In the kingdom of Jeki lived a lonely boy named Akoni. A truly lonely boy, he was forsaken by the world itself.
Long before he ever stepped foot in the jeki kingdom, the boy was abandoned forced to wonder the igidu forest alone, struggling to survive.
During his first two harrowing weeks alone in the dense, unforgiving green, Akoni quenched his parched throat at the riversides, scavenged for sustenance from the ogede trees, and sought warmth by wrapping himself in the bloodied carcasses of plundered prey. Every night, he sank deeper into despair, thinking, "Is no one going to save me?" as he drifted off to sleep.
One day, a lone gunja male discovered Akoni while roaming his territory. Gunja being highly intelligent beasts and supremely agile hunters, worked most efficiently in packs, yet this one was all alone. Cast out from his pack, the gunja pitied the shivering boy. Pale, thin, and covered in cuts and bruises, the boy reminded the gunja of his younger years wandering the forest alone.
After much contemplation and initial hesitance, the proud hunter bowed his head to carry the boy back to his lair; a small cave with smooth stone walls and a clear spring, its warmness contrasted the cold mud the boy came back to every night.
Awakening not to his usual dark and dreary abode but a warm and cozy den, the boy was initially consumed. Attempting to scan his surroundings the boy panned the room, eventually locking eyes with the terrifying beast that brought him there. Consumed by fear, the boy tried to escape but collapsed from his weakness. Amused by the sight, the gunja propped him up with his tail and offered him oge, a type of fruit from a common tree in the forest. Hungry, Akoni ate without hesitation and then, exhausted, fell asleep.
The boy after growing comfortable with his new companion, spent many months under his care. Slowly he began to heal his body, and after gaining the strength, learned to hunt. Together so long, the two developed an unspoken bond. During hunts, the gunja disciplined Akoni with smacks from his tail, deterring the boy from acts of weakness. As they are their meals, whenever the boy gorged himself thoughtlessly, the gunja growled gently, cautioning him. How Ironic that a forest-dwelling beast would teach a human manners.
Months flew by, and Akoni grew closer to the gunja, understanding his moods and habits. One day, Akoni realized that when the gunja was in a foul mood, his tail curved upwards, and he played with his tusks. Finding this amusing, Akoni imitated the beast, often getting playfully smacked and chased by his friend.
One sunny afternoon, Akoni accompanied the gunja to hunt oku, small rat-like creatures, well known for their sharp senses and quick feet. Nervous, Akoni doubted himself; but faith in his friends teachings and his fear of disappointing him, gave the boy the drive to succeed. Armed with a bow and axe he crafted, Akoni prepared for his first solo hunt.
Mimicking the mating call of the oku, Akoni lured it closer before shooting at it with his bow, impaling its hind leg. After overcoming an intense chase down with the rodent, he joyfully beheaded it, exhilarated by his first successful hunt. Proudly, he sought out the gunja to boast of his kill. Pleased by his accomplishment, the gunja waved his tail happily.
Before long the time the boy spent with the gunja had stretched from months to years. In that time the boy grew far stronger, his body stocky and toned from long days of hunting. Unfortunately, time had taken its toll on the gunja as he steadily began to decline. His sharp tusks and powerful legs weakened, and his once black, silky fur turned grey and thin. Despite Akoni's efforts to save his friend, the gunja's condition only worsened.
In his last moments, the gunja appreciated Akoni's efforts. Despite the burden, Akoni never gave up, always greeting the gunja with a bright smile. One day, Akoni awoke to find the gunja unresponsive. His worst fear realized, he sobbed and screamed, learning the hard was that the forest had no room for the weak.
Determined to honour his friend's memory, the boy resolved to keep moving forward, seeking to further the strength and life that the gunja had given to him long ago. After paying his respects, he set off on a new journey, remembering tales of the great kingdom north of his village. Steeling himself for the challenges ahead, Akoni set out to write the next chapter in his story.