《Heathens: Rising from the ashes》


 The Survivor

    His body was rudely awakened as hands roughly shook him. His brain was slow to catch up, but the frantic swaying aroused Juke''s senses enough to wake up. Blinking blurry eyes, his sister Amani''s panic-stricken visage was all that he saw. Her foggy cries became excruciatingly loud as her fingers clawed into his body. Next was the alarming smell of smoke.


    "Wake up, Juke. We have to go, now." Amani yelled out, and before he could respond, she was yanking him out of his bed and to his feet.


    She didn''t even let him put on his shoes as they ran out of his room and outside. The night''s cool air chilled Juke''s body to his core. He only wore his nightwear, which the ninja jammies blared his innocence. His naked feet nearly froze on the concrete walkway as his eyes took in the scene before him.


    Metal rang through the air as his clan fought desperately. Bodies lay around, all part of his family, in pieces as the rest fought hard against the foe. The sound of the clan''s flag flapping against the wind was loud over the battle. Juke''s heart pounded against his ribcage as his eyes roamed around, then his breath hitched once he caught sight of his father and mother fighting on the battlefield.


    "Father!" Juke cried loudly, yet it was cut short as Amani yanked his arm and ran, pulling him along with her.


    "We have no time, Juke. I have to get you out of here," she stated, pulling him along.


    Juke''s feet stumbled as his small legs tried to keep up with his older sister''s stride. The slapping of his bare feet echoed as his mind was racing with so many questions. "What''s going on, Amani?" he asked, but she remained quiet.


    They cut a corner, then another, before Amani skidded to a stop. Juke bumped into her strong back and let out a groan. Righting himself, he looked around to see what had stilled her, then noticed six tall men standing ahead. They were covered head to toe in black bodysuits. Only their black eyes were showing.


    Amani widened her stance, standing tall over Juke to shield him. "Stay behind me," she told the boy.


    Making gestures with her hands, she placed her thumb and forefinger onto her forehead, then hummed. The air around her began to shimmer as she focused on gathering her kana. Lifting one foot like a flamingo, her face remained calm as she channeled her energy. The masked men lunged at the girl. She opened her eyes, and it seemed to send out a pulse as a wave of light flew from her body. The stream of bright light shot out and knocked the men over the balcony.


    Juke''s eyes marveled for a second before he was once again pulled into a sprint. What was really going on? Why wouldn''t big sister tell him? Where were the others? Thoughts raced through his brain at rapid speed. A few more men shot out, and this time Juke and Amani took them on together. Throwing their hands in intricate signs, with their limbs dancing in fluid motion, they sent out fire and light attacks to knock away the men.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Amani glared down at one of the men she''d knocked down. Lifting her foot to stomp on his head, the man dissolved into an oily texture, spreading along the ground. Her brows knitted together as she looked around at the other bodies doing the same.


    "They''re all clones," she told Juke with a confused expression.


    A searing pain spread across Juke''s chest as he grabbed his head. Too much was happening. Too much. "What is going on, Amani? W-where is everyone? We have to get to father! We have to help them!" the boy gasped out as tears poured down his cheeks.


    He jerked a little as Amani suddenly knelt before him, placing her hands on his shoulders. Her stern palms were heavy on him, but it was them trembling that made him stare into her eyes. His big sister was so strong that he''d never seen her cry, yet here she was. Her eyes wavered with smudged tear streaks gracing her sunken cheeks.


    "You have to only worry about yourself from now on, Juke. You can''t worry about nobody but yourself, you hear me." Her voice cracked as she tried to keep it together. The screams and warfare were loud around them, making her words impossible to comprehend.


    Juke started shaking his head, not believing her or anything at this point. "What are you talking about? What does this mean, s-sis? I can''t... I have to save them. I can help them." Juke''s eyes were big and pleading as he stared conflicted at his big sister.


    "No," Amani jerked his arms hard as she made him focus completely on her. "No, baby, we have to get you out of here. You have to go."


    Juke cried as he squeezed his eyes shut, his head thrashing frantically as he shook it. It was up to him to protect his family, written in his destiny, so he couldn''t just leave. Not like this. "I''m not a baby. I can''t just run. I have to fight."


    Amani''s arms wrapped around him as she pulled him into a tight hug. "No matter what, baby brother, you have to survive. We''ll always be with you, my little Boony."


    With their forehead nestled together, the two embraced before a sudden presence had them looking behind Amani. At the end of the corridor, a lone man stood, menacingly looking at them with his bodysuit blocking his face from view. Two swords were in his hands.


    "Stand back, Juke. When I engage, you run and don''t stop running." Amani stood tall reaching for her sword as she tried to shield Juke, but the boy had different plans when he ran around the girl.


    His big sis was so strong. He wanted to be strong to. He had to. His hands were already moving as he shouted, "I got this, sis. I can save the family." Juke''s voice was proud, tears pouring down his cheeks as his hands danced in motion, with his body following.


    "NO! Juke, wait¡ª" His sister''s cries fell on deaf ears as Juke finished the last of the forbidden art.


    "Phoenix Arts Unlock: Eclipse!" he shouted.


    Ba-boom... BOOM


    A huge energy ring of intense flames burst from the small boy, shooting far out destroying everything and everyone it touched.


    Crash


    Splash!


    Juke''s body slammed through the waters below, the streams consuming him under. The water was icy cold, sending sharp pains pricking at his skin. He couldn''t move a muscle as he sunk lower, watching as the buildings of his home were engulfed in red, fiery flames. The water pulling him deeper made the screams and explosions seem far in a distance, as the weight of the water seemed to crush around him. Did he do this? Was he the cause for all of this? It wasn''t his fault... he didn''t mean to.


    Despair clouded his vision, darkening his sight as his heavy body sunk deeper. His tears blended in with the water as he choked and everything went black.

 1

    Chapter one


    Present time, 4 years later


    Juke''s eyes snapped open, starring at his reflection in the mirror. The screams from that night faded to the back of his mind as he took in measured breaths. It was over now, his thoughts quieted. No longer that ten-year-old boy, Juke was fourteen now and practically a man. He shed his pajamas for regular street wear.


    He licked his full lips as he started admiring his features. He had brown skin, with a head full of auburn locs pulled into a ponytail, save for a few straggly pieces draping his forehead. His dark eyes had a purple tint to them, and Band-Aid patches rest over his cheeks. What was underneath were constant reminders of something he no longer was.


    Giving his reflection one last glance, he stepped back and exited from the boy''s washroom. His sneakered feet stepped onto the hall of his school. The halls were empty and many of the lights were half-lit. It was after regular school hours, with a few staff and students attending to their separate endeavors. He himself was supposed to be sitting down in detention, with everyone else, yet the sneaky teenager had something else up his sleeves.


    Making his way up the hall with his sneakers squeaking, he turned a corner and stepped up to a door. Checking his surroundings, he walked into the room. In here was a bunch of power boxes with wires scattered around. Along a desk rest a huge computer monitor.


    Juke couldn''t help but chuckle as he sat at the monitor. Alright, let''s play. Fingers clacking against the keyboard moved at great speed as Juke hacked through the system, breaking through jailbreaks and scrolling over the school''s database. This is a piece of cake. His eyes were focused, and his hands were steady as they worked the board with such grace. He paused when he clicked on a file. A list of names popped up and the boy scrolled until he reached the four he was looking for. Juke Okoye, Dre Kamau, Swazzy, and Jade Minori. There was a column highlighted beside their names with times. Too easy.


    "Say bye bye to three weeks of detention," Juke murmured, voice excited as he deleted the data and waited on the busted device to load up. "Ah, come on." He groaned in annoyance.


    As the data was being erased, the sound of heels hitting the floor grew louder. Oh shoot. That pushed Juke to get a little nervous, yet the rush was a thrill.


    "Come on, come on." He urged to the old computer. Ding, data erased, the monitor read.


    Just then as the heels stopped at the door, Juke quickly erased all of his evidence from the screen. He spread his arms wide, then his thumb and point finger to his forehead and hummed. Just when the doorknob turned and the door opened, Juke''s body illuminated into a bright light.


    The person stumbled as they cried out from being blinded, giving Juke enough time to escape the room and run up the hall. Once he was in the clear, he took a breath laughing in glee. He kept going until he walked through the doors of the detention classroom were three other people sat. Once he entered, their eyes bounced to him in curiosity.


    With pride, Juke boasted, "No more detention."


    The three let out a pleased, "Yes!"


    Meet the juvies. These three were his close friends with one thing in common, they all were living in Everly foster home. So far, he''s been at the foster home for two years now, but these guys were the closest to family he has.


    "You''re awesome, Juke." The girl, Swazzy (15), enthused, beaming a smile. Her bright teal hair fell at her sides in two puffy bubble ponytails. Her brown eyes matched her smooth coffee skin tone.


    Juke skipped his way to his seat with a smirk, "Well, ya''know, might as well call me the genius."


    An older teen, Dre (17), leaning back against the wall let out a grunt, "Yeah right." His bright blue eyes looked at Juke with a mischievous glint. His eyes seemed to glow against his chocolate skin. A white birth mark ran up from his nose up his forehead.


    Jade (13) sat crisscrossed atop a desktop. Other than his strong chin and adams apple, everything about Jade screamed female. "Well great genius, how do you propose we get out of trouble with the master then? You know he''s going to be pissed that we''re late... Again." Jade spoke up, pushing a strand of his wavy hair behind his ear.


    Juke waved him off, leaning back in his chair. "Meh, the old man will be alright. It''s not our fault we have detention."


    "Um, it kind of is." Swazzy chuckled out.


    Juke just rolled his eyes at his friends. The detention door suddenly opened, and in stepped an older woman giving the lot a deep glare.


    "Sit properly, Jade." She chastised with a growl, as her eyes went from person to person.


    The tension went on for a second before the woman let out a huff, "Your detention is over."


    Before she could say anything else, the four were up and out the door, dashing up the halls leaving their squeaking shoes in their trail.


    The four took a deep breath once they stepped out into the fresh air.


    The streets of Ezico Village busy as usual, with people bustling about on foot and riding in their automobiles along dusty stone streets. The blend between ancient and modern made up most of the Village, with traditional wooden structure side by side to bricked ones giving it a striking charm of old and new. Ezico Village was one of many that made up the great Land of Nas. Each piece of land inside of Nas held their own traditions and histories.


    Juke stretched his arms dramatically as he beamed a dimpled smile, "Man, being free feels so good."


    Dre chuckled in agreement, reaching into his satchel and pulled out a bottle. He jiggled the bottle and the substance inside splooshed against the glass. "I hope it''s not too early to celebrate." He said with a waggle of his bushy eyebrows.


    "Oh yeah! Pass the hooch." Juke let out a hoot.


    Dre tipped the bottle to his lips and took a shot. After making a face, Dre passed the bottle to Juke who took it rather enthusiastically.


    Juke brought it to his lip, the strong aroma from the alcohol was already tingling at his nose hairs. Tipping the bottle back, it''s hard, burning sensation that had become quite familiar to him sent over a comfort he sought. Just what I need to mellow it out. The teen managed three deep gulps before Dre snatched the bottle from his hand.


    "That''s enough for you," Dre huffed with a grimace. He passed it to Swazzy who took a sip.


