carved on his lips, very sweet.

"Ngomogn says you look different"

"really? What's different?

"You look more beautiful"

"You kidding me?"

Bayu smiled "your looks are more cool. Since when don't you wear a skirt?"

"Everybody here is a man. There's no skirt here"

"You're not afraid to live here. In the middle of the men."

Nirmala smiled "I am the strongest here. You probably won't believe it"

"It's been alkaline enough so what made you come here? You don't believe I'm dead?"

"Truly this time I'm sure. And everyone probably now believes you're alive. I'm sure everyone will be looking for you someday, so I'll be looking for you first."

"oh. why?"

"They thought you were the one who called the creature."

"Huh?"

"the man you saved, mistook him for that, and the lopsided news soon spread."

"my fault I shouldn't be late. Then"

"about the light jade.."

"he? what's?" Nirmala was astonished to hear that sentence.

"Giok Glow, everyone already knows that jade is on you."

"why can?"

"Arwah Laras gave us a clue and we accidentally mentioned your name."

Nirmala and Laras promised to cover this up. There would be something dangerous if many people knew about it. People will fight over it. It's not a good thing. Although the Jade Light provides benefits. But his great power will make everyone's greed spring up. I don't know how much more blood is flowing to get the Jade.

"They said the Jade was cursed with Laras. No one will be able to find it for five years. I understand if it's true that you're from the next thousand years but. But I don't know, how can you take it?"

"you want to know?"

An arrow stuck into the stone wall, containing a folded piece of paper. Nirmala took it and read it.

Without saying much, Nirmala looked at a place, according to the instructions from the paper.

Nirmala took her bow and arrow. The arrow slowly glowed bluish, an energy that he was flowing through. He released the arrow shot through the trees beneath him a hundred meters ahead.

Nirmala returned to her seated position. "Until we got there?"

"you, how can you take that thing?"

"hmm. like this."

He practices it to Bayu.

"just take it. It's easy"

"But no one will be able to take it."

"who do you think I am?"

"i'm not anyone in the world. But I'm someone from another world, of course I can."

"..."

"After all. I'm not the one looking for him. The barrel that led me to him."

"you really keep it? that jade."

Nirmala smiles.

"Woodoo, they already know all that, let them know, I did take the jade, you don't have to think about anything else, huh.."

"but they'll find you one day, maybe they'll take that away from you"

"they should be sure first that I'm not dead."

"..."

"you think who wants to dump me first. Now look for me"

"Let it, when the time comes, they'll know the truth."

"i'm worried if the jade they get then"

"just relax, you trust me. Like I believe you."

bayu smiled, "by the way, where did the creature come from"

"There must be someone calling him, but I don't know who it is."

"what does this have to do with mongol warriors?" 

"maybe."

"What does this have to do with the summoning formation that Mr. Budhi is investigating?"

"I think it's related. I'm still investigating that, too."

"oh. the herbal merchant on the mountain disappeared, I'm afraid there's something to do."

"no. I think the people who call the creatures are our people, they're different."

"You think so?"

Nirmala thought of one thing. 

"Wood if my guess is not wrong....."

Nirmala stopped from her sentence. Feeling anxious and unsure.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm afraid there are people who work with mongol warriors and use the creatures"

"Huh?"

"bayu can you pass on the information to Mr. Wiriya?"

"what's wrong?"

"There's no need to worry about these creatures, they're still usable. It's just, I think 7 days later, Mongol warriors will come to attack."

"What's? You didn't say the wrong thing?"

"I wouldn't steal this. But, I'm afraid there's something else after this."

"What are you talking about?"

"i got the information, they're anchored, and quietly approached."

Bayu listened to everything that was talked about

"With speed like this, they must arrive within the next 7 days."

"How can."

"there's a traitor among us You realize that."

"They are the ones selling our information. The location and place where we escaped our patrol."

"just only. The terrain they're on, they're not used to guerrilla warfare.they're slower than I thought."

