"Hey!" Sangga Kelana waved his machete as soon as he was on top.
However, unexpectedly, the tiger swung its body in a very cute and flexible manner, so that the slash of Sangga Kelana's saber caught the wind. Then after his feet hit the ground again, he prepared again to receive the king of the jungle's next attack.
"Come on! Attack me!" shouted Sangga Kelana desperate. "Auuummm...!" the tiger roared loudly
shook the earth.
"Phuih! You think I'm scared, huh?!" Sangga Kelana spit out his saliva.
Sangga Kelana moved his feet along the ground. He waved his machete in front of his chest. While his eyes narrowed wide staring at the tiger that just languished in the thick grass.
***
"Auuummm...!" The tiger again roared loudly. Meanwhile, Sangga Kelana, who had been ready all along, immediately dodged, as soon as the tiger jumped and lunged at him. Sangga Kelana dropped his body while swinging his machete towards the animal's stomach. He rolled onto his side and immediately jumped up. While the flick of the machete only hits the wind, because the tiger can dodge it by flexing its body.
Before Sangga Kelana had even stood up, the tiger had again lunged and roared. He hastily flashed his machete and hit the tiger's lunge. It was really unexpected, even though it was in the air, the tiger was able to dodge the flick of its machete. Even unexpectedly, the tiger arched its body even higher.
The tiger seemed to have been trained to face armed human opponents. Not to mention the wonder lost, suddenly one of the animal's forelegs grabbed from above.
"Ah!" Sangga Kelana shrieked.
Blood was pouring from the shoulder that was torn by the sharp claws of the tiger's paws. He immediately jumped back. The wound on his shoulder was so large that blood was pouring down his clothes.
"Grrr...!" the tiger growled as soon as it smelled fresh blood.
"Ukh! I'm dead," moaned Sangga Kelana in despair.
Back the tiger lunged at high speed. Meanwhile, Sangga Kelana, who had lost his enthusiasm, avoided the attack as best he could by dodging while waving his machete.
More and more blood was pouring out of Sangga Kelana's wound. His movements were getting weaker. His eyes were dizzy because too much blood was coming out. Since then, none of his machete slashes have hit the target.
Sangga Kelana is now completely powerless. It's not enough to just stand up. While sweat and blood mixed into one. His breath was shallow and fast. Now he was just kneeling, leaning on his machete. Meanwhile, the tiger appeared to be crouching about three spears from Sangga Kelana. While his eyes stared wildly thrilling heart.
"Come on, kill me! Pounce on me, beast!" Sangga muttered
Desperate wanderer.
"Grrr..." the tiger just growled softly. Like making fun of Sangga Kelana's despair.
Seeing that the tiger was silent, Sangga Kelana tried to get up. But just moving, suddenly the tiger growled loudly. Making Sangga Kelana discourage him. Now only his eyes dared to stare at the tiger which remained languishing lazily. He was surprised, why the tiger became so tame. It's just that, every time he moved the tiger growled violently. Like he was about to say, he had to be quiet.
"Wonder, what exactly does he want?" muttered Sangga Kelana in the day
Not to mention that the question was answered, suddenly sounded
long shrill whistle. The whistles echoed, as if they were coming from all directions. After two long whistles were heard, then on the third whistle, the tiger stood up. Movement slow as lazy to get up.
"Oh!" Sangga Kelana was even more shocked when his eyes caught a figure in a red robe already standing in front of him.
She was an old woman whose hair had turned white and curled up. His face was full of wrinkles, but his sharp eyes looked at Sangga Kelana. His whole body was wrapped in a loose red robe. While his right hand holds a stick with several round-headed curves that are irregular in shape.
"Striped...!" the strange woman's voice sounded hoarse and dry.
"Finish him!"
The big tiger growled softly, then immediately pounced on the helpless body of Sangga Kelana. He tore the body apart and ate it with gusto.
After feeling full, he immediately lay down beside his master. While his tongue was sticking out licking the remnants of blood that stuck to his mouth. Then the grandmother who ruled the Crater of Hell, nicknamed Ratu Macan Kurnbang, asked her pets to leave the carcass of Sangga Kelana, which was left with only bones.