    Swazzy''s face frowned in as she let out a nasty bleh. "Uh, it never gets better." She sputtered, waging her tongue then handed it back to Dre.


    Jade threw the older teens a disgusted look, tooting up his nose. "I don''t see how ya''ll drink that stuff."


    "Oh something like this," Dre goofed, throwing the bottle back and then let out a satisfied breath.


    Jade cringed, then cried, "A bunch of animals."


    They all laughed as they made their way through the marketplaza. Small businesses and shops lined the strip, many getting ready for closing time. Hanging lantern slowly lit to life, giving light for the coming dark. One of the shops caught Juke attention, making him stop. It was a candy store. Good ole Al, he thought with a side smirk.


    "Let''s stop and get a few snacks first." Juke offered out, already heading for the entrance.


    "Come on now, Juke." Dre grumbled with a frown. "We''re already behind. Do you really want to stay on master Kenpu''s bad side?"


    Juke looked at Dre with a big smile. "I mean, you said it yourself. We''re already late. Plus, I''m low on my night snack and I need some before they close." He retorted, already walking inside the shop.


    A bell in the corner acknowledged his entrance, dinging again as the others strolled in behind him.


    The smell of bread and pastries tickled the youth''s nostril. A few rows of bins filled with snack and candies were spread throughout the small establishment.


    "Oh~ Mr. A~l," Juke song getting the owners'' attention.


    The burly, older man looked from behind round glasses, then grunted in annoyance when he realized who they were. "If it isn''t the troublemakers."


    Juke feigned hurt, "Don''t be like that, Alberqurt. You know we''re your favorites."


    Al''s bushy mustache twitched. "It''s Alphorke and you''re all nothing but a bunch of heathens."


    The teens let out a laugh, strolling around the store like they were at home which made Al rolled his eyes. Everyone scattered out, joking around as they shopped. Al has owned this little shop for over 10 years, but for some reason it has become a comfort inn to the teens.


    "What are you lot up to anyway? It''s getting late out." Al asked, crossing his chunky arms.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "Just coming to get a few things." Swazzy answered, as she eyeballed a pile of different cakes.


    Juke stepped up to the counter with an armful of junk, then dropped the snacks tumbling across it.


    Al wasn''t even fazed as he gave the boy a pointed look. "I hope you have money this time." Al huffed out, leaning against his countertop.


    Here we go again. Juke rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Put it on my tab."


    Al chuckled at that then replied, "You don''t have a tab."


    "Since when?!" Juke gasped, placing a hand against his chest.


    Al pointed a finger at the boy, "Since never."


    "Aye Juke," Swazzy called to the boy, who turned to her. She held a couple of cakes nestled in her arm. "Me and Jade about to head on."


    Juke nodded to her. "Ok, we''re right behind ya''ll." He chided.


    Swazzy nodded for Jade and the two started for the door. She dangled a cake as she went out and stated, "Put these on his tab."


    Jade, oh so respectful, did a light bow, "Utara miishi, grandpa." He thanked him.


    The bell jingled as they left.


    I need some bread, Juke thought with a jerk as he went to the breads in a glass warmer. The aroma of the warm bread was sweet and tangy.


    "Are you almost done?" Dre spoke from his quiet stupor. He was crunching on a bag of chips.


    Juke growled, "I gotta get one more thing." He grabbed a loft of bread and walked it back to the counter.


    Al thrust out his open palm. "Money."


    "Come on, old man." Juke said, clapping the man''s hand. "You know I''m good for it. Aye, I got you when I''m rich." He then started packing his goodies.


    Al shook his head, then nodded for the door. "Get on, kid." The man grumbled, very wholesome like.


    Juke beamed his dimples, gathering his bag to leave. "Utara miishi, old man." The boy laughed aloud, walking out the door.


    Dre rolled his eyes and stepped to the counter. Digging into his pocket, he laid some loose coins and a few papers currency down. "It''s not much, ya''know with us being orphans and everything, but it''s a start, yeah?" He muttered so slick.


    "Get!" Al growled.


    Dre chuckled and left the store.


    Juke waited, munching on a chocolate, watching as the older teen step up to him.


    Dre gave him an agitated look, "Can we go now?" He asked aggressively.


    What''s his problem. "Chill out, grumpy dad. What''s eating you?" Juke raised a brow to the boy.


    Dre shook his head with a perplexed expression. "Nothing. I just been feeling a little anxious lately. My wolf''s been stirring and I''m not sure why."


    That doesn''t sound good, Juke thought with concern. "You should talk to master Kenpu about it. He might know what''s wrong."


    "Yeah, let''s go." Dre stated and they went to walk on.


    Just then, two men ran past them, bumping into the boys'' shoulders as they went. When one of them bumped into Dre, a bag he''d held dropped to ground at the teen''s feet.


    The bump also knocked Juke''s chocolate out of his hand. What the hell? Juke let out a low growl, looking back at the men. "Damn, excuse ya''ll." He hollered at the men, before he noticed their attire.


    These were no regular everyday men. These were thugs apart of one of the local gangs that terrorized the streets, or they tried to. These two floozies didn''t look quite intimidating. Dante was the leader of the local gang called, Wave ninjas. A very stupid name for a group of goofballs. Even Dante himself was no threat. Just a bunch of punks, picking on the hard-working folks of Ezico Village and slanging their drugs. The gang colors were green and orange.


    One of the thugs bristled in anger and bulged his eyes at the teens. "How about you watch where you''re walking."


    Juke retorted with a glare, "How about ya''ll watch were you running."


    Dre reached down and picked up the bag with interest. "What''s this? Looks like a nice little treat for us. You''re too kind."


    "Give that back!" The thug yelled.


    Juke slit his eyes. "Come take it." He challenged, his voice quite chipper as he balled his fist.


    "You little punks. You don''t know who you''re messing with." The thug yelled out, raising a fist.


    The other thug tapped the yelling man on the arm, pointing at Dre. "Hey, you recognize that flag?" He asked, indicating to the symbol of an eye on Dre''s jacket. "He''s from the Kano tribe."


    Dre''s eyes daggered.


    Juke placed his hands behind his head as he gave the thugs a bored look. "Man, ain''t nobody scared of Dante or you lackeys."


    The first thug let out a low chuckle, "We''re not with Dante anymore. We''ve leveled up with a new gang. A better one, and you better watch yourself dealing with him or us from now on."


    Juke studied the men, noticing that the bandanas around their neck were purple and black.


    Juke puckered his lips as he murmured, "They''re just letting anyone make a gang these days."


    Juke and Dre turned their backs to the pathetic thugs. Shouldering the bag that they''d just taken from them, they started to head to the home.


    The first thug growled loud and angry. "You think you''re so tough Mr. Last survivor of the Okoyeshi clan."


    Juke''s feet stopped moving at that comment. Faint memories of that night played behind his eyes. Many emotions flashed across his face as his fist clenched and unclenched at his sides.


    Dre watched him carefully from the sides of his eyes, prepared to intervene if he must.


    The other one let out a dry chuckle, "Yeah. Word around the street is that you''re the one who did it."


    The first thug let out a heckle, evil to the ear. "That''s right. When they found them, everyone had been burned to a crisp."


    Ba-boom


    Juke''s eyes shot wide open at that.


    Taking a hard breath, Juke shot around giving the smirking men a harden stare. "Ya know, if that''s the word on the street, then you should know that I''m nobody to mess with." His voice was heavy as he stalked towards the men so menacingly. He rubbed his hand along his face as it seemed to grow darker, cynical, as his eyes seemed to glow like a flame. "I mean, if I can do that to my own people, then there''s no limit to what I''d do to you, pathetic ass kissers. Just imagine all of the painful ways that I could make you scream." Juke''s low voice rumbled hauntingly as a crazed grin stretched his face. I can show you fear.


    The thugs tried to put up a strong front, standing tall though they were shaking.


    "We''re not scared of you!" One of them yelled out, raising a fist.


    Juke stretched out his arms then slowly went to place his fingers against his head, but that was all it took as the thugs visibly shuddered then turn to run away.


    A sly grin stretched Juke lips as he let out a laugh. Pussies.


    "Chill it," Dre said, with a shake of his head.


    Juke looked over his shoulder to the older teen, "I''m just having fun." He said, turning to make his way back.


    Dre just rolled his eyes and started walking, "Yeah, come on. Let''s head back before it gets dark."


    The sun was starting to set, casting purple, blue and orange to dance around the sky behind the mountain. The boys walked on until they made it to a small building. There was a sign out front that read, Everly foster home. Instead of going in through the front door, the boys went around the side of the building. Stashing the bag behind some bushes, they walked around the back and climbed a ladder all the way to the roof.


    The flat rooftop served as a training ground for many of the kids at the home. Master Kenpu, grandfather to the foster owner, personally handled keeping the kids on a straight leash. Making it to the top, the boys saw that it was empty. Nobody was out here, not even the master.


    Juke looked confused, "Man, I didn''t think we were that late."


    Dre shook his head, "I gotta stop listening to you."


    Out of nowhere, Juke doubled over with a pained gasp as a wooden cane smacked into his stomach. The cane quicky darted over and wrapped Dre in the face causing him to stumble back. The two were hit with an onslaught of hits before they were flipped to the ground onto their backs.


    Stepping into view was a rather short man with his white, slick hair pulled in a ponytail and a long goatee. His face was deeply wrinkled, each one holding a tale from his long life.


    Master Kenpu stood over them, with his cane poised ready to strike again. "You''re late... again." He grunted out.


    Juke and Dre raised their palms to surrender from a further beating.


    "We''re sorry, master Kenpu. We didn''t mean to be late." Juke pleaded, feigning an innocent expression.


    Dre nodded his head along, "Yeah, we got into a little trouble on the way. Ya''know how it is."


    Kenpu let out a huff, "You two are the trouble. That doesn''t excuse you of your responsibilities. Discipline is key, now get up and hit the floor until I tell you to stop."


    The teens let out deep groans as the rolled over an got into a plank position. Master Kenpu watched them intently as they held the position steady with their heads up high.


    "What am I going to do with you two?" Kenpu huffed out with a shake of his head exasperated. "Out of all the kids I have mentored, no one has given me as many wrinkles as you two have. So much potential you two possess yet you squander it to play in these streets."


    Dre, gritting his teeth as he held his position, quipped, "Well, at least we''re memorable."


    Kenpu paced slowly, his legs hobbling from his missing shins, the clanking of his cane echoing into the night. "That may be true, but we are Nin''turi. We use our strengths to protect and guide the way of the world. You two come from two strong family lines of Nin''turi. It''s a shame how you handle yours."


    A frustrated Juke muttered under his breath, his muscles becoming strained.


    Kenpu frowned in annoyance, "Have something to say?"


    Don''t talk back, Juke thought then answered, "No master Kenpu."


    "Many people would call us eccentric." Dre muttered out trying to calm the tension.


    Kenpu raised his cane with a throbbing vein, "You want to be hit again?"


    Dre let out a hurried, "No master Kenpu."


    Kenpu let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. "One day, you will understand why I push you the way I do. You are the next generation of Nin''turi, and it is up to me to make sure that each of you are prepared for the world. It''s our fate." He lectured as his expression softened, letting his message sink in before giving his command. "You can relax now."


    The boys wasted no time letting their bodies drop to the ground, panting heavily.