"what is guerrilla warfare?"

"like an ambush, or something."

"That means they probably show up at night."

"make a strategy in four days, we don't know where they're coming from."

"Mn. I understand"

"No need to worry about the creature.we will take care of it.

you just have to tell me that the creatures are actually weak, as long as they do not take their toll they are weak creatures."

"hm."

"Nirmala, I want to give this back" Bayu took out a small pouch that he had once tucked away.

"it's yours now, you really took care of it. I trust you. Now go home. Don't linger here long.

If there's something, just throw an arrow in here. I'll come but you don't come here again ya."

"hm."

Bayu rushed down the mountain. To deliver all those messages. He must meet with Dhika first. Telling everything in nature. Dhika is the one he always believed in. Only to him Bayu told him about Nirmala. 

Bayu also told him about the Mongol soldiers and the Wiriya lord. 

Mr. Wiriya was curious where he got the info from. But he promised that he wouldn't tell anyone about this. He only guessed and predicted with the evidence available. As Nirmala said. Fortunately, he can make everyone believe and believe. 

Mr. Wirya as the most influential person in the city of Parigi is also one of the members of the central government. It could lead everyone to make preparations. Or at least prevention. 

-----

Bayu Visits Mr. Budhi at the training ground close to the regent's palace. He wants to speak four eyes.

Lord Budhi as usual is building a Mandalika palace warrior. Mreka marched and followed all the instructions of the instructor. Mr. Budhi observed from outside the room. 

"Uncle there's something I want to talk about."

"Speak"

"I'm sure you don't want anyone else to hear this." 

Mr. Budhi understood the meaning. There must be something important or something secret. "We'll talk inside"

They sat in a small meeting room. Mr. Budhi played the cigar in his hand, not since when did he stop sucking the cigar. Just dodging. Playing it in the hand. Then put it in his pocket again.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

"is uncle happy if Nirmala's alive?"

His hand stopped turning the cigar. The look on his face seemed unexpected after a year Bayu never asked that.

"why are you talking like that?"

"actually where did uncle take him?"

the blood from the shirt, not the blood, right?

Uncle deliberately took her there, but she was just left out, right? 

in the hope that he will live.

When Mr. Tono said he saw it, you were happy, weren't you?"

"...."

"if I told you I saw her, would you just keep quiet?"

Master Budhi looked at him in wonder. His eyes began to water.

"don't say anything Bayu."

"Uncle is a good person I'm sure of it . That's why uncle lied to us all."

"What do you want to know?"

"none. He said he won't come back.

He'll still be a ghost to this town."

"if he's safer there, then it's better not to go back."

"Uncle you know, all the information I got, it's from him."

"you believe it.?"

"as long as we've been through, how can I not trust him. Someone even came to ask me if he really died. Many people he helped even when he was not with us. I'm proud of him.

Uncle if something happens to him again I promise myself, I'll stay with him"

"I'm glad he has someone like you. I regret not being able to protect her for longer. I'm so sorry."

"Don't blame yourself uncle. He also knew the kindness of his uncle"

Nirmala always tells Bayu about the latest info mongol soldiers. He shot an arrow at Bayu by slipping a piece of paper. Only Nirmala always gives information. Without being able to be responded by Bayu. The reason. Nirmala always shot the arrow wherever Bayu was. Bayu did not know where Nirmala was to return the message. 

Seven days passed the Mongol soldiers really came. Attacking suddenly. Fortunately the troops from the palace had prepared themselves until not many victims fell. The Mongols returned with defeat.

At that time Dhika participated in guerrilla warfare.he joined the palace soldiers, of course it was all demand from his father. Although he did not want to do so but he still obeyed his father's orders. Without disappointed him.

The first ambush was successful in the field, but how so on. This time it was lucky to get help from Nirmala. Somehow with the next.

