~ Island – Pacific. ~
Curled sharply in the foetal position, a creature was been born. It shivered, although it was warm, and howled forlornly at a full moon that loomed large and proud in the sky. Sensory overload kicked in; overwhelming it as the jungles many different facets crowded its newly found senses. Getting up on shaky legs it tried to walk, after a few steps, collapsing immediately in a tangle. Determination set in and it forced itself to stand up again. This time it managed to pad towards a tall palm tree, but it expended a lot of effort.
Resting against the trunk it gathered energy to try and continue to walk. After an hour of constant walking it had already become easier and now instinct settled in and movement was natural. Grinning in pride it started to move faster and faster until it was running at an incredible speed. The jungle a green blur as it dodged low hanging branches and shrubs. Slowing down to a complete stop, it pricked its ears and cocked its head on one side, smelling the air. It sensed danger yet couldn’t determine what it was, a new sensation took over. Fear. It didn’t know how to respond. Suddenly, without warning, a creature with tusks barrelled into its side, knocking it over. Reflexes allowed it to land upright, and get a look at its foe.
A huge pig, snorting and tossing its head angrily, glared with malice at it readying for another charge. Snarling in trepidation and dislike, it contemplated its options. The pig took an intimidating step towards it. Its mind made up, without wasting another second it turned and fled through the underbrush to recover from the attack and understand what it was.
***
11