    Juke''s face frowned as he rubbed his sore arms. One day. It''s always one day. Fate doesn''t help you survive.


    "Remember what I said, young ones." Master Kenpu stated. "Let''s call it a night."


    Dre looked at Kenpu with a glint, "Ya''know, with all of these lectures we''ll be better philosophers than warriors."


    "Good. That''ll probably do you two some justice." Kenpu added in.


    Juke chuckled, "We can write a book and call it: The art of being hit by a cane."


    Kenpu raised his cane with fake agitation. "How about we write the first chapter right now?"


    The boys squealed as they ran and jumped off the building to head in for the night, leaving Kenpu shaking his head, a hint of a smile pulling at his lip.


    The sky was dark now. On the rooftop of the foster home, Kenpu sat with his legs crossed and arms poised as he meditated. The cool embraces from the nights air and the sweet lull of nature surrounded him gave him the peace he needed to concentrate on becoming one with the world. The night played on, before his ear suddenly twitched. The sound of rustling out in the distance aroused the man as he picked one eye open. Looking a few miles out, he noticed shadows stirring. He stood to his feet, grabbing his cane for leverage. Getting into a wide stance, he did a warrior dance then slammed his fist on the roof. A barrier formed around the orphanage.


    Jumping from the building, Kenpu hobbled out watching as the shadows morphed into twisted creatures with glowing eyes. The eyes all varied in colors, and these indicated what kind of element it possesses. The shadiki were shadow creatures that came out to destroy the lands, migrating from the dark side of the mountain.


    Stepping into the empty streets, Kenpu faced the shadiki as they crept forward, their claws scraping the stone with an eerie, grating sound. The air grew thick with the stench of decay and poison, a misty haze swirling around the creatures. Throwing his hands in signs, Kenpu''s kana covered his body and split into a few copies of himself. The shadiki growled as they neared. When they jumped to attack, Kenpu was ready as his copies moved in unison. Swinging his cane, the older man took out the first wave of shadiki with ease.


    There are a lot more out tonight than any other. More and more are showing up as the nights go on which means the darkness is growing ever so stronger, Kenpu thought as he watched more creatures emerge from the woods.


    The second wave was just as easy to take out, as their destroyed remains scattered into specks that returned back up to the spirit world. The world once again went still as that seemed to have been the last of them for now. Kenpu released his clones, then looked back at the orphanage with a deep expression.


    We have to get them ready. The fate is in their hands. Kenpu''s mind was determined as he resumed his meditation on the roof. The fate of the Nin''turi¡ªand the world¡ªwas in their hands, and he would stop at nothing to prepare them for the darkness ahead.

 2

    Chapter 2


    The coldness from the ground sent a chill up his body as they ran. They were always running. Always running. Everything was spiraling, going out of control. Then there was a man. That masked man. His sister stepped up, but it wasn''t supposed to be her. He stepped up then... it wasn''t supposed to be HER!


    Bang!


    "NO! Juke, wait-"


    "Eclipse!"


    BOOM


    Bang bang bang


    "Amani!" Juke shouted as his sweaty body jerked upright, his fingers tightly clutched onto his blanket. His heart was thumping against his chest, with his breath coming and going in ragged gasps as the nightmare remnants lingered. Palming his eyelids until he saw stars, he couldn''t rid the images of his sisters last moments from his head. The chilled air started to blow against his hot skin. Still disoriented, he blinked blurry wet eyes, squinting as that annoying banging continued.


    The sound of metal on metal kept going strong and loud as he looked over and noticed the owner of the foster home walking into the room beating two pots together. She was a woman around her early fifties but looked extremely good for her age as she walked in wearing a dress that clung to her thick figure. Her saggy breast bounced with each she took. She dressed in more fitting clothes than women her age did, which made her kind of a badass. Her freckled, brown skin glistened under the dusty hanging ceiling lightbulbs. Her orange eyes, which were contacts, roamed around the space with her curly hair pulled up into a messy bun.


    "Wakey, wakey you gremlins." Ms. Hana shouted with a gruff voice from years of smoking.


    Groans thundered out as the other children started to stir from their slumber.


    The room the kids were sleeping in was wide like a small gymnasium with cots lined around. Right now, there was around 15 kids, boys and girls in the foster home. Some of them were orphans and some had the potential to be reunited with their families.


    Hana growled at the grumbling bodies, "Get up and stop the whining. Geez, you kids act like this is a mystic ritual every morning. Breakfast will be done in 5 and I need everybody cleaned up, dressed and sitting in 10. We cannot keep getting late reports from the school."


    In Ezico Village, anybody under the age of 18 went to school. There were two buildings, the primary school, Luluni primary, which went up to age 12 and the secondary school called Salun high. The schools were pretty strict when it came to the rules, and they made sure that they were followed.


    A couple of young children walked up to Ms. Hana with bright smiles on their small faces.


    "Can we help set the tables?" One of them asked her.


    Ms. Hana peered down them with a grimace, however it was gentle. "Go get washed up first, then you can help me."


    The two squealed with glee as they ran to the washroom.


    Children ranging between the ages 5-17 got up from their cots and made their way to the back of the room where the washrooms were situated. It was separated into two sides, one for the boys and the other for the girls.


    Just take deep breaths. Juke rubbed the sweat from his face as he tried to calm his breathing. His hands trembled heavily as he tried to gather his bearings. It''s been four years since that night, yet the grieving never grew painless. He was constantly haunted by the ghost of his clan. He can still feel the intense heat from the flames. He looked at his shaking hands on his lap, flashing images of red blood stains covered his arms. Their blood was forever marred on his hands. Just keep breathing.


    He glanced around sheepishly. Hopefully nobody heard me, he thought as he looked around at everyone waking up. Throwing his feet over the bed, the cold wood flooring greeted him quite rudely. This routine was becoming so dull, but it was always a distraction from his mental.


    On the cot beside him, Dre threw his blanket from over his head, rolled over and then started to get up all groggy-like. "Does she always have to be so loud." He groaned, blinking his eyes to wake up.


    Juke could only manage a stiff chuckle.


    Dre gave him a soft look. "You doing alright?"


    Juke gave him a glance, still thinking of his nightmare. "Yeah, I''ll manage."


    Dre pushed himself up and clapped a comforting hand on Juke''s shoulder. "One step at a time." He said then headed to the washroom.


    Juke blinked at him, One step a time.


    Before he could stand, his body jerked as his cot bounced from a sudden weight falling on it. Juke looked over, seeing a younger girl with caramel skin posed.


    ''Morning, Juke.'' Penelope signed, with her delicate fingers forming her words and greeting him with a smile. Her shiny, lavender hair was laid in pretty finger-waves, with big hazel eyes.


    Penelope was the last member of their little troupe. The girl was partly deaf, only having a little hearing in her right ear. Though she could speak some, she felt comfortable signing most of the time. Being the youngest of the five, she didn''t hang around them too much, mainly because of their endeavors. However, the 11-year-old was clever and sneaky.


    ''How you doing, Nele?'' Juke signed back, asking with a smile.


    ''I''m good. You weren''t here when I went to sleep. You must have been really late?'' She asked, flipping onto her back and giving him with a cheeky look.


    Juke chuckled, then signed, ''I don''t believe in time.''


    Penelope''s face puffed up, ''I''m upset you all left me.''


    ''Hey, we didn''t leave you. We got caught.'' Juke responded, playfully rubbing her in the face as he stood up.


    Getting up, he went along with the other children and started their daily ritual of getting ready for the day. Stepping into the washroom wide enough to fit 10 at once, Juke was greeted by the normal shebang. Many of the smaller children played around as the older ones tended to wash up, grooming and freshening up.


    Money was short these days, so the children had to dress in clothes that Ms. Hana could scrap up. Many wore mix-match and some wore rags. That also meant that food came in scarce amounts. The smell of buttery bread lingered around. A piece of toast and a scoop of mashed potatoes were laid on the plates at the tables.


    The dining room was small and cramped as the children started filling in, bustling with so much energy.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Utara miishi." The children gave their thanks then delved in.


    The juvies sat huddled at a table in the corner enjoying their meal. Juke bit into his toast as he watched everyone eat. For the last two years, this foster home was his home. After losing his family, Juke spent two years bouncing around from place to place, from orphanages to homes to the streets, before Ms. Hana found him. Those times were dark, filled with total numbness and anger. After the grandma found him, he could honestly say that Everly almost gave him a little hope. Though she was mean on the outside, Hana had a soft spot for kids.


    Then there were the juvies, his crew. Since his first day at Everly, he just clicked with his friends. Being the only older teens at the home, they only had each other to rely on.


    Dre is the oldest in the home, having a few months'' time before his 18th birthday. When that happen, he will leave the home. Don''t want to think about that. He come from a family known as the Kano tribe. Years ago, the tribe fell to their own hands. Like Juke, Dre is almost the last to his people, which makes their bond even more deep.


    Out of all the teenage girls he''s met, Swazzy was different. She spent the early part of her life living on the streets with her mom, who had a strong addiction to drugs. Her life was subjected to the drug world until Ms. Hana saved her. Growing up on the streets made Swazzy an adept fighter, being able to keep up with the boys. It was kind of hot.


    Jade was a complicated fellow. He was born the fourth son to The Grandite family, a wealthy family across the crater. Though on the outside the family might seem normal, those people were sick. The Grandites desperately wanted a daughter, so when Jade was born a boy, they took measures into their own hands. Raising Jade as a girl, one could only imagine the horrors the young boy went through. Now, he''s just a gender-confused kid.


    Penelope was sent here for her safety. She tended to get sick sometimes.


    Despite their past, these teens had created a deep bond.


    Once the kids were finished, they all contributed to cleaning up the dining room and they prepared for school. Grabbing their satchels, Ms. Hana guided them all of out of the door.


    "Be on your best behavior today and actually learn. I''m serious about no bad reports." Hana howled out as the kids marched through. When the teens reached the threshold, Hana''s arm shot out blocking their exit. She gave the five of them a pointed glare. "I want you all to come straight here after school. No extra stops, or I will personally be picking you up myself from now on." She growled, then signed to Penelope.


    Awe. Somebody just needs a man. Juke waved her off dismissive, "We got it."


    Hana gritted her teeth hard, "And for you Juke-"


    "I know, I know." Juke interrupted the fussing woman, then dipped under her arm. "Sheesh, we won''t get in trouble, grandma."


    Hana smacked Juke''s head. "I''m not your damn grandma."


    The rest walked out of the home with Ms. Hana slamming the door shut behind them. Bam!


    The group started to head on. The villagers were up sweeping and proactive as they tended to put up festive decorations. The annual festival of the lights was nearly days away. It was when the colorful lights touched the mountains marking for a change for Nas, a phenomenon they called the Tuzlani. They believed that when this happens, this signified the great spirits return and a change was coming to the lands.


    Before they could get too far, Dre stopped, using a hand to stop Juke as well. "You all go on ahead. Me and Juke need to talk about something." He spoke to Swazzy, Jade, Penelope.


    Swazzy gave him a knowing look as she settled with a "Fine. Come on guys."


    The three walked on ahead.


    Juke gave Dre a questioning look, "What are we talking about?"


    "We need to take the edge off. Just follow me." Dre said.


    Confusion crossed Juke''s face before it dawned on him. The drug bag. A wobbly smile formed on Juke''s face. He totally gets me.


