This story is by Neku Onoja and won the Readers’ Choice Award in our 2021 Spring Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
Seventeen-year-old Neku Onoja has loved to write since she was eight and has a wealth of unpublished stories. Originally from Nigeria, she’s currently studying at Weil Tennis Academy in California, and has been accepted into George Fox University in Oregon. You can find her on Instagram (@nekuonoja) and TikTok (@btsarmy1015).
All alone with nothing left is Kekoa, the brave one who nearly escaped and also escaped being eaten by the piranhas. He is forced to go on a terrible journey as a punishment for his stubbornness, but before we get to that let’s step back in time to see how all of this happened.
To a small village located somewhere on an island known for its peace and unity with the people. But not everyone thought of the village this way because they were jealous of a prince called Kekoa. He is not only the heir to the throne, but he is also a spoiled child, who is believed to bring destruction rather than peace to the village. Well, at least that’s what they think.
One instance that proves his demise is when he was walking in the market one day as people looked with both fear and disgust, as Kekoa stopped and looked around with a smirk. As soon as he smirked, everyone disappeared but his next victim. As he approached his next victim, shaking in fear, he opened his mouth. His teeth were that of a shark, and from his throat to his mouth came a glowing bright light which was sucking the soul out of his victim, every single drop out of him.
“Ha!” rejoiced Kekoa. “Now who could dare stop me now, for yet I have another victim and there is no one here who can stop me. Hahaha!”
He rejoiced like he was invincible, but unknowingly to him, the angels heard of this and had enough. They went to tell God of his doing before he would torture more innocent people’s souls.
“Ancient One!” exclaimed Angel Micheal.
“What is it, Angel Michael?” asked God.
“Father, it is Kekoa. He . . .” explained Michael.
“I know,” God interrupted with a look on his face.
“So what do we do, Father?” asked Micheal.
“I shall go down there and talk to him myself,” replied God.
“But Father . . .” complained Michael.
“Do not worry, for he is my child whom I shall not touch or harm, but I shall punish him for his selfishness,” explained God. “Now that we know the plan, we shall go.”
“Yes, King!” exclaimed both angels.
“Open the gate!” God commanded.
As the gates of heaven opened under His command, and as the angels prepared with their weapons and armor, they went through the gate which led to heaven. As they arrived, the Earth began to shake like that of an earthquake, the animals hiding in fear as they heard the footsteps of the Lord getting bigger. Even the birds scattered into the air as they felt His presence. The village people too could feel His presence and fled to hide, but the Lord only came for Seiko.
“Prince Kekoa, why art thou hiding from me?” God questioned.
“My, my, my Lord!” Prince Kekoa exclaimed. “I have not forsaken thee, my Lord.”
“Then why are you torturing and killing innocent blood?” God demanded.
“I, I . . .” Prince Kekoa stammered, putting his head down in shame.
“For you have not changed, Kekoa, and as such I shall punish for eternity,” God decided.
“No, my Lord! Anything but eternal punishment, I beg of you,” pleaded Prince Kekoa.
“You should have thought of that before killing my people. From now on, as part of your punishment, you shall not be human anymore, for I shall turn you into a werewolf who shall wander into the wilderness of the Forbidden Forest for eternity, and you will not eat or drink as you do your punishment,” God declared.
Just as God commanded, his body began to change. His hands and legs turned into a werewolf, his ears as long and hairy as a werewolf, his nose long and wet, his teeth sharp and long, his eyes glowing as bright as a star, his face and body full of hair. With despair and shame, he could not carry all these burdens. So He decided to lighten the burden he carried.
“I know all this burden may seem too much for you, but since you are still my child, I shall let no one nor nothing harm you, for you are anointed,” God explained. “Now go, and begone from me, and face your punishment.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Prince Kekoa obeyed as he proceeded into the Forbidden Forest.
“My Lord, why did you not just kill him and get over with it?” Angel Michael asked.
“Why would I? For he is still one of my children, and I love all my children whether bad or good. I still love them especially when they seem to be non-perfect,” explained God.
“But Abba, Kekoa has killed so many people. Why do you forgive so easily when the cries of the innocent people are pleading for mercy?” Angel Micheal questioned.
“I am aware of the people he killed, but he is still my child and I still love him. Now is there anything you still want me to explain?” God asked.
“No . . .” replied Angel Michael.
“Look,” God said, as he put his hand on his shoulder. “I know you are angry, and you have every right to be, but that is my child, and deserves to live, for it is not yet his time to die,” God explained.
