Heart Of Igboju chapter 2

Legacy Of The Gods: Heart Of Igboju

Chapter 2


Like many times before, like on any other day, the bell signaling the end of 3rd period for the well-known De La Salle High School chimed loud and clear, echoing across all the halls. Almost immediately the doors to the classrooms opened and students poured out. Many yawned, still tired from having to get up so early in the morning, while others hurried off, eager to get the morning over and done with. A few minutes later, the halls began to thin as everyone quickly rushed up stairs or hurried along the halls to their next class.

Sighing, Keisha decided it was then that she would brave going out into the hall, hoping to avoid any more curious stares and smart remarks. Although it wasn’t as bad as when she first started this school and was actually sticking up for herself more, the bullying and weird looks were still present, causing her to feel so self-conscious about her looks and intelligence. No one could barely believe that despite her very pale skin, light eyes, and blonde hair, she was just as Black as the majority of the students here, her parents being proudly from Nigeria. She had long since stopped explaining about being born albino, a genetic condition which gave her the unusual appearance. Barely any of the other kids understood anyway, so she would just duck her head and walk away from the whispers and stares. Over time she convinced herself that she was used to it, that it didn’t hurt anymore. But even she knew that despite telling herself those words, the hurt was always flicking somewhere deep in her heart.

Finally when the crowd thinned out more, she hurried outside after the teacher gave her a curious stare, as though wondering why she was still in the room. The pale girl breathed out a little sigh of relief when she saw the halls were almost empty, only a few students and a couple of teachers walking about. Giving a tiny prayer of thanks, Keisha hurried down the hall, holding her books close to her chest. Finally, today she would get to her next class without someone yelling something at her or looking at her in confusion and even fear. She had enough of that after living for years in her parents’ country. Although she was born in Louisiana, Keisha had spent many years in Nigeria and endured much of the same scrutiny there as she did here. There were many superstitions and myths about albinos, and Keisha was thankful that her parents did their best to shield her from the abuse and shame many albinos faced there. Thankfully over the years, the attitude and mindset against them had changed and many were accepted, but it was still very much a challenge.

The staircase to go upstairs was finally in view, and just as she was about to rush up it, a loud voice rang out, heard by all who were still there.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our resident “poser”. Where you going, faker? Out to go color your hair blonde again?” A group of students gathered behind a tall girl, obviously on her way to being a senior, as she walked down the stairs and smiled condescendingly at Keisha. She chuckled and turned to the others. “See? I told you she’d be coming this way when she thinks everyone is gone. Not only is she a faker, she thinks she’s too good to be around everyone else too!”

Her laughter was like a screech, drowning out the laughter of the others and making Keisha want to put her hands over her ears. But holding her resolve, she narrowed her eyes at the tall girl. “I do not color my hair,” she said with as much bravery as she could. “And I am not faker!” With that, she ducked her head low and tried to rush up the stairs, but the bully quickly blocked her way.

“Hold on, I’m not done with you!” she called out, balling her fist. “You think that just because you’re smart you’re better than everyone else? You think all that hair dye and skin-lightening junk is going to make you the teacher’s pet? How about we show you what we do to teachers’ pets!”

“Yeah, our math teacher didn’t even notice I pass our last test, because she was too busy praising you!” said another boy, crossing his arms over his chest, eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.

At that statement, the students got a little closer as Keisha watched with wide eyes. She desperately looked behind her to see if any teacher was walking by, but there was no one. She turned back around, and just as the students reached her, a new voice rang out, stopping them in their trackers.

“Leave her alone!”

Everyone turned to see a young boy walk down the stairs, face set in determination and dark eyes narrowed. His black hair was cut short, but some of the waviness could still be seen. His skin was dark, but it was still light enough to give evidence of being mixed with something else down the family line. Although he was very handsome, making Keisha gasp just slightly, there was a bit of sadness and weariness in the boy’s dark brown eyes. This boy was no stranger to hardship, Keisha could definitely see that in his eyes as well as in his clean yet obviously old clothes and faux leather jacket.