    Dre and Juke watched everyone walk on then ran around the side of the building. Dre knelt behind the bushes and pulled out the bag they took from those thugs. What sins could they find to get into?


    "I hope they have something good to smoke and nothing crappy." Juke muttered as he unzipped the bag. He was hoping for something to take his mind off of life for a while.


    "Just hurry up. We can''t be late and risk Hana coming up to the school." Dre urged with a cringe, a chill going up his spine just thinking of the embarrassment.


    Once Juke got it opened, he stilled. What is this? Filling the bag was small tubes with blue liquid inside of them. Juke''s face creased in confusion and curiosity. He had no idea what that substance could be, but it wasn''t what he was expecting.


    "Check this out." Juke said, lifting a tube for Dre to see. The glass was cold against his palm as he swished the substance around.


    The older boy frowned, grabbing the item. "What the hell is it?" He asked, shaking the tube lightly.


    "Hell if I know," Juke grumbled.


    As Dre went to smell the tube, a deep growl rumbled from his chest growing louder. The boy eyes grew brighter as his sharp canines bared dangerous with a growl vibrating in his throat. He unconsciously snapped out in a bite.


    Juke jerked aside giving the older teen a startled look. His frowned eyes stared at Dre concerned, "Hey, man. You good?" He asked.


    Dre, startled as well, just shook his head, dropping the tube back in the bag. "I.. I don''t know. Whatever that is, my wolf don''t like it, at all."


    A perplexed look overtook Juke''s face as he slowly turned back to the bag and started digging around looking for some drugs or hooch. I know they have something other than that stuff. What is that anyway and why would they have it. Why is it making Dre react like that? His mind was in a frenzy before his body froze as something shiny grabbed his attention. "Dre, you gotta see this." The boy whispered out opening the bag wider.


    Inside, under the tubes were two weapons. Whatever it was looked like they were made with good techs. When Dre looked down, his eyes bulged as he gave Juke a look.


    Dre muttered, "Zip that bag up. We''ll ask around later. Let''s head on to school."


    Juke pouted. I really needed something to take the edge off. He zipped the bag up and pushed it back under the bushes. Those thugs said they worked for someone new, didn''t it? What kind of dangers do they bring? What is going on?


    The two got up and made their way to school.


    ...


    Inside of a wide dark warehouse, three people sat up on a platform. One of them sat further back, shrouded in the darkness, with only his piercing blue eyes glaring through. On the ground, a room full of men adorning purple, black, and red clothing watched in quiet anticipation.


    Standing before the three men were the two thugs from earlier with a bright spotlight shining over them.


    The man in the center spoke up, silencing the room completely. "So, where are my items?"


    The two thugs glanced at each other nervously, before one answered, "These two punks took it."


    The man on the right let out a laugh, "You mean to tell us that you let two people take something from you?"


    The man in the center lifted his hand to quiet his companion, his eyes never wavering from the thugs. "Where, are my items?"


    "I''m sorry boss, but those punks took them, but we can them back." The thug yelled out, his voice rattled with nervousness.


    The other one nodded his head quickly, "Yeah. It was that Okoyeshi survivor. We can make them pay."


    The woman to the left on the platform squinted her eyes. "The Okoyeshi clan survivor? He''s a kid."


    The man on the right chuckled, this time it came out a little dark. "You got robbed by a kid?"


    The thugs shook their heads in defense, with sweat dripping down their faces. "No, boss, ya''ll don''t understand. There was another boy with him. He wore the flag of the late Kano tribe, so I''m pretty sure that means that he''s the wolf." The thug tried to explain. At the mention of the Kano tribe, the man in the center eye''s subtlety twitched in seeming recognition. The thug continued, "And that Okoyeshi boy, honestly, that boy is truly scary."


    The room grew silent as the other gang members listened intently. The thug''s voice trembled as he recounted the encounter. "His eyes, they were like flames. And the way he moved, it was like he wasn''t even human. They both were... terrifying."


    The two people on the platform looked to the man in the center.


    The man in the center slowly raised a hand, then pinched his fingertips together, except for the index finger. A light aura glowed around him as he manifesting his kana. The two thug''s bodies instantly went rigid as their posture became straight and stiff.


    "So, you stand before me telling me that two kids overpowered you and stole something that belonged to me from you?" The man growled, his calm demeanor making him seem even more dangerous.


    The one on the left cringed her nose as she gave the men a disgusted look, "I heard that they instead ran, boss."


    "Do you fear him more than me?" The man asked out, his heavy voice echoed throughout the floor.


    The floor grew intense as everyone stared at the sniveling thugs unable to move. The thugs cried, "No boss!"


    The center man started fiddling with his fingers, tapping them against his thumb like he was playing music. As each fingertip touched, the men limbs started to bend and break, contorting at each ligament. The sounds of the bones crunching and the men''s painful cries flowed throughout the warehouse. The boss continued to fiddle with his fingers before he clamped his hand shut, killing the thugs instantly.


    The mangled bodies crashed to the ground. The boss relaxed back into his seat as some of the gang members went to grab the carcasses and dispose of the bodies.


    "Roc, Killa." The man in the center, the boss, called to the two people seating by him. "It''s time for the next phase."


    They nodded. The leader raised his hand to dismiss the meeting, and then the main light shut off.

 3

    Chapter 3


    The bell sounded out as the start of class was commenced. The teens scrambled to their wooden desk. The wood had seen better days as they screaked loudly.


    Swazzy, Dre and Jade sat closer towards the back. However, Juke sat closer to the front, having been moved the other day as a punishment. Juke turned around and threw the others an adorable sad face in which they just smirked and waved at him.


    A lady in her early 30''s strutted into the classroom. "Good morning the future of Ezico."


    The students grumbled their responses.


    The teacher, Ms. Lily, pushed her glasses closer to her face. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun, and her appearance was put together and pristine. "Today, we are going to discuss the fascinating history of Nas."


    She turned to the blackboard as groans of displeasure chorused. Picking up the chalk, she scribbled Nas across it in neat cursive.


    At least it''s not counting. The numbers mix me up and who told them to add letters? Juke thought.


    "Every corner of Nas is rich in tradition, legacy, and history. Our very own Ezico Village has its own story engraved in the histories passed down from generation to generation." Ms. Lily started her lecture ecstatic as she fiddled with her glasses. "We can admire all of the progress that our lands have made, although none of this would be possible if it wasn''t for our ancestors protection."


    Under the word Nas, Ms. Lily wrote the word, Nin''turi.


    "Can anyone tell me what Nin''turi mean?" Ms. Lily asked, expecting an answer. The only response she received were crickets chirping. "Don''t everybody answer at once." Louder crickets this time, accompanied by a few awkward coughing. "Well, the great spirits of the sky bestowed on our first ancestors, the Juswasi people, a gift to control the elements. With these gifts, or strengths or energy, they devoted themselves to enriching our lands, growing stronger and defending themselves. This magical energy is called the kana and the people who possess these abilities are known as a Nin''turi."


    Juke laid back in his seat, semi-listening as he doodled on the desktop. None of this information was new to him, as his father had spent his early years drilling their history into his head.


    "The Nin''turi are the heart and soul of Nas," His father would preach after long days of Juke''s childish naggings. "The beginning and the end start with us."


    The beginning and end, Juke''s mind remembered as he idly tapped his pencil against the desk in thought.


    The scratching of the chalk on the board was loud as Ms. Lily resumed writing.


    Dre leaned in to whisper to Swazzy and Jade, "At least we''re not in the front like, Juke."


    The teens covered their mouth to stifle the laughs.


    Juke turned around to throw his friends a quick glare, in which they gave him another wave.


    From his right, someone cleared their throat, then a folded letter dropped on his desk. He looked over to see Haethena, the most beautiful It girl there is. Her loose curls fell past her shoulders in perfect ripples with her long lashes dusting over green eyes. She rubbed her glossy lips together and gave Juke a wink. She was one of the popular girls and older and smelled like the good soap you get from them fancy stores. And she''s winking at me!?


    A blush burned his cheeks. Play it cool, kid. What''s this? He looked down and grabbed the little folded slip, unravelling it to read the message. Hey, you''re cute, want to hang? Yes or no? it read with a little heart drawn at the bottom. Juke could feel his whole body slowly heat up. She wanted him? Seriously! His heart pounded with excitement.


    Now, judge him all you want, but the boy wasn''t unfamiliar in the relations world, but his young hormones was always rolling as he pants grew a little tighter. Play it cool. He sat up in his seat, then circled yes. Mustering up his charming face, the boy handed her back the slip with a deep smile.


    Now it was her turn to blush.


    On the board, Ms. Lily wrote totems spirits with a list of names. "After years of sacrifices, the great spirit granted our lands with 8 totems, which held the spirit and power of enhanced entities, known as spirit animals. For generations, these totems were passed down, bonding with new host over time to keep the land protected from mystical evils. The totems are the Phoenix, the Wolf, the Cheetah, the Serpent, the Owl, the Ant, the Gorilla, and the Dragon. We are especially honored to have our very own totem walking amongst Ezico''s streets- The Wolf totem."


    Ms. Lily hinted, not exactly putting the spotlight directly on him, but everyone knew. Dre had bonded with the Wolf totem.


    "It is said that the spirit totems choose these host, called the Valkaura, when they are born. However, there are clans and families who have practiced force bonding which has a 50/50 chance of success. For generations, six of these totems have lived through our people, yet the phoenix and the dragon has only graced us once. No one knows when the land of Nas will see them again, but we pray someday they will return."


    Juke''s face frowned slightly. What''s so special about the phoenix that they want her return so bad? To be expecting something so fiercely. The phoenix was nothing but pure destruction, he thought in frustration as his dark memories started to seep through. Ever since he was born, he was taught that the phoenix was pure, standing for rebirth and renewal. He spent many nights dreaming of what she''d be like, but that was then. A slight pang twitched in his chest.


    A hand shot up, belonging to none other than Calcilum Rye, Haethena''s brother and the snobbiest person Juke has ever met. They belong to a well-known and successful family of Nin''turi. Their grandmother is the chief leader of Ezico Village and has been running it for over 20 years. Though hailing from such greatness, the boy was devoid of any kana whatsoever.


    Ms. Lily let out a sigh as she acknowledged him. "Yes, Calcilum."


    "Wouldn''t you say that the need for the totems is a thing of the past?" Calcilum asked, so calm yet so full of himself.


    Ms. Lily eyebrows raised as she gave the boy an interested look, "Why do you come to that conclusion?"


    Calcilum cleared his throat, speaking his mind, "Our lands are evolving to more conventional means, making the ways of the Nin''turi more ancient. The phoenix and dragon totems haven''t chosen in centuries, which are the strongest of them all. As for some of the other totems, we don''t know where they are. If we needed the totems, they would be here to help. The only ones practicing the Nin''turi ways are the thugs playing in the streets."


    Calcilum stated harshly, and Juke could have sworn he saw the boy eyes quickly cut to him. He frowned, then leaned over towards Haethena.


    "Your brother''s weird," Juke mumbled out, causing the girl to giggle lightly. It was the sweetest sound he''d heard, like a flowing song.


    Calcilum continued with his nose in the air, "The Nin''turi ways are playing out."


