Heart Of Igboju Chapter 9

Legacy Of The Gods Book II: Heart Of Igboju

Chapter 9


Alone in a darkened hospital room, an elderly dark-skinned woman lay comfortably. Beside her bed, vital monitors and other machinery beeped and flashed, keeping watch and showing her heart and pulse rate. Her gray hair was still neatly tied up in a thick bun, and every few moments or so, her eyelids flickered. The oxygen mask and tubs were long since removed, as she showed signs of improving every day. Many of the doctors were stunned by the rate of her recovery. There was no way anyone would have survived the intense amount of infection and bodily degradation this woman had when she was rushed in. What was keeping her alive? How could she have such a strong will to live?

No one had the answer, but they continued the watch the amazingly lucky older woman. Even when she did fully recover, the doctors hope to study her more. Everyone in the city knew how famous she was for her benevolent voodoo practices and strange happenings around her. Perhaps she could give them a clue as to how this occurred and what is giving her such strength. It was beyond reasoning! She went from being so pale, so close to death and her organs failing, to looking like she was just taking a nap. Her face was fuller now, her dark skin gleaming, and her lips and cheeks gave evidence of what an incredible beauty she was in her day. There was no reason to doubt that this woman must have had many admirers and her pick of men.

But now was the time for recovery, and many could see she was fighting for her very life. Not just for herself, but for someone she cared for very much. Family members came and went, but when she was alone, the doctors could see the determination in her still face, the way she occasionally clenched and relaxed her hands. Yes, she was a fighter, there was no question.

The woman’s eyelids continued to flicker, her breathing steady. Suddenly, her body jerked slightly, as though desperately trying to wake from a dream. More and more the eyelids flickered, and the monitor's beeping increased to keep up with her rising heart rate. Her breathing became faster and deeper until finally, she woman gave a gasp and her eyelids flew open. Muscles stiff and aching, the woman could only move her eyes to look around in confusion. What had happened? How did she end up here? She tried to speak, but her throat was too raw and dry. Only a guttural, confused sound came out.

Then the memories came in a series of flashes. Yes, she remembered now. But was everyone safe? What about her…..her grandson!

Just then, a nurse walked into the room, interrupting her thoughts. Seeing the patient’s eyes now wide open and the monitors getting louder and faster, the nurse rushed over with a gasp. After quickly checking and confirming the vital signs, the young nurse rushed out the door to find the doctor. How unexpected! This will certainly be one for the medical history books!

As she left, the elderly woman did her best to calm herself. In her heart, she knew the one she was thinking about was safe. But trouble was still brewing, she could feel it. Although her mind was still foggy, she hoped and prayed with all her might that she would have the strength to fight the evil she felt in this city. Because somehow, if this powerful evil wins, then no one would be safe.

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In a modest, small house, some soft Tejano music played from the stereo in the living room. When Antonio came downstairs from his room, he couldn’t help but smile when he stopped at the dining room doorway and watched his mom. Although it had been many years since his mother moved to the mainland from the small island of Puerto Rico, it always impressed him how much the country was still part of her. Almost everywhere were mementos of her love and pride for the little island; various sizes of the flag of Puerto Rico were hung up almost everywhere, as well as snapshots of historical buildings and lands where she had visited growing up and had taken Antonio to. And of course, the incredible music always playing!

This morning wasn’t any different, and the caramel-skinned boy was so tempted to just stay home and dance the rest of the day with his mom. He could see her swaying her hips and moving along to the catchy music in the kitchen, just finishing cooking up some scrambled eggs. She twirled once after scooping the eggs on a plate, and when she saw Antonio seating himself at the table, she gave a warm smile.

“Good morning, hijo!" Carla greeted. Her tanned skin fairly gleamed in the sunlight pouring in from the kitchen window. “Here, I got up extra early this morning to make you some breakfast before school. Your birthday is soon coming up, so I think you deserve a little spoiling until the big day.” When she entered the dining room, she winked and put the plate in front of him, followed by a fork.  

“Thanks, Mom,” Antonio sighed in gratitude and dug into the wonderfully seasoned eggs. “I’m going to need a lot of energy for today. This will help!”