The others looked up in surprise, not expecting anyone else. “Who the heck are you?” one of them shouted out, backing up.

“Who I am is none of your business,” the boy said, stepping closer to the group after descending the stairs. There was an accent to the boy that Keisha couldn’t place yet, making it obvious that he wasn’t from around here, but she was sure it would come to her soon. Was it South American? But before she could think on it more to figure it out, the boy spoke again.

“But if you keep bothering her, I will make it my business. Although I’m new here, I don’t think you would want that,” As if to emphasis this, the boy made a fist and punched it into his right palm. His mouth was set in a grim line, as if daring any of the others to challenge him or say something.

Right then, the second bell rang, signaling that there would be a penalty for lateness within the next few moments.

Feeling brave, one of the students stepped up to the boy, but again the boy made a fist, this time punching it even harder into his palm and taking a step forward too. The other boy gulped and stepped back. At that moment, a teacher was walking towards them from down the hall, looking at them with interest.

The girl who started the incident rolled her eyes and backed away. “Fine, go ahead and defend your little pet. I’m sure you’re just as much of a loser as she is!”

Giving a last laugh, the mean girl turned and walked away, the others following behind her down towards the opposite end of the hall. When they were out of sight, Keisha breathed out in relief and turned to the boy. “Thank you so much! I don’t know what I would have done if...I mean….” She blushed slightly.

But instead of showing any concern or saying “you’re welcome”, the boy merely grunted slightly and mumbled “Whatever.” before walking pass her into the hall.

Keisha could only blink and stare after him as he walked away, perplexed yet a little intrigued. Who was he, and how was he at the right place at the right time to rescue her? He was definitely a very new student, as she would have surely remembered him from before. There was no way she could forget those dark yet sad eyes and how handsome he looked in his jacket….

With another gasp, Keisha stopped herself from finishing that thought, blushing slightly once again. This was not the time to think about that! Then remembering how late she must already be, she rushed up the stairwell, scolding herself. How could she had been distracted like that? It had never happened before, at least not because of a boy. And he was so rude! Perhaps if she sees him again, she’d give him a piece of her mind about manners. But still, in the back of her mind, Keisha couldn’t help but feel a bit of excitement in seeing that strange boy once more.

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Hidden from the light of the outside world, the Loa Goddess and Guardian of Cemeteries stood enclosed in a dark, secret room underneath a large, white tomb of a long-ago preacher. Her black eyes were closed and she awaited her time for revenge. Soon, the voice had told her. So here she stood, waiting.

Her heart ached for her beloved, she longed to hold him in her arms again. But those descendants….they took it all away from her! They took her beloved Samedi when she longed to be with him after so many years! Rage began to once more seep into her. There was no way to know if she would ever see him again, but they would pay. They would ALL pay.

Her hands closed into fists and her body began to shake, feeling the rage and anger grow. “My beloved,” she whispered out. “I will make sure they regret interfering with your vision of a remade world. They will soon bow to me. Then, we’ll be together again. I swear to you.”

All was silent then, until the voice which led her to the truth of what happened to her love suddenly spoke again.

My dearest, it is good to see that you are so eager to begin our plans. Samedi himself would be so proud.

At the mention of her husband’s name, the goddess’s heart began to sink in grief. The god must have sensed it, for just then he sent soothing energy to her mind and spirit.

Rejoice, my sweet. The time to act has come. I sense another of those wretched descendants will soon awaken. Samedi was right in trying wipe out their filthy line, and he almost succeeded. We will continue what he started, then turn on the gods who sided with them. Will you stand with me on this?

The ghost-goddess’s eyes snapped open, revealing pitch-black eyes that seemed bottomless. Anyone staring into them would immediately feel as though falling into a deep, dark pit that they would never escape from.

