*Prologue: Village Life*

An African boy named Ajani stood on the rock with a spear in one hand, watching the morning sun rise up in the horizon in Savannah, Africa. He is 14 years old with small dreadlocks on his head, brown eyes, and wore a red loincloth with a belt around his waist. Below him is the village with a single mango tree. He lives in this village for 4 years and he isn't happy. His tribe from the other village was destroyed. All thanks to the rogue lion. It happened while Ajani was out picking mangos with the other children. The lion appeared out of nowhere and attacked the helpless women and children in the village. The hunters tried to stop the lion with spears and fire torches, but the lion was too fast for them and attacked every single one. Ajani's father, the chief, had tried everything he could to save his tribe, but one of the torches got the village in flames. The lion and the chief fought, but...the chief lost the fight. Ajani and the children returned to see their home in flames and the lion was nowhere to be found. Ajani was heartbroken about his father's death and his tribe is gone. Since then, he and the orphaned children were moved to another village. Ajani lives with his foster parents, and they are strict at times. Ajani hated to do all the chores and run some errands for them. Ajani was raised by his father who is the leader of the tribe, and Ajani wants to be the new chief. But that path will never happen.
Ajani smiled as the sunlight hits him, feeling the warmth. He always wakes up so early to do what he wants before his parents wake up. Ajani wanders around the grasslands to practice hunting, gathering more mangos, and make more spears. Ajani wants a head start of his chores so he could have some fun. The boy picked up his basket full of mangos and head down to the path to return to the village.

Ajani snuck into his house and placed the basket of mangos down and tip-toed his way towards his room until the sound of throat clearing is head. He froze and slowly turn his head to see his foster mother there. She is the middle age African woman with long black messy hair, wearing a purple dress and the apron. Ajani chuckled nervously at her.

"Think you could sneak your way out of doing chores, little warrior?" The woman asked.

"I wasn't sneaking. I was...ummm... Look, I gathered plenty of mangos for you. I just wanted an early start of the day." Ajani replied.

"I know you've been sneaking out before sunrise, Ajani. But you need sleep. More rest, the better. I know you haven't had breakfast yet." The woman replied.

"Mother, I know you mean well, but I can take care of myself." Ajani said.

"You're still young, Ajani. I understand you're not used to this environment, but who would look after you? We love you as our own." The woman said. Ajani knew that his foster family mean well and love him as a son, but they are not his blood. Ajani felt out of place in this village. He wanted to find his own place he calls home. "Don't forget the laundry, Ajani." The woman said, placing the basket down and head towards the small kitchen to make breakfast. The boy sighed a bit and did he was told.

XX

After his chores are done, Ajani walked through the village streets and see the villagers doing their own chores. Some women are singing a tune. Children are running around with laughter. Ajani smiled a bit.

"Ajani! Wait up!" A girl's voice shouted. Ajani turned to see a young African girl with black hair, wearing a red and yellow dress. She has a red Hindu dot on her forehead and brown eyes. She is 12 years old. "Wanna go catch some fish with me? I need help." She asked.

"Zuri, are you sure? Last time we went fishing, it was a disaster. You were spooked by a ball python. Scaring the fish away."

"I can't go out there alone. You fish better than me." Zuri replied with a blush, remembering the python slithered over her feet, making her scream so loud. Ajani thought it was funny at first. "Please, Ajani? I need fish for my family." Zuri begged, holding her spear.

"Fine. And don't be scared of snakes. They never bother us as long as we don't bother them." Ajani said in defeat. Zuri smiled in victory and followed Ajani.

"Ajani? Can I ask you something?" Zuri asked while they are by the river. Their feet are in the water, looking for fish to catch. Ajani readied his spear.

"What is it?"

"Have you ever seen the Shaman? The one who gave us the ability to speak to animals?" Zuri asked. Ajani blinked and lowered his spear. He remembered hearing about the Shaman tale since he was a little kid before his father died. The Shaman gives those who are worthy to have the ability to talk to animals. It was many years ago. No one has seen the Shaman. Ajani also remembers the story of the tribe and lions used to be allies to protect their home. Again, it was so long ago. Ajani wanted to know more about the tale. Maybe a lion will know if he met one.

"Never seen one, Zuri." Ajani replied. "I've heard a story. And...I'm not sure if I could understand the animals. Haven't bothered trying."

"I know it's silly, but we could try it." Zuri said. "But...which animal should we try? I don't see any."

"They wouldn't dare to come while the village is close. You know that." Ajani said. "But be careful...a lion could be around. It attacked my old home." Zuri frowned a bit. She was aware of Ajani's home and deceased father. Ajani brought his spear down to catch a fish. He placed it in the basket. "Focus, Zuri. There's plenty of fish here." He told the girl. Zuri readied her spear and brought it down to catch the small fish. She sighed. Ajani smiled a bit. "It's okay. Keep trying."
The two children continued to fish with their spears. They are laughing and playfully splash each other. Little did they know, on top of the cliff is a Shaman with his spear with hollow shells. He is watching Ajani with his yellow eyes.

"Soon, Ajani. Soon..."