“Oh?” The beautiful Latina woman looked curiously at her son. “What do you have planned today after school? Are you hanging out with Kwame again?” She gave a knowing smile. “Or that Maybelle? She’s such a sweet girl!”

“Oh! Umm..yeah, but it’s...it’s nothing like that Mom, really,” The boy blushed slightly, eating a little faster to avoid more questions. “It’s...something that’s important to me and my friends. It’s nothing serious, it’s just something we, umm, have to prepare for.”

“Prepare for?” asked a curious voice coming from the living room. Antonio’s father walked in, a concerned look on his face. “I hope it’s not something I’m going to hear about from your teachers later.” The tall, handsome, dark-skinned man gave a no-nonsense look.

“No Dad, it’s nothing like that, I promise!” Antonio sighed and looked both of his parents in the eyes. “It’s nothing for us to get in trouble with. It’s just...well, we’ve met some new friends at school and we just need to get together and figure things out. And learn a few new things. That’s it.” He cast his eyes down, wishing he could tell them everything. If only I could tell you what this is all about, Mom and Dad. But I can’t, not if I want to protect you.

The husband and wife looked at each other quietly, then finally relented. “Fine, I trust you,” the handsome, dark-skinned Errol told his son. “But you should know you don’t need to keep secrets from us,” The man stood before his son and laid a hand on his shoulder. “I know we don’t have a lot and we’re not exactly the richest in town, but we’re trying our best, your mom and I. We’re here for you. If there’s something you want and you think we can’t afford it -”

“No! It’s not that, I promise! Please, believe me.” Antonio saw the downcast look his mother gave when his father talked about what they probably couldn't afford. Yes, he had heard many times about how his mother grew up in Puerto Rico, her family struggling to get by on their dilapidated farmland in their struggling town. For a territory of the grand country of America, anyone would think that the small island nation would be sitting in the lap of luxury, reaping all the benefits from such a powerful country. But the reality certainly wasn't so.

Many on the island lived in near destitution, barely scraping by. Antonio had seen for himself how difficult life there was during his many visits, and he could barely imagine or understand how his mother kept such a sunny, upbeat outlook on life after growing up like that. He cringed remembering how his mother told him she had to drop out of school in the 7th grade to help her parents with the land and make ends meet. His heart broke for her on hearing that, knowing how important education was, but he knew without a doubt she wouldn’t have changed it. Because of that, she became determined to come to America and make a good life for herself. Despite the language barrier, and despite being barely literate, somehow his mom Carla made it, finishing high school and eventually even earning a college degree.

He turned to his dad. His favorite part was hearing how during all that struggle when she settled in New Orleans, his mom met his dad. The two fell almost instantly in love, and he did all he could to help her, even while going through his own financial struggles while doing his best to finish school. If it wasn’t for her determination in making it, as well as her sunny attitude that his father was fascinated with, Antonio probably wouldn’t even be here! So he tried to be happy and be satisfied with all he had and never tried to make his parents spend more than they could afford. There was no way he would start now.

He gave them another reassuring smile. “Mom, Dad, it’s fine. I’ve learned a long time ago there are some things I could do without if we can’t...well, afford it. It’s fine. I guess in a way, it made me more appreciative of you guys, you know?”

At the relieved look on his mother’s face, Antonio quickly finished his eggs, then got up and placed his empty plate in the sink. “I gotta go! See you guys later!” After giving a quick hug to his parents, he grabbed his jacket and school bag from the hook by the front door, then hurried out down the street to catch the bus.

Yes, it would be so nice to tell his parents everything and be honest, just as they were honest with him. Wouldn’t they be proud that he was basically a superhero? That he was a descendant of a real king through his father? Antonio didn’t remember his dad saying anything about royalty in his family, but he did say one time there were rumors his great-grandparents use to tell stories about ancestral kings and queens from a far-away land in Africa. Were they really talking about their family? There was no doubt now that he knew the truth of his lineage since meeting the Orisha.

But despite all that, he was definitely looking forward to after school. Not only in finding out what the plan was in defeating that jerk Shigidi, but having a chance to see and hang out with Maybelle too. He smiled at the image of her in his mind, and after blushing just a bit, he shook his head to clear it. No, hopefully after this trouble with Shigidi is over with, he could get to know her more. They had an important mission now.  

