SCENE 6 - THE MONKEY-MEN AND MAN-MONKEYS

EXT. USANGHA FOREST - DAY

Sari and Jaka find themselves standing at the edge of the dense and mysterious Usangha Forest. Towering mountains encircle the sacred forest, their cliffs steep and treacherous, deterring any warrior from attempting to climb them. It becomes evident that the only way to reach the elusive Lake Tarub is by venturing through the daunting depths of Usangha Forest.

Lacking a map, Sari and Jaka are left with no choice but to rely on the knowledge of the people they encounter. Their search leads them to Pangeh Village, their weary bodies longing for respite after the arduous journey. With no inn available, they arrange to stay in a humble villager's house, finding solace in the honesty and modesty of the old widow.

The sun rises on a new day as Sari and Jaka make their way to the village tavern, renowned as a gathering place for travelers and a hub of information. Seated in a secluded corner, they indulge in the flavors of Rainusa, savoring the popular dish of chicken betutu, accompanied by rice and sambal matah. The delectable blend of spicy, savory, salty, and sweet dances upon their tongues, rejuvenating their spirits.

Sari, her eyes brimming with enthusiasm, gulps down the last of her water, invigorated for another day of searching.

SARI

Ah, how refreshing! I can't wait to resume our quest for clues today.

Jaka nods in agreement, a renewed sense of purpose coursing through their veins. With gratitude, they settle the bill and step out of the tavern, ready to seek answers from the villagers.

To their surprise, the inhabitants of Pangeh Village, including the widow they had befriended, claim ignorance regarding Usangha Forest. Frustration sets in, realizing that their inquiries are met with deliberate evasiveness.

Determined to unveil the truth, Sari and Jaka set their sights on the village healer and elder. They approach the wise, half-bald man, whose white mustache carries the wisdom of many years. A gray-furred monkey perches atop his shoulder, an enigmatic companion.

The elder speaks, his voice laden with caution and mystery.

ELDER

That is the sacred forest of the Manawa and Wanara. Those who enter its depths are forever changed, if they ever return at all. Only the accursed Leyaks traverse its realm without resistance.

Sari shudders, a cold tingle running down her spine, realizing the villagers' animosity towards the Leyaks.

Jaka, ever straightforward, cuts to the chase.

JAKA

Let's not beat around the bush. Will you guide us to Usangha or not?

The elder gazes down at his monkey companion, contemplating his response. Finally, he shakes his head, concern etched upon his face.

ELDER

I'm sorry, but I cannot divulge that information. Entering the sacred forest poses great danger to your well-being.

Sari reaches out to restrain Jaka, recognizing the elder's reluctance to disclose the location.

SARI

Never mind, Jaka. Let's continue our search independently. The villagers' reactions suggest that Usangha Forest is nearby.

Before the elder can intervene, Sari and Jaka hasten outside, leaving the perplexed healer behind.

Jaka's frustration bubbles to the surface as they walk.

JAKA

At this rate, we'll have to scour every inch of this region, searching for forests that merge with mountains. The problem is, there isn't a single mountain in sight! It's infuriating!

Sari's eyes gleam with determination as a plan forms in her mind.

SARI

Then let me devise a little trick. Perhaps it will provoke some villagers into revealing the way.

Sari's footsteps halt, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Suddenly, a group of warriors stands before her, blocking her path. More emerge, encircling Sari and Jaka, their presence emanating a palpable energy.

Jaka raises his fists, recognizing their intentions.

JAKA

You're trying to deliver us to the authorities, aren't you?

One of the warriors chuckles, confirming Jaka's suspicion.

WARRIOR

Almost right! But we have a little competition amongst ourselves. Whoever subdues and defeats you will claim the prize.

A determined smile forms on Jaka's face, his eyes meeting Sari's. They understand that the only way to ensure their safety is by fighting their assailants together. Without hesitation, they launch their counterattack.

Sari strikes with precise movements, her fan a graceful extension of her will. With a swift motion, she incapacitates a female warrior, leaving her immobile.

However, their foes refuse to yield. Sari endures a blow to her side, sending her sprawling. Undeterred, she rises, unfurls her fan, and slashes it across her attacker's chest.

Sari's resilience ignites the fury of her assailant, who retaliates with relentless strikes. Sari evades, rolls, and lands a powerful kick that sends her opponent crashing to the ground.

Yet, the battle rages on. A vicious punch lands upon Sari's unprotected back, followed by a kick to her face. Gasping for breath, she collapses, her body wracked with pain.

