《Long Mu: The Rebirth of the Dragon Princess.》


 A QUICK MESSAGE FROM YOUR AUTHORESS

    Hey guys,


    It''s been a while I''m sorry but I have to restart my book all over again... Don''t worry. I won''t delete my story. I wish to apologize for the delay in posting my story. It''s just that I don''t have a phone (android) so I use a desktop in the computer lab to type after lectures. I just want you all to know that my break is over and I''m back and ready to post more enchanting misadventures of the Crowned Dragon Queen, Angeline. But before I continue, here are some things you need to know:


    Firstly, this is the only original version of my work, don''t be alarmed if you see it on other sites with very obvious changes. (those sites have a very strict policy). I was sad when I couldn''t log in to my old version of this story on Webnovel but I''ll try to not make the same mistake again.


    Secondly, I''ll have to apologize again because I''ll be restarting my book all over again because the girl who helped me to post it made a lot of typographical errors and omissions which I have to rectify or else you won''t understand the story - but still thank you Gift for posting my story.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Thirdly, the questions at the end are meant to be answered. I want to know your thoughts.


    Also, the story explores a lot of Asian and African cultures and cuisines so you may be exposed to strange words.


    By the way, an answer to a question, Angeline is a black African girl, Nigerian, but she is Wen Shi''s reincarnation.


    Also, I''m not going to be posting regularly because I don''t have an android phone to type out my work on time so bear with me.


    Finally, Dr. Lu is related to Wen Shi, not Angeline.


    I hope you guys stay tuned, expect a chapter from me every Sunday... Thanks for your time.


    XOXO


    Yours lovingly,


    Angie.


    DEDICATION


    I dedicate this book


    to my mom, the best interior home decorator,


    My dad who taught me how to cook,


    Leslie Ozigi is my biggest hater.


    My grandmother, Dorcas Onozutu, who always has me in her prayers,


    Ian Ozigi, who was in charge of the editing. Kent Ozigi, my baby bro, is the greatest football player.


    Mrs. Sofia Oyibo, whose skills I''m inheriting.


    Gold Oyigu who designed the book''s cover,


    Aunt Elizabeth, Uredo & Phoebe who never stopped encouraging me,


    Stat Ves, my AE, who made me an author;


    But most important of all is Jesus Christ, without his love I don''t know where I would be.


    And when everything wasn''t it seems


    I want to thank my lecturer, Prof. Abel, who pushed me to fulfill my dreams.

 PROLOGUE

    Somewhere around Qiongzhou Strait,


    Ancient China,


    About a thousand of years ago.


    (Agnis)


    Only cackling of fiends could be heard as the Demon King and the Armies of Hell, in alliance with the Mortals surrounded us, Dragon Knights, Chosen Ones, and Immortals, on all sides.


    ¡°What did you do to us Demon King?¡± Lord Da Fu said in anger as we felt ourselves becoming weak.


    ¡°Just an extra precaution to make sure none of you can use your powers against us.¡± he snickered, pointing to the large dragon idol we thought they had brought as a peace offering, causing the demons to cackle manically all over again.


    ¡°My lord, we¡¯re trapped!¡± I cried as they inched closer causing us, in their mist, to tighten our circle.


    ¡°This is your last chance to surrender.¡±the Demon King said, his voice booming across the battlefield. ¡°Just hand over your pearls and orbs and no one will get hurt.¡±


    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Lady Ari spat weakly, as we mysteriously felt our powers draining faster.


    ¡°Then, you leave me with no choice.¡± he snarled and shot a flare gun into the air.


    Suddenly, there was a large explosion from above which caused the earth to rumble soon several burning debris fell like confetti from the sky.


    ¡°What was that?!¡± Lord Aito asked, shaken to the core.


    ¡°Those fools!¡± the Demon King cursed ¡°I told them to use only one¡­¡±


    ¡°You monsters!¡± I roared in realization ¡°You just bombed the Jade Palace!¡±


    ¡°So?¡± he shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°It''s all your fault anyways.¡±


    ¡°Our families were in there.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for your losses¡­¡± Aaron snickered nastily.


    ¡°But you said nobody was going to get hurt!¡± the Emperor of China cried guiltily, quite moved by the tears and cries of some of the dragon shifters who were mourning their families.


    ¡°Shut up you mortal!¡± the Demon King snapped. ¡°Or perhaps you¡¯d like to join them¡­?¡±


    ¡°No pain, no gain!¡± the Emperor nervously muttered.


    ¡°What do we do my lord?¡± Emperor Guan Yu gasped, urgently clutching the Jade Emperor.


    We were taken aback by the Lord of Heaven¡¯s calm countenance as he brushed out of Emperor Guan¡¯s grasp. Almost lazily, he then brought out a small bird whistle in the shape of a dragon and blew it. The shrill sound caused the demons and humans to shut their ears in agony as it rang out across the cosmos. Almost immediately the clouds thickened and started to swirl with purplish lightening cackling from within as it slowly blotted out the sky.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on? What do you think you¡¯re doing, Yu-Huang?¡± the Dragon King stuttered, quite taken aback by the turn of events.


    ¡°Beating you at your own game,¡± he muttered.


    A large explosion from above then caught everyone¡¯s attention. We all looked up to behold a large fiery purple comet being hurled from heaven, landing on a dragon idol, with an even louder bang followed by an earth-lurching earthquake. Luckily for us, the Jade Emperor cloaked us in a protective dome shielding us from the peril outside. When the smoke and pandemonium subsided we all gasped at the bloody aftermath, the hit was so powerful it had wiped out everything living within almost a thirty-mile radius, leaving almost one-third of our enemies behind. We groaned in relief as we were released from the spell and I could feel my powers slowly returning.


    ¡°My men¡± the Dragon King cried. ¡°You¡¯ll all pay for¡­¡±


    The Dragon King was then interrupted by a loud growl from the large boulder the Jade Emperor had summoned it slowly uncoiled itself to reveal a large purple dragon as a wave of shock washed across the demons and humans who began to mutter amongst themselves.


    ¡°Wen Shi?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Dragon Queen!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s never going to spare us now!¡±


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have messed with the dragons!¡±


    A loud roar from the Dragon Queen resounded our battle cry as the Dragon Knights began to shift into dragons, alongside the Immortals and Chosen Ones and we attacked the humans and demons.


    For hours, only the sound of small explosions and blasts of energy could be heard as we slayed demons and humans alike, while the Jade Emperor and the Demon King were locked in a duel alongside other gods. I was mesmerized by the way Wen Shi was gracefully turning the tide. Immediately after the battle cry, she turned into a blue dragon and dived into the sea along with all the mermaids to chase out the water demons as I rammed my spear into a Demon General¡¯s chest. Soon enough, I froze in curiosity as cries of agony were bubbling out of the water.


    A large whirlpool started to suck in the water demons painting the water red. Soon enough, a lady with white dragon wings flew out of the water and dived into the ground with the other earth dragons following suit. On seeing this, our enemies hastened a retreat because Wen Shi and other earth dragons brought out spikes from the ground impaling some of them on the way.


    Before we could give a cry of victory the earth started to quake the molten lava from hell began to spill on the earth.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Wen Shi asked, trying to steady herself.


    ¡°Lord Dal is locked in a duel with Lord Huli!¡±


    ¡°Not again!¡± she groaned as we saw him push Lord Huli away before he lost control of his powers. Roaring in anger, more lava spurted out of the earth¡¯s core as his manna burned brighter.


    ¡°He needs help in cooling off¡­¡± Shi replied, thoughtfully as we dodged the lava droplets that had just spurted from a fresh crack nearby.


    ¡°My lady, what do you have in mind?¡± I cried as I created a protective dome over us.


    ¡°Agnis¡­ You, Zixuan, Tao, Yun, Manchu, and Ai should get everyone as far away from the shore as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± asked Yun.


    "I shall create a stir," she smirked, extending her pinkie and thumb while curling the pointer, middle, and ring fingers of both hands - vigorously twisting her wrists in expectation of our comprehension. However, we failed to grasp the intended pun causing her to sigh in disappointment.


    ¡°Just go¡­¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t let you down Mother.¡± we chorused, bowing to her.


    ¡°Agnis?¡± she said calling me back.


    ¡°Yes, mother?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that!¡± she protested softly ¡°If I don¡¯t make it give this to Ari.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that my lady!¡± I gasped collecting something wrapped in a napkin. ¡°But your wish is my command.¡±


    She gave me a curt nod, grunting as she turned into a black dragon. I joined the rest while she ran towards the horizon, over the sea. Each step caused ice to break out on the lava but it soon melted away.


    We managed to get everyone out of the battlefield, demons, and humans too. We were running towards the hills when suddenly the sky slowly darkened again.


    ¡°Holy snake!¡± the demon I was supporting gasped, as we all beheld the largest wave we¡¯d ever seen in our lives.


    ¡°Run!¡± Emperor Guan Yu barked, but was too late as the water had already begun to tilt towards us.


    ¡°Hold onto something!¡± Yun cried, and we held shrubs, bracing for impact.


    I almost lost my grip as we got submerged in the ice-cold water. Soon, the air was thick with water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur, and ash as the water receded. I weakly sank to my knees along with others panting and coughing out water. I turned towards Dal who was sprawled on the floor in exhaustion. I sighed in relief as my lady flew out of the water to check on Lord Dal who was sprawled spear-eagled by the edge of a cliff. I weakly lay on the floor coughing out more water when I felt someone crouching beside me.


    ¡°Master?!¡± I croaked as he helped me sit up


    ¡°Are you ok?¡±


    Before I could reply, we were all alerted by a piercing scream from Lady Ari, who was frantically pointing to the edge of the cliff.


    ¡°Wen Shi!¡± we screamed in horror on seeing Lord Dal¡¯s dagger in her chest as he disappeared. Blood flowed out her lips as she began to reel backward.


    I didn¡¯t know where I got the energy from, but I soon found myself running toward her. Only the panting of blurry figures trying to outrun me made me realize that I wasn¡¯t the only what wanted to save her. Suddenly, a mighty gust of wind knocked her off balance sending her head first into the turbulent waters below.


    ¡°Nooooooo!¡±


    ¡°Angel!¡±


    TBC

 EPISODE ONE - I AM…CURIOUS!

    Flashback


    Ancient China,


    About a thousand years ago.


    A young woman in priestess robes could be seen panting heavily as she ran for her life.


    ¡°Master would kill me if I lost this!!¡± she thought, glancing at the bundle under her arm, as she remembered the last time she saw him, the day he gave her the bundle.


    But there was no time to reminiscence over her master¡¯s majestic physique as dodged in time to prevent an arrow from pinning her to the tree.


    ¡°Demons!¡± She mentally screamed, increasing her speed as she meandered through the forest.


    ¡°I thought Master said there was a portal around here!¡± she panted.


    She felt her heart cut when she skidded to a halt by the edge of a high cliff. She was between the Devil and the deep blue sea¡­literally!


    ¡°Give it up dearie¡­¡± an ugly demon hissed inching towards her. ¡°You have nowhere to go.¡±


    She said nothing because unknown to them she had just noticed a whirlwind in the water. Defiantly, she continued inching towards the edge as more demons came out of the woods.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± their Commander screamed, on seeing that she refused to surrender.


    ¡°Get them!¡±


    She took a determined deep breath and she jumped into the water.


    ¡°Noooooooooooo!¡±


    My church,


    Lokoja, Kogi State,


    Nigeria.


    Sunday, February 13


    7:15 AM


    (My POV)


    "Angel?"


    I groaned as I tried to get the image haunting me for the past several weeks down on paper.


    ¡°Angel?¡±


    It was always the same, I am fighting on a battleground close to a cliff but when I save my friend, whose face is blurry, I get stabbed by a flying dagger and fall into the ocean, drowning in the process.


    ¡°Angel?"


    "C''mon, I''m almost done..." I grunted, unperturbed.


    "Angeline?!¡±


    I quickly came down from my creative plane, stuffing my sketch pad in my bible as I sprang to my feet. I knew I was in for it as I shuffled towards Mrs. Gideon who was standing akimbo with a glare to match.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Why are you here? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be with your mates outside getting instructions from Mrs. Jones?¡± she asked, eyeing me like I was something vile.


    She doesn¡¯t look too bad for a large dark lady and, to be honest, I don¡¯t look too bad with my bright dark brown eyes smooth milk honey skin, and shoulder-length hair tightly bound in my head tie.


    Mrs. Gideon is the Assistant Children¡¯s Church Coordinator, hot-tempered, strict as they come, and tougher than nails. As the epitome of all choleric Nigerian mothers, I needed to handle this situation with care before this dormant volcano became active.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡­ my mother sent me earlier but after I delivered the message she said I should stick around, just in case she has more errands for me to run,¡¯¡¯ I said, half-truthfully.


    The church was chaotic today because we were setting up for the first of our three fundraisers of the year. My mum is an event decorator so obviously they put her in charge of the decorations. I and my siblings have been running up and down nonstop I just ditched my mum and sat down in the pew to take ¡°a little break¡± when Mrs. Gideon caught me.


    ¡°Oh¡­ in that case, just go. I¡¯ll tell her where you¡¯ve gone.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma!¡± I said, relieved I got away with it, for now. I curtsied a little and scurried away clutching my bible to my chest.


    My church is divided into two sections Adult Church and Children or Junior Church. The adult congresses in the Main Hall while the Children''s Church comprised of the two smaller buildings behind.


    Junior Church is further sub-divided into four classes: Teenagers¡¯ class for teens or kids aged 12-18; Intermediate class for kids aged 11-7; Self-Control class for kids 7-4 and Toddlers¡¯ class for tots or kids aged 4-1.