    Who does he think he is, talking like he knows better than anyone else? Juke thought a little frustrated as he tapped his pencil against his desk, harder now.


    "You could be no further from the truth," Ms. Lily spoke up shaking her head. "The ways of the Nin''turi will forever drive our lands. Whether it''s with the patrol, fire squad, or healers, the practice is still prevalent in our everyday life. You have become too comfortable that you also forgot about the constant threat of the creatures from the dark side of the mountain, the shadiki."


    The class let out a gasp, then whispers spread out.


    "We have never seen the shadiki in the village before." Calcilum argued back.


    A smirk pulled at the corner Ms. Lily''s mouth. "You can thank the Nin''turi for that. Just because you cannot see the threat doesn''t mean that it does not exist."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Calcilum attitude was quite dismissive as he spouted, "Besides, I still believe that if we advance our village, we could get further. Relying heavily on the Nin''turi way is why there are still hidden dangers out there. We, the people of Nas should try a new tactic especially when some Nin''turi are attacking their own."


    Juke''s leg started to jiggle as his nerves were getting to him. All he wanted was to get through a boring lesson and move on with his day, yet here he had to endure petty interruptions from an annoying boy.


    "With kana or no, we are all Nin''turi. We have the same blood of our ancestors, passing on the notion of peace. Spreading violence from any side goes against the very heart that Nas stands for." Ms. Lily defense was strong as she attacked every topic the boy brought forth with diligence and class.


    He couldn''t take it anymore, and before Juke knew it his mouth was moving before he could stop it. "Just admit you''re a hater and let''s move this lesson on."


    The floating ooo''s rolled through the room like a storm, setting a spark to the tension.


    Calcilum turned to glare at Juke, "What did you say?"


    "Look man, I get it." Juke stated, with a calm and cool aura. "You come from a noble clan of worthy Nin''turi, yet you didn''t get none of their kana. It sucks, I know, but to disrespect your own people is low."


    Calcilum let out a huff, "That''s funny coming from you, Okoyeshi. What would I need kana for?"


    Juke shrugged his shoulders as he pursed his lips, "Sound like a hater."


    "Both of you are entitled to your opinions, but personal issues are handled outside of school hours." Ms. Lily intervened, attempting to deescalate the tension.


    "Chill it, Juke." Dre''s voice spoke up from the back.


    Juke shot around, throwing Dre an annoyed face, "Me?" He snapped. He wasn''t the one starting anything here.


    Calcilum chuckled, the sound grating to the ear. "You better listen to your pet, Juke. You have tough words for a murderer. Acting like having kana makes you something special, so yes, I may be without it, but guess what? At least my family is still alive because of it."


    Ba-boom ba-boom ba-boom


    Juke''s eye twitched as he jumped to his feet, his chair clattering to the ground. "How about you shut the fuck up!" He growled behind clenched jaws. The memories. The flames. The screams.


    The screams.


    Calcilum was too on his feet, glaring tauntingly. "Make me, killer."


    "That''s enough! Calcilum, you are way out of line. Both of you return to your seats." Ms. Lily pleaded, squaring her shoulders.


    "Just sit down, Calcilum." Haethena pleaded out, voice strained with concern.


    The flames.


    Juke could feel his bottled rage simmering as he stepped towards the boy. Ms. Lily stepped in between the two as they continued throwing jabs at each other.


    Dre was up and at Juke''s side, trying to pull the younger teen back, yet he fought against his strength as Juke''s focus remained on Calcilum.


    "I''d think about my next words carefully if I were you." Juke threatened, balling his fist tight.


    Calcilum growled, pulling in closer, "I''m not afraid of you. What are you going to do, burn me too?"


    The remark was so deep that it tapped into a dark nerve in the folds of Juke''s mind, triggering a snap.


    As the boy stepped in just close enough, Juke reared his head then headbutted Calcilum. The feel of the boys'' nose cracking against his skull was so satisfying. A loud crunching sound followed by the gush of blood spraying from Calcilum''s nose was a sight as he fell back to the floor with a cry.


    The class erupted into chaos.


    "Cal!" Haethena screeched as she ran to her brothers'' side, while Ms. Lily yelled at Juke.


    "That is a huge violation, Mr. Okoye." The teacher yelled, nearly bursting a vein.


    Juke just stood there with a devilish grin on his face, yet it wasn''t because he was happy. His mind was darkening as everything around him spun around, making him disoriented and confused. He could barely register Dre tugging him towards the door.


    "Come on, let''s get out of here." Dre said and he pushed them out into the hallway.


    Juke fumed quietly, his kana leaking out in a wave as he paced the halls fiercely.


    Dre rounded on Juke and nudged his shoulder furious. "What was that, huh? What was you thinking?"


    "Me? What about him, huh?" Juke retaliated, pushing Dre back in anger. Whose side is he on? "Did you not hear what he said to me?"


    "Yeah, I heard. All I heard him doing was just talking. You didn''t have to break the kid nose. Especially not that kid, a Rye." Dre yelled out, pointing a dangerous finger in Juke''s face.


    Juke swatted his hand aside, "Oh boo-hoo, a broken nose won''t kill the big shitbag." Juke snapped as he resumed his angry pacing.


    Dre placed his hands on his hips as he shook his head as he looked at him with such disappointment. "You took it too far this time, Juke."


    Don''t look at me like that. The anger in his pit grew as Juke hissed, glaring slit eyes at Dre. "Who back you have, huh? Cause it sure don''t feel like it''s mine."


    Dre let out an exhausted sigh, "I''m behind you through whatever, but you can''t go around beating people up every time they hurt your feelings."


    Hurt my feelings. He thinks I''m a bitch, Juke fumed, "So I''m the bad guy, huh? Everybody wants me to be the bad guy, yeah, so I guess I''ll be him."


    That''s quite fitting for me anyway. The boy who killed his whole family. A monster. His mental was in turmoil and confliction. It wasn''t his fault. The world around Juke morphed as he tried to reign in his emotions, but it all became too much as he started mumbling under his breath.


    "You didn''t listen to me, Boony." Had it been the first time, the voice of Amani would''ve scared him shitless, however this wasn''t his first time. Whenever his emotions got to be too much, he would see them. He looked over and leaning against the lockers was his sister''s form. Everything about her was exactly how he''d last seen her, except her eyes were white. Devoid of any existence. Little x''s flashed over them like a blinking light. "You must think of only yourself."


    "Amani... No I..." Juke gasped out towards the hallucination, making Dre frown at him in concern. Dre''s bright eyes were filled with such pity. Such fear.


    Don''t look at me like that!, Juke''s mind whirled. Tears brimmed his eyes as he watched Amani''s presence emotionally. Seeing them never became less painful either.


    "Look at the boy with no balls." Another voice spoke from the other side, and Juke watched as his older brother was crouched down, giving him a crooked smile. His eyes were in the same state as Amani''s. "You''re going to run, pussy? You''re always running away."


    Juke growled grasping his head, "No, shut up. Shut up!" Voices were swarming in from everywhere, making him feel like he was going insane. He clutched at his chest as an intense pain shot across it. What is wrong with me?


    Dre cautiously stepped closer to him, not sure how to help when he got like this. "Hey, Juke. Nobody''s blaming you, okay. It''s just us out here, no one else. They''re not really here. You just need to calm down."


    "You need to survive." His sister spoke proud.


    "You need to man up." His brother''s voice sounded out.


    Juke let out a deep roar, "Will everybody just shut the FUCK UP!" The intensity of his rage was so strong as his kana shot up and knocked one of the lights out. He whirled around and punched a dent into the lockers.


    Dre shielded his face as he watched Juke with keen eyes.


    That little outburst seemed to have extinguished the fire in his pit a bit, but Juke''s anger still festered. The world was still again as the hallucinations were now gone. Juke just stood there, taking deep breaths with his gaze downcast. "I guess I see where your loyalties lie then, pet." He bit out with enough venom to poison the air around them.


    A growl rumbled deep in Dre''s chest at the comment. Yet, his eyes were still filled with concern and fear.


    The tension was thick in the hallway.


    "Listen, I''ve been where you are, Juke. You can''t keep letting the anger win." Dre tried to reason, knowing they were falling on deaf ears.


    Juke pulled his hood over his head, casting a shadow over his face. "I only have myself." He said then turned to run out of the school.


    "Juke, wait!" Dre called out but the teen was gone.


    Juke''s feet carried him through the halls until he burst out of the back doors. He paused, kneeling over to catch his breath as he hit the fresh air, allowing the sun rays to give him some sense of respite. Why are the spirits always against me? Like I don''t have enough issues. He thought with frustration as he kicked at some dirt.


    The deep breathing wasn''t working as Juke''s anger boiled. His nerves were so antsy, goosebumps prickled his skin. A broken nose wasn''t enough. Well, I can''t stay here, he thought then started walking, leaving the school grounds behind him. He didn''t know where he was heading, just allowing his feet to carry him as he tried to clear his head.


    As he walked on, his ears caught the sound of chatter and laughing before he saw five of Dante''s boys posted up. Behind them was the Opie creek, a beautiful body of flowing water when it wasn''t being littered into. The men were enjoying themselves as they smoked and conversed around.


    The fire in Juke''s stomach sparked as his fingers twitched. You see, most people fought for justice or to become a sort of vigilante. But Juke? He just like to fight.


    The teen started in their direction. He knew once he got close, they would start to antagonize him. When one of them went to open their mouth, Juke clocked the man sending him spiraling to the ground. The unexpected punch sent the man crashing with a thud.


    The other men, initially shocked demeanor was replaced with aggression.


    "What the hell, kid?" One yelled from behind an orange bandana mask. "Who do you think are?"


    Juke stumbled a bit to catch his footing as he released a dark heckle. His smirk was wide as he gave the men his attention, the cowl shadowing his face, "Your worst fucking nightmare."


    Two of the men pulled out daggers and the men ran for Juke. Throwing signs, the boy took in a deep breath and blew out a stream of fire. He spun around, blowing his fire around to singe the incoming thugs. When they recoiled back with a cry, Juke dashed up and uppercut one off his feet. Spinning on his heel, he followed with a kick that sent him soaring.


    Another one ran up on him from behind swinging his knife. Juke jerked around and dodge, but he continued swiping for him. Juke bounced on his feet, leaning side to side then grabbed the man arm and twisted it causing him to release his grip on the weapon. Grabbing the knife, Juke stabbed the thug in his thigh then flipped him on his back breaking his arm.


    Juke fought the rest of them with a flurry of punches and kicks, taking out all of his aggression on their bodies.


    One last thug made hand signals then summoned a block of rock to rise from the ground and dash for Juke. The boy however, spun around kicking through the attack like it was nothing. The rock broke, sending sprays of debris raining out. Juke''s hand struck out and grabbed a chunk of the rock and glared at the last man standing.


    "You... You''re crazy!" The thug cried out.


    Juke''s smirk was big as he responded, "You have no idea." Saying that, he threw the rock so hard that it clucked the man upside his head and flipped him to the ground.


    Juke lent down to pick up something a gangman had in their hand. Sitting on top of a guard railing, he brought the cigarillo to his mouth and inhaled then blew out smoke. The men, lay on the ground around him in crumbles, alive but all beat up.