The victory of the war back then made Mr. Wilis a big head. Ministers and envoys from the kingdom modestly praised him. All they knew, the information and strategy of the war at that time was his idea. He did not even mention Bayu and the heads of the big families who took part. Even Dhika who participated in the war room was as if invisible, even though most of the mongol soldiers were defeated by him.

Seeing that no one opposed him, however, Mr. Wilis was appointed to lead the war at that time. 

Inwardly Dhika muttered, but she had to swallow it round round to not embarrass her family.

The banquet was held again to celebrate the success of Mr. Wilis in the war, still in the same place. The palace of Mr. Wilis.

As usual all the higher-ups and the extended family were invited to celebrate, as well as to boast, he displayed the king's gold award, and proudly displayed it to everyone there. 

Bayu pursed his lips and murmured incoherently.

Not willing the achievement was taken over by him, an arrogant person who had no feelings. 

Dyah approached Bayu, with a long kebaya he wore he looked very sweet. But of course it can not touch the heart of Bayu at all. 

The wood that broke away from the crowd of the banquet just stood beside the window. 

"You didn't join the others?"

"I don't want to be in the crowd right now."

"Someone has seen Nirmala, how do you feel?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"i thought you'd be happy."

"whatever. Whatever happens, I just hope he's happy. Not to suffer anymore."

"if he dies then he's happy?."

"whatever. If you expect him to live only to suffer, then I would hope otherwise."

There was a commotion in the crowd. 

Someone exclaimed, "I really saw Nirmala when she went hunting in the forest near the dense forest, I'm sure it was her"

"he seems to control a creature like a shadow"

Bayu's face suddenly changed as if he wanted to reveal something.

"Do you think that's true" asked Dyah.

"no."

In the midst of the crowd, all the misunderstandings become more complicated.

Bayu approached "can't you appreciate the dead? can't you just let it rest in peace?"

"What do you mean, shouldn't you be happy that your friend is alive.?"

"Of course I'd be happy, but I'm not happy with all of you. Ayu is dead and it's no use keeping this a secret, doesn't everyone know why she could die,"

"Of course because the punishment had given Ayu poison."

"But Ayu was still dead even though there was no Nirmala, for it was not Nirmala who poisoned her."

"That's not proven at all. Ayu died because the poison effect was still left behind."

" This year I've learned about the poison.it's not a poison that can make a person die with a single gulp, the poison weakens all vital organs to look like ordinary anemia. some days the effect of the poison will disappear, but it lasts up to three months, which means ayu still drinks the poison regularly.

didn't anyone think about this?"

The longer the Bayu the more emotional. Everyone is drawn to the dispute. Bayu was firm on his stance.

"It's been a long time and no one can prove it."

"right. Nirmala is long dead and let it stay that way, because it's long gone."

"The light in his hand what if a Mongol warrior got it." Suddenly Mr. Wilis joined the conversation

"So that's your goal? Looking for light jade?"

Bayu smiled bitterly and continued his sentence.

"i don't think it's because they're afraid of taking the Mongols, maybe they don't even know about it"

"what do you mean?"

Bayu smiled bitterly then left the banquet hall. 

------

Night lanterns have decorated the entire house. They'll be witnesses when the night story unravels. Sometimes it is only they who accompany when the dark covers. 

Wijaya's family home is always filled with laughter. There are no sad stories in the setiao corner. Maybe that's what people think. No one can read someone's heart. So are those lanterns.

The last few years have not heard any more laughter circling the house. Children who always have fun are now growing up. So did Haris and Bayu. They grew up together under one roof. With people who love them. But of course disputes sometimes happen. But it's not a big thing. Such as breaking expensive jugs or releasing rare animals that are deliberately brought by Mr. Wijaya to be maintained. Child with innocence. But Mr. Wijaya never took that seriously.

Bayu again troublemaking. In the last few years, no more mischief has been made. He even helped with the investigation with Mr. Budhi, or something else that deserves a thumbs up. Disputes at the banquet of Mr. Wilis made Mr. Wijaya furious. 