    I graduated from the Adult Church last month but since we were to expect a large amount of visitors, Mum signed me up to help out in the Junior Church.


    ¡°Oh great, there goes my break!¡± I thought as I stepped aside to allow some elders to pass through the main entrance. I focused on my legs as I came down the stairs. It¡¯s not my first time wearing heels but it won¡¯t be the last time I¡¯ve tripped because of them.


    I soon found my mates, gathered around a pretty young short, and plump fair lady who was calling names.


    ¡°Were all African women cursed to get fat immediately after childbirth?¡± I wondered as I silently joined them.


    Beaming beatifically, I greeted the ones nearby and stood beside a cute tall brown boy in a white caftan with black embroidery.


    ¡°Hey, bestie! Happy Sunday!¡± I sang sweetly, nudging him in the side.


    ¡°Morning, Angie! Happy Sunday!¡± he giggled, nudging me back. ¡°I was looking for you last week¡­¡±


    ¡°Why, Anibe? Did you want to take me out?¡± I chortled.


    Anibe and I go way back. He¡¯s one of the first friends I made when my family newly moved to Lokoja eight years ago and we¡¯ve been inseparable ever since. Though I mostly hang out with his sister Uyo, who is two years younger than I am, we¡¯ve got no hard feelings between us. What¡¯s more, we graduated from Teens¡¯ class together and we try to sit together every Sunday so we could chat when the sermons get boring. Hey, don¡¯t look at me that way¡­ It is either that or we¡¯d be rudely woken up by an usher just when the dream was getting good.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Nope, Uyo wanted to see you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was I church¡­ Hey, do you think ASUU will go on strike?¡± I asked, a little worried.


    ¡°Forget that thing¡­ they¡¯ve already made up their minds.¡±


    We were referring to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which was in charge of all the lecturers¡¯ and academic professors¡¯ welfare in most of the public universities in Nigeria. Over the years, due to the inadequate teaching conditions and their incessant demands, they¡¯ve constantly been on strike.


    ¡°Bummer¡­ but on the bright side we now have more time to hang out. So, when are you taking me out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll set the date if you answer one question¡­¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Will you sponsor it?¡± He asked coyly as we giggled again.


    Just then, I heard my name. ¡°Angie¡­ Angie... where is she?¡± said Mrs. Jones, in her high voice, looking around for me.


    ¡°Present ma¡¯am!¡± I said, carefully weaving forward.


    ¡®¡®Oh good, you¡¯re here!¡¯¡¯ she beamed in relief. ¡®¡®You, Uyo, and Sam are in charge of the Self-Control Class. She said handing one Teachers¡¯ Manual to me. ¡°They are in Week 8¡­ Oh before I forget, you also too wait behind for our visitors to arrive so that you can usher their children to their respective classes.¡¯¡¯ With that, she handed me a Guest list.


    I silently studied the list as she continued dishing out responsibilities, excited to see a lot of foreign names. Going down the list, a name stood out from the rest. It was like¡­ calling out to me. Like it had a connection with me¡­


    ¡®¡®Long Arthur Baidi¡­¡¯¡¯ I read aloud.


    ¡®¡®Oh, him? He¡¯s a good man!¡¯¡¯ said Mrs. Jones. ¡°He¡¯s one of our church¡¯s most consistent donors in America and a very religious man. Even though he¡¯s filthy rich, he¡¯s a very generous philanthropist.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know why but the name rang a bell. It stirred something within me, something powerful, something I had to hide¡­but I couldn¡¯t lay my finger on it. I was still lost in my thoughts when Mrs. Jones dismissed us. I pushed my thoughts to the back of my mind as my partners joined me.


    Just then, a loud screech outside the gates alerted us and I looked in time to see three dark gleaming news vans parking outside the gate. It had red strangely familiar characters blazoned on it¡­Chinese!


    Suddenly, I got a wave of headache trying to decipher it but I felt it meant¡­ Dawn!


    ¡®¡®DAWN¡­What a name to give a news station¡¯¡¯ I thought, still wondering how I was able to read it. I just shrugged and started catching up on the excitement I had missed during yesterday¡¯s Youth Night as Sam, Uyo and I went to where we had been posted.


    Somewhere else,


    On the way to my church,


    Inside an SUV.


    7:17 AM


    (Ari)


    "Grandpa, I don''t wanna go to church!" Cousin Kai whined, with a cute pout.


    "You should have known that when you misused my money," he said, not looking up from the newspaper he was reading.


    "I said I was sorry... Dal back me up here..." he pouted.


    "No!" Oops Dal said softly, when he looked up briefly from his project on his tablet.


    Kai frowned as Jiro and I laughed before turning to Grandpa hoping we would be scolded but he just smiled as folded his newspaper.


    "Dal..." he began, clearing his throat a little.¡±...about what your father said yesterday..."


    "I''m still thinking about it and I don''t want to talk about It," he said, cutting Grandpa off.


    "Established... but I just want to add that I agree with him..."


    ¡°Oh great!¡± he groaned.


    "It''s high time you get married.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Grandpa..."


    ¡°Shut up, Kai!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s high time you get a Queen.¡± Jiro chipped in.


    "I don''t need to get married to be Lord of Leerland, Great father.¡± He said, still not taking his eyes of his tab.


    Great father is a title given to our grandpa by my granduncles but only brother Dal, Dad and my other uncles and aunties use it.


    "True, but unfortunately the Kings men don¡¯t feel the same¡± he paused, as brother Dal groaned throwing his head back on the headrest.


    ¡°They¡¯ve insisted, their decision is final and I agree with them.¡±


    ¡°Great father!¡±


    ¡°Chill, Coz. There''s no crime in not marrying someone you don''t love." Kai chipped in.


    "I don''t believe in love¡­I can''t love and I don''t need to marry to be King. If they feel so upset about it they can¡­"


    "You''re the only heir to throne as long as that mark is on your chest!" roared grandpa, frustrated at his stubbornness.


    A gravely hush washed over us as Grandpa and Brother Dal were locked in a glaring contest.


    "Yes, Great father!" he said, subdued, breaking his gaze in respect.


    "I know it¡¯s been hard since...¡± sighed grandpa. ¡°...but you''ve got to move and not let yourself be chained by the fears of the past.¡±


    Dal said nothing as he turned to look out the window. I suppressed a sigh as I turned to Jiro. He only does that to hide his tears but he forgets that I could feel his pain. The drive during the rest of the journey was silent as the drivers wove through the crowd.


    ¡°I¡¯m thirsty!¡± said grandpa, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Let me send a guard to¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandpa.I¡¯ll get it!¡± Kai interrupted, hastening to open the door.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, grandpa!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know your way around here!¡± Ben pointed out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just ask them.¡± he smirked, pointing to some sassily dressed ladies in front of a shop.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me!¡± he said, banging the door. With that he just turned and walked off still grinning foolishly.


    ¡°He¡¯s never going to stop flirting, will he?¡± grandpa chuckled as we continued our journey to church.


    ¡°What a beautiful church!¡± grandpa murmured, in admiration, as the cars drove into the large compound.


    Back in my church,


    In front of the Main Hall.


    7:17AM


    (My POV)


    I stayed behind a little longer to usher the guest kids to their classes since I had two names remaining on the list. Just then, three gleaming black SUVs drove in. I was awestruck by the details of the dragon emblems on the doors. I stretched out my hand to touch it when it was swatted away by a mean burly bodyguard, looking slick in his crisp white uniform. I swallowed my anger as he opened the door to reveal two adorable little angels, in our children church uniform, who amiably waved at me.


    ¡°Hi, darlings!¡± I sang, turning on my sweetest non-toothy smile. ¡°I¡¯m Angeline. Welcome to our church. I¡¯m here to show you to your class. What¡¯s your name love?¡±


    ¡°Benjiro¡­but you can call me Jiro or Ben.¡± he said as I helped him unfasten his seat belt and carried him out of the car. He was a chubby dimpled Japanese cherub with his auburn hair smoothly combed down.


    ¡°And I¡¯m Cleo Ari Young!¡± the other dimpled darling said her pale skin and long black hair made me realize that see was Korean.


    ¡°The pleasure¡¯s mine to make your acquaintance, Lady Ari.¡¯ I said in a British accent, curtsying as I gave her my hand.


    When she gleefully hopped out, I felt frozen as my eyes met the cold gaze of the third person in the backseat. He looked like he stepped out of a vampire fairytale with his dark long stylish hair, pale skin and blue lips¡­and even darker eyes. It was like everything had just disappeared and the only thing in existence was just us in our own world. I felt like I was praying, my heart racing, as I shuffled back bit, our eyes never breaking contact as he came down from the car.


    ¡°I see you fancy my car!¡± an old Chinese man crooned, stepping out of the other SUV causing me to break my gaze. I was taken aback by his bleach white hair which was longer than the vampire prince¡¯s neatly bound in a long plait and his sky blue eyes which twinkled in the humid Nigerian morning rays.


    ¡°Oh y-yes, Mr. Long¡­ Am I right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed, child.¡± He smiled kindly.


    ¡°The dragons¡­ they are so beautiful!¡± I blurted, mentally kicking myself.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± he chuckled, glancing at his vampire prince. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s not something else¡­?¡±


    ¡°S-Sir?¡± I stammered my blushed deepened as I felt the handsome man¡¯s icy gaze on me again.


    ¡°Nothing child!¡± he laughed, noticing my discomfort. ¡°I was just joking. I bet you are curious know the difference between these three dragons?¡±


    ¡®¡®Yes sir!¡¯¡¯ I beamed, enthusiastically, ¡®¡®I am curious but I already know them.¡±


    ¡°Really, tell me then.¡± He prompted, mimicking my excitement.


    ¡®¡®Yes sir!¡¯¡¯ I beamed, enthusiastically, ¡®¡®the first one¡­¡±


    ¡°Sir, is this necessary?¡± asked a handsome middle aged man, coming to his side.


    ¡®¡®I want to hear her out!¡¯¡¯ he said, stubbornly.


    ¡®¡®But, sir, the service is about to start and...¡¯¡¯


    ¡°Let me hear what the young lady has to say!¡± he snapped, his eyes glinted icily, even colder than that of the vampire prince causing Mr. interrupter to shrink back in fear.


    ¡°Continue dear!¡± he bided me, turning back to his amiable self


    ¡®¡®Oh well¡­this is an Azure dragon.¡¯¡¯ I said, pointing to the first car ¡°¡­commonly found in drawings of the Qing dynasty; the second car has a Celestial dragon on it and your last car has the Jade dragon on it.¡±


    ¡®¡®What do you know about the Jade dragon?¡¯¡¯


    ¡°Not much, except that it¡¯s the emblem of emperors and what first seen on artifacts dating back to the Zhou dynasty.¡±


    "Hmm! This is interesting!¡¯¡¯ he pondered, oblivious of our curious stares.


    ¡®¡®Sir, is everything alright?¡¯¡¯


    "Nothing, child!¡¯¡¯ he said, snapping back to reality ¡®¡®I¡¯m just impressed by your knowledge of my culture.¡¯¡¯


    "I¡¯m just fascinated by dragons¡­¡¯¡¯


    "I wish I could stay and know more about you child but I have to enter. Can I entrust my grandchildren¡¯s safety into your hands?¡¯¡¯ he asked me, suddenly solemn.


    ¡®¡®Yes sir!¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡®Promise me you¡¯ll protect them with your life!¡±


    "Yes sir, I promise!¡¯¡¯ I said as Ari and Ben started dragging me towards the main hall before I guided them towards their class.


    Opposite the church,


    Inside the surveillance van,


    9:20 AM


    (Dr. Lu¡¯s POV)


    I struggled against the ropes as my captors, unperturbed, continued to plan their attack on the church. There were about at least six in each of the three vans but I couldn¡¯t recognize them due to their red face masks on their complete ninja outfit. Only their silent leader wore a blue mask. He had been writing for over an hour in an old journal, until he stood up not long ago to get a drink from the mini fridge.


    ¡°What¡¯s the area report?¡± he said, after a gulp, turning to the Agent using the periscope.


    ¡°Main targets have just arrived sir!¡¯¡¯ he replied, smartly ¡°three SUVs¡­the tigers have been separated from the preys with a civilian leading them away.¡±


    ¡®¡®No need for rhymes, rookie.¡¯¡¯ another Agent muttered, assembling his gun while their boss was busy whispering on the phone.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never get away with this! I spat whatever it is you all are planning¡­¡±


    "Shut up!¡± the rookie roared, silencing me with a slap.


    ¡°Make me!¡± I dared, ignoring the blood that was trickling down the side of my mouth.


    He raised his fist to punch me again but it was held back by the senior Agent.


    ¡°Touch him again and boss won¡¯t hesitate to rip your head off, rookie.¡± warned the older Agent.


    ¡°I¡¯d do as he says, rookie.¡± I taunted.


    ¡°You¡¯re one lucky Doc.¡± he sneered, going back to the periscope.


    ¡®¡®Alright men, listen up!¡¯¡¯ their leader barked, joining them on the table, oblivious of what had happen. ¡®¡®There¡¯s been a slight change of plans; we¡¯re dealing with a Situation IV, so Operation Storm has been swapped with OG¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s OG?¡± some newbies inquired.


    ¡°Operation Graveyard.¡±


    "Bummer!¡¯¡¯ another Agent murmured.