Besides being a very dangerous area, Hell Crater also holds many mysteries. Until now, meaning that it has been three days, the news of Sangga Kelana has not been caught. Meanwhile, Sanggabawung was already lying in a rotting corpse, his body crushed by hundreds of venomous snakes.
Such a ferocious area, could it be that the Sacred Eagle Warrior and the Death Fan were there? It felt difficult, even though he was a powerful figure. This can be seen from several figures in the black martial arts jungle who are just waiting at the edge of the Crater of Hell. Even then they have thought about doing it a thousand times.
And this was also realized by Rangga and Pandan Wangi. They know how dangerous it is to be in that area. As for Rangga, he also didn't want to take too much of a risk, because people from the martial arts jungle who wanted his head for a thousand pieces of gold coins, were waiting there. That's why they weren't actually there.
"How is the development of Kali Anget Village?" Rangga asked Pandan Wangi who always observed the state of the village and the people of the martial arts jungle.
"There is a new development," said Pandan Wangi.
"You mean?" Ranga is interested.
"Soon there will be an appointment for a new village head, and there is only one candidate, Ki Karangseda," Pandan Wangi explained.
"So, what are the actions of Suryadenta and his younger siblings?"
sister?"
"They kept trying to find Ki Jatirekso and Jaka Wulung. According to the news, it was Ki Jatirekso who had invited the jungle martial arts figures. But Suryadenta and his younger siblings did not believe it. Instead, they suspected that it was Ki Karangseda and Ki Pungkur who were behind all this. ," explained Pandan Wangi again.
"I knew it..." Rangga muttered softly, as if he was sure that the crime would eventually be uncovered.
"I also received information that Ki Karangseda
secretly always in touch with the Karang Island Demon Woman," continued Pandan Wangi.
"Who's he?" Rangga asked a little surprised.
"An old woman, but she still looks young and beautiful. She is a powerful figure who came from Coral Island. In the past, Ki Jatirekso also had a relationship with this woman, when they were both young. However, at that time he was still known as the Warrior Iron Fist."
"Keep going," asked Rangga when Pandan Wangi stopped. "I'm not sure what the connection is between
they. But what is clear, before that incident occurred, Ki
Jatirekso has indeed ordered Jaka Wulung to look for you," Pandan Wangi continued.
"Looking for me? For what?" Asked Rangga surprised.
"I don't know, that's all I can get," said Pandan Wangi.
Rangga thought for a moment. His forehead wrinkled deeply, as if he was thinking hard to digest all the information. It's not entirely clear, but more or less it can be used as an illustration. Then Rangga let out a long sigh, his head looking up at the clear blue sky of clouds. It seems the sun is starting to lean to the West, while its rays are no longer stinging.
Slowly the Sacred Eagle Warrior got up. His eyes stared straight into the Hell's Crater. From such a high place, he could clearly see the shape of the area. In the twinkling of an eye, its shape is indeed similar to a crater, but very densely overgrown with trees, and surrounded by small hills like a new fortress of nature. To get there, there is only one way, namely through Kali Anget Village.
"The only way to open this veil, we must meet Ki Jatirekso," Rangga muttered softly, as if talking to himself.
"I don't think so," said Pandan Wangi. "Hmm... you think?" Ranga turned around.
“Coral Island Demon Woman!” Pandan Wangi said firmly.
Ranga frowned again. Of course,
she must know everything. It's just, it's impossible to get information from him. How is that possible, it is clear in this matter that he is always in contact with Ki Karangseda
On the other hand, contacting Ki Jatirekso or Jaka Wulung seems inappropriate. Not only is it time consuming, but they don't know where to look? And no one knows where they are now. Unless.... Yes! Except, only one knows. And that's also just a possibility.
"Come with me, Pandan!" shouted Rangga suddenly and immediately jumped.
"Where to?" asked Pandan Wangi immediately jumped in "Just go with it!"
