Heart Of Igboju Chapter 5

Legacy Of The Gods Book II: Heart Of Igboju

Chapter 5


In a black, shiny castle, hidden deep within the Ile-Ife, the Orisha of Nightmares and Guilt sat upon his large throne made of skulls and bones, an annoyed look on his handsome yet intimidating face. His eyes, resembling a snake’s with the pupils going vertical, glowed a soft green while he rubbed his chin with a large hand. From his fingers grew long, sharp claws, as well as on his bare feet.

His skin had a green sheen to it, due to the fact that his very muscular body had reptile-like scales going up and down. He crossed legs, and muscles rippled beneath his scaly skin, giving him a lithe look, like he was about to pounce on an opponent at any moment. In all, anyone seeing him at that moment would swear he was the perfect combination of man, snake, and dragon, and none would be brave or smart enough to face him.  

But none of that mattered to the god. He continued to rub the short goatee on his chin, concentrating hard. Those….how else would he describe them….children! How could it have been so difficult to dispatch just two of them? How did the gods know so quickly that through his manipulations, Brigitte almost had them in her clutches? Were they so powerful then, these new descendants? Through spying and keeping an open ear, he had known that not many of the royal descendants of the past rulers of the Yoruba kingdoms survived Samedi’s attacks. Many never even knew about their lineage, having spent their whole lives never knowing about the Yoruba royalty. But this generation, there was something different about them, like they were stronger somehow.

Perhaps that was why those meddling gods were so intent on keeping them safe, determined to never let them out of their sight. At that revelation, anger entered the ancient god’s heart. Those fools. Why are they trying so hard to protect the insignificant mortals? Despite how careless Samedi and Shapona was, they were right; the mortals must be brought back to the time where they feared the gods, obeyed them without question. But no, the gods wanted to keep themselves hidden, to allow the mortals of today to think they were nothing but stories and myths, left to their own devices and allowed to run a muck with no consequences for their actions.

For many years the gods had watched the mortals of this world fall deeper and deeper into chaos. They watched how every generation born become more greedy, more evil, more selfish than the previous. They expected the gods to fix their problems and cater to their needs and demands. Soon it came to the point where the mortals barely knew how to care for themselves without seeking their help. It was then that many of the gods knew that if something wasn't done to make the humans more self-reliant, then it would spell their destruction. The gods needed to distance themselves from the human race.

Shigidi was reluctant at first, but after seeing for himself the chaos that ensued, he had finally agreed with the younger gods and retreated from the mortals as many other older gods have, hoping that someday, the humans would realize their mistakes on their own and turn back to the old ways, to see for themselves all the chaos they have done. Maybe it was because of the gods' intervention and influence that turned the humans into such selfish beings. But it was not to be so. The humans did not learn, they did not change. And there was no indication they were going to change anytime soon. But yet Aja, Eshu, and the other newer gods still held on to hope for the foolish mortals.

Well, let them hope, let them wait. He knew that the mortals will never change. With the royal lineage all wiped out, there would be none to protect them and he would subjugate them as they deserved to be. If there were other gods who would stand with him, fine. But if they were others who stood against him, then they would suffer along with the humans.

And he had just come up with an idea to help that along. From watching the holographic images of the past fights between Samedi and the descendants, he remembered how the Baron used the abiku. It was a useful idea, but he was sloppy with it.

He needed something else, something more powerful than those mindless beasts. Something both he and Brigitte can use to destroy those children and any others who dared stand against them. Remembering her, the Nightmare god clenched his large, scaly fist. He had felt the slight hesitation and confusion in her. No matter. If he had to, he would dispose of her too if she turned against him.