    "We¡¯ll be spanning the perimeter. Total stealth, rookies!¡¯¡¯ he warned. ¡°Don¡¯t get caught; whatever you do don¡¯t shoot without a silencer or till I say so. Any questions¡­let¡¯s roll!¡±


    He ignored the few hands that were up as he led the way. The others quickly picked their weapons and ammo from a big green box. The rookie tried to keep up but on getting there he found it emptied clean. Cursing, he scanned the bus for another till his eyes fell on a small purple box. Satisfied with the darts in it he pocketed it and left.


    When he was out of sight, I continued cutting the ropes that bound me with a dagger I had swiped from the rookie. I didn¡¯t know how long it took but soon I was free and I quickly hastened to the door to escape. As I reached to grip the handle, the door opened to reveal their leader eerily grinning at me.


    ¡°Nathair! I was¡­¡±


    ¡°Going somewhere?¡±


    TBC

 EPISODE TWO - I AM…SHOT!

    Flashback


    2003


    Blue Cross Hospital,


    Lagos, Nigeria.


    Wednesday, April 9


    Aaron grinned as he entered the hospital. He was getting a little hungry with the scent of blood everywhere but swallowed it. Picking up her scent, it led them to the children¡¯s ward. He was a little dumbfounded by the sight they all beheld. The priestess was sprawled on the floor and he then gestured to one of his men to check on her.


    ¡°She¡¯s not dead sir!¡± he confirmed on checking her pulse.


    ¡°Check her basket for the pearl!¡± he ordered, when he caught a strange scent from amongst the babies. He was just about to investigate when one of his men called out.


    ¡°S-s-s sir¡­?¡± he stuttered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s empty. The pearl is gone!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he exclaimed, snatching the basket to confirm it.


    ¡°Sir, we have to leave they are coming!¡± said one of his men, keeping a lookout.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Spirit Warriors!¡± he sneezed.


    I wrinkled my nose in disgust as I tried to suppress a sneeze.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What should we do about the priestess?¡±


    ¡°Take her body.¡± he ordered half-heartedly ¡°Let¡¯s get outta here before they show up.¡±


    The Chaos Conference Room


    Demon Realm,


    Hell,


    Underworld.


    Sunday February, 13


    (Carson)


    I sipped my wine as Aiden, Belial and I silently watched our fellow crowned princes bickering and hurling insults at one another from across the table. Sometimes, I wonder whether we were truly fit to be the next heirs to the Ten Thrones of Hell when we still behave like preschoolers fighting over candy. Well¡­most of us.


    Our fathers were quite busy on earth so they made us represent them at this meeting, alongside their Gammas, as part of our ¡°training¡±. Alex, the chairman of the search committee, was currently being grilled by the rest, and trust me you¡¯d not want to be in his shoes.


    ¡°I told you it would be a wasteful venture!¡± Ethan roared. ¡°I would have used the money instead to buy a new Mercedes Benz Maybank Excelo.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk tsk¡­¡± I thought, ¡°What else do you expect from the Crowned Prince of Greed?¡±


    ¡°Why? You have seventeen already?!¡± Dennis exclaimed.


    ¡°Classic envy!¡± Aaron muttered.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad in looking good!¡± Memphis smirked, glued to his mirror.


    ¡°Classic Vanity!¡± Belial muttered, lazily.


    ¡°Have patience, Ethan!¡± Alex said. ¡°Our men are still searching¡­¡±


    ¡°And yet they¡¯ve found nothing!¡± Aiden interrupted.


    ¡°Like seriously, do you have to always dampen hopes!¡± he snapped.


    ¡°What else do you expect from the Prince of Despair?¡± Dennis muttered darkly, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Besides, we¡¯ve been searched everywhere¡±


    ¡°Our fathers were this close to getting it if not for that b***h who covered her tracks.¡±


    ¡°My fellow princes bear with me¡­¡± Alex began.


    ¡°We¡¯ve searched everywhere what more do we have to do?¡± Aiden complained.


    ¡°Give us more time and support.¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Ethan roared, slamming his fist on the table causing it to crumble to bits.


    ¡°What the hell, man!¡± Belial grumbled, as he was being helped up.


    Due to boredom, he had propped his elbow on the table which was why he fell face-first into the debris. Rolling his eyes, Aiden muttered something under his breath and the table slowly reattached itself back.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°I can do better!¡± Dennis retorted.


    ¡°Then, what do you suggest we do?¡± Aiden said, ignoring Dennis.


    ¡°How about we call off the search?¡± I said softly, turning to face the rest.


    ¡°What?!¡± Alex snapped, flabbergasted to the marrow.


    ¡°Like you said we¡¯ve searched everywhere yet we can¡¯t find it so how about we devote our time and resources to our main essence in life ¨C File X!¡±


    I paused letting my words sink as several gasps erupted.


    ¡°We-we¡¯ve never done that before!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no harm in trying.¡±


    ¡°What about..? But we need it!¡± Alex whined.


    ¡°Not necessarily ¨C I say we forget about it." I said.


    ¡°How can we just abandon something so priceless after decades of investment?¡±


    ¡°Is it just me or has anyone noticed that the Dragon Shifters have been inactive for decades?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true!¡± Memphis reaffirmed, looking up from his mirror for the first time since the meeting began. ¡°Our men haven¡¯t clashed with them in years.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess¡­ you¡¯re out of dragon skin, again." Dennis said, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°If Long Mu¡¯s soul is as priceless as you claim Alex, why haven¡¯t they been on our necks to prevent us from finding it? Has it occurred to any of us that this might have been a wild goose chase to distract us from our main mission?¡±


    I smirked in victory as I was replied by subdued silence. Alex only muttered something unintelligible and averted his gaze on me.


    ¡°Corson¡¯s right!¡± Aiden said, breaking the silence.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a vote. All those in favor of executing File X, say ¡®Aye¡¯¡­¡±


    ¡°Aye!¡± Aaron, Memphis, Ethan, and I chorused.


    ¡°Those against say, ¡®Nay!'' "


    ¡°Nay!¡± Dennis and Alex chorused.


    ¡°The ayes have it!¡±


    ¡°Belial didn¡¯t even vote!¡± Dennis complained.


    ¡°You should know me by now, dude,¡± he murmured lazily.


    ¡°Take heart, Alex,¡± I said, patting his shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s best we all forget about her. Maybe it¡¯s even a lost soul.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± he murmured stubbornly.


    ¡°Lagan!¡±


    ¡°Yes, my prince.¡± said a young man who appeared beside me with a bow.


    ¡°Get me File X!¡±


    ¡°As you wish my lord!¡± he said lowly, with a bow before disappearing.


    I felt more at ease as we settled down to focus on more serious issues¡­


    Our essence since creation¡­


    Our way¡­


    Destruction and Chaos¡­


    The Demon Way!


    At the same time,


    The Werewolf Realm,


    The Underworld.


    (Carolina)


    I sighed as I sank my teeth into my buttered toast while Dad and my brother roared at each other.


    "Dad, why can¡¯t I just marry Liza?"


    "You know too well why you can¡¯t marry her!"


    "But I love her..."


    "And the law states that you can never be king without your mate!"


    This isn¡¯t the first time this argument has broken out over breakfast... And lunch... And dinner. Always on the same topic.


    My older brother and Dad have been on each other''s necks ever since my brother returned from his trip to the human world after graduating from human college and claimed to be in love with a blonde bimbo he befriended while on campus. He''s been obsessed with a blonde bimbo he met on campus. I know... I don''t like her but I feel sad for my big bro who''s head over heels for Elizabeth Mackenzie. But as the next in line to the position of Supreme Alpha, any hope of them being together is futile because he can only marry her when he marks his mate.


    "But mum?!" he whined


    "You can''t break our way of life..."


    "Oh, bleep the bond!" he spat, causing gasps to break out in the dining room.


    "Every servant should leave the dining this instant!" ordered Dad as calmly as he could.


    I chuckled a little as they all dashed out like harassed rabbits. Who would dare disobey the king? Who would dare disobey the king? Father then faced him squarely immediately after they all left, silently convulsing in rage.


    "How dare you!" Father roared after recovering from the shock his statement had caused.


    "Dad..."


    "How dare you defy the great Moon goddess?¡±


    "I..."


    "I don''t care if it''s the new style of maturity but don¡¯t you ever in your existence defy the goddess!" he boomed ballistically banging the table at each word and stormed off.


    "Mom, what did I say wrong?"


    "How will I know when you just insulted the power behind your existence?"


    It was just then he realized that he had insulted our parents¡¯ marriage.


    "Mom I didn''t mean..."


    She wasn''t listening as she dramatically flung out of the room.


    "Are you happy now?" one of my baby twin brothers muttered.


    "Shut it Bede." Bane snapped, before turning to Conan. "Bro, are you okay?"


    "Of course not!"


    ¡°C¡¯mon Bro," I cooed taking him by the arm. "Let''s go make things right."


    We hurried to the garden where we met Mother pruning some roses. She sensed our presence but didn''t turn to acknowledge us.


    ¡°You know..." she started. ¡°When I first met your dad we didn''t have much in common, we used to argue every time. I was scared on our wedding day but during his vow, he gave me a white rose. He told me that we were just like the rose, sweet and full of thorns but together, with a lot of patience, love, and a little faith, we could make it blossom."


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn''t...¡±


    ¡°It''s okay, darling!¡± she beamed, turning towards us.


    ¡°I know you''ve waited for your mate for so long but I want you to just exercise more patience,¡± she said, taking his face in her palms


    ¡°How long do I have to wait?¡± he grudgingly admitted, with a sigh, and removed my mother¡¯s hands from his face before carrying a watering can to shower the roses.


    ¡°Just trust me it would be sooner...¡±


    Mom was then interrupted by a groan from my brother who clutched his chest.


    ¡°Son, son what''s wrong?!¡± cried Mother.


    ¡°My chest¡­it hurts!¡± he moaned, before passing out.


    I sensed my mom''s mind-linking dad who rushed in a soon enough flagged with the Supreme Beta Lucius and Supreme Gamma Ivan as she shook my brother¡¯s lifeless body.


    ¡°WHAT''S WRONG WITH HIM!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ we were just talking suddenly he started clutching his chest and he passed out.¡± Bede sobbed.


    ¡°He was fine not long ago,¡± Father murmured as he knelt down to inspect his body.


    ¡°He¡¯s still alive he announced, standing up. ¡°Take him to his room and summon the doctor.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s okay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Pudding. He¡¯ll be fine.¡± Father cooed as some servants carried him out to his room.


    Somewhere else,


    In an ancient temple,


    (Omniscient)


    An aged bald shaman is deep in mediation, in a circle of candles, surrounded by hundreds of initiates who were meditating alongside him. Suddenly, a great gust of wind barreled into the room, blowing out the hall¡¯s only source of light. The startled new initiates started tittering over the strange occurrence.


    ¡°Master, this isn¡¯t ordinary.¡± a student said, near him.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    Lazily, their wizened master opened his eyes and stood up causing a hush to fall over the hall but before he could open his mouth to speak the room was reverberated with 5 earsplitting peals of thunder causing the weak ones to clutch their neighbors in fear.


    ¡°Master what was that?¡±


    ¡°That¡­was just mother nature announcing her arrival.¡± He said, before slowly getting to his feet and exiting the hall.


    They all agreed in whispers, all agreeing on the confirmation of a great one by Mother Nature but question on everyone¡¯s mind was: ¡°Who?¡±


    Still in my church,


    By the lavatory,


    10:17 AM.


    (My POV)


    "Thank goodness it¡¯s almost closing time. I grunted softly as I led the kids to pee.


    I¡¯ve kind of fallen head over heels with two of the foreign kids, Ari and Benjiro Long, over the last couple of hours. We¡¯ve bonded so well¡­ Jiro even gave me a nickname.


    ¡°Big Aunty, what¡¯s wrong?¡¯ asked Jiro, taking my hand.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why are you sad?¡¯ said Ari, taking my other hand¡±.


    "Oh nothing¡­ I¡¯m really going to miss you guys when you go back to America.¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡±


    ¡°Me three!¡±


    The church has only three restrooms so I let the others enter so Ari and Ben could keep me company and tell me more about their family.


    I was just about to ask them about their cold uncle when I heard a twig snap behind me. Alarmed, I turned back to find myself face to face with three well-built ninja assailants armed to the teeth with their guns pointed at me.


    ¡°Run kids! Get out of here!¡± I shrieked, blocking them from the attackers view. The others scurried away but Jiro and Ari refused to move.


    ¡°Bin, Cleo, why are you guys still here?¡± I whispered ¡°Go, you guys can make it without me!¡±


    ¡°What about you, Angie?¡± asked Jiro, clutching me tightly.


    ¡°Forget me, go!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for drama, Miss!¡± said the blue masked ninja who seemed to be their leader. ¡°Step aside we¡¯re only here for the kids¡­¡±


    ¡°We can do this the easy way or the hard way.¡± said one of them, who had a large X on his right breast, as he inched forward, causing the kids to squeal as they hid behind me.


    ¡°Shut it, Agent X!¡± hissed the other one, holding Agent X back.


    ¡°You can have them¡­over my dead body!¡± I said, defiantly puffing my chest.


    ¡°Have it your way. I¡¯ll give you till the count of three to change your mind¡­¡± he warned.


    ¡°One!¡±


    ¡°Bin, Cleo, please go!¡± I whispered ¡°Your grandpa would never forgive me if something happens to you¡­¡±


    ¡°Two!¡±


    ¡°No, big aunty, we¡¯re not leaving you¡­¡± sobbed Ari.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, this is your last chance!¡± drawled Agent X. ¡°We won¡¯t hurt you¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re lying!¡± cried Ben.


    ¡°I know¡­ they¡¯ll kill me either way, that¡¯s why you guys should go¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go together!¡± cried Ari, and with that they hugged my sides even tighter.