    This is what I needed all day, the teen thought as he inhaled the drug. That was what I needed to clear my head. Wish it was that stupid Calcilum instead though. He blew out the smoke then tossed the end to the ground. Hopping to his feet he started back to the home. Now, time to face the music.

 The Wolf

    Chapter four


    The light buzzing from the broken hall-light fixture was quite eerie as the bulb blinked on and off.


    Dre watched as Juke ran off, feeling immense guilt and confusion; lost and confliction. It wasn''t his first time watching Juke spiral, but this time it felt more intense. That boy''s inner demons were pure terror, but whenever Juke allowed them to fester up, he himself became something almost terrifying. Releasing a breath he hadn''t realize he was holding, he blinked his eyes to return to reality.


    Dre''s chest fluttered as his wolf stirred restless. He tried; he really did try to live up to his totem. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a wooden carving of a wolf with a string attached to it. It shimmered under the broken light flickering in the hallway.


    He was young when he bonded with the spirit becoming a valkaura, being only three years old. Albeit, he was raised with the instinct of a wolf and taught to follow the traits of the spirit to become fully awakened. He''s not really sure what fully awakened really implied, however he tried to live by the traits. The Wolf stood for courage and leadership, but mostly he felt as if he was failing. Most of his youth was spent living like Juke. Abandoned and emotional, his anger drove him to act out, even getting him arrested a few times. However, with the years, he''s learning to balance his emotions and actions.


    But sometimes Juke''s issues were too much for even him to handle. How can I be a leader if I can''t control my pack? Dre gritted his teeth. He normally would run after Juke, but then he remembered the look on that boy''s face. Juke''s eyes were so hollow as he was lost to the haze in his mind. How they roamed around looking at nothing as he spoke to the air in a panic. He was too far gone.


    Juke''s gonna have to handle this one on his own, he thought. All of Dre''s anger washed from his body as weariness weighed heavy on his shoulders.


    His ears twitched as he heard the ruckus still going on inside of the classroom.


    With Juke gone, I could ditch school myself or return inside and face the drama, he debated over his options. Though, his rebellious nature was yelling at him to run for it, his mature side figured the latter was the responsible thing to do. With a roll of his eyes, he pushed the door open and reentered into the classroom.


    Swazzy and Jade''s wide concerned eyes greeted him first. Giving them a slight shoulder shrug he carried on.


    Ms. Lily and Haethena had Calcilum surrounded as he sat in a desk, holding a rag to his bleeding nose.


    Dre couldn''t help the internal chuckle he did, marveling at the sight. He really did deserve it, he thought.


    Ms. Lily eyes met Dre''s as he entered, her face stern and professional. "Where is Juke?"


    Dre let out a huff as he scratched the back of his neck, "He bailed."


    Calcilum released a wet snort, keeping the rag pressed tight against his face. "Somebody needs to get the patrol to capture that thug."


    Dre took a step to the boy with a glare, "You really wanna keep talking?"


    Calcilum visibly froze before Ms. Lily intervened.


    "Hey, we need no further violence. Calcilum, you are to say nothing else, and Dre... You know I cannot overlook this." Ms. Lily said, authority heavy in a voice yet there was a tinge of regret. She turned to Haethena. "Take your brother to the healer and send someone for your parents."


    Haethena nodded, then helped Calcilum to his feet. The two headed for the door, but Calcilum slowed as they reached Dre.


    "I''m really sorry about your face." Dre apologized, which in turned made the boy frown.


    "You''d better get your boy in check before both of you wind up in a box." Calcilum gritted out.


    A growl vibrated from Dre as his blue eyes grew intense. "Just be glad it was just your nose."


    Calcilum''s eyes shook as he coiled back and Haethena pulled him out the door. When the door closed behind them the room let out a sigh of relief. The clogging tension was finally starting to settle down.


    Ms. Lily straightened her blouse as she stood tall, yet if you paid close attention, you could see her body quivering. She was shaken up. The sound of her heart racing was loud to Dre''s enhanced hearing as he read the nervousness behind her leader persona.


    "Um, okay class. I am going to let you all leave early today. It seems I will spend my evening writing up paperwork." Ms. Lily spoke up as she made way to her desk. She grabbed a slip and quickly wrote on it. When done, she rolled it up and tucked it into a scroll. "Dre, give this to your guardian and make sure she reads it. Everyone is dismissed for the day."


    Dre stepped up and grabbed the scroll from her. For a brief second, his eyes and hers lingered. "Ms. Lily, I''m so-"


    "No, Dre." Ms. Lily cut him off, shaking her head. "You cannot keep apologizing for his actions. Juke has to learn to hold himself accountable or he will end up in deep trouble."


    Dre''s eyes soften in understanding. "He''s really trying."


    Ms. Lily''s eyes snapped on him, "He is not okay, Dre. He is in pain, and your only option is to stay along for the ride or to let him go."


    Dre''s face frowned at that, then he turned and joined everyone leaving the room. Swazzy and Jade flanked Dre''s side. There was a slight stillness as the students took in the damage of the hallway. Debris from the broken lights were scattered on the ground. There also was a trail of blood stains from Calcilum''s dripping nose.


    The three stepped over the mess.


    "What happened out here?" Swazzy asked the older boy with concern.


    Dre just shook his head, "Ya''ll don''t wanna know." He mumbled out.


    Swazzy''s mouth opened as if to say something else but must have decided against it as her lips tightened. Dre inwardly sighed in relief.


    When they made their way outside, they bashed in the open air. Way better than that stuffy classroom. The day was still early, and they had a couple of hours before the younger kids were released, so they had some time to kill.


    For a little while, the three teens hung around the school yard as they figured out the next move. Jade spun around in circles letting his dress flow in the wind as Swazzy and Dre lazed on the stoop.


    "So, what are we getting into?" Jade asked, getting dizzy from the twirling.


    Swazzy shrugged, "I''m not sure. We can chill around the market for a while before they kick us out." She said with a smirk.


    Dre let out a hum, "Ya''ll do that. I have something I need to do." He stated as he stood to his feet.


    Swazzy gave him an inquiring look. "Chasing after Juke?"


    "Nah, I got some things I need to figure out." Dre answered, reaching into his satchel to pull out the scroll. He held it out, "Give this to granny just in case I''m late getting back."


    Swazzy''s visage turned to irritation as she growled at him. "You and Juke make me so sick. Always running off by yourself like ya''ll the only ones who have shitty lives."


    Dre frowned at Swazzy, "That''s not true."


    Swazzy scowled with a huff, "Whatever, just don''t get in trouble. I''m not coming to bail you out." She got up and dusted off her pants, making sure to keep her eyes glued on Dre''s.


    Jade''s eyes bounced between them both anxiously.


    "I won''t," Dre said with a definite tone.


    She snatched the scroll from his hand. "Come on, Jade." Swazzy called, and the two started for the plaza.


    Dre gritted his teeth as he watched them walk off.  Regardless of what happens, the juvies will come back together again. Right now, he had important things to worry about.


    Dre made his way through the streets with a heavy mind. Despite everything that''s happened, something else was bothering him more. Ever since we found those tubes, my wolf has been acting weird. He is more anxious than normal. That stuff in that bag really messed with him. I need to see if anyone might know what that stuff is, he thought as he made his way to Everly.


    As the building came into view, he paused once he spotted the sulking figure of Juke sitting on the rooftop, feet dangling off the side. The boys made slight eye contact. Though it was short, it spoke so many words between the two, before Juke looked away, then got up and walked out of sight.


    Dre made his way around the building and grabbed the bag from under the bushes. He placed that bag inside of his satchel then stood. Can''t have anyone spotting me carrying that bag.


    He started on his journey alone like the lone wolf. If anybody had information it would be Madam Prissy. She owned a brothel in Torenville, a bustling city a few miles out from Ezico Village. In order for him to get there, he would have to walk or catch the trolly. I really don''t feel like walking, so the trolly it is, he decided.


    He made his way to the trolly stop, where a few people were loading into a vehicle. Dre dug in his pockets looking for some money to pay but only pulled out pocket lint. Oh, man. I wonder do they take charity?


    "Last call!" The trolly driver spoke out, calling for any remainders.


    Dre looked around searching for fallen change or anything to use with urgency. I really don''t wanna walk.


    As trolly doors closed, Dre looked to the roof of the car then got an idea. Looking around to make sure nobody was paying attention, he stepped around the car. Focusing his kana on his feet, he leapt onto the roof making sure to lighten his land. Getting comfy, he enjoyed his VIP ride into the city.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Similar to Ezico, Torenville has some traditional aspects mingled within the booming metropolis. The city was bigger and more crowded than the village. Torenville was almost known as the place of dreams. The city was overpopulated with people who''d thought it would give them a better life.


    The bus rode through the wilderness before the city grew into view. Approaching the stop, Dre slid off the roof and landed on his feet. Tucking his bag tight, he walked through the streets of Torenville.


    These streets where still familiar as he cut corners and alleyway shortcuts with ease. Making a few more turns, the sound of sultry laughter and the heavy smell of bad choices let Dre know he''d reached his destination. Pulling his hood over his head to not attract attention, he stepped from the alleyway and onto the crowded plaza of the red light district, where anything sinful happened. And he does mean anything.


    The colorful lights reflected on Dre''s iris as he made his way through the crowded street. This crowd was normally like this, no matter the time of day, with folks parading through the business and partying in the streets. Local stands selling merchandise and food lured in buyers. Walking by one of them, Dre sneakily snagged a bottle of hooch and made his way on until he reached an establishment.


    The Good girl playhouse was a nice place, ran by Madam Prissy and it was quite big. Chugging the bottle, he tossed it then entered. The smell of floral fragrances and incense beat Dre in the face.


    The brothel was something out of a fairytale. The inside was spacious with dim lighting, casting a golden glow on the furnishing. The aroma of oils and expensive cologne mingled through the air with soft, alluring music playing in the background. Some of the booths were filled with customers enjoying the company of the workers. On stage, a black girl with red hair, dressed in Lolita fashion sung softly. All of the workers were dressed in the same fashion. In the back was a grand staircase that led up to the rooms where the buyers became acquainted with the bodies, a floor they called wonderland.


    This place, though way fancier now, was his first little home after he and his brother escaped the tribe. He was 12 when his brother found this place and the madam agreed to let the boys stay. For a year, he called the brothel home, and it taught him a lot about the gritty parts to life.


    "Well, well if it isn''t my young, fine wolf." A sultry voice catcalled from a woman sitting along a gray sectional booth with her legs crossed so elegantly and a pipe in her hand.


    Madam Prissy''s presence commanded dominance. Her red dress hugged onto her hulking, curvaceous figure, pushing her cleavage to pop higher to her chin. Her brown skin was slick and shining with body glitter and her bald head, adorned with tattoo markings, added to her striking appearance. Her face was dolled up in makeup that complimented her face, highlighting her sharp features. A gold choker pendant lined her neck.


    A smile graced Dre''s face as he watched the one and only, Madam Prissy. "Hello, madam." He greeted as he approached her.


    Madam Prissy let out a hum as she lifted her hand for him to grab. He did, then lent to give it a light kiss.


    "It''s been too long, fine wolf." She motioned for him to seat as she batted her lashes.


    Dre sat beside her. "It''s only been a month." He cleared up. Yes, Juke and I sneak off to visit this place from time, mostly just to hang out.


