Dear Diary,
Today, the forest revealed both its bounty and its dangers in equal measure. It began like any other day since the tragedy, with Enki and me journeying deeper into the dense jungle. The sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, casting everything in a greenish twilight. Birds called to one another, and the air was rich with the scent of earth and growing things.
Enki and I had developed a rhythm. He would carry me through the rougher terrain, and I would forage for food and water. The days were arduous, but the companionship of my steadfast water buffalo made them bearable. His presence was a constant reminder that even in the darkest times, there was still something worth fighting for.
Around midday, we stumbled upon a grove of mango trees. The sight of the ripe, golden fruits hanging low from the branches brought a rare smile to my face. "Looks like lunch is on me today, Enki," I said, patting his sturdy neck. He responded with a soft, rumbling grunt, his large eyes reflecting a calm reassurance.
As I climbed one of the trees, the smooth bark under my hands and the scent of the ripe mangoes filled me with a brief, fleeting sense of normalcy. I reached for a particularly plump fruit when a sudden, low growl sent a shiver down my spine. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. From the shadows emerged a wild beast, its eyes glowing with predatory intent.
It moved with terrifying speed, and before I could react, it lunged at me. I fell from the tree, landing hard on the ground, pain shooting through my left arm as it bore the brunt of my fall. The beast was upon me in an instant, its claws raking across my flesh. I screamed, the pain blinding and overwhelming.
"Enki!" I shouted, my voice desperate. The water buffalo charged forward, his hooves pounding the earth. He collided with the beast, trying to protect me, but the creature was relentless. It turned on Enki, slashing at him with its claws. Enki fought bravely, but he was no match for the wild beast's ferocity.
With my vision blurring from the pain and blood loss, I reached out in a futile attempt to fend off the beast. I thought this would be the end, the moment when I would join my family in whatever lay beyond. But as the beast leapt towards me, a strange warmth surged through my body, centering in my injured arm.
Instinctively, I thrust my hand out, and to my astonishment, a torrent of water shot from my palm. The stream struck the beast squarely, the force of the water enough to knock it back and stun it. The creature roared in confusion and pain, giving Enki the opportunity to lower his head and charge again. This time, his powerful headbutt sent the beast sprawling, as it tried to scramble to the underbush it fell down, defeated.
Breathing heavily, I collapsed back onto the ground, clutching my wounded arm. The realization of what had just happened washed over me—somehow, I had harnessed the mana stone's power. The warmth that had filled me was now a dull throb, but I was alive, and so was Enki.
Enki nuzzled my side, his eyes filled with concern. "I'm okay, Enki," I whispered, though the pain in my arm told a different story. I tore a strip of fabric from my shirt and clumsily bandaged the wound, knowing it would need proper treatment soon. For now, all I could do was be grateful that we had survived.
"At least we have some more food," I said with a weak smile, looking at the beast's fallen form. Enki snorted in agreement, and together, we began the task of gathering what we could from our attacker. The forest had tested us, but we had emerged victorious, albeit battered and weary.
Tonight, we would rest and recover, and I would ponder the mystery of the mana stone and the power it had bestowed upon me. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but with Enki by my side and a newfound ability to protect us, I felt a spark of hope rekindling in my heart.
Until tomorrow, Diary.
Lia