Putting that out of his mind, the god stood up to his full height of nearly 7 feet. He rolled back his broad, massive shoulders, muscles rippling underneath the glossy, greenish skin. He shook out his thick, black hair that was twisted into dreadlocks, making it fall to the middle of his back. Oh yes, what he had in mind would be perfect in introducing himself to the descendants. It was time they knew who they were up against before they got any stronger and disrupted his plans. Normally he enjoyed working in the shadows, controlling things from behind and hidden from view. It was how many mortals and even some of the newer gods never even knew he existed. But he knew when it was time to step in.

Taking a deep breath and closing his glowing eyes, the ancient being raised a clawed hand, a soft light erupting from it. In his mind, he called out to the desolate, blackened part of the Ile-Ife, where the condemned and lost souls of the mortals roamed. Although it was not common, he knew that some of them even ventured as deep as where his castle was, so lost and confused they were. Some of them had forgotten they were even human once. Those were the easiest to manipulate and control.

At first, nothing happened, but soon, as he continued to concentrate, ghost-like forms began to appear and come closer to the massive man. They resembled human, but only in shape. They were made of what could only be described as glowing white smoke with swirling, back holes for eyes. When they opened their mouths, sharp, yellowish teeth can be seen. When the god opened his eyes again, he looked to see he was surrounded by at least two dozen of the figures. They reached out with white, glowing smokey hands, sharp claws at the end of them. Soon the whole throne room was filled with their hissing and moaning.

“Hello there, my beautiful olcan,” Shigidi said softly, smiling and showing long, curved fangs resembling a snake’s.

They all turned swirling obsidian eyes on him, not understanding how they got there. They started to moved menacingly towards him, but he held up his glowing hand, the light getting brighter and pulsing. Immediately the creatures hissed and backed away.

“Yes,” the immense man said, turning around and looking at all of them with snake eyes. “You will obey me and do my bidding. Do so, and you will find peace in the end."

Those words got their attention, and they all soon quieted down and lowered themselves. At that sight, the god smiled a little bigger, and a long, forked tongue shot out and licked the air. Yes, all was going according to plan and none shall stand in his way.  As he lowered his hand, a shadow overcame his face, showing his still glowing green eyes and a wicked grin before it turned all black.

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Far away, in the enlightened part of the Ile-Ife, Aja stood upon a small hill, looking out at the soon setting bright sun. Her face was scrunched with worry. With a heavy heart, she thought back on the attack against Billie and Keisha. It was only through sheer dumb luck, as she had often heard some humans say, that she and Yemaja had come in time to bond with the girls, thus saving their lives. What if they had gotten there just seconds later? Even she knew it would have been too late.

But of all the gods to she could think of that would attack, she would never have guessed Madam Brigitte. The Goddess and Guardian of Cemeteries was always so kind, so supportive to the humans. Well, that is until she fell in love with and married Samedi. Thinking back, she remembered how the kind death goddess slowly fell under the hypnotic influence of the smooth Samedi. At first she tried to resist, arguing how much the mortals needed their patience and support, but soon, she too began to hate them, just as much as Samedi did.

The Nature Goddess sighed. It just goes to show how blind love and loyalty can be in certain situations. She recalled how close Oshun and Brigitte was, laughing and talking with one another about love and how it can even transcend death. But it was all so long ago. Would it ever come back to that again? With downcast eyes, the goddess turned to go, the beautiful setting sun casting shadows behind her, when suddenly, she found herself surrounded by an array of rainbow colors, swirling all around her.

When Aja looked her in curiosity, the swirling rainbow colors twisted away into  the air, then came back down to stop right before her. It elongated and turned into a tall god with a serious expression and a short goatee. His long jet-black hair ended in a single braid flung over his left shoulder. The handsome god with dark, gleaming skin opened his eyes, and although the rainbow light had faded away when he appeared, it seemed to continue in his intelligent eyes.

All around his irises, the rainbow continued to swirl. A colorful, beautifully designed robe adorned his lithe body, and from his right cheek going down his his neck was a tattoo of a slithering, shining black and green snake, also with rainbow eyes. It looked real enough that it could jump off his skin at any moment. He gave a soft smile and stepped towards her. “Aja, at last you’re alone,” he said softly.

