LAKAN of the Engkanto

Chapter 4: The River Crossing

The kapre's gruff permission granted, Lakan and Amihan approached the riverbank. The murky water churned ominously, and Lakan couldn't help but feel a shiver of apprehension. He had heard tales of creatures lurking beneath the surface, waiting to drag unsuspecting travelers to their watery graves.

"How are we going to cross?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Amihan pointed towards a cluster of bamboo stalks growing near the shore. "We'll build a raft," she said, her voice brimming with confidence. "It's a simple but effective way to navigate these waters."

Lakan nodded, impressed by her resourcefulness. He had always been more of a fighter than a craftsman, but he was eager to learn. Together, they set to work, using their bolos to cut down the bamboo and lashing them together with sturdy vines.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as they labored, casting long shadows across the riverbank. Finally, the raft was complete, a sturdy vessel that bobbed gently on the water's surface.

"Ready?" Amihan asked, her eyes sparkling with adventure.

Lakan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. "Ready," he replied, his voice firm.

They stepped onto the raft, their combined weight causing it to dip slightly. Amihan took the lead, using a long pole to push off from the shore. The current caught the raft, sweeping it downstream.

Lakan gazed at the passing scenery, a mixture of awe and trepidation swirling within him. The riverbanks were thick with vegetation, the trees forming a verdant tunnel overhead. Sunlight dappled the water, creating an ethereal dance of light and shadow.

Suddenly, a splash echoed through the air, followed by a series of frantic ripples. Lakan gripped his bolo, his heart pounding in his chest.

"What was that?" he whispered, his eyes scanning the water.

Amihan's expression remained calm, but her grip on the pole tightened. "Could be anything," she said, her voice steady. "A fish, a crocodile, or perhaps something more sinister."

Lakan swallowed hard, his imagination conjuring images of monstrous creatures lurking beneath the surface. He strained his ears, listening for any further sounds.

The raft continued its journey, the current carrying it deeper into the heart of the forest. The air grew cooler, and a sense of unease settled over Lakan. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Then, without warning, the raft lurched violently, throwing Lakan off balance. He stumbled, nearly falling into the water. He regained his footing just in time, his heart racing.

"What's happening?" he cried, his voice filled with alarm.

Amihan's eyes widened as she looked over the side of the raft. "Something's pulling us down!" she exclaimed.

Lakan peered into the murky depths, his blood running cold. He saw a tangle of slimy tentacles wrapped around the bamboo stalks, dragging the raft towards the riverbed.

"It's a kraken!" he shouted, his voice filled with terror.

Panic surged through Lakan as the kraken's tentacles tightened their grip on the raft. The monstrous creature was intent on dragging them into the depths, where they would surely drown or be devoured.

"We have to fight back!" Lakan shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. He raised his bolo, ready to strike at the slimy appendages.

Amihan grabbed his arm, her eyes filled with urgency. "No!" she cried. "Our weapons are useless against its thick hide. We need to find another way."

Lakan's heart sank. He knew she was right. Their blades would barely scratch the kraken's tough skin. They needed a different strategy, and fast.

The raft lurched again, tilting precariously. Water sloshed over the edge, soaking their legs. Lakan's mind raced, desperately searching for a solution.

Suddenly, he remembered the 'lakas' energy coursing through his veins. He had been training to control it, to channel it into his attacks. Could he use it to free them from the kraken's grasp?

He closed his eyes, focusing on the energy within him. He visualized it flowing through his body, gathering in his hands. He felt a warmth spreading through his palms, a tingling sensation that grew stronger with each passing second.

He opened his eyes, his hands glowing with an ethereal light. He reached out, his palms hovering above the kraken's tentacles.

"Lakas!" he shouted, unleashing a surge of energy.

The light erupted from his hands, striking the tentacles with blinding force. The kraken roared in pain, its grip loosening momentarily. Lakan and Amihan seized the opportunity, scrambling to the opposite end of the raft.

Amihan grabbed the pole and pushed with all her might, propelling the raft away from the kraken's reach. The creature thrashed in the water, its tentacles flailing wildly, but it was too late. The raft was free.

Lakan collapsed onto the bamboo planks, his body trembling with exhaustion. He had never exerted so much energy before, and he felt drained.

Amihan knelt beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Lakan nodded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I'm fine," he managed to say. "Just tired."

Amihan smiled, her eyes filled with admiration. "You were amazing, Lakan," she said. "You saved us."

Lakan's cheeks flushed with a mixture of pride and embarrassment. He had never thought of himself as a hero, but in that moment, he had risen to the occasion. He had used his newfound powers to protect someone he cared about.

The raft continued its journey downstream, the kraken's roars fading into the distance. Lakan and Amihan sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. They had faced their first real test, and they had emerged victorious. But they knew that their quest was far from over. The stolen artifact was still out there, and the dark sorcerer was surely not far behind.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the river, Lakan looked at Amihan, a newfound determination in his eyes. "We'll find it," he said, his voice firm. "We'll find the artifact and stop the sorcerer."

Amihan met his gaze, her own eyes burning with resolve. "Together," she said, her voice echoing his. "We'll face whatever comes our way."

And as the raft carried them further into the unknown, Lakan and Amihan knew that they were no longer just two individuals on a quest. They were a team, bound by a shared purpose and a growing bond of friendship. They were ready to face the challenges ahead, armed with courage, determination, and the power of 'lakas'.