“Yes,” she whispered out, giving a small smile. “I am more than ready. Guide me in this strange new world. Show me what I must do to see Samedi again.”

The voice laughed deeply in the goddess’s mind, giving her a bit of a chill, but she ignored it. Surely this would go right and all will be as it should. Her beloved will be with her again and the descendants punished for what they had done. What was so wrong in that? Forcing herself to put all doubt out of her mind, the ghostly goddess raised her arms, palms up. From out of her palms a ghostly white smoke began to rise, filling up the whole dark room and slowly covering up her beautiful but white-painted face. If there would have been anyone there to see this sight, they would have surely screamed in fright at the sheer look of rage and determination on the woman’s face.

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After placing her foot on the bench in the girls’ locker room, Billie quickly tied her shoe strings, then switched her foot to tie the other. Soccer practice had been brutal today and she just wanted to get home and relax. She was just not on her game today. She was sure the others noticed it as well. Of course, it didn’t help that she wasn’t getting much sleep for the past few nights. It was getting to the point where she would catch naps whenever she could during school.

But what was she to do? Every time she dared fall asleep at night, those terrible dreams would haunt her. Where did they come from? What did they mean? They had defeated Samedi and Shapona, didn’t they? Weren’t they supposed to be living in peace now? The dark-skinned girl didn’t really know what was going on, but she knew that soon, she would have to talk to the others about it. There was no way she could go on like this. She thought the dreams and the bad feelings of dread would go away on their own, but now she was sure they weren’t, and it was really starting to affect her. She had barely spent any time with her best friend Erin as well as Maybelle and the others. She knew they were starting to worry about her.

When she was finished, Billie straightened up and gave a tired sigh. Yes, perhaps that would be the best. Who knows, maybe they can contact Aja and the other gods and figure out what to do. Could this mean that Samedi is back? Or they have a new enemy? Billie sincerely hoped not. She just wanted to be normal and spend time with her friends, and definitely spend time with Dante. She was sure the boy was going to ask her out anytime now and she didn’t want anything to mess that up!

Finally deciding that it would be best, Billie grabbed her things, exited the locker room, and headed out the school building, where many students were still hanging around after the school day had ended. Shouts of “Let’s go to the pizza parlor!” and “Can you believe we have that big test coming up already?” filled the area.

Although it was early Spring, a left-over chilly wind from the Winter season steadily blew, causing Billie to zip up her jacket all the way. She had just crossed the street and thinking of ways to bring up the subject of her dreams to Dante and the others when she heard someone yelling her name. She turned to see Keisha waving and hurrying towards her, her bushy, thick blonde hair bouncing behind her.

“There you are, I’m glad I caught up with you!” Keisha smiled. She paused to catch her breath, then looked up at her seriously. “It’s...it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I mean, since I, Hazelynn and the others have seen you. And, well, I saw you leaving and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.” She reached over and laid a hand on Billie’s shoulder. “Is everything okay?”

For what she was sure was the longest while, Billie just stared at her, touched by her concern and more than ready to finally get this off her chest. Her eyes misted with tears, but she blinked them away and took in a breath. “Yeah, I guess I am now. It’s just that, umm, I think there might be something I need to talk to you and the others about.”

At the concerned look on Keisha’s face, Billie beckoned the albino girl to walk with her down the street, where they could talk in private. With a shaky voice, Billie explained about the strange dreams and feelings she’d been having, and how she thought they would have been gone by now, but weren’t. She explained that she didn’t say anything before because of how she wanted everyone to have a normal life and just move on. When she was done, Keisha nodded and had a thoughtful look on her face.

“What is it?” Billie asked, not sure how to take the girl’s silence.

Keisha blushed shyly. “Well, since you mentioned that, there is something I should tell the others too. There was this boy in school I met today and he helped me out with a couple bullies, and -”

“You want to know if he’s free to date or something?” Billie chuckled, glad for a distraction.