Haris and Bayu are seen fighting with their mouths in the family room. Quarrelling. Bayu's attitude when at the banquet really shames the family name of Wijaya. 

Haris "can't you take care of what you say? Did you forget where you were?"

Sayu "didn't you hear what they're talking about."

Haris "all has nothing to do with us. You better not interfere with this matter."

Bayu "can't do that"

Lord Wijaya came with a red face. Walk quickly into the family room. His wife followed behind him.

Mr. Wijaya held back his anger, but of course because he understood first Bayu was very lost Nirmala, Now after a year passed he felt angry because someone would disturb the calm of his close friend.

Mr. Wijaya Bayu, Uncle understands how you feel, but you're in the wrong place to talk"

Bayu "uncle.me..."

Mr. Wijaya "Woodu hold your anger, you know what the situation is like this time. Mr. Wilis the more cruel he is not even reluctant to hurt his own people. Don't let our anger end with something worse."

Bayu knows that. And he understood. "i'm sorry Uncle, I shouldn't have acted that way."

Rindah "Here you go, don't worry anymore.We all know how it is, after all Bayu has realized that."

Mrs Wijaya is a good person, they treat Bayu as their own child. Jayu loves this family very much.

Bayu returned to his room and lay on his bed. Crossing his hands into his head pads. One of his legs was on his other leg.

Haris came with two cups of tea. For him and for Bayu. "Painful?"

"Of course not. I'm satisfied to have thrown everything out"

"Sad. You never change"

Bayu let out a long sigh "I suddenly remembered when I was first brought here."

"What's up with that?"

"Where do you think uncle picked me?"

"You're a very rude matter. You think you're a cat?"

"Picture it like that"

"Dad doesn't like cats so you're definitely in his tent"

"It's so cruel that I like cats."

"Ah you're talking bullshit again. You're making me dizzy"

"How's your sister doing?"

"Well asleep"

"You know, I don't remember how my mom and dad were. But I don't think too much about it just sometimes I'm a little curious"

"Absolute curiosity about what?"

"How they died."

"Don't talk about it. You'll be sad. Better talk about something fun. Besides, it's not just you who lost your parents. My mother also died when I was a child."

"really. Did you miss your mother?

"Sometimes. But my stepmother was also very nice. I'm not worried. You don't worry about anything either. You have us"

"You're right"

Rindah is the second wife to Mr. Wijaya. They got married ten years ago. But only been gifted a descendant. Rindah has just given birth to her first son. Diberinama Galih Surya Wijaya's. What a beautiful name for a baby boy.

----

The land of Sunda is precarious. The entire martial training lodge increased his training schedule. According to the instructions of the Capital Palace. They must prepare for war. The enemy is not only from the Dwipantara region. But also from the outside, like the Mongols who then managed to conquer half of Asia. It could be from other races also want this land. A country rich in spices. The fertile land and the cross-center of the two great continents. It will be very suitable for cross-trade centers. There is nothing untouched by this land. That is why the central government appealed to all regional heads to improve quality. Recruiting youth, training them to become soldiers. Either to become an ordinary soldier, become a temple, become Basura or the others.

Dhika received the direction to become stronger, he has trained his inner knowledge if now called canuragan science. 

So too with Bayu. They grow stronger. They must be able to defeat that monster. A little bit of information from Nirmala changed everything. All training huts are more focused on the science of bath. That would be very useful.

Mr. Wilis is still trying to get the Jade. He silently ordered his small army to search for Nirmala. Bayu who knew it quietly followed them. Bayu always watches over Mr. Wilis' every move. Bayu was already suspicious that Mr. Wilis would definitely look for Nirmala. 

Early in the morning a group of Mr. Wilis's men left the palace. The lady suspects where they are going. Sure enough they were right heading for the dense forest. Starting from where Nirmala was first left off. The baby followed him all day. Follow them silently. Far into the forest.