    I felt so touched I couldn¡¯t dam the tears coursing down my cheeks as they cocked their guns at us


    ¡°Three!¡±


    About a thousand tiny darts pierced my chest and neck as they opened fire on me. Sleeping darts I thought dizzily as I tried to steady myself but I fell to my knees. I tried to hang on to ben and Ari as my head began to spin and everywhere had started to turn dark.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t! Leave them alone!¡± I wheezed as they pried the kids off me and kicked me away.


    ¡°Jiro, Ari¡­I¡¯m sorry!¡± I croaked as I crawled towards them, my arms getting heavier by the second. They kept on screaming my name as I fought to keep my eyes open still everything was getting dim.


    ¡°Big aunty¡­¡±


    My lids are getting heavier.


    ¡°Big aunty¡­¡±


    I felt my body embrace Mother Earth.


    ¡°Big aunty¡­!¡±


    TBC

 EPISODE THREE - I AM…DEAD-ISH!

    Flashback


    2003


    Tuesday August, 8


    Palace of Hades,


    Underworld.


    (Omniscient POV)


    Hades, Persephone, Nuwa and some other gods silently watched Zagreus, as he anxiously paced about. His two twin sisters could be seen eying him from the stairway in the corner.


    ¡°How long has he been like this?¡± Melinoe half-whispered to her twin sister, Makaria, who looked on solemnly at Zagreus.


    ¡°For some months now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s taking the messenger so long?¡±


    Before her sister could reply a fan fair announced the presence of the messenger. A small weather-beaten old man in rags dragged himself into the throne room and knelt before them.


    ¡°All hail the Lord of the Underworld!¡±


    ¡°Speak, mortal.¡±


    ¡°My lord, I bring good news and bad news¡­¡±


    ¡°Spill it!¡±


    ¡°The good news is that Long Mu¡¯s soul has successfully found a new host¡­¡±


    There was raptures and shouts of joy and jubilation but it soon died down when¡­


    ¡°Wait!¡± roared Zagreus beckoning the messager who was about to creep away.


    ¡°M-My lord?¡±


    ¡°What of Agnis? Where is she?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry my lord¡­ but that¡¯s the bad news...


    ¡°She¡¯s dead isn¡¯t she?¡± he interrupted anxiously, before turning to Hades. ¡°Dad why didn¡¯t you say something¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry son but I haven¡¯t sensed her in four months.¡± murmured Hades as he peered into the purple orb in his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I find it difficult to feel her essence.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t feel her essence?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Can someone please tell me what¡¯s going on?!


    ¡°Son, calm down!¡± purred Persephone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to calm down¡± he whined in anger. ¡°I want to know where Agnis is!¡±


    ¡°My lord, if I may¡­¡±


    ¡°Go on!¡±


    ¡°When we got there¡­¡±But what?!¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t find the body¡­ she¡¯s missing!¡±


    ***


    Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean,


    The Crystal Palace.


    10:17 AM.


    (Maidservant Bao¡¯s POV)


    ¡°What a beautiful way to begin the new week¡± I thought as I left my room. My shoes clicked softly as I walked through the corridors inspecting the servants while I greeted the nobles I met along the way.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ not again!¡± I groaned on seeing a maid wheeling a trolley out of the king¡¯s study with his tray of food untouched.


    ¡°Yang ¡­Wait!¡± I said as I quickened my steps towards her.


    ¡°Good morning my lady!¡± she beamed, with a slight bow on seeing me.


    ¡°He refused to eat his food again, didn¡¯t he I sighed


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± she murmured, infected by my melancholy. ¡°At least, he didn¡¯t dump it on me like Jiayi last week.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but join her in laughing when I remembered how silly Jiayi looked. The king had immediately apologized to the poor girl and increased her pay but up till now she always refuses to not only go near the king¡¯s tray but the Royal Quarters as well.


    ¡°But on a serious note, my lady¡­ this makes it the seventeenth time he has refused his food. Is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°You never mind that; just give it to me. I''ll make sure he eats it. Go and prepare a relaxing bath for the king.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, my lady.¡± she said, with a slight bow and left. Taking a deep breath I wheeled in the cart.


    ¡°Your majesty?¡± I screamed in shock.


    I could barely recognize him. He was lying on the lounge chair wrapping himself with an old short faded yellow blanket. His usually long golden hair was a tangled mess and he looked like he hasn''t slept nor showered in days.


    ¡°My lord, what happened to you?! Don¡¯t tell me you drank yourself to stupor!¡± I scolded.


    ¡°Good morning, Maidservant Bao.¡± he mumbled, ignoring my cackling, making no attempt to get up.


    My heartstrings stretched on hearing his voice. You could feel the sadness and despair in his voice.


    ¡°You still miss her, don''t you?¡± I sighed, squatting beside him.


    He looked like he was groping his mind for a lie but finally decided to settle for the truth and nodded with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.


    ¡°Is that a reasonable excuse for you to starve yourself to death?¡± I scolded


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    ¡°Do you think she''ll be happy wherever she is now to knowing that you are refusing to eat just because you miss her?¡±


    The king just glared at me and burrowed himself deeper into the chair defiantly. I sighed in frustration as I straightened myself. Mumming a little about how he was behaving like a big baby, I went to the window and opened up the blinds for fresh air to ventilate the room. The silence was thick till I spotted his wilted snapdragons and white lotuses.


    ¡°You just need a change of scenery, my Lord. Hold on, let me change your flowers...¡±


    ¡°No!¡± he roared flying out of the couch and snatched the plant out of my hand.


    ¡°Are you crazy?!¡±


    ¡°Your majesty!¡± I gasped in shock, trying to be as calm as possible. ¡°I don¡¯t get what you¡¯re being so irrational about¡­ it¡¯s just a plant.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just any plant! It¡­ it¡¯s special.¡±


    ¡°Care to explain?¡± I asked, folding my arms.


    ¡°Before mother died she told me to take her ashes use it to fertilize her plant.¡± he sighed, sadly. ¡°When I did as she instructed that very day the plant withered but I¡­ I don¡¯t know why I never had the heart to throw it away¡­¡±


    ¡°Because it reminds you of her.¡± I said softly as I closed the distance between us. ¡°The plant is a symbol of your love for her.¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­ Maidservant Bao?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my king?¡±


    ¡°Is it weird?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Keeping this plant¡­ it¡¯s weird, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°No. no it¡¯s not my king.¡± I cooed, cupping his face in my hands. ¡°It¡¯s just proves to show what a dutiful and responsible son you¡¯ve grown up to be.¡±


    ¡°Oh, what will I do without you?¡± he slurred, pulling me into a hug.


    I felt my heartbeat accelerating against the rib cage as I reciprocated. It was like my body had a mind of its own as I patted him on the back. I felt intoxicated by his sweet scent, my breath hitching as I felt his arms tighten around my waist causing our pelvis to rub against each other. Just then, the door opened causing us to break away.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Good heavens, what¡¯s going on here?¡± exclaimed Master Y¨¬ch¨¦n, the Supreme Beta.


    ¡°I thought we were friends; why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡± he whined.


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°About your relationship.¡±


    ¡°Relationship? With who?¡± I asked curiously, weirdly angry at the thought of him with someone else.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you two dating?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± we said simultaneously.


    ¡°Then why were you guys hugging?¡± he asked curiously. For some reason, I didn¡¯t know why I felt tongue tied.


    ¡°I was sad, Maidservant Bao was just comforting me and¡­¡±


    ¡°Go on!¡±


    ¡°I, erm, got carried away.¡± He stammered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you guys got to witness that.¡±


    ¡°No problem, we just wanted to remind you of those stuffs we talked about the other day.¡± said Supreme Beta Y¨¬ch¨¦n, airily.


    ¡°What stuffs?¡±


    ¡°The ones we¡¯re not supposed to say in front of commoners.¡± hinted Supreme Gamma H¨¤or¨¢n.


    ¡°Excuse me? Who are you calling a commoner?¡±


    ¡°Maidservant Bao, could you please excuse us? I apologize on Supreme Gamma H¨¤or¨¢n¡¯s behalf.¡±


    ¡°It is okay, my lord. I was going any ways.¡± I said sadly.


    I felt uneasy as the Supreme Gamma was still giving me the same weird look since he had entered. I don¡¯t know why I felt sad all of a sudden when I turned to leave. He was about to speak when my eyes caught something.


    ¡°My lord, look!¡± I said pointing at the plant.


    They all turned in time to see it slowly blooming. It was like watching a living time lapse.


    ¡°Incredible!¡± cried Beta Y¨¬ch¨¦n.


    ¡°My lord, what does this mean?¡±


    ¡°It means my mother has been reawakened!¡±


    ***


    No 454, Onozutu Drive


    Division C,


    Otite, Okene,


    Kogi State,


    Nigeria.


    (Victoria''s POV)


    Mama hummed softly as cracked and sorted her freshly fermented melon seeds on her chair in the parlor while I laid on the floor beside her and continued reading my favorite novel. Judith and Jessica had gone to grind tomatoes for our dinner''s soup while we waited.


    "Vicky..."


    "Ma?"


    "Si bowl hu ni store awor va mi."


    (Ebira: Please get me a bowl from the store.)


    "Ok ma." I grunted as I picked myself from the floor.


    I almost reached the store when my ears perked in alarm as I heard groaning coming from the parlor.


    "Mama!" I shrieked, rushing towards her. She was kneeling on the floor, clutching her chest in pure agony as tears flowed from her eyes.


    "Mama?!"


    "I''m fine!"


    "Mama, I''m scared...¡±


    "I''m fine!"


    "Mama, you are crying and you say you are fine?! Where does it hurt? Wait, let me get Mama Joke to take you to the hospital." I said, in a rush and tried to rush out but she held me back firmly.


    "I''m fine! It''s time you learn some things about our family, my last born."


    "What do you mean...?"


    "She''s back!" gasped Mama, clutching her chest again. "I feel it now more than ever."


    ¡°Who?"


    "We''ve waited for so long...¡± she continued, oblivious of me bedside her. ¡°And now she''s finally here!"


    "Mama, who''s here?" I asked, getting her attention this time.


    "Who else but the..."


    Mama was interrupted by five simultaneous peals of thunder followed by the whooshing of pregnant clouds. We were still in the same position when Jessica and Judith returned shortly before the rain began to drizzle.


    ***


    At the same time,


    Somewhere in the spirit dimension,


    (My POV)


    ¡°Jiro!¡± I screamed, waking up with a start as I pushed myself off the smooth stone cold floor.


    My head felt wooly as I looked around wondering. I was in some sort of large dim glass dungeon or hall with a lot of stuffs piled up around the edges and glass pillars. Unlike my curious nature, I was more focused on finding the exit than checking them out. After a minute or two I heard something creak.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I called. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± My voice echoing across the room.


    I couldn¡¯t see well as the only source of light came from a purple pea sized flaming orb held in a scaly claw in the middle of the room. Apart from my footsteps, it was eerily quiet.


    ¡°How am I ever going to get out here?¡± I thought aloud.


    ¡°If only my guardian angel was here¡­¡±


    ¡°So, now you need my help!¡± said a disembodied voice.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I said looking around to see who it was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you; this is just the first time you¡¯ve decided to visit ME.¡± it said; the voice sounding like it was in between childhood and adulthood.


    ¡°Hello? I don¡¯t who you are but I could really use your help¡­¡±


    ¡°The world needs YOUR help more¡­¡±


    ¡°Really? How? Wait, how did I get here and who are you and where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right behind you!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± I shrieked, jumping away, a little disappointed. I was expecting a wised sage or wizard but all I saw was a tiny purple floating dragon, the size of a baby mouse, grinning toothily at me.


    ¡°After all the great things you¡¯ve done, I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d scared of me¡­¡± it laughed.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t scared!¡± I protested, nettled.


    ¡°I just thought you¡¯d be human!¡±


    ¡°If you say so ¡®Fraidy-Cat!¡± he chucked, rolling its eyes.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not!¡± I snapped


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not!¡± I snapped, slightly embarrassed. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d be¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­so small? Yeah, I get that a lot!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­but are you a kwomi?¡±


    ¡°Me¡­a kwomi?¡± It scoffed. ¡°What do you think this is, Angie, Miraculous: Ladybug?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to ¡­ wait, how do you¡­?¡±


    ¡°I''m your Spirit Guide and I¡¯ve been watching you since you were a baby.¡± it said, showing me several TV screens in black and white, which I had earlier failed to notice. All of them were showing me spear eagled on the floor


    ¡°Is that me?¡± I gasped. ¡°Am I dead? Where am I? Am I dead?¡±


    ¡°Relax, Angie, we¡¯re just in the Spirit Dimension which is in between the land of the living and the dead.¡±


    ¡°So, I''m dead¡­ OMG! Can I see¡­?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I''m sorry but you can¡¯t see her because you¡¯re not dead¡­yet¡±


    ¡°Oh, ok!¡± I said swallowing my disappointment. ¡°So, how do I leave here?¡±


    ¡°By embracing your destiny!¡± it sang, flying towards the claw.