Meanwhile, far outside the boundaries of the neighboring Kali Anget Village
To the south, you can see a small house with clapboard walls and thatched roof with thatched leaves. The house seemed so hidden, because it was surrounded by big and small trees. It looked deserted as if uninhabited. But inside the house, Ki Jatirekso and Jaka Wulung were sitting on a bamboo cot. While in front of them, sitting on a pandan mat, an old woman is plaiting bamboo which is finely ground.
The woman was Nyi Nirah, mother of Ki Jarirekso
which also means Jaka Wulung's grandmother. His body looks very thin covered kemben flowers that are worn out. While the wrinkles of his skin filled the whole body. While rows of black teeth will be seen when he yawns widely. But with this condition, he still has a clear shine in his eyes, a sign that he has something inside his body. Even though she is over a hundred years old, Nyi Nirah can still weave bamboo. It can be seen from the fingers of his nimble hand weaving.
"When will you return to Kali Anget Village, Rekso?" asked Nyi Nirah breaking the silence. His voice still sounded manly even though it was shaking.
"Maybe not," said Ki Jarirekso slowly.
"Aren't you sorry to see your people miserable? I know very well who Ki Karangseda was, his character and behavior were exactly like his late father. I'm not sure, this incident was because he wanted to avenge his father's death," said Nyi Nirah, recalling her past.
"Maybe so too, ma'am," said Ki Jatirekso.
"Your father was also a warrior. He was the one who killed Karangseda's father because he defended his honor as a man. How could a man in this world remain silent when he saw his wife being taken away from him. Well, actually he wasn't the one who killed him. but me! I was the one who thrust the Pancasona heirloom keris into his chest. I am proud of your father, Rekso. He wanted to take responsibility, even though he had to die on the scaffold. Since then, I no longer want to step on Kali Anget Village," Nyi's voice sounded sad. Nirah.
"Never mind, Mom. There's no need to remember that incident anymore. I've forgotten about it. That's why I was willing to be elected as village head, even though I'm aware that events like what's happening now are the result," said Ki Jarirekso trying to calm his mother's heart. . "The news has spread widely that you were the one who invited the people of the martial arts to behead the Warrior Rajawali Sakti," Nyi Nirah's voice whispered.
"Let them guess that, ma'am. Let Karangseda laugh with their victory. After all, in the end, the people can decide. I don't think I can do anything anymore. I can only watch and see!" Ki Jatirekso's voice was a little depressed.
"What if they believe that you invited those people? I also heard that there is a Coral Island Demon Woman among them," Nyi Nirah gave a choice.
"I will face that woman. She will never stop bothering me until I cut her throat!" Ki Jatirekso was also furious at being reminded of that.
"You won't be able to, Rekso. He's not your opponent. "I'd rather die in his hands, than be a puppet
game!"
"But, after all, she is still your wife. I, can feel her feelings because I am also a woman, Rekso. As ferocious as a tigress is, she would not possibly prey on her own family and offspring. Maybe she just wants to take out her heartache on you. But she doesn't intends to harm you, let alone kill you," reminded Nyi Nirah again.
Ki Jatirekso was silent. To be honest, he still loves her. But because of his wild and insatiable behavior only. with one man, Ki Jatirekso was forced to leave him with a disfigured face. But somehow, the woman now looks younger and more beautiful.
In this world, there are indeed so many things that are difficult for common sense and minds to understand. Everything that seems impossible, sometimes becomes a reality. Whether it's in a straight way or allied with satan. Anyway, all the ways taken by humans to find self-satisfaction. Humans are indeed the most selfish creatures on this earth!
For a moment Ki Jatirekso glanced at Jaka Wulung. Since earlier, his son's eyes never left looking outside. Jaka Wulung is the only child from his marriage to Telasih, the Demon Woman of Karang Island. However, since he was ten days old, Jaka Wulung never knew who his mother was. Meanwhile, Ki Jatirekso always said that his mother had died during childbirth.
"Father...!" Call Jaka Wulung suddenly.
Ki Jatirekso immediately got up and approached the young man. He peeked his head through the slightly open window. Looking a bit far ahead, there were two shadows of human bodies trotting toward this house. Two white and blue shadows flashed from behind the trees.
"You know those two people, Rekso?" asked Nyi Nirah, who was not following the surveillance.