A little bit of fear entered his heart then, boarding the bus when it came to the stop a few minutes later. Yeah, if they actually SURVIVED their fight with Shigidi. Something told him it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, especially after what happened with Dante. But as long as he and his friends stayed and fought together, there was always a chance.

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At last the final bell of the day rang, and Billie gave a pent-up sigh of relief. Thank goodness! It was torture waiting all day. She could barely concentrate on the day’s lessons and assignments, wondering what the Orisha gods had planned for them. After their meeting at Dante’s, Aja had appeared to her and told her that she and the other gods wanted them to all meet at City Park near the Peristyle Pavilion. Hazelynn called soon after she got the message from Oshun and had eagerly volunteered to drive them all there right after school, and only after the supermodel-hopeful promised not to pick them up in a limousine did Billie finally agree.  

What did the gods want to meet up for? Do they have some sort of plan to fight Shigidi and Madame Brigitte? Were there more descendants found? Did it have to do with the training Aja mentioned before? There were no answers yet, but it was so hard to keep focused on school with so many possibilities going through her head!

Doing her best to suppress her nervousness, the dark-skinned girl hurried to her locker, carefully weaving her way through the large crowd of students in the hall. She hurriedly grabbed her jacket and book bag, knowing that in just a few moments, Hazelynn would be tapping her feet and waiting for everyone with her hands on her hips. She could just see her now!

She had just put her bag on over her shoulders when a familiar figure walked up to her. Billie smiled when she saw her childhood friend Erin. The girl’s rich brown hair fell in soft waves down her back, and her chocolate brown eyes were shining and wide with anticipation. Her peach-tone skin fairly glowed in the late afternoon sun from the hall windows.

“Billie! There you are!” Erin laid a congratulatory hand on her shoulder. “That was an awesome practice before classes this morning! I’m sure we’re going to win the game this weekend.” She looked around before lowering her voice. “Hey, wanna go to the ice-cream parlor to celebrate just a bit? I thought it would be okay if just the two of us hang out a little before the big celebration. I mean, since we don’t get to see each other much nowadays. If you want, Keisha could come too.” A little sadness came over the French-descent girl’s eyes. It had been so long since it was just the two of them!

Billie groaned inwardly. Yes, it was true, the girls hadn’t had a chance to spend much time with each other as they used to. Looking into the girl’s eyes, she could tell how much Erin missed hanging out together. Oh, how she would love to tell Erin everything! But what could she say? She couldn't just blurt out...Oh, sorry Erin, I can’t. You see, I’m actually a princess, an African royal descendant, and I have to save the world from a mad nightmare god!

Billie sighed. How was she going to explain? But she had to say something or risk alienating the girl even more. “Look, Erin, I’m sorry, I can’t today. You see, I have to meet up with my new friends and, umm, figure some things out. It’s really important. You know I would if I could.”

The pretty, dark-haired girl was silent in thought before sighing and nodding her head. “Hey, it’s fine, really. Maybe we can do it another time.” She paused again, looking into Billie’s eyes. “Billie, is everything okay? Is one of your friends in trouble? If there’s anything I can do to help, you know you can talk to me.”

“No, it’s fine, really. No one’s in trouble. It’s just hard to explain right now.” Suddenly she realized how much time was passing by and she looked at her watch. “Look, I really do have to go. I promise I’ll call you later and we’ll hang out another time. Everything’s fine, really.” She reached over and gave her friend a quick hug before rushing off.

Watching her leave, a concerned look came over Erin’s face. What could she possibly be hiding? Something was up, and she was definitely going to find out what it was. Sighing, the girl turned away. Whatever it was, she hoped Billie knew she would be there for her.

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When Billie reached outside and went to stand at the corner a few feet from the high school, the student crowd was just beginning to thin out. She barely waited a few seconds before a horn blasted in the air. Driving down the street was a large black and silver Hummer H4 with small, yellow safety lights right above the front windows. The vehicle stopped in the street right before Billie and the passenger side door swung opened.

