The first priority was safety. The small cave near where I found them offered a temporary reprieve from the harsh sun and the open landscape, but it felt too exposed. Whoever or whatever had caused the massacre might still be around. I needed to find a more secure location, a place where I could tend to the infant and the injured tiger cub without constantly looking over my shoulder.
Carefully, I scooped up the baby, cradling her small form in my arms. She was surprisingly light, and her whimpers had thankfully quieted, replaced by soft, shallow breaths. Her tiny hand instinctively gripped my finger, a gesture that sent a surprising wave of warmth through me. Looking down at her delicate features, I felt a sense of responsibility settle upon me, heavy and undeniable.
The tiger cub, despite its injured leg, had managed to stand, albeit with a noticeable limp. It watched my every move, its eyes narrowed with suspicion but also a hint of trust, perhaps sensing my intentions towards the infant.
"We need to find somewhere safer," I murmured to the cub, who simply blinked in response. "Somewhere with water and maybe some food."
Using my "Scan" skill, I surveyed the immediate vicinity, looking for any signs of danger or any indication of a better shelter. About half a mile to the north, nestled between two larger rock formations, I detected a small cluster of hardy-looking trees. Where there were trees in this barren land, there was a higher chance of finding water.
With the baby securely held in one arm, I started walking north, keeping a watchful eye on the tiger cub as it followed me, its limping gait a testament to its bravery in protecting the infant. The journey was slow and arduous, the heat relentless. I tried to keep the baby shielded from the sun as much as possible, my own thirst growing with each step.
Finally, we reached the cluster of trees. They were gnarled and tough, their leaves a dusty green, but they offered welcome shade. And nestled amongst their roots, I found it – a small spring of clear, cool water trickling from a crack in the rocks.
Relief washed over me. I gently laid the baby down in the shade, then knelt by the spring, cupping my hands to drink deeply. The water tasted clean and refreshing, a much-needed respite.
Next, I turned my attention to the baby. I carefully dampened a piece of cloth from my own already sweat-soaked shirt and gently dabbed it on her face and lips. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open before closing again. She needed more than just water. She needed nourishment.
My stomach rumbled in agreement. I hadn't eaten since… well, since before I ended up in this strange world. I activated my "Scan" skill, focusing on the plants around the spring. Most were still inedible, but I did identify a few berries that, according to the system, were safe to eat in small quantities and could provide some basic nutrients.
Gathering a handful of the berries, I crushed them slightly and carefully offered a tiny bit of the juice to the infant. She swallowed weakly, a small sign of life that eased my worry. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
The tiger cub had also approached the spring and was lapping up the water gratefully. Its injured leg was still bleeding slightly. I knew I needed to tend to its wounds as well.
"You're hurt, aren't you?" I said softly, crouching down beside it. The cub eyed me warily but didn't pull away. Using the information from my "Scan," I identified some broad leaves nearby that had mild antiseptic properties. Carefully, I gathered them and, tearing them into smaller pieces, gently pressed them against the cub's lacerations. It flinched at first but then seemed to tolerate the treatment, perhaps understanding I was trying to help. For its injured leg, however, I knew simple leaves wouldn't be enough. It needed proper rest and perhaps some form of immobilization, which I had no way to provide.
As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the barren landscape, I found a relatively sheltered spot beneath the largest tree, a hollow formed by its thick roots. It wasn't a perfect shelter, but it offered more protection than the open cave.
I settled down with the baby nestled in my arms, the tiger cub lying close beside us, its soft whimpers gradually subsiding. We were an unlikely family, bound together by circumstance in this harsh and unforgiving world.
Looking up at the alien purple sky, now dotted with unfamiliar constellations, a sense of quiet determination settled within me. I didn't know what the future held, what dangers lurked in this forsaken land, or how I would possibly provide for these two helpless beings. But as the infant stirred in my arms, her tiny grip on my finger tightening almost imperceptibly, I made an unspoken vow. I would protect them. I would keep them safe. I would survive in this world, no matter what it took. And somehow, I would find a way for all three of us to thrive. This tiny girl and this brave tiger were now my responsibility, my companions on this unexpected and uncertain path.