Engi looked tensed that morning. Over breakfast, her mother tried to ask her about what it was that worried their daughter. Ignoring her leads, she quickly told her father about her encounter the day before and left the table in a hurry. Something was not right they felt. And so they both decided to meet this Man from Nowhere.
Like the countless number of days before, Engi ran straight to the forest to find her peace, her trusty violin in her hands. Like the countless times before, she sat at the stump of the tree and started to play her violin. And like every time she fell deep into the trance, remembering the horrific visions she saw the night before. But peace was not to be found, not today. Her instrument played a different tune, one that she did not play before. It was as if thunderbolts were sparking out of her strings. Melodies so fast and complex that even she was amazed, but she kept playing. She never remembered learning to play these melodies.
The air in that tiny clearing in the middle of the forest grew heavier as the melody progressed. It was as if electricity was brewing from of the void. The music continued. The birds and animals scattered throughout the giant pinewood trees. There was no wind, not even a single leaf moved. Everything was frozen in its place by her mesmerizing tunes. But she kept playing her heart out. Enraged!! Then suddenly the music stopped and she opened her eyes. The memories of that night eight years ago flashed before her. The memories that were mysteriously wiped out from her mind, the dark clouds, the heavy downpour, the ditch, the lightning, and…
Like the countless times before, she expected to see the horror in the eyes of the animals that watched her play. Instead, horror filled her eyes today. Staring back at her from the dense undergrowth were the same red orbs she had seen before. Like the devil it lurked in the darkness, watching her every move, watching her play on the violin. Maybe the strange tune she played today had conjured the beast form its lair. And suddenly the beast cried out loud sending the creatures of the jungle in near vicinity scampering for cover.
Dropping her violin from her hands to cover her ears, Engi saw the beast walk out into the open. It was as if paralysis had struck her and she sat like a stone, unable to move a muscle. At first sight it appeared to be the head of baphomet, the deity of the ancient occult traditions. But slowly a black furred body appeared behind it. With eyes as red as blood diamonds it walked closer. No signs of distress or fright. Basking in the bright sunlight of the clearing the beast looked magnificent, as if clad in a black armor from head to tail. Its majestic horns shone as it twisted its head around, as if to fend off flies that were buzzing in its ears, inching ever closer. The air filled with a musky scent.
Fear gave way to joy as she saw the beast move closer. For the first time in her life she saw an animal walk to her as she sat on the stump. Finally she could share her gift of love and caresses with someone. In anticipation, she raised her palm towards the beast. Reading her through, it complied with her request and stopped right in front of her. She rolled her hands through its thick dark coat. Swayed by her gentle touch the beast came closer. She wrapped her hands around its neck in embrace. Their hearts synced.