A raft was smoothly drifting amid a massive river. The ride was getting interesting with a little horse and a little monkey on board.
"Prince Aiji, how about you give this little monkey a name?"
"Let's call it Red." Without a second thought, the prince said.
The name is simple yet good and reasonable. Vince turned his eyes to the little horse.
"Shall we change Gorgeous' name to White?"
"No need, Gorgeous is a good name."
The sun was sinking on the horizon. After passing the dense forest, the river was getting wider and deeper. The forested riverbanks on both sides were covered with vines that hang from the tree branches, down to the water. The current was getting rapid too. The prince stood in front of the raft, examining the surroundings, looking uneasy.
Vince was sitting at the center, feeding the little animals. "Prince Aiji, what's wrong?"
"The water in this area is deep and murky, I'm inspecting the surroundings."
"Is there any danger?"
"Yes, crocodiles. They are mostly found in big rivers."
"Croco...diles!?" Vince suddenly stood up.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Crocodiles are dangerous, Vince was anxiously looking at the surroundings.
"Because you said we can reach the sea faster by traveling here, and besides the river we left was fine. It's just this part is unsafe."
"Prince Aiji, what shall we do now?" The prince knew the ancient place well compared to Vince who was used to using modern weapons. If only he has his rifle here with unlimited bullets, Vince wouldn't be troubled.
"We will try to land. Dari, please find a safe area in the bank."
"Okay." Facing a possible danger, Vince initially panicked, but looking at the prince beside him, those feelings slowly faded.
The raft floats forward, riding the current. Vince didn't paddle to avoid any movements, but they were still sensed by the reptiles. At the back of the raft, the lying Gorgeous stood and neighed. Two crocodile heads slowly moved towards the raft.
"Crap!"
Vince's heart was alarmed. He anxiously turned at the prince, but he was still looking composed.
"This gentle prince is fearless!"
Prince Aiji took his metal-tipped spear and the sturdy vines he gathered earlier and went to the rear end of the raft, preparing to attack the reptiles. Gorgeous moved to the center and laid down. Little Red was wailing.
"Prince Aiji, it's dangerous!"
"But it's more dangerous if they hit our raft."
"Let me do it!" Vince grabbed the spear. He knew he couldn't beat those reptiles with just a metal-tipped spear, but sending a gentle prince to fight those ferocious reptiles is absurd.
"No!, Dari, you forgot everything, even your fighting skills. You cannot beat them."
"But those reptiles are fierce!"
"I can beat them. Dari, I am inferior to you, but I'm not a chicken..."
There was a silent stalemate. Later, Vince released the spear.
"Be careful!"
"I will. Dari, no matter what happened, don't jump in the water. Just stay in front and try to paddle to a safer side."
YOU ARE READING
Anciently Forbidden
RomanceVince Garcia is a captain of an elite force who once topped at the Philippine Military academy. Tall, handsome, capable, reliable...he is almost perfect, with only one barely noticeable flaw, his unreasonable prejudice against homosexuality. His pre...