    ¡°My destiny? Wait what¡¯s my destiny¡­errm¡±.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a name.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°According to the Guardian Handbook; Rule 5 states: ¡®¡¯every guardian is to be named by their ward.¡¯¡¯


    ¡°Oh, look, I''m sorry¡­¡± I said briskly ¡°¡­but I don¡¯t have time to name you but I promise I will when I get out of here. My friends are in trouble and I''m the only one that can save them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no kidding. You really saved them earlier, but don¡¯t worry!¡± he added with a bow on seeing my glare ¡°I''m here to help.¡±


    ¡°So, you said the only way out is by embracing my destiny, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°And I guess it has something to do with the fire in that claw.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re smart but that¡¯s not just any fire it¡¯s a flaming pearl.¡±


    ¡°A dragon¡¯s pearl?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Then, why haven¡¯t you used it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t! It doesn¡¯t work on spirit guides¡­believe me I¡¯ve tried!¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t it work?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t obvious?¡± it sneered. ¡°You¡¯re the only one meant to have it.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s magical?¡±


    ¡°One of the most powerful ornaments in the cosmos!¡±


    ¡°But if I go back, what about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll remain here forever¡­¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ll be lonely here all by yourself!¡± I cried, when I got a light bulb.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your face?¡± it asked on seeing my enlightened look.


    ¡°Is there any rule that prevents you from leaving here?¡±


    ¡°No, not really¡­why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°What if I take you with me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°I really need your help and guidance, in the flesh¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I HAVE been quite lonely here and she DOES need my help and I AM her spirit guide¡­¡± it contemplated loudly, pacing back and forth in the air.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yay! Here, stay here in my breast pocket.¡±


    ¡°Why does your gown have a pocket?¡±


    ¡°Because I like pockets. So, how do we get out of here?¡± I asked, eagerly rubbing me palms.


    ¡°Carry the pearl with your right hand and the pearl will project its message. Don¡¯t worry!¡± it said on seeing my skeptical frown. ¡°It won¡¯t burn you.¡±


    ¡°Ok, whatever you do don¡¯t come out!¡± I warned.


    ¡°Got it!¡± It said, diving into my pocket.


    ¡°Alright, here goes nothing!¡± I said, going towards the claw.


    Taking a deep breath I took the pearl and to my surprise it didn¡¯t burn me though it was a bit hot. I felt scared as it glowed brighter before projecting its message on the wall. I cleared my throat, my voice echoing, as I read it:


    A Serpent¡¯s tail,


    Whiskers of a Rat;


    A Carp¡¯s scale,


    Wings of a Bat.


    The goatee of a Goat,


    Belly of a Rabbit;


    The heart of a Clam,


    A Monkey¡¯s wit.


    The face and horns of an Ox,


    Teeth and claws of a Tiger;


    The legs of a Horse,


    Crest of a Rooster.


    Ears of a dog,


    Eyes of a demon


    And snout of a pig;


    Come together and make me a dragon.


    As I began to read the things began to move around the room leaving me in the eye of the tornado. All the animal one by one entered the pearl as I called the softly making the animal¡¯s sound when I felt like my hand was on fire but I couldn¡¯t let go of the pearl. The pain was so intense I sank on my knees as I cried. Through the pain, I saw my little dragon turning to dust and entering the pearl causing the flames to rise higher. Suddenly, with the force of a bullet, the pearl shot into my chest knocking me backwards unto the floor.


    ***


    Back in the church,


    At the same time.


    (Mr. Cheng¡¯s POV)


    I stifled a yawn as the reverend continued to drone on about the rewards for giving whole heartedly.


    ¡°Will this sermon ever end?¡± I thought burrowing deeply in my chair and I began to slowly drift into sleepy town. Just then, a soft groan on my left jolts me back to reality.


    ¡°Master Long?¡± I gasped, quite alarmed as he clutched his chest. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course he isn¡¯t?¡± berated Young Master Damien who was on his other side. He had been alerted by my gasp as my master¡¯s face contorted in pain while Young Master Kai, unperturbed about the crisis on ground busied himself on social media with his tablet due to the ear pods blocking his olfactory system.


    ¡°Should I call the doctor?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine!¡± he croaked.


    ¡°Grand Master, are you sensing someone again?¡± asked Young Master Damien, leaning closer to him and he nodded.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Her! I need to see her!¡± he gasped, trying to stand up.


    ¡°No, my lord!¡± I said, detaining him. ¡°You can¡¯t leave you¡¯re not well!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a mortal thing that ails me, man! Get off me!¡± he snapped


    ¡°Huh?¡± I said, taken aback by his anger.


    Master has never snapped at me before, this was so unlike him. He hardly frowns even when he¡¯s ticked off or offended.


    ¡°I-I felt her Damien¡­ just seconds ago!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s he referring to Young Master?


    ¡°Here, we go again!¡± muttered Young Master Kai, rolling his eyes as Young Master Damien and I struggled to hold him down.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± he grunted struggling against us ¡°I need to see her!¡±


    ¡°Young masters who is the ¡®she¡¯ he has been referring to? I asked trying my best to not make a scene.


    ¡°Saying her name will only upset him even more¡­¡± grunted Young Master Damien.


    ¡°I can feel her again! She¡¯s back! She¡¯s finally back!¡± he cried excitedly bouncing in his chair and that¡¯s when I realized who he has been talking about¡­


    Wen Shi!


    ¡°Oh no!¡± I groaned as we again pinned him to his chair again. We were lucky that so far none of the members of the congregation had noticed us.


    ¡°She¡¯s here!¡± he began to whine ¡°I need to see her!¡±


    ¡°Not again!¡± muttered Young Master Damien, darkly eyeing Young Master Kai who had been chucking over our fray.


    ¡°My lord!¡± I cooed. ¡°We haven¡¯t sensed my gentle mistress soul for over a decade, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes true¡­ that¡¯s true.¡± he slowly admitted


    ¡°We also have no proof the brave priestess succeeded in giving her a new body¡­¡±


    ¡°Your point being?¡± prompted Young Master Damien, noticing how Grand Master had calmed down


    ¡°My point is: if my lady had been given a body why haven¡¯t you sensed her rebirth all these years and why hasn¡¯t Mother Nature confirmed it yet?¡±


    The look of gratitude was priceless on young master Damien¡¯s face as my words dissolved into my master¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re probably right.¡± he muttered, awkwardly adjusting himself in his chair.


    I was just about to reply when we were interrupted by a deafening roar. Everyone panicked and scampered for support as the hall was vibrated to the core while the young masters and I steadied my lord.


    ¡°What was that?¡± gasped Young Master Kai after the earthquake subsided.


    ¡°That?¡± scoffed Grand Master, like he was nettled that we didn¡¯t understand what was going on. Master Long then threw our arms off him before turning to gaze at the window.


    ¡°That was just Mother Earth announcing her return.¡± he smirked, as his eyes beheld her.


    We followed his


    gaze just in time to catch a glimpse of a large purple reptile hurtling towards the gate.


    TBC

 EPISODE FOUR - I AM … HIRED!

    Somewhere in Guangzhou,


    Guangdong province,


    Qin Dynasty,


    278 BC


    (Omniscient POV)


    A pretty barefooted girl could be seen jogging through the market with a dark purple purse slung over her shoulder. The market seemed busier than usual as everyone seemed eager to find out the juicy motive behind Minister Qu Yuan''s death.


    Shi grunted in frustration as she gripped the hem of her lilac dress so as to not get soiled in mud as she dodged the hawkers who were parading gossip more than their wares.


    ¡°Father would definitely roast me alive if I don''t get back before he notices I''ve snucked out." she thought as she quickened her pace towards the Pearl River.


    On getting to the river''s tributaries, she looked around till she was sure she wasn¡¯t being followed before diving into the ocean. She had no time to enjoy the coolness of the water because she was already late. She swam for miles under the water, resurfacing at intervals to gulp in air. She took a deep breath before diving deeper to the bottom of the ocean. There was no time to enjoy the coolness of the water, her eyes adjusted to the darkness as she effortlessly slid into a crack in the cliff''s bedrock. The crazy corals lit a secret passage which led her upwards, causing her to surface in a cozy underwater cave with a few furniture and a large nest in the middle.


    Shit sighed in relief on seeing her five little angels snuggled against one another.


    "I''m home!" she announced, completely coming out of the water.


    ¡°Mama!¡± the five dragons squealed, excitedly flying towards her.


    ¡°Hey darlings!¡± she chuckled dropping her purse so she could hug them.


    ¡°Oh, you''re all getting heavy!¡± she groaned playfully, causing them to laugh. ¡°So what have you all been up to when I was away?!¡±


    ¡°Mum, Austin bit me!¡±


    ¡°No I didn''t!¡±


    ¡°We''re hungry!¡±


    ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°I''m starving!¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry I came late my dears.¡± she said briskly, bringing out five plates from the old cupboard, according to their colors: yellow, red, black, white and azure.


    ¡°But you were late.¡± piped the red dragon, as she dished out some food on his plate.


    ¡°But I didn''t mean to be late. I got a little... distracted.¡±


    ¡°You kicked some dirty demon''s booty didn''t you?¡± grinned the black dragon.


    ¡°Maybe...¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    ¡°How many times did you slice their throats?¡±


    ¡°Did you break their bones?¡± inquired the white dragon, eagerly.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t really tell.¡± she said, tipping out the last remnants in her purse unto its plate. ¡°But I did break a couple of bones for you, sweetie.¡±


    ¡°Save some for me next time!¡± it muttered, in between a mouthful.


    Wen Shi beamed in pride as she watched her babies eat to their fill. She then placed the white one on the laps, combing its hair as it couldn¡¯t sleep while the others were snoring in the nest.


    ¡°Mum?¡± It called out, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Yes, dear?¡±


    ¡°Can we go out with you tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I meant no¡­ not yet!¡± she said, correcting herself on seeing his chest fallen face and drew him closer to her bosom.


    ¡°Outside is too dangerous for you and your brothers to fly freely. Not with those bad hunters still roaming around¡­¡±


    ¡°Why do they want to catch us? Why do they want to kill us?¡±


    ¡°Because you are special and they don¡¯t understand why.¡± she explained, stroking its spine. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, darling. When you¡¯re in need, I¡¯ll protect you¡­¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡±


    ¡°I promise¡­ Baidi.¡±


    ***


    Back in the church,


    10:51 am


    (Omniscient POV)


    The Agents had almost reached the gates when an earsplitting roar stopped them in their tracks.


    ¡°W-what was that?¡± stuttered one of the Agents, visibly shaking in the knees.


    The Agents shook like leaves in the wind as they noticed that their men were being picked by strange creature one by one, only to be dumped back gored with various degrees of scratches


    ¡°What on earth...?¡±


    ¡°Dragon!¡± squealed an Agent, not before she was swept away by a spiky tail, slamming her into some cars parked nearby.


    The ninja Agents found themselves against a beautiful purple dragon, twice the size of a full grown man, with its ominously greyish-blue eyes raking over them.


    ¡°What are you all waiting for? Attack!¡± barked the high ranking Agent in the blue uniform.


    The formidable Agents were left stupefied, as the dragon left them in the dust, with its super-fast reflexes, accurately dodging and countering every weapon hurled at it.


    ¡°Boss, it''s too strong what do we do?¡±


    ¡°Squad Alpha and Squad Gamma, I want you to tame that beast at all cost.¡± ordered their leader. ¡°Make sure you bring it back to base alive. Squad Beta and I get the hostages in the van.¡±


    But the dragon seemed to have other plans because immediately their leader finished talking it flew over them, barrel rolling twice, landing catlike on the other side and blocked their access to the gate. It then crouched menacingly, like it wanted to lunge at them, demonically baring its fangs, like it was daring them to come closer.


    ¡°Sir, what we do now? This is the only exit in the perimeter.¡±


    ¡°I think we should....¡±


    ¡°I have an idea!¡± chipped in Agent X, causing everyone to groan.


    ¡°Not now, Agent X.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, boss. It will work!¡± he added as a buzz of disapproval waved amongst the other Agents.


    ¡°It''s not like we have a choice.¡± sighed their leader. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it then!¡±


    Agent X grinned proud to get the General¡¯s audience as he came closer to whisper to him.


    ¡°It''s time to bring out the big guns!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There''s no time for details, just keep the dragon at bay and I will finish it off.¡± with that he bowed and slipped away.


    ¡°You all heard him, attack!¡± barked their leader in blue.


    The three squads then joined forces in keeping the dragon at bay. The dragon, on the other hand, was doing a good job in keeping THEM at bay as it lashed out and growled at any Agent who dared to come close to it; yet artfully dodging all missiles and weapons hurled at it.


    Some Agents were in so much awe of its gracefulness as it artfully dodged the missiles hurled at it that they failed to notice it¡¯s on coming tail. The dragon tail swept most of them away, sending some headlong into the cars parked nearby. The strike had successfully reached the Agent, whom was holding Ari, on the head. He placed a hand on his head to stem the blood trickling down, enabling her to wriggle free from his grasp. But luck was not her side because that was when Agent X had released the big gun. He was in a car he stole driving at a very high speed towards the dragon with, unfortunately, Ari in his way.


    ¡°Agent X, no! The hostage is in the way.¡±


    While Agent X slammed on the brakes, Ari felt frozen as the car sped towards her when suddenly she is was engulfed in a scaly hug.


    It all happened in a flash.  All she could remember afterwards was the screeching of rubber on asphalt followed by a large bang and a small explosion which sent her soaring through the air before ramming into the wall. Luckily, the dragon cushioned her fall breaking a wing in the process. Painfully, it moaned as it slowly slid down the wall before landing on the floor with a loud thump. Little Ari¡¯s heart broke as she beheld her savior. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she gently placed its head on her laps.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dragon!¡± she croaked, showering it with kisses.


    It gave a low grunt, probably of appreciation, licking the tears off her face with its serpentine tongue which caused her to giggle.


    Suddenly, mist began to hiss out of its pores engulfing both of them in a thick fog. Alarmed, Ari began to fan it away but as the mist dissolved, so did the dragon.


    It was gone!