"It's not that clear yet," said Ki Jatirekso, who was no longer surprised to hear his mother's question. He knew very well who his mother was. The woman could hear and distinguish motion from a considerable distance. Because he has perfect remote hearing skills.
"These two people have very high knowledge, the swing of their legs is so light and smooth," muttered Nyi Nirah as she tried to get up.
Seeing that, Jaka Wulung immediately jumped up and helped his grandmother stand up. Then led him to the window. Even though the woman didn't need any help walking, she let her only grandson help. Even he smiled proudly at Jaka Wulung. Meanwhile, Ki Jatirekso gave a place so his mother could see outside more clearly.
"One boy and one girl. They are still very young," said Nyi Nirah after looking outside for a while. “Ah!
"Rajawali Sakti," muttered Ki Jarirekso softly.
"Who ?" asked Mrs. Nirah.
But before the woman's question was answered, Ki Jarirekso had already jumped out. So quickly, all of a sudden he was standing straight in front of the hut. Ki Jatirekso looked like he was blocking two people who were getting closer to the hut. Is it true that Ki Jatirekso's conjecture and vision?
***
What Nyi Nirah heard and felt was true. The two people who came were the Sacred Eagle Warrior and the Death Fan. They immediately stopped walking after they were close to Ki Jatirekso. Meanwhile, from inside the hut, Nyi Nirah came out accompanied by Jaka Wulung.
Rangga immediately lowered his head and saluted the old woman who was already standing beside Ki Jatirekso. Nyi Nirah replied by nodding as well as a warrior meets fellow warriors.
"If I'm not mistaken, is it true that my grandmother's name is Nyi Nirah?" asked Rangga to make sure.
"That's right, young man. How did you know my name?"
replied Nyi Nirah politely, compensating for Rangga's politeness. "Aunt Pelangi has a lot of stories about grandma."
"Ah, yes..., how is he now? Are his two nephews healthy and comfortable living there?" "Everything is fine, Nyi."
Nyi Nirah glanced at Jaka Wulung who was standing beside his father.
"Jaka! Why are you silent like a statue? Come on, give it
respect your uncle!" snapped Nyi Nirah.
Jaka Wulung became confused, he quickly bowed, saluted Rangga smiled and replied by bowing too. This situation, not only surprised Ki Jatirekso and his son, Jaka Wulung. Pandan Wangi is the same way. They were surprised to see Nyi Nirah and Rangga as if they already knew each other, so they respected each other in such a way.
"I already know a lot about you, Rangga. Even though I've shut myself up here for decades, I can always follow what happens outside. Adik Pelangi says that he has raised you as a brother, and of course you are also my brother," said Nyi Nirah smiled broadly.
"Thank you," said Ganga.
"Come on, let's just talk inside," said Nyi Nirah.
Rangga immediately took Pandan Wangi's hand and followed in the footsteps of Nyi Nirah who was accompanied by Ki Jatirekso and Jaka Wulung. Not long after, it was seen that they were sitting on the floor of the hut which was made of boards and covered with pandan mats. Jaka Wulung immediately provided several jars of wine and glasses made of crushed bamboo.
"Please," Nyi Nirah invited her guest to drink.
Rangga immediately raised the glass that had been filled with sweet wine by Jaka Wulung. While Pandan Wangi also drank after Nyi Nirah and Ki Jatirekso drank from the same jar. While Jaka Wulung just sat beside his grandmother. In his mind, there were still many questions about Rangga and his grandmother who respected each other so much.
"Is there something special that you came here for? Or is it just a stop over?" asked Nyi Nirah after a few moments of silence.
"Actually, I came here on purpose, but unexpectedly met Ki Jatirekso and Jaka Wulung's sister here," said Rangga, glancing at the two men sitting flanking Nyi Nirah.
"Hm..., yes, yes...! I know." Nyi Nirah nodded. "Frankly, Nyi. I didn't believe it from the start, if
Ki Jatirekso invited those hotshots to kill me,"
Ranga said honestly. "And actually I came here to ask Nyi for help. Because according to Aunt Pelangi, Nyi has advantages that no one else has."