Hazelynn hopped out, a satisfied look on her face. The driver looked to the side for any oncoming cars, his hands on the large wheel. From the open window, Billie could see Maybelle and Keisha sitting in the first row of the backseats, whispering and giggling at being in such an amazing vehicle, while Dante, Antonio, Kwame, and Edwin sat in the second row, eyes wide with amazement.

Billie turned and gave the taller, half Italian girl a “are you kidding me?” look, her arms crossed over her chest.

The girl cocked her head to the side, not understanding what the problem was. “What? I said I wasn’t going to use the limo, right? This isn’t a limo!”

“Ugh! Hazelynn!” Billie said in exasperation. She thought about telling her that she didn’t mean an expensive car like this either, but decided against it. Besides, there was no arguing with her when it came to Hazelynn using the best of everything. Also, the car really looked amazing and there’s no reason they can’t get to the park in style!

After shaking her head with a smile, Billie hopped in the backseat with Maybelle and Keisha. Hazelynn smoothly slid in the front passenger seat, and they were off.

The ride with filled with discussions on homework, what their plans were for the upcoming weekend, and their dreams for the future, although Dante was still more quiet than usual. They carefully avoided talk about the Orisha because of the driver, but they all knew they were nervous and apprehensive about what the gods wanted to talk to them about.

Soon they arrived at the renowned City Park with Peristyle Pavilion a short distance away in the background. The beautiful white structure with its columns was a beautiful and grand homage to the ancient Greco-Roman style of long ago. They all piled out and the driver slowly drove off after being instructed to come back when Hazelynn called.

After looking around and seeing a few people still around, Billie beckoned to the others. “Come on guys, let’s find someplace with a little more privacy. We don’t want to draw any attention to ourselves.”

They walked on until they were alone and almost surrounded by trees in a small clearing. The late afternoon sun shined down on the area, giving a touch of magic on the beautiful scenery. Bright colors from the leaves and flowers shined and a fresh, forest smell flowed all around them.

“This is amazing,” Edwin breathed out, looking around in wonder.

The others nodded in agreement, but just as Kwame was about to reach out and take Hazelynn’s hand….to admire the view with her of course, there was a bright flash of light above them. The gigantic bright ball slowly descended in front of them, swirling with silver blue. When it touched the ground, the light elongated until the shapes of tall figures stepped out. When the light died down and finally faded, Aja, Ogun, and the other Yoruba gods faced the group of friends, their bodies transparent and holographic as before.

Aja was the first to step forward with a warm smile. “Greetings, young brave ones!” She placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head. “Thank you so much for coming to meet with us. We have something very important to discuss with you. Something that will help in the fight against Shigidi and Madame Brigitte.” Her eyes took on a serious look as she turned to Billie.

“My Sovereign, I know this battle has been so hard on you and the others. And I promise...no, we all promise to do our best to protect you all. We’ve also decided that it’s time for you to learn how to fight and defend yourselves as well as others, just as your ancestors did. You have all proved time and time again that you are brave and strong at heart.”

"And you have also proven that you will never allow harm to come to those you love, and will defend those who cannot defend themselves. That shows great love and great caring for your fellow man.” Oshun said, stepping up and nodding gratefully at Hazelynn.

Hazelynn smiled proudly at that, and Aja quickly turned to Ogun, standing tall next to her. “That is why we all believe it is time for you to arm yourselves with weapons that have served your ancestors in the past. These are the very tools they used to defend villages, cities from great evil. Your ancestors saved innumerable lives with these when they bonded with us. And now, they are passed on to you, the rightful heirs and owners. Please accept these traditional heirlooms.”

Aja stepped back and gestured to the immense and muscular Ogun. He came closer and bowed his head to Dante and the others. “Among being the God of Iron, Blacksmiths, Warfare, and also controlling fire, I am also the weapons maker of the Orisha. I helped create the weapons used by the Yoruba people long ago. With these, you will truly accept your lineage and defend this city from evil, just as your ancestors did back in Nigeria.”