    ***


    Still in the church,


    (Omniscient POV)


    Nathair cursed as Agent XXV and XLVII carried the disoriented Agent X into the van, followed by some other Agents before Agent VI took the wheel.


    ¡°Mission failed!¡± he muttered, as the other Agents piled into the van. ¡°The masters won¡¯t be happy!¡±


    ¡°Bleep that dragon!¡± cursed Agent X, as Agent XIV applied First Aid on him.


    ¡°Why do you need the children?¡± Dr. Lu mumbled in pain, now wrapped in chains, his face tattooed with bruises.


    ¡°None of business, Henry!¡±


    ¡°What happened to the roomie I used to know?¡±


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Oh, that Nathair? He died a long time ago. Too bad you missed the funeral.¡± he retorted sarcastically, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°How do you sleep at night?¡±


    Nathair exhaled in relief when his shrill ringtone interrupted the already awkward silence


    ¡°Talk to me!¡± he muttered on picking the call.


    ¡°Boss, we have a problem...¡±


    He glanced at Dr. Lu before replying ¡°Spill!¡±


    ¡°The other vans aren''t working.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°That''s the problem. They were fine this morning. It looks like something tampered with the wires.¡± was the reply.


    ¡°We''ll be there soon to pick you all up.¡±


    ¡°Hurry! The Long girl has alerted the peasants in the church and they are chasing us.¡±


    ¡°Bleep!¡± cursed Nathair ¡°Everyone get to the meeting point. Agent III is in charge till I pick you all up.


    With that he roared to the driver who gave a sift drift back as he sped back to the church.


    ***


    Back in the church,


    At the same time.


    (My POV)


    I groaned as I used the hood of a maroon jeep to help myself up. Still drowsy from the tranquilizers, I wondered if the kids were safe. I had found Ari though, and fortunately she wasn''t hurt...well, physically.


    ¡°Mr. Dragon! Why?! It should have been me!¡± she bawled on the top of her lungs through the dissolving mist.


    I chuckled ruefully at her antics, causing me to wince in pain as I clutched my sides. Soon, I heard the sound of people approaching, maybe to join hands with others as they tried put out the fire from the burning car. I was grateful that the impact of the crash was loud enough to alert them but I couldn''t help but think I was forgetting something.


    ¡°Help! Someone help me!¡± squealed a little white boy with a thick auburn fringe, being forced into a van.


    ¡°Ben!¡± Ari and I cried in unison; I in realization while hers was in despair.


    ¡°Help! They''ve my cousin!¡± yelled Ari, pointing at them.


    I felt my blood boil, I couldn¡¯t dam the rage surging through my veins as I dashed towards the gate, ignoring the alarmed and disapproving glares I received from some women I whooshed past. Unfazed and not pausing, I snatched the exhaust pipe of the now battered car and charged towards the Agents who were running away. I overtook and batted every Agent out of the way but just as I reached the van they shut the door in my face.


    Still on adrenaline and incensed by their guts, I went to the back as they tried to start their vehicle and slashed the two wheels. I paused to catch my breath grinning with relief as I watched them deflate. I clutched the pipe protectively when I noticed the Agents slowly surround me. Just then, they paved way another Agent, obviously a high ranking one, who came towards me and I instantly recognized him. He went pale as he stared at me like he just saw a ghost, I just kept my face fixed on him with a glare. It was the other one of the three kidnappers of earlier; the one that had held back Agent X.


    ¡°You again!¡± he spat. ¡°I thought we got rid of you?¡±


    ¡°It''ll take more than just 50 darts to put me down, you dog!¡± I heard myself say, wondering when I got the courage from.


    ¡°You think you are so brave coming here alone...¡±


    ¡°Enough with the chitchat!¡± I snapped, cutting him off. ¡°I told you and your two friends "You can only have those kids over...my dead body."


    ¡°Do you have any idea of who are messing with? We are DAWN...?¡±


    ¡°Scared of lil'' pretty me?¡± I drawled.


    ¡°I''m warning...¡±


    ¡°Let''s finish what we started or are you all scared of getting your asses whooped, cowards in the claiming to be professionals.¡± I scoffed.


    ¡°What are you all waiting for?!¡± he roared, really incensed by my confidence and insults. ¡°Kill her!¡±


    I giggled because I felt like I had just landed in a fight scene in one of the many Kung Fu movies I watched when I was little as they menacingly brought out their weapons, sauntering forward to end me. For some reason I couldn''t really fathom, I bravely struck tiger stance waiting for my doom.


    All of a sudden, as they sprang to attack me, my vision turned fiery orange with flecks of grey only to for me to find myself, over the next couple of minutes, fluidly dodging all their attacks. I was feeling a little lightheaded as I successfully deflected their knives and shurikens with my pipe. I still ponder on how I was able to sense one persistent ninja Agent who tried to stab me from behind as I was under the mango tree but I cartwheeled away causing her blade to sink into the tree. Leaving no time for her to recover, I kicked her thrice in the midsection and followed up with heavy hit on the head with my pipe. I didn¡¯t have the chance to celebrate because just then someone started to choke me with a staff. I could feel my life slowly slipping away as he added the pressure on every attempt to wriggle free.


    ¡°There¡¯s nowhere for you to go, darling.¡± snickered a familiar voice I¡¯d recognize anywhere even in my sleep and he tightened his grip on the staff.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame I have to kill you ¡®cos you¡¯re not pretty!¡± he taunted


    I retched more in disgust than affixation, when I realized that it was the stupid ninja with an X on his chest who was Amongst the 3 idiots who had shot me earlier.


    Agent X!


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that hotie!¡± I slurred, erotically. The shocked expression on his masked up face was totally priceless as I winked at him. Seeing he was distracted, I elbowed his stomach and face before flipping him over. Grabbing my pipe again, I hit him in the tummy causing him to yelp like a castrated dog and gave the last attacker a hot back kick in the zipper.


    I couldn¡¯t hide my smirk as their moans and groans serenaded my victory but almost immediately I felt like I about to be¡­


    I was quick enough to jump out of the way as a black gleaming van drifted in front of the church. Their leader in blue gasped on seeing my hand work and quickly ordered a retreat. Groaning, the Agents sprawled on the floor helped themselves up limping into the van, some climbing onto the roof or holding the door as it sped off.


    Clutching my side, I managed to drag myself to one of the vans they had left behind. I silently prayed as I managed to pry it open on the eighth attempt. I sighed in relief as I was greeted with squeals of delight. I found Ben safe and sound, with some other kids I¡¯ve never seen before.


    ¡°Ben!¡± I panted, raking his anatomy. ¡°Are you hurt? Is everyone okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re¡­ Angie lookout!¡±


    ***


    After the commercial break,


    Back to where we stopped.


    (Omniscient POV)


    Before Angie could turn back to know the impending danger she was almost deafened by what sounded like a very hot punch followed by the cracking of bones before being engulfed in a passionate embrace as the ninja slowly dropped down, his dagger slipping out of his grip.


    Angeline couldn¡¯t tell if she was shocked at the fact that she almost died or she just got saved by the hottest and coldest member of the D5 or the fact that she was still in his arms. If this was a dream, she wasn¡¯t going to wake up. Suddenly, the wild flashes of lights broke their train of thought as they turned to the fury of the paparazzi plus some reporters both, local and international, barreling towards them. They would have bowled them down if not for the Long¡¯s bodyguards who shielded them. But that didn¡¯t stop them from badgering the poor girl with questions.


    ¡°Young girl, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Miss, how do you feel being a hero?¡±


    ¡°We caught your fight on camera, do you tell us were you learnt those moves?¡±


    ¡°Damien, why is she in your arms?¡±


    ¡°Do you tow have history?


    ¡°Is this your way to prove you aren¡¯t gay?¡±


    ¡°Have you gotten over Valerie?¡±


    ¡°Is she your new girlfriend?¡±


    It was then he realized their position releasing her from his embrace, to her dismay. Her lips parted slightly as their faces were just inches apart. She was about to get lost in those eyes again when Ben jumped on her, immediately snapping her out of it. She could feel her cheeks burn while she put all her focus on stabilizing Ben¡¯s weight so that he doesn¡¯t fall. He hugged her tightly, just as Ari joined us while the Icy Prince, whose name turned out to be Damien, and the rest of my church members helped the other kids out of the van. Still was still dazed as she, held by ari, and the rest of the kids were led to the Main Hall.


    ¡°Erm, Ben?¡± she asked on the way. ¡°Do you have any idea why they didn¡¯t drive off when they got you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened¡­But I heard them saying that the wires and pipes were chewed by a rat.¡± shrugged the little child in explanation while Ari shook her head in marvel, both of them oblivious to the knowing smirk on Angie¡¯s face.


    On getting to the pulpit, Angie didn¡¯t blink as Ben and Ari narrated everything, the foreign and local news stations reporters around the hall having a field day of the story. She was lost in thought until Ari mentioned Mr. Dragon causing her to hold her breath for nothing because the church just laughed it over, hurting Ari a lot. Squeezing her hand a little, Angie assured her that she had seen it too, cheering the little girl up when Reverend David collected the microphone from them, wiping his forehead.


    ¡°Wow, this is incredible!¡± he exclaimed. ¡°Angeline come forward¡­where are her parents? They should also come up here.¡± he added, beckoning on her phlegmatic father and exhilarated mother to hasten their steps in joining them on the pulpit. Angie tried not to gag over her mom who rapturing in joy - and maybe pride - beside her.


    ¡°What we¡¯ve seen today, Mrs. Ozigi, shows us your training has not been in vain. The lord will bless you¡­¡±


    ¡°Amen!¡± chorused the congregation.


    ¡°Till today, I didn¡¯t know we had a living Deborah in our mist.¡±


    Angie fought to suppress her cringe, plastering a fake smile on her face, as the congregation erupted in mirth, like it was the best rip-cracking joke they¡¯ve ever heard.


    Her only consolation was that Ari felt the same the same way, judging from the confused expression on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± she wondered aloud turning to Ben who just shrugged in reply, as Reverend David then made them to kneel and blessed them.


    Wearily, she got up dreaming of cleaning herself up in the bathroom. But just when she thought the drama was over, it just got started. She was stopped in her tracks by two well-built bodyguards, in crisp white suits, who herded her back to the altar. The congregation¡¯s murmurs of disapproval switched to curiosity when Mr. Cheng went over to the Reverend, whispering some things in his ear. Surprisingly, Angeline¡¯s auditory perception seemed to be two times better than before but could only hear some strands of their conversation.


    ¡°What? Okay? Now? You have five minutes!¡± he said, giving the microphone to Mr. Cheng who came down and gave it to¡­


    ¡°Mr. Long?¡± she gasped.


    ¡°Praise the Lord!¡±


    ¡°Hallelujah!¡±


    ¡°I said, praise the Lord!¡±


    ¡°Hallelujah!¡±


    ¡°The Lord''s good...¡±


    ¡°All the time!¡± they all replied.


    ¡°Firstly, I want to thank the Reverend for giving me the opportunity to be before you all today. I''m highly grateful.¡± he said with a slight bow.


    ¡°Secondly,¡± he continued. ¡°I''m glad to see you again Dragon girl. I was in such a hurry earlier I forgot to get your name...¡±


    ¡°Angeline.¡± she said into the microphones the eager reporters shoved into her face till the guard beside her snatched one while the other three guards shooed them away.


    ¡°Angeline... I honestly lack words to express my gratitude. To show you how indebted I am to you for living up to your name when you turned into my grandkids guardian angel. Thank you.¡± he croaked emotionally pausing, as the congregation applauded her.


    ¡°You know,¡± he continued turning to address the audience. ¡°When we first met this morning I felt her spark when she correctly identified the dragons on my cars and immediately I knew she was destined for great things. She then promised to protect my grandkids, didn''t you?¡±


    Angie just replied with a slow nod wondering were all this was heading to.


    ¡°I can''t give much but no good deed must go unrewarded.¡± he said, beckoning on some guards at the door, each holding a large card the size of a crate, to come in.


    ¡°At home, whenever I am pleased with a person I give them three wishes. They only get five on their birthday.¡± he paused as the brethren chuckled. ¡°But today, we¡¯re gonna to do something a little bit different.¡± He said, taking her hand and guided her towards the guards holding the cards.


    ¡°I''m going to give you five wishes, five options, but you can only take three... Are you ready?¡± he asked, and Angie nodded in reply.


    ¡°Reveal the wishes!¡±


    The body guards then flipped the cards as Mr. Long read out what was on them. They looked like the poker cards in a giant¡¯s casino.


    The first guard flipped his card to reveal a very fancy queen card, with dollar signs on the edges.


    ¡°Wish One: A check of $10 million dollars.¡± He said, causing the gobsmacked church members to almost scream their lungs out.


    The second guard flipped his card, the picture on it was a graduation cap on some books, with the emblems a fancy school on the edges of the card.


    ¡°Wish Two: An all-expense paid scholarship to any level you wish to attain in my school, Jade Stone University.¡± he announced, causing the congregation screamed in approval, Angeline¡¯s mother a little bit louder than the rest.


    The third guard then flipped his card, the picture on it was of a hot Barbie doll on a shopping spree with girly accessories at the edges of the card.


    ¡°Wish Three: A 24hr all-expense paid shopping spree.¡± It was the turn of all the female youths in the hall to bring down the roof.


    The guards holding Wish Four and Five simultaneously flipped their cards only to reveal two blank cards with a question mark in the middle.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve gotten two blank checks. With these to cards you can wish for any crazy thing you kids of now adays want¡­ plus I ran out of ideas.¡± He jibed fortunately, this time, everyone laughed.