“Alright, Father. For I trust you and have no right to doubt you because you always tell the truth and everything you say always has a reason for it.” Angel Michael obeyed.
So God and Angel Michael prepared to go back to heaven, while Kekoa, who was a werewolf, began to wander in the forest: hoping to please God, but when he thought he could he found two creatures who looked like mermaids, only this time they had legs.
Note the conversation going on is between Keiko and Seiko. Seiko is the first to speak followed by Keiko.
“Well hello there,” said one of the mermaids. “Are you lost, little one? If you are, you could come with us.”
“Stop it, Keiko.”
“Why, Seiko? You always love to spoil the fun. Hmph.”
“Well, because this is an anointed one, and we are not allowed to touch.”
“You mean . . .”
“Yes, he’s one of them. Besides, no normal person would come here unless they have a reason to.”
“Well, I guess that explains it. Come on, Seiko, let’s get out of here.”
“Hold on!”
“What?”
“He looks lost shouldn’t we help him.”
“What?! Are you crazy? Do you know He belongs to God, and we are not allowed to touch him or go near him for whatever reason at all?”
“I know already, but we still have to help him.”
“Oh please. Don’t you remember when God abandoned us when we needed Him most?”
“Abandoned? He didn’t abandon us; we betrayed Him, remember? We fell for the devil’s trap and it disappointed Him a lot, but we still have a chance to change and go back to Him.”
“But what if He doesn’t want us back?”
“Well, I hope that won’t happen.”
“See! Even if you are not sure about it, how do you know?”
“Because He is a good God who will always be there for us, for He loves us. Now come on, let’s go.”
As Kekoa watched the interaction between these two creatures, he noticed something about Seiko which he had never known before. He saw the humility and loyalty in which Keiko showed how much she loved God by displaying just how much she really loved God. All this left him speechless and made him realize he needed to drop his pride, so he could change to please both himself and God.
Kekoa knew he could not do this alone, so he decided to ask for Keiko and Seiko’s help, but to tell them was impossible because he could not talk which was part of the punishment he got as a werewolf. So now he knew he was doomed, for he did not know any other way to tell him. So in order to get their action, he decided to act like a werewolf.
“What is it? You can’t talk because it is part of your punishment for pride and selfishness, isn’t it? Oh wow, that’s sad, but you want to make it up to God by restoring yourself,” Seiko interpreted.
“Wow! That’s a lot to understand for an animal interpreter,” Keiko exclaimed.
“Why thank you,” Seiko replied sarcastically.
They both looked at each other and just laughed. This made Kekoa’s heart filled with warmth, for he had never had this feeling for a while. Just when everything seemed to be perfect, the ground began to shake and the ground opened which swallowed both Keiko and Seiko. Kekoa, left alone, ran and ran thinking he escaped only to be found in the river where the piranhas were eating him alive.
Kekoa tried to fight so much and struggled, but luckily for him, he managed to survive his death as God promised. Left all alone, Kekoa was left to walk all alone in despair, and continue to go on his journey on his own, for he had learned the consequences of his actions. What will happen next? Who will be his next helper? Are Keiko and Seiko still alive? These questions are to be answered in the next story.
I just can’t wait to read what happens next
A really intriguing piece!
GOD’s Mercies…quite interesting
Wow very interesting and captivating
Your potential for story telling is quite remarkable. Keep it up
Interestingly we enjoy God’s mercy and we don’t see it.Welldone Neku..
Thought provoking story. This shows the character of God…ever loving and merciful. Well done Neku!
Good job Neku, you are doing well…..keep it up. We proud of you.
Good job from a good ambassador, keep getting better.
A nice read.
Wow, interesting read. Great imagination and writing skills. Wsy to go girl!
Here we see the mercy and forgiving nature of God.
Very well written piece.
Interesting! What happens next? Can’t wait to read. Well done Neku
Beautiful story,well done to you.
Waiting expectantly for the next story. Great job Neku
Beautiful read, insightful
You have impressive writing skills Neku. With this attribute, i’m optimistic that you’d soon become an exceptional writer of international repute
Wow what a merciful and compassionate God. I can’t wait for the next story.
Kekoa received punishment that is worst than death. For he was converted to a werewolf, though he was a Prince.
So interesting, I can’t wait for the next part.
A story teller in the house. Just awesome
Am proud of you girl. Waiting to see how it all ends.