Hingha they meet Tama accidentally. The boy again played by himself, wandering outside the guardrail.

"Who are y'all? Why is it here?"

All of the soldiers were astonished why there was such a small child in the dense forest, one of them exclaimed "he may be the descendant of a mountain bandit."

"then we arrest him as a gift to Mr. Wilis. He must be very useful"

Hearing that Tama who was sculpting in front of them immediately ran over, 

Bayu who was still observing from afar felt claustrophobic wanting to help her.

Tama linger away from the soldier, but they are faster than the boy. 

"daughter help me", with all her might she screamed.

Nirmala who heard that immediately ran over. He was looking for him, Tama's a smart child in hiding so hard to find. As soon as he heard her scream Nirmala immediately ran to look for him. Tama fell in his run. He's cornered. Nirmala ran and grabbed him. The group surrounded them both. Unfortunately he did not carry his bow and arrows. Inevitably, he had to use both his hands and his short sword.

"My daughter is scared!"

"Stay behind me"

"I recognize you, you.often with Ms. Ayu"

"Nirmala??"

"Right, I remember him. He's really Nirmala"

Nirmala drew her short sword "don't come near!"

Tama who stood behind him was like a half-dead scare.

"Tama, run as hard as you can, never stop, never stop, 

"What about you?"

"i won't let them advance any closer. Nor will they let them out of this forest. Run, get help as soon as possible. Youunderstand?"

Nirmala swung her sword. Make a gap for Tama to run from there.

"Run!!"

Tama also lengthened with all her might as instructed by Nirmala.

Now only Nirmala and 20 of Mr. Wilis' men remain.

Nirmala yelled "whatever happens don't ever get out of your place"

Bayu heard it as if he understood that the message was for him. 

Because if they escape, and see Bayu then everything will be even more chaotic.

They started to attack, fortunately Nirmala was now stronger, thanks to the self-science the chief taught her, she could fight them but of course. One against twenty is outrageous, after all Nirmala is female.

The few times that warrior sword managed to wound him, this fight would not be quickly finished. Nirmala was tired, a soldier raised her sword, Nirmala was not ready.

Bayu muttered in his heart. Who are you, why do I rule over you. Did I promise to protect you.

Bayu repelled the sword to Nirmala, seeing Bayu on his side, the soldier was annoyed with Bayu. 

"Susceptual Bayu! What are you doing?"

"What indeed?"

"a person from a distinguished family is not supposed to protect a murderer."

"Ah. I'm sick of all this"

The fight continues fiercely. Nnirmala was already feeling at her limit. It should end soon.

The help from the mountain has not yet arrived. Several times Bayu was attacked. Nirmala ran away from the location. Some people were chasing but he did not heed. To make his shot right he has to be in the right distance. He stopped from his step immediately turned around

Nirmala tried to concentrate the spiritual energy in both of her hands.

With high concentration, an energy wave is formed. 

In his left hand the energy formed a bow, he pulled the strings instantly formed arrows with blue light. He released the arrow, darting through the leaves, the arrow split into ten, darting about the enemy enemy who was fighting the bayu. Died instantly. The remaining three soldiers looked at it. They turned around to run down the ridge. The arrow that had struck it disappeared like air, Nirmala felt very tired. That power drains his energy.

Damn it. The help from the new mountain came after all was done, Nirmala was suffocated and unconscious. Bayu held her back until she didn't fall to the ground.

Note :

Puragabaya is a term for a unit of soldiers of the Palace that specifically protects members of the kingdom. They don't carry weapons. They are good at the science of death. Fighting with empty hands. But they always carry heirloom weapons like kris, kujang or something. These weapons are not for fighting. As a form of identity.

The Bassura is a special unit of professional archers. Vision ability, firing range and precision of shooting became the main capital of these experts. In the guerrilla war they played a very important role. Especially to protect the troops on the front lines.