    ¡°You have 120 seconds to choose your three wishes. And your time starts¡­now.¡±


    ¡°Number 3, 4 and 5!¡±


    ¡°Are those your final choices, child?


    ¡°Yes sir¡± she nodded as the three chosen guards stepped forward and the other two left, the congregation clapping them off.


    ¡°Alright, you have a chosen the shopping spree along with two blank checks for random wishes. So, what will your two random wishes be, child?


    ¡°I wish¡­¡± she started, giving him the fourth card. ¡°That the $10 million be given to the church.¡±


    Angie hoped a trip to the otolaryngologist could be added to her shopping list because the roar of the congregation had definitely severed her eardrums.


    It took a while for them to settle down but just as she was about to say her last wish when Ari and Ben ran up to her tugging at what was left of her tattered skirt in order to get her attention. The brethren chuckled as Angie crouched down to their level while they excitedly whispered into her ear. Angie¡¯s eyes widened in delight as she stood up, everyone looking upon with bated breath eager to know the last wish.


    ¡°I wish¡­my wish be given to Ari.¡± she announced, giving the microphone to Ari.


    This caused a slight murmur of indignation from the congregation, especially the elders. Angie¡¯s mother was a puffing in rage but tried to mask it with a smile but it made her look like a tiger smiling at its soon to be dead prey.


    ¡°Well, it is legal!¡± chuckled Master Long, slightly puzzled by the turn of events. ¡°So, Ari dear,¡± he cooed, ushering her to face the congregation. ¡°What will you wish for?¡±


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± she started. ¡°You know how you¡¯ve been promising to get us a nanny since last year?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­?¡± Master Long concurred with a slight frown on his forehead, wondering where this was going.


    ¡°Well, look no further ¡®cos I wish that you employ our number 1 candidate, with immediate effect.¡± she commanded.


    The congregation began to titter in excitement, obviously knowing who it was going to be.


    "Wish granted!" he beamed, with a knowing smirk. "And who is this number one candidate?"


    "Big Aunty!" they squealed in unison, hugging Angeline tightly.


    Angie was temporarily dazed by the zillion flashes of light, as the newsmen scrambled to get a better shot of this adorable scene. Everyone in the hall was on their feet, clapping and cheering her on as she shook hands with Mr. Long, before the guards led her, Ari and Ben back to their classes. The reporters tried to hound them with their infinite questions when they came out but thankfully Master Long''s guards were able to bar them off.


    Angie politely excused herself, slipping into the restroom, unnoticed by the Press, in order to recover her equilibrium. As though it¡¯d been waiting for this moment, the tiny dragon flew out of her pocket, ricocheting around before finally landing, with a cute thump, in her palms!


    ¡°That was awesome!" it squealed. "I haven¡¯t felt this alive in centuries! Thank you, Angeline Richmen-Ozigi.


    "No, I should be the one thanking you for saving me out there.¡± she beamed in gratitude, as it floated out of her palm.


    ¡±Just doing my job as your spirit guide!¡± it shrugged, in pride.


    Sighing in exhaustion, Angeline sank on the seat of the Water Closet, leaning her pounding head on the cool wall.


    "What¡¯s clouding your sunshine, O woken one? It¡¯s overwhelming isn¡¯t it?"


    "First, I was fired, now I¡¯m hired; I woke up this morning natural, only to find out that I''ll go back to sleep as a supernatural for the rest of my life... So yeah, I''m overwhelmed." she confessed still in a daze, her eyes down making her oblivious of the dragon which was floating towards her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret yet, my Queen! You have a long way to go and the party¡¯s just getting started.¡± It purred with an impish grin, as suddenly its eyes began to ominously glow yellow. Angeline turned to look at in awe as its amber eyes bore into hers. But rather being shocked, she too broke into a grin, her pupils suddenly ringed in gold, illuminating the two creatures in the little dark toilet.


    TBC

 EPISODE FIVE - I AM...GOING TO BE FINE!

    Flashback


    Conference Room,


    Chaos Hall,


    Hell,


    The Underworld. Mondays, February 14.


    3:37 AM


    " ''It was a living hell... in Hell! Everyone could be seen panically running for thier lives as the citizens were woken up moments ago, not by thier alarm clocks, but by an earthquake.The survivors can now be seen trying to salvage what is left of thier now dilapitated homes. Rumors have gone round that, just moment ago, the Crown Princes had just arrived on scene to survey the extent of the damages, giving thier condonlences to the relatives of those whose lives lost. There''s been no offical statement from the Prinus of Hell so far, but the question everyone''s minds still remains the same :What caused the earthquake? Can we really trust the Crown Princes to handle a crisis as delicate of this in thier fathers'' absence? And how sure are we that this disaster won''t occur again before they accend thier thrones...'' "


    Alden roared in furstration, flinging his dagger at 72'' Plasma screen in the roonm, causing the other Crown Princes to mummur in disapproval.


    "Aw gezz, man!" groaned Bilial, as some attendants came in to clear the mess.


    "How dare she spew out that thrash about us!" gritted Arden, his pride hurt as he agitatedlly paced to and fro.


    "I rather see it is the most beautiful constructive criticism I''v heard!" shrugged Aaron, ignoring the glares be recieved from the other princes.


    "You know the TV was innocent, right?" muttered Dennis, as he eyed Aiden before tossing more popcorn into his mouth.


    "What''s the situation on ground?!" snapped Aiden authoritatively, brushing off the bration of the other Princes as he turned to Elvis, his father''s third in command, who had been silently watching thier childish anticts


    "Well," he began, clearing his throats. "The lives lost has been estimated to be over two hundred thousand citizens...


    "Seven thousand five hundred and seventy three injured persons are currently recieving treatment and the cost of damages is worth three billon dollars!!" interuptted Aaron robotically, like he had already read the report.


    "Dang it!" cursed Carson , hurling a half-bottle of water at him but he caught it easily.


    "You know you don''t have to always dampen someones spirit, right?" said Dennis.


    "I can''t help to baby boy!" shrugged Aaron, a stupid grin plastered on his face.


    "But what could have caused the earthquake?" Memphis chipped in, steering them back to the reason for the meeting in the first place.


    "Could it be Him?"


    "No, Ethan!" groaned Carson, face palming himself. "Take it from me: When it comes. to Vengance, that''s just petty!"


    "But what if He was just trying to send us a message?" insisted Ethan, stubbornly.


    "If you guys really need answers why can''t you just ask Agatha?" suggested a soft sleepy voice in the corner.


    There was stunned silence as everyone in the room turned to Belial in total shock.


    "What?" yawned Belial, as they stared at him like he had just grown three heads.


    "Do you realize that this is the first time in your life you''ve said something meaningful?!" jibed Carson, causing the rest to roar out in laughter.


    Belial just rolled his eyes, muttering darkly as he shuffled in his seat to get a more confortable position to nod off.


    "Let''s go, sleepy head! muttered Dennis, grabbing Belial''s arm they all teleported out of Hell.


    ***


    Tuesday, February 15,


    Mama T''s Bar,


    Surulere, Lagos,


    Nigeria.


    2:15 AM (GMT+1)


    (Omniscient)


    The club was still full of swing, the partying wild, like it had just started. Everyone was too busy enjoying themselves, in their own way to notice the hooded figure by the edge of the bar counter silently warching all of them like a hawk. His amber eyes suddenly narrowed on a young man luring a drunk lady into one of the VIP rooms. He was just about to go after them when a skimpyly dressed bartender placed a mug of beer before him.


    "Here''s your drink, sir!" she sang, sending him a flictious wink.


    "I don''t remember ordering anything, Grace!" he muttered, his voice sent chills down her spine as he gently pushed it back to her.


    "I know, sir. It was that young man over there who bought it for you. Is he a friend of yours, I''d really like to get bus number." she gushed foolishly, pointing to the hot pale skinned super being across the room.


    He was already surrounded by whores demanding for his attension and phone number, while the males in the room glared at him as thier dates couldnt stop openly drooling over him. But only one man''s eyes widened in shock on seeing him till when thier gazes met. The hooded man felt all the blood drain from his body as he beheld his tormentor who just smirked back, enjoying the effect his presence had on him. The hooded man managed to swallow his emotions and broke his gaze. But the damage had already been done as his mind began to be bagered by the memories of his painful past. Meanwhile, the demon began to saunter towards him, after compelling the women away. He silently groaned as the demon sat down beside him, ordering Grace to get same more beers for them before he finally turned to face his puppet.


    ¡°You never struck me as the party type, Carson, so why are you here?" asked the hooded figure, starting the conversation as he drained the mug of beer Carson had bought for him earlier.


    "You haven''t changed a bit, have you, Kay?" chuckled Carson, sounding a bit sympathetic.


    Choosing to ignore Carson, Kay stood up and went over to the dart boards, paid the cashier for some darts and began to hurl them the targets along with other men while Carson infuriated his his every move by copying him.


    "What do you want, Carson? " sighed Kay, in furstration as he went back to his seat by the counter, already tired of Carson followig him every where.


    "Being straight forward and arrogant again?" drawled Carson, appearing on Kay''s other side, two flutes of champane in hand.


    "Looks like some one has grown wings?" he smirked, handing a flute to Kay before sipping from his as he sat down.


    "I can''t grow wings any more. You''re the one who cut oft in the first place, remember?"


    "Oh yeah, I really missed them good ''ol days!"


    Just then, Grace finally arrived with the mugs of beer, which stopped Kay from punching Carson right in his stupid perfect nose. Grace then started to bat her lashes seductively at Carson who only rolled his eyes in disgust, to her disappointment, causing her to storm off her hips swaying dangerously as she left.


    "Please just tell me what brought you to Nigeria and let''s get this over with, Carson!" he snarled, once Grace was out of earshot.


    "There''s a threat to my kingdom and I need you to hunt it down before my father returns back to Hell." he ordered, switching to Boss Mode as he slid a wierd black and red card to Kay.


    "What does it look like?" asked Kay, inspecting the card.


    "We don''t know." confessed Carson. "But what what we do know that it''s a female dragon shifter."


    "So, it can be anybody!"


    "Exactly, that''s why I''m gonna need you to go back home, hit the showers, dig up your hunting gear, dust it down and meet me at the airport ''cos our flight to California leaves in three hours."


    "What!" exclaimed Kay.


    "I know it''s impromptu but it''s not like you''ve got a choice or something..."


    "Sure things boss!" he retorted, sarcastically. ¡°By the way, what in it for me?"


    "You know I owe you nothing but because I''m generous you not get a dime...above fifty million dollars! Half before job and the rest. when you''re delivered her head to us."


    Kay scoffed before he started to furiously quaff down the contents in his mug. He was already tired of this demon''s presence and without pausing to breath, he continued to chugging down his drink, wondering how long it was going to take before be snaps as Carson continued rambling.


    "Now now, calm down, tiger! How would you like it in...Euros? Oops, that ain''t your currency! What was it again...Naira! Or maybe you''d prefer it in gold..."


    Carson''s ramblings were cut short when Kay suddenly slammed his now empty mug on the counter so hard it cracked, but he slowly turned to squarely face the confused gentleman beside him.


    "Freedom!"


    "Pardon?!"


    "I don''t want money, I want my freedom!" said Kay, soberly.


    "Pardon?!" repeated Carson, still in shock causing Kay to lean in towards him.


    "I. Want. My. Freedom!" he spelt out, before he sat back up and resumed drinking from another mug of beer.


    "Kay, we''ve talked about this!" groaned Carson, pinching his brown in furstration. "You know I don''t have what it takes is release you."


    "Then find someone else for the job," he snapped, turning to leave only for two big burly demon bodyguards bar his way.


    "Carson, tell your men to back down or hearts will get ripped out!" gritted Kay, trying his best to keep his inner demons under control.


    "First of all, it''s Master Carson to you." he started, with a smug look on his face. "And second of all, call off your bluff; you''re coming with us whether you like it or not."


    "Make me!"


    "There''s no way you can defeat two highly skilled Level 6..."


    Carson''s words got stuck in his throat on hearing two loud thuds. His eyes widened in shock on seeing his two men on the floor with gory holes in their chests before they turned to dust and disappeared. He then looked up to find himself ominously pleased than suprised to see Kay silently sipping the blood remaining in thier hearts, unperturbed by Carson''s gaze on him. He knew Carson had cloaked them from the view of others that''s why he didn''t hesitate to end them.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Okay, fine!" relented Carson, throwing up his hands in defeat. "I''ll give you twenty five million dollers for now and your freedom when the job is done. But, just have it in mind that even if I do free you it won''t change what you ''ve become."


    The revelation caused Kay to freeze in shock for sometime, as he showly brought down the half-empty heart from his lips.


    "It still beats being your slave!" retorted Kay with a slight shrug, after thinking it through, before he resumed sucking the heart.


    "It''s really lave, Kay! exclaimed Carson, cheaking his watch. "Don''t you want to go home and kiss your wife and kids good bye before your ''buisness trip''?"


    Carson''s taunt seeped deep into Kay''s tormented soul, pricking his innermost demon on all sides as he clenched his fist in anger. It was quite miraculous how he still looked calm and cool on the outside though he was boiling on the inside.


    "Oops, I forgot!" Carson spat, malisiously. "You murdered them..."


    And he lost it!


    "Only buause in you possessed me, you mother bleeper!" roared Kay in Carson''s face, causing everyone''s attention to be on them while the sociopath just chuckled evilly as he wiped the spit sprayed on his face.


    "I''ll only be linent today because I''m in a good mood." Carson hoarsely whispered in ear, his breath fanning Kay''s face.


    "But don''t forget too soon, Kay: I made you and only I can break you!"