Beautiful piece
Weldone Neku. You definitely have good potentials at writing stories. The lessons were clear and you kept us eagerly anticipating the next move. I wish you God’s help as you explore this potential in you.
I love the suspense, it’s been long I read something like this i’m grateful I did waiting for the unanswered questions to be answered.
I love this write up can’t wait to see it on the stand
Very interesting! There is consequence for every action… I can’t wait for the next part.
Beautiful story I must say
Interesting piece ❤️
Beautiful!
A beautiful piece!
Great idea and a strong imagination displayed here!
Nice piece
Intriguing!!
Interesting story, You did well Neku, ,!!!
Make sure that story can touch lot of people.
Waiting for next.
Interesting piece.
Beautiful piece. Keep it up Neku Onoja
A great piece of work. I love the imagination Neku.
Keep up the good work
Wow. Brilliantly amazing and interesting. Here you go girl. We will win. More breakthroughs.
The story is thoughtful and highly inspiring. Great master piece. Looking forward to the next edition. God bless you and make you more excellent.
Wow!!! Can’t wait to read the next. Well done Neku
Really good story. It’s a really interesting idea, can’t wait for more editions!!
Beautiful. Nicely done. Looking forward to the next one
Nice 1 neku
Next pls…..
This is beautiful . Weldon dear,
Nice and well written story. Keep it up
Nice one
A great piece. Well done, Neku!
Interesting… Am definitely ready again and again
Wow! Very intriguing.
Thumbs up Neku!
Wow this is interesting.pls when is the next part coming can’t wait
Great job girl! Greater heights in Jesus’ name
Very interesting , nice work
Wow this is so amazing, you have a great and creative mind, I love the way you started your story.
Well it’s good
This is so good to read. Interesting.
Twas worth the read.
Nice one Neku
Well done
Nice one
Learnt some things
Woww
So interesting I can’t wait to read it all
Fantastic. It’s a great one
Very detailed… Beautiful
Quite intriguing and suspense packed.
Interesting Story… Beautiful
Lovely piece of writing Uneku! Explaining the love of God to his creations is so beautiful . God bless you dear.
This is so lovely
Wow! Nice one
My God this piece is divinely inspired, more of God’s inspiration sir,to keep writing to the glory of his name.
Good very, work good
Good job Neku! What an interesting story.
Nice one
Wow this is nice
Job well done
A nice piece
Very intriguing!!!
I love your work
Nice work
Nice now neku, keep up the good work
So lovely nice work
Perfect,so nice
Perfectly ok no mistake
We need people like in writing. You so good
More strength and knowledge dr
Keep up the good work
People need to read this and learn from it
I love it nice work
Ohh very good
Very good work dr neku my neku
Your hands are bless dr
All the best, always find strength in the lord
Fantastic
Next Chimamanda warming up. Kudos Neku
Beautiful write up. Success all the way
waooo I am proud of u hoping to see u come out with flying g colours
This is not a piece you get to read everyday, a rare piece. It’s an incandescent story. Bless up cousin
Woa, this is lit, an awesome piece anticipating for more. Kudos couz!!!
This is a very dynamic story
I loved it
Nice one
Amazing story Keku. Thumbs up
Interesting… excited about kekoas next adventure
Wow this is great
Nice work
Very interesting story
Very interesting,nice work dr up neku
Neku neku GOd bless you dr nice work
Wow. Lovely.
The book is intriguing. Recommended for All.
This piece is lovely.
Go get it Neku! Great piece.
I love this piece
Nice piece.
Nice story, can’t wait for the next
Awesome
woww the story is really nice
Neku, You are a good storyteller, which is a great gift to bring joy to people’s hearts.
Lovely story that will make you read till the last full stop.
Interesting piece. Welldone Neku.
Great
What a gift Neku, this is a master piece!! Love it!!
Nice and insightful read. Kudos to the writer
Interesting Piece, that shows the mercy of God despite kokea actions
Been a long time I read but glad to have taken the time to go this. Nice work. Keep it up. God bless
Great story
Cannot wait!
Awesome story
God’s mercies on display.
Well done NEKU! Looking forward to what happens next.
Great, keep the good work …..
Whoo! After reading this piece, I am speechless. It is beautiful. In an interesting way, you have shown Gods mercy. Beautiful. Thank you for reminding me of the mercy of God. Please keep up with the creativity.