“Oshunmare!” Smiling for the first time in a very long time, the Huntress goddess rushed forward and enveloped the Orisha of Rainbows and Illusions in a hug.  When she was done, she leaned away from him and sighed softly. “We can use your help,” she whispered. “There is much that is happening!”

“I know,” the god said, his rainbow eyes turning serious. “I have been watching you and the others, but I wanted to talk to you alone. Brigitte must be stopped, just as Samedi needed to be. But if there is any way to save her, we must look into that possibility too. I can sense much pain in her.”

“Yes,” Aja agreed, taking the god’s hand in her own. “If we can save her, we must. But there is something else too. I think...no, I know there is something my bonded is keeping from me. There is something more to Brigitte attacking, and it might have to do with what Billie is not telling me. But I don’t know how to get her reveal what it is to me.”

“You just need to give her time,” Oshunmare said, touching her cheek. “I’ve been watching the young ones too, and they are strong. But you are right, there is much confusion and distress in her. As a watcher of human movement and consciousness, I can see she is not ready to reveal it yet. Don’t force it, give it time.”

Aja thought on that briefly before nodding in agreement, feeling just a bit better. The Rainbow god gave a small smile. “But I do have good news. There is another descendant. I can feel it. I’ve been watching him and I think he’s more than ready.”

“Another descendant!” Aja’s dark eyes widened in hope. “That is wonderful! I was hoping Billie and the others weren’t the last. Come, the others should know too. And we must be ready for another attack.” With a determined look, the goddess turned and practically dragged Oshunmare behind her. There was no time to lose! If a new descendant was found, they had to act now. Another royal descendant meant there was more of a chance they would win this fight and find out who is behind this new threat.

But as she walked on, the goddess still couldn’t help but think about Billie. What was she keeping from her? She knew she could trust her. But like Oshunmare said, she needed to give her time. She only hoped the wise Rainbow God was right.

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After dashing downstairs, Kwame headed right to the kitchen and quickly grabbed a box of cereal from the cubbard near the sink. It was finally the weekend again and he just wanted to relax and have fun with Antonio at the arcade. No worrying about tests, no homework, and definitely no thinking about attacks from new enemies. It had been decided that for now, all he and his friends can do is just wait and see what would happen. Maybe it was just a one-time thing? Who knows? But even the Nigerian-born boy knew they would still have to keep their eyes open. But until something happens, couldn’t they just enjoy a little fun?

When he finished practically wolfing down his cereal, he hurriedly washed the bowl and headed towards the front door. But just as he was about to open it and walk out, a figure suddenly walked down the house staircase and softly called his name. The dark-skinned boy sighed and turned, facing his adoptive mother when she came in the kitchen a moment later.

“Mom, sorry if I woke you,” he said, going up to her. “I’m just going out for a bit. I did my homework and everything.” He gave her a small smile.

Leona slowly made her way towards him, her enlarged belly looking like she was carrying a large beach ball. The beautiful, dark-skinned woman gave him a concerned look. “It’s alright, I was already up. But you have to remember you can't be gone for too long. The doctors say it won’t be long before the baby is due. I need you and your father around in case of anything,” Worry shone in her eyes.

Kwame smiled at her again and took her hand, guiding her to a seat at the kitchen table. He knew what she was thinking. At her age, was it right for her to be expecting a child? What if something went wrong? Most people knew the risks of a woman getting pregnant after her 30’s, but Kwame knew that after many tests and check-ups, the doctors assured her that there was nothing to worry about. But he did have to admit it was such a shock when he and his adoptive father found out. His mother was sure she was unable to have children of her own, which was one of the many reasons she was so determined to adopt him.

Along with the initial shock and nervousness, there was also joy in his parents being blessed with having their own child and taking in a child who had no family. There was also joy in him finally being a big brother, which he hoped for so long. Sure, it had taken almost 12 years, but who was counting?

He laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently in assurance. “I promise I won’t be long. I’ll be home before Dad. There’s a lot going on in...umm, school, and I just want to unwind, that’s all.”

His mother looked at him expectantly, as though waiting for him to say more, but Leona finally relented. “Alright. But call me, okay? And try not to let school stress you out. You’re too young for that!”  

If only it was that simple, Kwame thought sadly to himself. But he put on a brave face for his mother and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks! I’ll be sure to call. See you later!”

With that he hurried out, Leona looking after him worriedly. After making sure the front door was locked, he practically ran down the block to where he knew Antonio was waiting for him. They had decided to spent at least part of the day downtown and just hang out, probably catching a movie. He’d also heard that Hazelynn liked to go into the arcade not far from the movie theater. Maybe they would bump into each other.

He grinned widely at that. If she was, then he would make sure he gathered up all his courage and finally ask her out on an official date. It was about time now. He knew Hazelynn was finally warming up to him by not rolling her eyes as much when he made a joke and actually sitting with him at lunch. Yes, it was definitely time.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts, he barely noticed as he passed by Antonio and Keisha a little while later, standing off to the side and watching him with amusement. “Hey!” the curly-haired by shouted out, hurrying up to him and slapping his back.

Kwame skidded to a stop and turned to Antonio in surprise, blushing slightly. “Oh, sorry! I was...I was, umm, thinking and, well...”

“Yeah, I bet I know who you were thinking about!” the half Latino boy laughed. At the embarrassed look on his friend’s face, Antonio decided to give him a break.

“Anyway, come on, we’re almost at the bus stop and it might becoming any minute. And look who I bumped into!” He jerked his thumb towards the pale-skinned Keisha, and she gave a shy wave.

“Hey Cuz!” Kwame smiled, giving her a hug. Ever since he had found out that Keisha’s family was from the same village he was born in back in Nigeria, it made him feel honored that they could be related. Perhaps they shared the same ancestor, making them distant cousins. If it was indeed true, no matter how distant, he would protect her to no end, because she was family!

“You hang out there too?” he asked in surprise. She didn’t seem like she would enjoy being in such a loud, crowded place, as the arcade was usually overrun on the weekends by kids needing to just relax and be with friends.

“Oh, well, not really, but there’s someone I’m hoping to meet up with there. I’m trying to show him around the neighborhood and hopefully get to know him a little more.” She blushed just slightly and ran a hand through her braided blonde hair.

“Oh, you mean that new guy, the tough one? Billie told us about how you met him and had a feeling about him. Doesn’t he get into a lot of trouble? Fighting and stuff?” Kwame asked as they continued walking.

Keisha shrugged her shoulders, not caring what others might say. “He seems really nice. Besides, we have to show him that not everyone here are jerks. We should welcome him, just like I was welcomed here when I came back to America. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Yeah, well...if he starts anything with you, I won’t back down,” Kwame promised, narrowing his eyes

“Same with me! We have enough going on without having to deal with a trouble-maker!” Antonio nodded in agreement beside him.

“Guys, come on, he’s not really like that!” Keisha said defensively. “Besides, I already told Billie that there might be a chance he could be, you know, like us?” She looked around to see if anyone was listening in.

“Really?” Kwame blinked his eyes in surprise. “I guess we’ll just have to see then. But still, nobody messes with my friends. Or family.” He nodded at her, showing her how he would defend her to no end.

Keisha sighed. They would just have to see for themselves. After catching the bus, they soon reached the famous Mystic Krewe Pinball Parlor. Even arriving as early as they did, it was just starting to get a bit crowded, kids of all ages making the long bus ride as Kwame and his friends did to get away from the stress of school.

When they walked in, lights from pinball machines and arcade games were flashing all around the big room, along with people talking loudly or singing along to the catchy music playing overhead, giving the arcade a festive atmosphere.  