    Madam Prissy grabbed a glass off the table and took a small sip. A graceful grin stretched her face, her gentle wrist swirling the liquid around as she gave Dre a look. "What brings you here during school hours, or are you coming to give madam some quality time?"


    Dre let out a huff as he shook his head. Despite her flirtatious nature, the madam never seriously tried to get in his pants. Maybe because I''m underage, Dre thought then reached for his satchel.


    "The other day, Juke and I ran into some thugs carrying some weird stuff with them." Dre said, placing his bag on the table.


    Madam Prissy took a pull on her pipe and blew out a cloud of smoke with a hum. "How is Juke anyway these days?"


    Dre stilled at that, and with avoiding eyes he mumbled out, "He is... okay."


    Madam Prissy tilted her head, her eyes never straying from his being. "Then where is he, because if you''re not in school, I know he isn''t either. And if he''s not glued to your side..."


    "What''s with the questions?" Dre asked, trying to change the subject back to the bag.


    Madam Prissy blew out another round of smoke, this time in Dre''s face. The boy fanned the smoke away, letting out a cough.


    "You two had a fight." Madam Prissy spoke up with a stern face.


    Dre''s muffled silence gave him away.


    "I see." Madam Prissy uncrossed her legs as she sat up in her seat to ash her pipe into the ashtray, then placed it on the table. She turned to Dre with a stern look. "You two have been fighting a lot lately."


    "We haven''t been fighting. More like butting heads from time." Dre said. "Sometimes Juke can be very stubborn."


    "Listen baby, because I''m about to say something that you won''t like to hear. I know that Juke is a good kid, but that boy is gaining a reputation and from everyone, and it''s not all pretty. There''s even talk of the pound."


    "They can''t do that! They just don''t understand him." Dre jumped to his feet as he defended the boy.


    "And they never will with how he acts out in these streets. People are becoming anxious, and the streets are starting to talk. I care deeply for Juke as well. He has a good head on his shoulders... it''s just messed up." She said sincerely. "Maybe you two should focus on yourselves for a while."


    Dre shook his head very dismissive with a huff, "I''m not letting Juke go."


    Madam Prissy took a sip, then licked her painted lips. "I''m not telling you to, but let''s be honest, Dre. This co-dependency that you and Juke have with each other is toxic and unhealthy. It''s doing neither of you any good, just weighing you both down. That baby''s baggage is too heavy to bare for anyone. And you hold on too strong. In order for you to start to heal others, you must heal yourself first."


    "Who... me? I''m good." Dre stated, trying to give a suave impression as he returned to sit.


    Madam''s expression was deep. "Your attachment issues deeply stem from Bakari leaving you. You''ve never recovered from it... Which is why you hold on so tight, afraid of being abandoned or left behind."


    Dre growled at the mention of his brother''s name, "Don''t say his name. And I don''t think about him anymore, so I don''t know what you''re talking about. What are you, a shrink?"


    "Someone who cares. What''s in the bag?" She asked, changing the topic.


    Dre jerked, almost forgetting why he''d initially come. He opened his satchel and pulled out the gang bag. He opened the bag and handed it to Madam Prissy.


    "These was on those men. I''m not sure what it is, but there are weapons in there. My wolf is screaming danger, and I just need to know what this all means."


    Madam Prissy studied the bags content with a grieve face. "I''m not sure myself, but I''ve heard talk of something that''s supposed to make a person stronger. This could have something to do with that. As for these weapons, I''ve never seen anything like them, but whatever it is, you don''t need to get yourself involved. There''s a new gang roaming the streets now."


    Dre frowned, "What do you know about the new gang?"


    Madam Prissy shook her head lightly in dejection. "Not a lot. The new gang aren''t like the regular ones running around. They move like they mean business, but they don''t go around messing with folks and their business. I''ll keep this bag here and listen around for any information on it. You just keep yourself out of it." She advised sternly.


    The girl who was singing on stage trotted over to them with a sweet smile on her face. Her red hair was styled in a mullet which curled ever so perfectly over her shoulders. Her chocolate orbs were deep and enchanting. The dress she wore was a soft purple. She looked truly gorgeous.


    "Hey Dre." She greeted.


    Dre felt his body grow warm as he returned a smile, "Hey Cherrie."


    Cherrie was 18 and had started working at the brothel 2 years ago. She was amongst the youngest of the Good girls, so Dre of course was interested, but what started off as silly flings became something closer.


    Her demeanor went shy as she gave Dre a bashful look. "Um, you want to hang out for a minute?"


    "Oh... um..." He rubbed his sweaty palms along his pants and looked to Madam Prissy, his eyes asking for her permission.


    Madam Prissy gave the young pair a knowing look then nodded her head. "Your on the house specials are wearing thin, fine wolf."


    Dre smiled big as he stood to his feet and stepped to Cherrie. "Yeah yeah. I''m good for it."


    "Yes you are." Madam Prissy flirted as she watched him saunter by.


    Cherrie grabbed Dre''s hands and pulled him up the grand stairs. When they stepped to her door, she opened it and yanked the teen inside.


    40 minutes later, Dre exited the room, flustered and giddy as he fixed his disheveled appearance and returned downstairs.


    Madam Prissy was still in her same spot, drinking from her glass as she enjoyed the relaxing setting. Dre approached the table to grab his satchel.


    "I will give you this warning, fine wolf," Madam Prissy started. "When it comes to this new gang, keep your nose clean. The streets are changing everyday bringing more unknown dangers. You and Juke be careful out there and take care of yourselves."


    He nodded. "Are you going to celebrate the festival of lights? The Onijio''s tonight."


    Madam Prissy let out a light laugh as she answered, "I''m going to celebrate how I always do fine wolf. Partying in these streets amongst my people."


    "I''ll see you madam." He said, reaching for her hand and kissed it goodbye.


    "You too, young fine wolf."


    Dre stepped out of the brothel with a satisfied smile on his face. His eyes roamed the streets, taking in the number of gang members guarding the area. Madam Prissy''s warning rang though his head and Dre thought to listen. He hooded his head and walked off, heading in the same direction that he''d come.


    The walk back was different as Dre''s ears twitched while the unnerving feeling of being stalked overwhelmed him.


    "Danger, young pup." A smooth voice growled from within Dre''s mental. The voice belonged to Dre''s wolf, Wakkun.


    Dre frowned. "Where have you been? You haven''t said anything for weeks," he growled to himself as he ran.


    "No time. Right turn." Wakkun ordered, and Dre took the first turn and ran through a short maze. He came out to a fence. Climbing over the fence, he landed down, however he didn''t see the dog whose tail he landed on.


    The animal barked and snarled at Dre causing him to stumble back in shock. "Whoa doggie," he cried at the animal then ran in the first direction he saw.


    Dre ran into wider alleyway before he stopped short. Blocking his path were a few of the gang. They were dressed pretty casually, like someone from good money casual, for some thugs. Purple and red bandanas fell from their pockets as white skull masks adorned their faces. Dre looked around at the other exit and watched as more members stepped in blocking off his routes. His ears twitched as he sensed men follow behind him and stop so that he couldn''t turn around.


    "Danger... danger." Wakkun continued to shout, and Dre could feel the wolf''s anxiety and fight mode rising. It was amping his own emotions.


    Calm down, he growled to the wolf, then eyed the gang. Who are these guys? Maybe I can talk my way out, he thought as he raised his hands in surrender. "I think I''m at the wrong party."


    The gang just stared at him. One stood forward with a spike green mohawk and tatted skin.


    "We know who you are. We hear you Kano and another took something from our brothers. Our boss wasn''t pleased." He spoke up picking at his nail with a knife.


    "Like I said, you have the wrong guy. So, whatever you''re looking for... I don''t have it," Dre tried again. Why do folks like to fight all the of time?


    The man glared at Dre, pointing the weapon at Dre''s jacket. "You wear the Kano flag, so we have the right guy."


    Dre gritted his teeth. Curse his pride. "Another Kano?" he shrugged.


    Suddenly, the man threw the knife at Dre. Dre homed in on the knife as it neared him nearly in slow motion. He grabbed it and keeping up the momentum flung it back at the man, striking him in the shoulder.


    The other members started for the teen with deadly intent.


    The mohawk man let out a pained roar. "You think you can take us on wolf boy? You really don''t want to mess with us, the Hidden Prophets." He yelled.


    Swirling his arms around, Dre stomped his foot, causing a wall of stone to rise up behind him blocking the members behind him from the fight. His focused on harnessing the spirit of the wolf causing his kana to cover his body. An energy tail and ears sprouted from him making himself resemble a wolf. His canines grew longer as did his nails.


    One member punched out sending out a fireball while another threw knives at him. Forming his fingers in circles, Dre crossed his arms over his chest and thrust them down, gathering wind to gather around his hands. Spinning around, he gathered wind to spiral around him blocking the attacks. The knives spun with the wind and Dre shot the air out to knock the gang off their feet.


    Placing his hands together, he hummed. "Wolf art: Twin wolf." He spoke, followed by a deep howl, then two giant spirit wolves formed from him at his sides.


    The spirits growled as they ran out to attack. Dre crouched on all fours and dashed out clawing down as many as he could. With graceful and agile moves, Dre pounced between the members with precise strikes.


    One of the gang members pulled out a weapon and fired it, hitting Dre in his arm. He let out a pained howled, then brought fierce glowing eyes on the trigger hand.


    Pow Pow


    They fired again. This time Dre spun in a circle creating an air spiral around him. The pellets landed into the barrier and spun with the wind giving Dre a good glimpse of the shells. More shots rang out and more trapped into the winds.


    "Enough of this!" Wakkun shouted.


    Dre pushed out and the wind along with the shells shot out hitting anything and one in its path. Dre gritted his teeth as he grasped his bleeding arm. While the gang was down, Dre took this chance and ran out. Making it out into the streets of Torenville, he took a quick breather.


    His arm burned as blood dripped from his hand. I have to get out of here, flew through his mind. Crouching low, Dre pounced off and made his way back to the village.

 5

    Chapter five


    Dre barely made it through Everly threshold before instinctively ducking as a slipper whizzed over his head. "Whoa- What the..."


    "Where have you been and where is he!?" A furious Hana shrilled out with a flustered face.


    Dre frowned as he shut the door behind him. "He isn''t here?" He asked.


    Hana threw him an exaggerated look, "Does it look like he''s here!?"


    Dre''s face frowned, rolling his eyes. Such a bitch. "Well, he''s not with me, so you should calm down before you scare the kids."


    The sound of the children laughter and playful taunts drifting through the air.


    Hana let out a breath, doing deep meditations as she tried to reel in her frustration.


    Dre''s throbbing arm brought him back to his wound. Clutching at his arm with a grimace, he bit into his cheeks.


    Hana''s face went still as she watched the blood drip from his fingers and onto the floor, staining the wooden planks in a crimson puddle. Her face flashed from anger to panic.


    "What happened to you?" She asked with a jolt.


    "Um, I can explain, but I need a little favor. Promise not to yell." Dre murmured with a sheepish tone as he lifted his sleeve to reveal his wound.


    Hana''s mouth gaped wide as her face turned beet red, reverting to small squeaks to keep from screaming. He could see the imagined smoke steaming from her ears as her silent screams spoke louder than ever. Closing her mouth shut, she grabbed Dre by the arm and yanked him into her personal washroom. She pushed him down on a stool and started examining the flesh wound.