The group of friends turned to each other with amazed looks, hardly believing what they were hearing. But before they could ask any questions, Ogun held out his massive arms, dark eyes closed. A flow of flames erupted from his hands, but just as they touched the ground, the flames calmly dissipated, leaving several reddish glowing objects lying on the ground. The redness cooled and faded, and with eyes wide,  Billie and the others beheld sharp, strong-looking weapons, shining in the daylight.

The Weapons God raised his hand and the weapons levitated in the air in front of the friends. They swirled in a circle until Ogun held an arm out to Dante. “For you, young Dante, I give you the Agedengbe sword, the strongest and most lethal of the others.” He gave a quick wink. “And also my personal fave. I know you will use this wisely, my prince.” The heavy sword floated out of the circling weapons and headed over to Dante. He reached out a hand, and the sword flowed easily into it, as though it was specially made for him. The boy smiled proudly as he swung it around him.

He next turned to Hazelynn. “For you, I give you the Ida sword. This sword is light, but is just as lethal as Dante's. Few can stand against its sharpness and quick, deadly blow. It will serve you well, Warrior of Love.” He chuckled slightly when he saw Oshun give an approving look.  

When the sword floated down and landed softly in her hand, Hazelynn raised it in the air. “Now this, is cool!” she shouted, grinning widely.

He next turned to Edwin. “For you, the mysterious Tanmogayi sword, the original version of what is called the saber today. It is lithe and easily hidden, to strike when the enemy least expects it. It works well with your illusion powers too.” The blade spun once and headed right to the Brazilian boy, fitting perfectly in his hands. With a smile, he flipped it over once and caught it expertly by the handle.

A boy of few words, Edwin looked over to Oshunmare and nodded his head, pride flowing through him. The Rainbow and Serpent God smiled back at him, his rainbow eyes swirling and fairly brimming with tears.

“Now, to Keisha and Kwame. You two get the Obe daggers. They're small, but are just as precise and deadly as the other weapons. These would be suited to you for your quickness," He looked to Kwame. "And how easily they can also be used with water.” He nodded to Keisha. "They will serve you well. Don’t be fooled by the small size.”

When the daggers landed in their hands, Keisha and Kwame grinned at each other. They twirled the small blades in their hands and stood back to back in a fierce fighting pose, making the others smile.

The War god next faced Antonio. “For you, there is no other weapon more fitting than the double-bladed ax. It is the symbol of Shango himself. It will channel the lightning from the skies and dispatch any who dares stand in the way of the blades. You have earned it, brave one.”

When the heavy ax weapon floated in his hand, Antonio couldn’t help but give out a triumphant cheer, raising it high above him. When he saw everyone looking at him, not expecting his outburst, he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, but this is just too. awesome!” he said, his eyes gleaming.

Finally, he stood before Billie and Maybelle, bowing his head. “For you both, I give you the Ada sword, the weapon that the machete of today is based on. It will serve you well because of how precisely and easily it marks its target. It is near impossible to miss with these. Use it well and it will protect you from large numbers.” The swords fell smoothing into the girls' hands.

Their eyes wide as ever, Billie and Maybelle cautiously held the weapons as they turned them over, inspecting them. It was almost like they could FEEL their ancestors’ energy flowing in them. Besides them, Aja and Ayao laid holographic hands on their shoulders.

When he was done, Ogun stepped back, a fist over his heart. “I pray that these weapons will serve their purpose in your fight against Shigidi. As Aja said, the time is right for you to use these, as you have shown how strong you’ve become. May these tools be worthy of you.”

The other gods placed their fists over their hearts and bowed their heads in reverence. Then, much to the surprise of Billie and the others, the weapons suddenly flashed and disappeared.

Antonio looked around in surprise. “Hey, what happened?” he exclaimed, blinking his eyes.

“No worries, my Prince. The weapons will be there when you need them. They are part of your very essence, your souls now. When you are in danger, just concentrate on them, and they will appear.” Ogun said, smiling in assurance.

The others sighed in relief, but Aja gave them a determined look. “But we are far from done here. There is much more preparation to be done,” she said, stepping forward. “And there is not much time, I fear.” She looked up at the sky, as though fearing something might be coming, and beckoned the descendants forward. Yes, it was true. In her heart, the goddess knew there wasn’t much time left. And the quicker the training could be done, the better!

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To Be Continued….