The burly warrior, his chest bleeding from Sari's earlier strike, seizes the opportunity to claim his victory.

BURLY WARRIOR

You're lucky I need you alive. Surrender now, and the prize is mine!

Before he can secure his hold on Sari, a dagger pierces through his scaly armor. A pained roar escapes his lips.

A smaller, equally menacing warrior interjects, claiming his right to the prize.

SMALLER WARRIOR

Hey, what the hell? We had a deal!

The smaller warrior lunges forward, but an axe-wielding figure inflicts a wound upon him, disrupting his advance.

The scene descends into chaos as Sari's attackers turn on each other, their greed consuming them.

Sari, stunned by the sudden turn of events, struggles to rise. Unbeknownst to her, the gray-furred monkey leaps into action, urging Jaka to flee.

SARI

Not without Jaka!

Determined, she uses her fan to incapacitate one more assailant before following the trail left by the agile ape. Jaka, having heard the monkey's call, escapes his own attackers and joins the escape.

The trio races into the thick forest, the pursuit losing its way amidst the towering teak trees. The attackers, bewildered and disoriented, retreat, their prize slipping from their grasp.

Sari, Jaka, and the gray ape find themselves in a momentary respite, a chance to catch their breath.

Sari, rising to her feet, gazes at Jaka.

SARI

We can't stay here any longer. Nira and Tuba will surely inform the authorities. We must continue our journey to Usangha Forest.

Jaka, his determination unwavering, nods in agreement.

JAKA

And what does your heart say, Sari? Where should we go?

Sari's eyes gleam with resolve as she faces the unknown.

SARI

We are heading to Usangha Forest. There, amidst the shadows and secrets, we may find the answers we seek.

They embark on their next leg of the journey, braving the unknown depths of Usangha Forest.

FADE OUT.

EXT. USANGHA FOREST - DAY

Sari, Jaka, and Giri, the enigmatic gray ape, find solace beneath the ancient teak tree. Their bodies drenched in sweat, they collapse onto the ground, gasping for breath. The forest echoes with their heavy panting, the air thick with the scent of their exertion. Giri, ever watchful, nimbly ascends the towering trees, scanning the horizon for any lingering threat.

Descending gracefully, Giri approaches Sari and Jaka, a glimmer of relief in his eyes.

GIRI

No more pursuers in sight. We have evaded them for now.

Jaka extends his gratitude, his voice sincere.

JAKA

Thank you for your invaluable assistance, dear Giri.

Giri acknowledges Jaka's words with a nod of his head.

GIRI

Good, it seems you both understand the importance of gratitude and respect, Jaka.

Sari, her curiosity piqued, interrupts their exchange.

SARI

You remember our names? Could it be that you are the very monkey we encountered in the village elder's house?

Giri affirms her speculation, a knowing smile gracing his lips.

GIRI

Indeed, it should be evident. The village elder is not my master, and I roam freely as I please. Remember that. My name is Giri, and my people are known as the Manawa. Though we may bear the physical semblance of ordinary apes, our minds transcend the limitations of those primitive creatures.

Jaka responds, acknowledging Giri's statement.

JAKA

Alright, we understand.

Sari, determined to press forward, speaks with unwavering resolve.

SARI

However, we are in dire need of reaching Usangha Forest. If we return to the village or venture elsewhere, we will undoubtedly become targets once more for the relentless bounty hunters.

Giri's demeanor shifts, his true intentions laid bare.

GIRI

That is not my concern! What is certain is that you must not set foot in that cursed forest!

Jaka's eyes narrow, his voice tinged with defiance.

JAKA

Why is it cursed? Isn't Usangha a sacred place?

Giri's tone turns harsh, his words laced with warning.

GIRI

Yes, it is sacred, but I cannot reveal the reason! Either I guide you out of this teak forest, or you find your own way!

Rather than succumbing to the provocation, Sari speaks with measured restraint, her voice barely a whisper.

SARI

The truth is, I must traverse Usangha Forest, cross Lake Tarub, and find the Valley of the Skull Trees to reunite with my mother.

Giri hesitates, his expression softening briefly before he turns away, leaping onto a nearby log.

Sari reacts swiftly, her plea urgent.

SARI

Wait, Giri! Do not leave us just yet!

Midway to the branch, Giri glances back, his voice resounding through the forest.

GIRI

Follow me!

With renewed determination, Sari and Jaka rise to their feet, their unyielding spirits ignited. They set off in pursuit of Giri, venturing deeper into the mystic depths of Usangha Forest, the echoes of their footsteps blending with the whispering secrets of the ancient trees.

FADE OUT.