Kwame immediately looked around for Hazelynn, while Keisha kept her eyes open for the mysterious Edwin. Antonio happily headed right over to a game featuring the classic Pac Man. Soon, the smell of the upcoming food to be sold at lunchtime began to fill the area, making Keisha’s stomach rumble slightly. She had been so excited to meet Edwin here she forgot to grab a bit of breakfast. But after she had told Edwin how to get here this morning on the phone, she had thought of nothing else except for spending time with him.

She looked around in amusement at everyone having fun, playing games, dancing on Dance Dance Revolution, or singing karaoke. She sure hoped he was here, because it would be so amazing to do all this with him. Despite his “tough guy” approach, Keisha knew that deep down, he was a good guy. She had enjoyed talking with him that time at lunch. And even though he didn’t say much, she knew he didn’t mind too much either. Whether he was one of them, a royal descendant, Keisha didn’t truly know, but she sure didn't mind getting to know him better. She blushed once more at that and quickly turned her head away, hoping Kwame didn’t see.

Just then, she spotted the Brazilian boy standing near a Skee Ball stand and looking just a bit overwhelmed at the crowd and activity.

“Edwin!” the albino girl called out, waving her arm and hurrying towards him. At first he didn’t hear her, but when he looked up and saw her coming, Keisha could swear he had a relieved look in his face.

“You made it! Come on, I’ll introduce you to my friends!” She took his hand and dragged him along, making him blink in surprise.

Kwame was just about to head to a pinball machine game featuring the cast of of the Avengers movie when Keisha rushed up to him, a big smile on her face. “Kwame, this is Edwin, from Brazil! Edwin, this is my potential cousin, Kwame!”

The dark-skinned Brazilian boy looked just a bit uneasily at Keisha before he turned back to Kwame. “Hey,” he said softly.

“Hey yourself,” the Nigerian boy said, crossing his arms. “Good to meet you. A pleasure. Until you do something stupid to mess it up.”

Edwin stared at him in surprise before narrowing his eyes. But before he could say anything, Keisha cleared her throat and glared at Kwame. She grabbed the wavy-haired boy’s hand once more. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Antonio!” She dashed off, but not before giving one last glare to Kwame. He gave her a questioning look as if to ask “What? Did I say something wrong?” before shrugging and grinning.

Keisha rolled her eyes in annoyance and turned away, leaving Kwame to finally try the interesting looking pinball machine game.

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Madam Brigitte had just appeared in the large, lonely cemetery, her mind still on Samedi and those meddlesome mortals, when she suddenly felt a presence behind her. There was a flash of black light, like a flashing image of a black hole. It was the only way she could describe the disturbing sight. It elongated to an imposing figure that was well near 7 feet tall.

The birds and few squirrels scrounging around screamed and dashed away at the sudden, frightening sight. The immense man looked up and blinked at the high sun for a second, as though not used to the brightness, then looked down at a stoic Madam Brigitte. His green eyes glowed brightly and he grinned as he stepped closer.  

Even though she had not seen him before now, the ghost goddess knew who it was. The god’s very presence, his aura was so familiar. She blinked her fathomless, pitch-black eyes, then looked up at him, her head going high up and far back. “It’s you.” she whispered, her face expressionless but her whispery voice full of awe.

His snake tongue flashed out and licked the air, giving him a sinister look. “Oh yes,” he said softly, grinning wider. “And it’s time, my little beauty. It’s time to finally bring our revenge into fruition and the mortals pay for their insolence. Are you with me?”

He reached out and touched a sharp, clawed hand to the goddess’s cheek. Even if Brigitte wanted to move, she couldn’t. It was like she was frozen on the spot, lost in his hypnotic eyes and his touch. She could feel just a hint of his claws, but it was impossible to move. Before she could help herself, she nodded just slightly, doing her best to ignore the tiniest of a warning in the back of her mind.

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To Be Continued….