Pendekar Nusantara
White Snake

A very bright day. Aska started back in training.

Among the bamboo trees in front of the house.

Aska is playing against Ki Salawi. Fighting using a stick between bamboo trees makes Aska overwhelmed because of its narrow footing.

"It's hard... Grandpa was really fast. For him bamboo is like no hindrance," Aska's inner breath gasps.

Both of them paused for a moment and put up the horses of the attitude of the tide.

"Small step Aska... The view of the focus ahead, concentrate and do not be staggered by the bamboo around," said Ki Salawi.

The two started fighting again. Aska attacked straight ahead using the head of a stick. Ki Salawi dismissed Aska's attack. Aska tried to approach Ki Salawi to launch an attack.

***

The Royal Palace of Sunda Galuh (Padjajaran).

Thrones hall.

The entire royal family gathered. Even up to the top of the kingdom from the Advisors, Senopati, Patih, and the Commander of the Kingdom.

"Rai. You really embarrassed me. I warned you. But you ignored him" said Prabu Siliwangi.

"Now I'm handicapped Raka. I can't walk anymore. Does Raka not want to do anything for me?" said Amuk Marukul.

"It's your own fault, you have to bear the consequences" said Prabu Siliwangi.

Amuk Marukul's face showed his annoyance.

"Hear everything... The reason why this kingdom became one of the strongest in Bumi Nusantara is because it is supported by one of the legendary warriors. Now I'm gonna tell you who he is. He is Ki Salawi the one you always disturb Rai's residence. And the man who punished you yesterday. Even worse you harm his students by hiring a group of panther associations and make the dignity of this kingdom destroyed" said Prabu Siliwangi.

Amuk Marukul and all the people in the hall of the throne were silent and watching Prabu Siliwangi's words.

"The reason I kept it a secret was because I promised not to tell anyone, not even my family. Do you remember when we had a meeting on the south coast. In Bumi Nusantara there are seven legendary warriors. And the Queen Kangjeng warns us not to disturb him and even one of the seven warriors can destroy one kingdom. I had a hard time getting into a relationship with Ki Salawi and was humiliated by my own sister. What should I do now, Counselor?" prabu Siliwangi.

"I'm sorry Gusti Prabu if I'm presumptuous. What if Ki Salawi and his student were invited to the palace to be given a banquet as an apology" the Royal Advisor said.

"A good suggestion. But, I'm not sure if Ki Salawi accepted our invitation. Because I know he doesn't like what's called a big banquet. But I will try to come to his residence" said Prabu Siliwangi.

"From now on no one should act foolishly and defile the name of the government and for Patih, Senopati, the Commander and the Prajuri. I punished you guys. You really make me embarrassed by your actions that attack someone in a way far from the word swordsman," said Prabu Siliwangi.

All are silent confusion.

"I'm sorry Father Prabu. Was he the one at the time?" ask Raden Kiansantang.

"Yes my Son. He's the one you were suspicious of. He was named Askara Paramanda, only six months into a student Ki Salawi," said Prabu Siliwangi.

"But Father Prabu, why do I not feel the energy even if I cannot feel it?" asked Raden Kiansantang.

"According to Father, there is no strange thing if he is a student of a legendary swordsman" said Prabu Siliwangi.

Raden Kiansantang was still wondering what happened to Aska. Because in six months he was already that strong and his energy could not be felt.

What actually happened was because Aska wore a mask of Nawadewata retaining auran and for the ability, actually Aska was still under Raden Kiansantang. In Aska's last fight with Raden Kiansantang in because Aska was only lucky to use Ajian Panolak Hawa to withstand an impromptu attack Raden Kiansantang.

***

The front yard of Ki Salawi's house, between bamboo trees.

Aska attacked from below with her wand. However, when Aska will catch Ki Salawi first step on the head of his stick. Then Ki Salawi hit Aska's hand with his stick. Aska's grip off. Aska tries to retreat, but Aska stumbles and falls.