"Ki Jatirekso has told me everything. All of this is just because of someone's old grudge against Jatirekso. I myself don't know why you are the scapegoat."
Then without being asked, Jatirekso immediately wrote down everything that happened a few years ago, until it has come to a long tail until now. Meanwhile, Rangga was a little surprised when he found out that Ki Jatirekso was the son of Nyi Nirah. Now the problem is clear! The mercenaries are deliberately brought in to disrupt the atmosphere, which is actually just to cover up Ki Karangseda's bad intentions.
"I know where the demon woman lives," said Jaka Wulung.
"How do you know, Jake?" asked Ki Jatirekso.
"All this time I have been investigating who provided the thousand pieces of gold coins. Sorry, Father. I did all this to clear your name," Jaka Wulung explained.
Without being asked, Jaka Wulung immediately shared his experience of stalking Ki Karangseda and Ki Pungkur who went to the temporary residence of the Karang Island Demon Woman. While taking turns, Rangga immediately explained that he had succeeded in leading the jungle martial arts figures out of Kali Anget Village and towards Hell Crater.
Now in the hut they can be heard telling one another, what they have experienced so far while looking for a way out. Now Rangga already knows the problem, who should be supported and who should be opposed. Suddenly his heart burned, because he was made a scapegoat by Ki Karangseda and the Karang Island Demon Woman. Apparently they took advantage of the past to overthrow Ki Jatirekso. A vicious plan laid out neatly.
***
The atmosphere in Kali Anget Village was really lively. All corners of the village are decorated, while in open and strategic places stages are set up for entertainment. Even though Ki Karangseda was still two days away from being crowned village head, he was already occupying the big house that was reserved for the village head officials.
Meanwhile, in the middle of the large courtyard, there was already a large stage. While several seats were invited to look neatly lined up around the stage. It's a shame, the excitement didn't shine on the faces of the residents who looked restless. From a long time ago, they all knew who Ki Karangseda really was. And they still expect Ki| Jatirekso reappeared.
Ki Karangseda can be seen walking around the big house that will be his in two days. His lips continued to form a victorious smile. He was very satisfied, even though the entire population did not want him to become village head. And thanks to Ki Pungkur's harsh methods, all the villagers were forced to agree and elect Ki Karangseda to be the village head.
"Have you heard about Sanggabawung and
Sangga Kelana, Adi Pungkur?" asked Ki Karangseda to Ki Pungkur who was never far from him.
"Not yet," said Ki Pungkur.
"I'm sorry, why did the Karang Island Devil Woman order them to the Crater of Hell," Ki Karangseda's voice was low. It seemed he regretted the loss of the two brothers.
"Maybe they died there, Kakang," Ki Pungkur guessed.
"Yeah..." sighed Ki Karangseda. "So far, no one has ever been able to get out of there once they've entered."
"What about those people?" asked Ki Pungkur. "They're still in the vicinity of Hell's Crater." "Let them wait until old!" grunted Ki
Karangseda.
"Do you believe the Sacred Eagle Warrior is there?"
"Even if he had gone there, he would have died. As great as he was, he would not have been able to compete with the Queen Tiger Panther's pets."
Ki Pungkur was silent even though Ki Karangseda laughed at his victory.
"Why are you silent, Adi Pungkur?" asked Ki Karangseda when he saw his younger sibling being silent and not happy.
"It's okay," sighed Ki Pungkur trying to smile. "What do you think?" insisted Ki Karangseda.
"No," said Ki Pungkur briefly and slowly.
"Hm..." Ki Karangseda muttered. His sharp eyes looked at Ki Pungkur's face full of inquisitiveness. He was sure, if there is something propping up in his sister's heart.
"I'll check around the village first, Kakang," said Ki Pungkur feeling embarrassed to be looked at like that.
Ki Karangseda just mumbled and nodded. His eyes were still staring intently at his younger brother who had stepped up. He was sure, Ki Pungkur was thinking about something that was kept secret. For the past few days, Ki Pungkur seemed to be quieter than usual. Such a striking change, of course, got the attention of Ki Karangseda.
The brightly dressed man was still standing where he was. He was still thinking about Ki Pungkur's attitude which had changed drastically in the past few days. It seemed impossible, if he was constantly anxious just because he lost two of his favorite students who were so loyal.