    With that Carson stood up and patted Kay''s shoulder before he straightened his suit. Kay''s eyes burned Carson''s back as he exited the bar. Still shaking in anger, Kay let out a roar and hurled his last dart at the board which was at the end other end of the room before storming out.


    There was an eerie hush in the club for two whole minutes as everyone still had thier the jaws dropped as they gaped at the dart board. Kay''s dart was now on the bullseye after spliting dart was one that had been there previously!


    ***


    Close to the San Diego International Airport,


    In the Long''s private jet.


    Tuesday February, 15.


    4:14 pm (PDT)


    (My Pov)


    I woke up with a start, gasping dered for air as I durched chest. I couldn''t shrug off the strange feeling like my life was in danger causing my heart to race faster in panic. My eyes darted around the room in alarm as I wondered why I was on a plane instead of being in my room.


    "Big Aurity, are you okay?" asked the little Japanesse boy, sitted on my right by the window, in worry.


    "Ben!" I panted in relief, rubbing my eyes as I rested back in my seat.


    "So, it wasn''t a dream!" I thought, chuckling a bit.


    "Angie, are you okay! Should I get you a drink?" asked Ari, seated on my other side.


    I beamed warmly, touched thier affection and love for me so I stopped Ari from pushing the Air Hostess button.


    "No thank you, Ari. I think I feel much better now." I beamed as I patted her arm.


    "But, you weren''t okay when you..."


    "I just had a litle nightmare..."


    "A little?" scoffed Ben, cutely as he narrowed his eyes on me


    "Ok, I had a very scary nightmare but don''t worry; I am going to be fine." I reassured.


    "If you say so, nanny."


    "You do you!"


    Still exhausted, I exhaled as I reclined in my seat and closed my eyes, flashing back to how I ended up on a privtate jet set to Cali. To be honest, the past 48hrs have been really tiring. On Sunday, immediately after the service ended, Great Father Long wasted no time in getting all my vital documents ready even before we had all reached our home - a beautiful unpainted four bedroom bungalow with a cream roof fenced in a large compound, with a coup in the corner, inside Unity Community. They had even linked up my bank account payroll immediately we set foot in the parlour but I was too busy with Ari and Ben, who didn''t leave my side.


    Initially, mummy had vehementlly kicked againce me leaving Nigeria , even when Great Father Long offered to invest in her buisness she refused. Gramps had to travel all the way from Otite, which is just a 60 min drive to Lokoja, just to talk to her before she finally agreed. Even the amount of salary sparked a family feud as my aunts and uncles joined my parents via Zoom to it haggle over but they could not reach a conclusion as my paycheck was either too fat or too slim!


    I left them to argue thier lungs out in the parlour as I hosted a small tea party in my bedroom with Lady Ari, Minister Ben, Dutchess Leslie and Lord Kent. (Kent and Leslie are my twin junior sibling and the only ones around as Ian and Glen were not home yet.) It was hour later they finally remembered me and summoned to ''know my opinion in the matter'' when they had already agreed on my pay.


    Tch, who does that!


    In all these, I couldn''t help but notice how Gramps and Great Father Long kept concuring each other''s sentences making everyone quite uncomfortable. Most especially me but I didn''t really care dragon-sized problems to deal with. And by that, I meant Blaise.


    I named my dragon Blaise after my element, fire. (That''s according my Greek Zodiac though Chinese Zodiac is water). I could tell it loved it seconds after I had christained it because it to my surprise it immediately glowed bright like a hot metal.


    My little purple dragon - Blaise Ignis Richmen - later explained o me that the glowing was the confirmation t of our bond as Master and Servant just like how it happened in Moonlit Fantasy. But honestly, I really didn''t see Blaise as a servant because he''s been really helping me in keeping my powers in check. But with a lot of people now in the house, it wasn''t safe for him to come out without anyone freaking out. I feared they''d mistake him for a demon and that''s when Blaise revealed my first dragon shifter power which is...a story for another day.


    Back to my narration, my Gramps then called me the parlour to inform me that my paycheck would be $50 per hour and by 3pm I found myself on the road with the Longs accompanied by Mummy and Gramps. Our course was due North as we headed to Abuja-the nearest state with an international airport. Luckily, we arrived exactly a hour and a half later, branching Aunt Anabella''s place so we could spend the the night while the Longs booked a nearby hotel.


    I exhausted my Shopping Spree Wish in ShopRite and Game. But in less than a minute, on entering the mall the battlelines had been drawn as Mummy, Aunt Annabella and Gramps were so engrossed in Wardrobe War MLXXVI to notice when I snuck away with Ari and Ben in order to raid the bookstore. I felt quite offended when Dorian, the baby face of the LOLs, demanded whether I was a girl on seeing the amount of books I had bought. (I was not my fault! Ari was the one whom had bowled him over with my trolley.) Because he feels that most girls would go for the latest clothes and bling earning him an earful from Gramps.


    But Damien, the ice prince, took an empty journal and a case of rainbow coloured pens and placed them in my trolley.


    "I''ve seen how much you love to read other people ''s thoughts, it wouldn''t be so bad to pour out yours though, would it?" he said, on seeing the questioning look on my face.


    "Erm, thanks!"I replied as we were incidentally just passing the florist''s


    Damien then took a black rose from its brothers and paid for it, giving the man a very fat tip.


    "I may not be good with words but I hope you can accept this from the bottom of my heart" with that he gently placed the flower in my hair, my heart raced as I felt his pale fingers brushing my ear


    When I thought of it, I realized that the next day was actually Valentine''s Day. OMG, was he going to ask me to be his Val? But his next words deflated my hopes instantly.


    "This is a token of appreciation for protecting my sister!"


    "Seriously, couldn''t you give me a gift card or somthing else instead of a flower?!" I thought in disappointment as we joined the rest at the check-out and I quickly hid the rose in my pocket before anyone noticed it on me.


    We were able to round up by 7pm on the dot and headed back to my Aunt''s place so I could rest for my flight tomorrow while the Longs went back to their hotel. But I wasn''t too surprised to see the Long''s SUV parked in front of the house, the next day, waiting to take us to the airport. I couldn''t hold back my tears at the departure hall as I hugged Gramps, mummy and Aunt Annabella. Ari and Ben were kind enough to help me up the stairs since I couldn''t see well due to my misted eyes.


    The voice of the air hostess announcing our arrival brought me back to earth. I got infected with Ben and Ari''s excitement as the jet tipped downward, gradually hitting the run way. We held hands, giggling as the jet came to a halt, parking infront of a red carpeted stairway, before a sea of fans. I gulped quite taken back by the scores of people who had troupes out to welcome the Longs back that I didn''t realize I had been holding my breath till the jet finally came to a halt without crushing anyone . I was quite nervous to face the crowd ourside, my hands shook as I helped Ben and Ari to unfasten thier seatbelts. Blaise and I couldn''t hold back our chuckles as they immediately dashed towards the restroom, arguing and elbowing each other.


    I then shook my head, slight smile played on my face as I unfastened my seatbelt and stood up to stretch my sore limbs. I was just about tovopen the luggage compartment above when I got startled by the presence of someone behind me.


    "Oh. Mr Cheng! I didn''t see you there!"


    "Miss Richmen, what were you about to do?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.


    "I was about to take my load." was the instant reply, causing him gasp, clamping his mouth with both hands in horror.


    "D-Did I do something wrong?" I thought, confused by his strange behaviour.


    I was completely at sea as I stared back at him. But look on his face was so... you know the look one gives you''ve committed an abomination but you still insist that you''re right? Well, that was the look!


    "I''m sorry, Miss Richmen but I''m afraid I cannot let you carry your bags"


    "Why, am I not a servant?"


    "Point of Correction, Grand Master Long''s special guest miss so you can''t be stressed." he explained, signaling the porters. "Moreso, I''ve been given specific instructions on how your bags will be handled.


    That was one of the most lamest things I''ve ever heard but I wasn''t going to just let them take what''s mine without a fight.


    "Don''t worry, I can handle it!" I said, bringing down my bags only for it to be snatched by the porters.


    "Hey, what gives!"


    "I''m sorry, we''re just following orders!" Mr. Cheng cooed, apologetically.


    "But you guys don''t have to stress yourselves." I insisted , still stubbornly holding unto my bags. "I''m sure you all must be so tired from taking care of us for the past 15 hrs."


    "Please, just let us do our job, Miss Richmen!" pleaded one of the porters tugging at my bag at the handle.


    "No, give it, it''s mine!" I protested, tugging it back.


    "What''s going on here ?!"


    We all gulped as we turned to the owner of the voice. I was Great Father Long, flanked with Ben, Ari, her brother Damien, thier cousin Dorian and some servants I hadn''t seen before.


    "Sir, I want to carry my load but Mr. Cheng won''t allow me." I complained, pouting a little, ignoring suddenly grin that appeared on Kai''s face.


    "Your grandmother really trained you well!" chuckled Great Father Long, wrapping his arms around me. "I know you learnt a lot of things back in Nigeria''s but now you are in America which means you have to do things our been taught way and that means..."


    "Following your rules?" I guessed, cutely corking my head at him.


    "Good guess ! And one of them is to let the porters carry our bags anytime come back fram a trip. Is that clear?"


    "Yes, Great Father!" I mummured, my head hung in defeat.


    "Don''t worry, you''ll soon get used to things." he cooed, pulling me into a warm hug which broken up seconds later by a soft grow.


    I was quite taken aback to see Damien snarling at Great Father while Ari and Ben giggled in glee till Damien shot them a glare.


    "Why is he glaring at his grand father?" I thought, as he rolled his eyes as Ben and Ari continued to o snicker.


    "But I can carry my purse, right?" with twinkling in hope as I tried to cover up the akward moment.


    "Of course, why not?"


    Beaming, I snatched my purse with a fake sophisticated huff, pointing my nose up in mock pride. I comically held my shoulder high trying to vain and egotic as I could, encouraged by Ben and Ari''s laughter before I then held their hands as I led Hum out of the jet.


    "Oh, I almost forgor to tell you this, child." started Great Father Long, stopping us in our tracks. "I have to apologize in advance..."


    "Whatfore?!" I thought.


    "...for the cameras!"


    "Cameras!" Blaise and I mentally screamed.


    Just as I had inherited some of Blaise''s dragon abilities, it inherited some of my humanity - Manifesting in most of my likes, dislike and fears -vFor instance, we hate being the center of attention but we crave to be in the limelight. I also try to avoid anything makes me self-concious ever since I had my first panic attack when I was 11, while auditoring for a play in the 7th Grade, and Cameras one of these triggers.


    "Your grand mamother told me of your phobias but do you want to know a secret? I have the fear of flashing lights too, all these publicity stuff was my son''s lidea.


    "Un-huh?!"


    "But that''s by the way, I really wanted to personally show you my house but I can''t because I have some business attend to." he explained.


    "It''s ok,sir." I beamed in understanding and bowed. "I wish you a safe drive and lots of luck in your endeavours."


    "Thank you and amen. I can assure you that your stay here will turn out to be a very fruitful and magical one." he smirked glancing at Damien, whose ear turned red unlike Kai who was confused as I was.


    "Who knows how life changing that would be?" he added, his cryptic grin spreading, as Ari and Ben began to smile like Chesire cats!


    "I pray so!" I muttered, trying my best to show how I wasn''t uncomfortable with their wierd behaviors.


    "Who cares!" Blaise said, airily "We''re going to be on TV!"


    "I am going to be on TV!" I corrected.


    Just then, Ari and Ben impatiently pulled me towards the exit, which was opened by a grumpy man in white suit. I dimmed my eyes a bit as we were greeted by bright lights and the roaring crowd below, causing me to blanch in fear. But Ari and Ben so engrossed in enthusiastically waving at the crowd to notice.


    I had no choice but to be strong...I knew it was time to face my fears!


    It was time...my time!


    I felt wave of courage surging through me, taking abreath deep breath before I help them down the stairs, holding thightly unto Ben and Ari as I had momentarily been blinded by the million flashes of camera light.


    Deep down. I felt Blaise smile, it knew I was ready!


    Ready be in the spotlight.


    Ready to live my new life!


    Read to live the Long Life!


    ***


    Mean while,


    At a Motor Park,


    Lokoja, Kogi,


    (Alice)


    I couldn''t stop my tears from falling as I pulled my mother in for a last hug. She was about to board a chartered car to Okene. It was just a 60 min drive Mama insisted on going back early because of some work she had to round up in her church, as it''s Financial Secretary.


    "Your heart is heavy, why?" she asked, jolting me out of my thoughts as we disengaged from the hug.


    "Ma?"


    "What''s wrong, Alice? "she purred, cupping my face, her eyes twinkling in concern.


    "I''m worried about Angeline, Mama!" I confessed, trying to dam my tears. "I''m scared because l have a bad feeling she might get into rouble she can be. You yourself know how restless she can be. I''m sure she''s already caused havoc as we speak..."


    "Calm down, Alice! Our child I has just woken up her destiny!" Mama said, cutting me off as she took my hands in hers. "You don''t have to worry about her anymore, because not only is she in safe hands, she''s now been endowed with gifts that will make her soar higher than her contemporaries. She will surely face a lot of oppositions to her destiny but in the end she will crush them all and reclaim what has always been hers!"


    "W-what are you saying, ma?" I stuttered in confusion.


    Mama just replied with a beautiful mysterious grin and pulled me into another hug.


    "Why do I feel like there''s much more to this?" I thought, as I slowly hugged her back.


    "Don''t worry, everything is going to be okay." she whispered, rubbing my back.


    And at that moment, I felt at peace! My mother and I, alone in our own world, oblivious of the usual daily hustles and chaos of a typical Nigerian motor park.


    TBC