“What? No, that’s not it, really! It’s not!” Keisha blushed even harder, waving her hands. She looked around to make sure no one was looking before continuing. “It’s just...I got this strange feeling from him. You know, sort of like you said you had with me when you first met me? Do you think that maybe he could be one of us? Could that be related to your dreams?”

Billie stopped, a thousand thoughts going through her head. Could that be it? Could a new descendant be revealed soon, as well as a new enemy? There certainly wasn’t any other explanation. Yes, this was definitely something to talk to the others about. At that thought, Billie nodded with certainty. “Yeah, you could have something there. I say we call the others and talk about all this. If there is something coming up, we have to be ready. Maybe we can get in contact with Aja and the other gods too."

The pale girl smiled with relief, agreeing completely. They turned to walk on, but barely after a few steps, Billie stopped and held out a hand, making Keisha stop as well. A cold, chilly feeling suddenly surrounded her, despite the bright sunshine up above. But this was different from the chill wind blowing. She looked over at Keisha and knew the albino girl was feeling it too.

After Billie gave a nod to her, the girls hurried on, the chill and ominous feeling getting stronger. Suddenly, a bank of fog appeared out of seemingly nowhere as they were passing by some buildings, surrounding the girls and practically cutting them off from everywhere else. The few people around looked up in confusion before disappearing from view in the thick white fog.

“What’s going on?” Keisha called out, getting closer to Billie.

“Be ready!” Billie said, going into a fighting stance. In her mind, she searched for the goddess Aja to come to her aid. Aja, where are you? We need you now! Billie called out mentally, balling her hands into fists.

But for the moment, Billie didn’t feel the benevolent Goddess of Nature and the Hunt. Where was she? It got even colder, to the point where Billie was starting to shiver. Then, just as she couldn’t bare it any longer, the smokey, ghost-like fog began to part, and through it walked a tall, slender woman. Although her features were clearly Black and she was quite beautiful, her face and neck was painted all white, all the way down to her ample chest. Her hair was thick and black, reaching all the way to almost the back of her knees. She had on a very torn and dirty-looking white dress that looked like a bridal gown from very long ago, complete with a long, elaborate train that was also torn and ragged.

Her feet were bare, but the most striking and scariest feature to them were her pitch black eyes. There were no irises, no corneas...nothing. Just pitch-black that seemed bottomless. The ghostly woman stepped closer to them in slow motion, her long, thick hair blowing in the wind.

It took a few seconds before Billie shook her head from the initial shock and came back to reality. She stepped back and raised her fists defensively. “Who are you?” she yelled out. Beside her, Keisha looked on in confusion and concern.

“I’ve finally found you, foolish ones. The descendants of the vile humans who worked with those pitiful gods.” She blinked her black eyes and gave a smirk. “How easy it was to find you….”

“Who are you?” Billie yelled out again, her heart beating. “What do you want?”

The woman stepped closer, stretching her arms out before her with her fingers spread. “Who am I? I am the one who will bring your deaths. I am the one whom you’ve taken so much from. I am the one who will make sure you will never find rest in the afterlife. I am the one who will ensure your doom as well as the doom of the other gods. I am Madame Brigitte.”

As the girls looked on in shock, the fog grew even colder and thicker, nearly making them blind. Madame Brigitte continued to hold out her arms in front of her, pieces of the fog swirling around her hands and spread fingers. The wind blew stronger and her long hair wiped all around her head. The white fog quickly began to take the shape of ghostly forms around her arms and hands.

Then, to the utter shock and horror to the girls, the goddess opened her mouth, took a deep breath, and screamed long and loud in rage, causing the nearby windows of buildings and cars to crack and break. The ghostly figures made from the fog around Brigitte swirled once around her arms, then flew straight towards Keisha and Billie while the goddess continued to scream.

Horrified and screaming themselves, the girls could only duck their heads and raise their arms defensively as they were completely surrounded by the hellish ghouls, cut off from the outside world and no guarantee that they would even survive this.


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To Be Continued…..