Ki Karangseda immediately discouraged him from taking a step, when from the side suddenly a beautiful woman wearing a tight red dress was walking towards him.
"Devil Woman of Karang Island…," sighed Ki Karangseda. "What is he doing here?"
The woman whose real name is Telasih
immediately stood in front of Ki Karangseda. Her ever-red lips curved into a wide smile and quivered slightly as if to tease. With a tight dress like that, Telasih is like a teenage girl. Not the slightest hint of old wrinkles on his face.
While in the chest still bulging tight. While her waist is slender, forms beautiful hips and makes every man's eyes that look at her bulge. Those who don't know who Telasih is, might think that the woman is a teenage girl.
"What did you come here for?" asked Ki Karangseda while swallowing his saliva.
"Should not?" Telasih even asked back. His eyes twinkled with a seductive smile on his lips.
"It's not that it's not allowed, but..." Ki Karangseda didn't continue his words. He glanced right and left.
"No one can recognize me, Karangseda. Look, you are interested in taking me to the contest, right?" Telasih spread his hands
Again Ki Karangseda swallowed his saliva, wetting his suddenly dry throat. The woman's attitude really tempts his manhood desire. Even though he deserved to be called a grandpa, his taste for beautiful women never disappeared. While his eyes returned to surveying his surroundings, worried in case someone was watching.
Ki Karangseda immediately grabbed the woman's wrist impatiently. While Telasih screamed spoiled, as soon as his body fell into Ki Karangseda's arms. Suddenly his hand held Ki Karangseda's head who was about to kiss him.
"Be patient, please... don't be here," Telasih sighed spoiled.
"He he he..., you make me excited, cutie," chuckled Ki Karangseda.
Telasih let go of the old man's embrace, then sauntered to the back of the house. While Ki Karangseda followed behind, chuckling. His gaze continued to crawl the hips of the woman swaying in front of him. They soon disappeared behind the barn wall behind the house.
Soon there was only the sound of giggling, in between the sighs of hunting.
***
Ki Karangseda looked elegant in a green robe embroidered with gold thread. His smile continued to expand watching the crowd in front of his house. While all the invitees have attended and occupied the seats provided. While almost the entire population, spilled out around the yard of the house. Only the eyes and facial expressions of the residents did not describe joy. It was as if they were forced to witness the coronation of the new Head of Kali Anget Village. But Ki Karangseda really didn't care about the residents' displeasure. He was quite satisfied with the position he had dreamed of for years.
Ki Karangseda immediately sat down in a carved chair
beautiful and golden. While on either side sat Telasih and Ki Pungkur. It is undeniable, even though Ki Pungkur always smiled, from the light in his eyes it was clear that he was not enjoying all the joy and entertainment. Meanwhile on the big stage, several beautiful girls swayed to the rhythm of the gamelan.
"I feel something wrong here," Telasih muttered to himself.
"They will soon submit to me!" replied Ki
Karangseda doesn't care about the attitude of the residents who don't like it.
"But you still owe me," said Telasih.
"He he he..., soon you will hear about the death of the Sacred Eagle Warrior."
"That's not it! I don't care about him!" "So what?"
"Jatirekso!"
"I'm sure he was torn to death by a tiger. Besides, if he was still alive, how could he dare to come here? Never mind! You don't need to think about that stupid man anymore. Just let him suffer!"
"But you promised to bring his head to me, right?" Still billing.
"Of course, but after my coronation ceremony is over.
That was our promise before."
"I'm waiting for your promise, Karangseda. Watch out! One full moon after your coronation, you must hand over Jatirekso's head to me."
"He he he...," Ki Karangseda just chuckled. Of course he remembered all the agreements between them.
Meanwhile, Ki Pungkur just listened. His mind was still confused with his two beloved loyal disciples. He wasn't sure either, if the Sacred Eagle Warrior went to the Crater of Hell. He suspected that this was just a ploy to divert the mercenaries hired by Ki Karangseda. Indeed the rewards given are very tempting. So it is not surprising that so many martial arts figures came.