Interesting piece. The irrevocable rhythm of God’s mercy
Awesome. Quite impressive
This is good. Really good
Bravo!
Blend of mind-mapping for renegade reader could be considered in fiction write-up.
Well done child.
Great job
Well done, great job
Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks, Neil for those wonderful piece.
The book deserves the win, let’s not only read but vote, share with our families and friends…
Weldone. Great job. Lovely piece
Great storyline…..a second chance for repentance….
Indeed very interesting piece. Keep it up
What a suspense this is,
Awesome Piece of work. Keep it going
Waiting anxiously…..
Absolutely lovely piece!
Well done and keep up the good work.
Great price. Loved reading it
Nice piece.
great job. looking forward to the follow on story.
Interesting read. Intrigued by what happens next.
Interesting, well done
Intriguing!
Such an interesting story keep it up ma
God is sovereign and full of mercy
It’s an intriguing piece of writing.
Wow! This is a very interesting. Keep up the good work.
Interesting
Quite an interesting piece. Can’t wait to know what next.
Quite captivating write up. Keep it up
Beautiful write up by Neku Onoja
Good read
Great story, great lesson to learn
Beautiful write up!
Magnificent
Nice one with high potential s
Nice piece Neku beautiful story lines.
Wow this is really interesting, go on dear
Nice
Great story… The punishment upon Kekoa, a review to that of Cain in the Bible…
As an Oliver twist; can’t wait for the full gist as to what happened to Kekoa…
#For_His_Mercies_Endures_Forever!!!
Beautiful piece. That’s why he’s forever God. His ways differ from that of men.
A nice piece
Highly educating, kudos to the writer
A really great piece!!
Nice piece here!!!
Great job Neku!
The foolishness of Kekoa!!! I love the suspense!
Every sentence is supence
desirous to the point of greed “avid” nice work
AGOG :full of intense interest or excitement GOD is great neku
Can’t wait for next one nice work neku
I really it among all yours is the best nice work neku
You are great dr, love Ur work
It so inspiring dr, GOD is great and merciful
Wow wow when are dropping the next one
Good work
Good luck
Great read!!!!
You have quite the fan base! Very awesome. It’s a good premise. Your imagination is promising, but your writing style needs work. It shifts from past/present tense, the structure is not clever, and it doesn’t encapsulate the escape into a story. And I have to point out the grammar. I hope that this is constructive for your future endeavors into your writing, and congratulations on your win with the readers.
What an imaginative story that fits the theme, and then some. Well done, Neku!
I love the simple language used to tell the story. I like the pacing and descriptions. I was caught up until the end, and of course, curious to know more about Kekoa.
Good always wins at the end. The write up is clearly the exciting work of someone who isn’t yet a professional but has a great flair for writing. Hopefully, this win opens door(s) for her to get the help required to help her get to the professional level in writing. Thank you Spring Break for the exposure. I hope to get to read how the story ends. Great job and congratulations again Neku.
Congratulations on your win neku. You deserve it and even more
The passion and emotions in the story, made the imperfections in the grammar so insignificant. She earned the win and such a writer will go places in future, given the opportunity and right guidance. Congratulations Neku.
Ahh Ahh am so happy for you dear,neku more win to you
I voted for this story and prayed earnestly for it to win and boy am I glad that it won. Kudos Neku.
No one was able to come close to the notes you belted out for the audience and the judges. Once you touched that pen, it was clear who the winner was going to be and that is you
You earned it!
Congrats neku
I’m proud of Neku, who despite her imperfections in writing still took the bold step in contesting. I know you will do better than most bestselling authors today, given the opportunity. Congratulations!
A Nigerian!!!! Wow! This could be another Chimamanda coming up. This is one of the times I am proud to say “I am a Nigerian “. Looking forward to reading more from you, Neku.
Congratulations on winning the writing contest. Your unique talent is sure to find you fame and fortune in the future. Never stop writing dr!
Neku!! Neku!! Neku!! Well done dr
“Feeling so much joy for you neku. What an impressive achievement!”
I jst check my email and I was so happy you won dr
My neku
Comments like: I was over the moon when I got the mail that Neku won, I have to jump down to congratulate her.
She earned it
Congratulations neku
Congratulations Neku for this milestone achievement in the writing competition. I am anxiously waiting to read the complete book of this story from our soon to be Noble Laureate.
Am so so happy for you Neke. Quiet an impressive one there.
Loved the story and am impressed by your talent. Keep it up!