Trust No One
I thought I was going to die. I was in the strong current of the river, trying my hardest to stay afloat, but I was failing miserably. The current was just too strong for a little girl such as myself. But no matter how strong the current was, I kept holding onto the gem
I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to give up. A wave engulfed me. My eyes closed and the world for me went pitch black.
I found myself coughing. I coughed and coughed. I saw the sky and clouds up above and was confused. Am I alive? And if so, how? I drowned, didn't I? Or does Heaven have skies and clouds too?
My answer was answered when I felt a nudge. I looked. There beside me was my pillbug/pug/armadillo hybrid pet. Tuk Tuk.
"Tuk Tuk?" I asked. I sat up. "Tuk Tuk!" I petted him. "Looks like it's you and me now." I then stopped and frowned. "It's my fault, Tuk Tuk. Tuk Tuk tilted his head in puzzlement. "I should never have trusted Namaari. I was so stupid." I then felt the tears coming as I put myself into a ball, and sobbed.
I'm sorry, Ba. I let you down. I got excited and let my guard down. Like you, I really thought that we could make friends with this other tribe. I really thought Namaari was different and was going to be my new friend for life. If I didn't trust her, and show her the sacred treasure, then none of this would be happening. We would be safe and happy. The Druun wouldn't have turned you to stone. Our entire kingdom wouldn't be in danger with innocent fearful people running for their lives. I wish for things to go back to normal again. I wish you would have never trusted Namaari's father and her awful tribe.
But I can't blame you. You're my father; my Ba and I am your little Dewdrop! You simply didn't know of their evil intentions. How could you? I didn't know either, but I still feel crummy inside.
I felt a nudge again. I looked and it was Tuk Tuk again, frowning and looking at me with great concern. I smiled as I wiped away my last tears.
"You're right, Tuk Tuk." I told him. "If I cry like a baby this entire time, nothing will get done. Time to be brave." I stood up and grew determined.
I promise, Ba! I will undo this wrong and have you and the others of the kingdom turn back to normal again, so we can get back to our lives. Your little Dewdrop will make you and the entire kingdom of Kumandra proud! I looked at Tuk Tuk.
"Come on, Tuk Tuk!" I told my pet. "Let's go save all of Kumandra!" Tuk Tuk cheered. We were about to go when a voice spoke up.
"Are you lost, little girl?" I looked and saw an elderly lady standing in front of me. She grew really concerned. "You really shouldn't be out here by yourself right now, It's really dangerous. Where are you parents?" I didn't answer her. I didn't know this lady. She was a complete stranger to me and I was taught never to talk to a stranger. She looked around then back at me. She then saw the gem in my hand and her eyes went huge. "Oh, that's a pretty gem. Where'd you get it?" She reached out and was about to grab it when I pulled back. She frowned, and changed the subject. "Why don't you come with me? I'll protect you and lead you to safety." She offered me her hand. I looked at it. Should I trust her? She does seem like a nice lady. I then grew firm. No! Even though she seemed nice and a Kumandrian, I can't trust her. I can't trust anyone ever again. I began to run. I could hear her running after me.
"Little girl!" She called. "Little girl! Come back and let me help! I promise I won't hurt you!" But I just kept on running.
I ran and ran with Tuk Tuk by my side. I don't know where I was running to, but knew that I couldn't stay and go with that woman.
I stopped to catch my breath. I looked all around and smiled. Good. That lady and nobody else was in sight. I looked at Tuk Tuk.
"Tuk Tuk." I told him. "We can't stop. We have to keep going. We have to find Sisu. Only then everything will go back to normal. This is my mistake. I have to fix this, no matter how long it takes." My pet was concerned. "I'm scared too, buddy. I may be a little girl, but I'm a fighter. Ba taught me how to fight. I can do this."
But I had my doubts. Still, I was determined. Ready or not, I had to do this and go on this perilous journey with just me and Tuk Tuk at my side. I could tell that Tuk Tuk had his doubts too, but also grew determined. He knew how important this was for me. Good ol' Tuk Tuk!
Tuk Tuk and I walked on. I didn't know what would happen, but I can't let anything stop me. I was brave. I was Ba's little warrior, his little Dewdrop. Failure isn't an option. This was for my future. It was for Ba's future, Tuk Tuk's and for all of Kumandra. And I wasn't going to let them down.