"Today is quite first to get here," said Ki Salawi.

Stand up too.

"Aska... You are still disturbed by the conditions around you. That means you haven't focused on your fight... Remember Aska fighting does not only occur in large places only. It could be that you are fighting in debt full of thorns or in a swamp or in a place that you have never been. So try harder Aska," said Ki Salawi.

"Good Cake. Grandpa's words will I remember," said Aska saluted.

Aska and Ki Salawi walk back home. In the courtyard of the house was Raka, Yasa and Citta were training.

Seeing the arrival of Aska, Citta immediately approached Aska.

"Aska's done practicing?" ask Citta.

"Yes..," Aska replied smilingly.

"Look... I also want dong to practice in bamboo with Aska," said Citta.

"Drink first" Citta gives Aska Water.

"Thank you... Uh Cit..," said Aska.

"Hm what?" Ask Citta.

"Grandpa ain't got water too?" Ask Ask Ask.

"Eh yes forget Hahaha." said Citta laughing and taking water for Ki Salawi.

"This is the water cake," Citta gave the water a shy smile.

After a while Raka and Yasapun finished training and took their own drinks because Citta was unwilling to take them.

It's already afternoon. As usual, Yasa and Citta return home.

***

The following days Aska was filled with practice. From starting to improve the effectiveness of basic silat movements, train Ajian Panolak Hawa, Jeblag Jurus, Saketi Tapak, Tapak Sakti, Tapak Sakti Selaras, and more, practicing dance and interjected interspersed to mediate and also practice a match with Ki Salawi among the bamboo trees in front of the yard.

***

Three months later.

Among the bamboo trees in front of the courtyard.

"Good Aska, now your steps are getting smaller and regular... Let's go one more round" said Ki Salawi.

"Good Cake" said Aska.

After a few taps putting up the horses of the tide stance, Aska attacked Ki Salawi. Aska continues to launch his attacks well. Ki Salawi withstood Aska's attack. And Aska's defense is getting better not many gaps like before.

The fight is over.

Aska and Ki Salawi return home. And sit in the yard.

"Aska, Raka, Yasa, Citta. Come here" said Ki Salawi.

All the disciples of Ki Salawi gathered and sat in the small saung of the courtyard facing each other.

"What's the cake?" ask Raka.

"Grandpa wants to talk about Aska" said Ki Salawi.

"About Aska?" ask Citta curiously.

"Yes... Aska trained here has even nine months and Aska's ability is quite good than before" said Ki Salawi.

Raka, Yasa and Citta watch Ki Salawi closely out of curiosity what he will tell her about Aska.

"So tomorrow Aska will go to start his short journey" said Ki Salawi.

Everyone was shocked to hear Ki Salawi.

"What Cake? Why did Aska have to leave? Askakan can train here with us," said Citta tone surprised.

"Yes Cake... Why did Aska have to leave? I haven't avenged my defeat yesterday Cake? Ask let's rehearse the match now," said Raka tone surprised and did not accept.

"Hahaha, you want to fight Aska, you will still lose" said Citta laughing mellow.

"Well... What did you say? Denger yes spoiled child. I was hesitant yesterday and halfheartedly fought him. If you know this, it will be serious here," said Raka shouted furiously.

"Haha... It's a kid's old boy. Not going to win" said Citta meledek.

"Have never argued before" said Ki Salawi.

Raka and Citapun stopped arguing. And looked back at Ki Salawi.

"There is no training against Raka. Now Aska has to take a break for her trip tomorrow. And Citta Aska left because there was something she had to do. The journey of Aska is still long. So whatever the condition is he has to leave" said Ki Salawi.

Visible face of sadness Citta and looks annoyed face Raka because of her defeat and has not practiced the match back and looks confused face Raka as well as sad.

***

The night has arrived. Aska went to bed early so that in his new journey he was more energetic.