    Hana stood over Dre, her fingers working diligently as she focused her kana along her palms. Dre''s face went through a cycle of cringes as he felt the shell moving around within his arm.


    "Forgive me, I almost have it." Hana''s soft voice murmured as her eyes stayed focus on the task.


    Her hands lit up with intense energy as she raised them and out came the shell. Placing it on the cabinet, she turned and went to work healing Dre''s wound.


    Dre let out a relieve breath and raised a brow at Hana. "Ya''know I could do that part myself." He muttered. Natural healing was a perk from the totem.


    A smirk teased at her lips, "Hush up and let me care for you." She said with mirth, watching as his skin weaved back together. "I don''t know what I''m going to do with you two knuckleheads. Why can''t ya''ll stay out of trouble?"


    "It''s not like I go out there screaming for it, that''s for sure." He huffed in remark.


    Hana grabbed a wet rag and started wiping the blood sticking to his skin. "Well, with how much you stay in it, my worry for you returning home grows stronger. Do you two get off on stressing me out?"


    Dre watched her face, reading the concern knitted tightly along her eyebrows. Though Hana was tough, her heart was good. She was 56, never had kids herself or been married, so Dre always wondered what made her want to foster kids. He''d been with her since he was thirteen, yet she still had many mysteries to her. He chuckled lightly remembering her walking through those brothels doors as a client yet leaving with a whole child.


    Hana''s eye cheekily glanced up to him, a smirk curling her lips. "What''s so funny?"


    Dre rubbed his hand through his hair as he shook his head. The small smile on his face didn''t reach his eyes as he murmured, "Just thinking of simpler times."


    "Oh yeah?" Hana uttered, running the rag along his arm gently.


    Finishing wiping him down, Hana stepped over to the sink and dropped the bloodied towel into the bowl. She placed her hands along the sink as her shoulders sagged from exhaustion.


    "We need to find, Juke. Hopefully he isn''t hurt or hurting anyone." Hana murmured out.


    I need to, it was a fleeting thought, but Dre pushed it to the back of his mind, then shook his head. "I think... I think um... I''m going to let Juke figure this one out alone. He knows where home is."


    Hana whirled around, wrinkles creasing her forehead. "Are you serious? You can''t be, right. That boy needs us."


    "He needs to grow up." It came out a little harsh, but his emotional day has left his body weary. Though he wanted to chase him down like he''d always do, the crazy day opened his closet to his own skeletons. "I have my own problems."


    Hana gave him a worried look but settled with a simple nod. "I promised the kids I will take them to the Onijio tonight. I wouldn''t hear the end of it if they missed the first night of the festival of lights. I haven''t quite started our supper, so do you mind taking them for me? I mean, that''s the least you can do, right?"


    Rolling his eyes, Dre aimed a toothy smirk her way. "You don''t have to beg." He uttered standing to his feet. He felt all nasty and needed a quick wash up first. "I have those squirts handled. You just focus on being the house nanny, granny."


    She smacked his head playfully as he walked by.


    Dre paused then gave her a serious look, "Go easy on the kid. His mind isn''t in a good place, so he needs a confident more than a mother right now."


    "I''ll try," Hana assured him and Dre went exit the washroom. Hana stuck her head out the threholds and growled after the teen, "And go get my slipper."


    He rolled his eyes as he stepped into the main room, he was greeted by a shout of, "Dre!" from the kids. He chuckled at their goofy antics and made his way to get cleaned up and ready for the festival.


    ...


    The sun was soon to set, so Juke decided it was best to head on home. He had stopped by once, but didn''t have the balls to face Hana then. Behind that sexy old body was a menacing scary woman. Juke shuddered comically, visualizing Hana as a demon. Now, after walking around for hours with his belly growling, it was time to face this like a man.


    I hope she lets me eat, Juke thought with a frown rubbing the crying stomach.


    Making it to Everly, Juke opened the front door but was greeted by the hard end of a slipper to his face.


    "Where have you been?" Hana screeching voice was loud, as the slipper fell to reveal her furious person.


    "Look Ms. Hana..."


    "Don''t look Ms. Hana me." Hana cut the boy off as she fumed. "What did I tell you this morning?"


    "Can I explain?" Juke asked.


    Hana gave him a deep frown before she sighed. "You have five minutes." She said then turned on her heels and headed for the kitchen. The clinking of pots and pans sounded as Hana started to prepare supper.


    Hana gave Juke her attention. "So why did you break a kid nose?"


    Juke took a breath, Here it goes. He recounted the events to her, explaining how Calcilum''s words got under his skin and led to the physical altercation. His arms flailed around as his emotions resurfaced to emphasis the scenes.


    Hana listened intently, with folded arms and a tight face.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t have hit him like that, but he said some nasty things to me. I just... snapped." Juke shook his head as he looked at his hands.


    "And that''s your problem. Why do you always have to hit first, Juke?" Hana spoke.


    "So, you''re telling me you wouldn''t have done the same?" Juke asked, his eyes squinting defiantly.


    Hana sighed and she shook her head, "I get that his words cut you deep. He was wrong for saying what he did, but you also were wrong for hitting him. Every situation doesn''t have to be solved with anger. Both of you were in the wrong."


    "You and Dre always telling me you have my back, but when it''s time to actually have it, you turn on me." Juke rolled his eyes.


    Hana''s eyes softened and she relaxed her arms. "Juke, having your back means helping you become a better person. It means guiding you to make better choices, no matter how hard it is to hear it. Yeah, the little bastard might''ve had it coming, but there is a time and a place to handle things. You have to find better ways to handle your anger besides beating people up. Do you want people to respect you or fear you?"


    "I just want people to leave me alone." Juke huffed out dryly.


    Hana shook her head. "Pushing people away is unhealthy, Juke. It''s cruel to those who care about you. Growing up means learning when to act and when to hold back. Life''s tough, and you''ve faced more than your share of challenges. But Juke... you''re not alone."


    "I hear you." Juke muffled out as he looked off.


    The woman forehead throbbed as she growled, "Damn knucklehead. At the end of the day, you lost our bet and got in trouble. So, as punishment and reconciliation for my spa day I have to cancel on tomorrow, you are responsible for cleaning the washrooms tonight and cleaning the kitchen after supper. And I don''t wanna hear no back talk."


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Juke nodded in agreement. After the tension cleared up, Juke finally realized how quiet the house was.


    "Where is everyone?" He asked her.


    "Tonight''s the Onijio, first night of the festival of lights. Dre and Swazzy took the kids out for the opening." Hana answered as she tended to prepare the meal.


    The Onijio was tonight, Juke thought. His whole day was messed up that he completely forgot about the festivities. Juke looked to Hana. "Am I banned from attending the festival?"


    Hana gave him a confound look. "The only reason I''m not saying no is because I know that you''ll sneak and go anyway. You just better get your chores done."


    A slick smile snuck at the corner of his mouth as he threw Hana a sly look. "You know me so well." He said as walked off and started for the washroom.


    Hana rolled her eyes at his antics and returned back to her preparations.


    ...


    Boom boom crackle


    Fireworks shot in the air exploding into a beautiful blend of colors raining in sparkles. People filled the streets of the village, their cheers and laughter blending with the rhythm beat of drums. Decorated floats paraded through, each one unique and telling the story of their past. Groups of older women performed dances as men stamped and shouted ceremonial rituals proudly. Some were entertaining the children with elemental displays of moving creatures, light a dancing flaming dragon and a slithering water serpent.


    The festival was lively and unified as the community celebrated. The festival of the lights was a long celebration, that could last from days to weeks, celebrating the return of the great spirits and the aurora. The lights didn''t touch the mountain until two days, yet it was never too early to start a party.


    On a platform, an older woman stepped up to a podium and cleared her throat into a mic. Village leader Mila, with her silver braids wrapped into a huge bun, was a proud leader.


    "Good people of Ezico village. I hope you''re enjoying our annual Onijio, kicking off the festival of the lights." Her voice was strong, as the villagers let out loud cheers. "Every faithful moon, the magnificent spirits bless our lands with an array of lights, the Tuzlani. Once these lights touch the mountain peak a change is to come to us. It is also a time when we remember the spirits we''ve lost along our journeys. Their guidance from the heavens will continue to lead our people in the ways of our ancestors."


    She paused as she gave her congregation a proud look. For 20 years, she has been their leader and for 20 years she has ensured their safety and progression.


    "Now, let''s enjoy our Onijio and commence the festival." Mila cheered and the crowd turned up the party.


    Mila marched from the platform, her heels tapping the ground as she made her way to a small building. She didn''t need any directions; she could feel the tension through the walls. Opening the door, her sights scanned the room, taking in the various aspects of her family. A bruised Calcilum lounged back against a couch, the bruises spreading along his face like ink to water. His mother, Heela, hovered over him, rubbing gentle circles along his back as if to ease his pain. His father, Chief Meek Rye, sat in a rigid chair, his arms crossed and his face tight like stone.


    At a table, Haethena sat alone, her arms folded and her crossed legs bouncing with irritation.


    Mila closed the door behind her with a soft click. "Alright we shall make this quick," The Village leader cleared her throat commanding the room to her. "I have another speech to give in an hour."


    Heela was the first to turn, her voice sharp. "Your grandson was assaulted today."


    "What?" Mila''s breath caught in her chest, like a sudden punch. Her eyes jumped on Calcilum battered form, feeling a twinge of anger to brew.


    Heela rubbed Calilum''s arm with such love and care, "A boy attacked Calcilum at school today. The healers had to mend his broken nose."


    Mila exhaled, placing her hands on her hips. "And how did you handle it?"


    "We haven''t handled it yet." Heela''s eyes grew tight as she glared over at her husband. "I want Meek to arrest this criminal, yet he refuses. We''ve demanded a meeting with the school leader tomorrow." Heela answered.


    Mila gave Mr. Rye, her son and chief of the patrol, a pointed stare. "Well, Meek? You''re just sitting here all calm and collected while your son is contused beyond recognition."


    Chief Rye let growl, "Well, mother. I''m more disappointed that my son was so weak to allow it to happen."


    "How could you sit there and say that?" Heela''s raw voice screeched out, her eyes bulging as her face flustered in anger. "He is your son, not some warrior in your patrol brigade."


    Chief Rye sat up in his seat, giving his wife and son his attention. He loved his family dearly. His kids were his pride and joy, yet their short comings tested at the man''s patience. "At the end of the day, Heela, Calcilum is a man. My son. Did you even try to block?"


    Calcilum''s shoulders tensed, his fist curling as his eyes fell to his lap. His father''s disappointment stung worse than the brusies, "I-"


    "Enough, Meek. Who did this to you, boy?" Mila asked Calcilum.


    The boy hesitated for a second, then sighed and answered, "It was the Okoyeshi boy."


    Mila let out an interested hum, as something flickered in her eyes. "The Okoyeshi boy? He''s gaining quite a reputation I''ve been hearing."


    Meek''s face crinkled with confusion, as he leaned in his seat rubbing his chin, "I''ve rarely heard of the kid other than his past story. The Okoyeshi was a strong clan."


    Haethena slammed her hands on the wood, sending a loud whack to gather the room''s attention. "That''s exactly why you shouldn''t judge a book by its cover." She snapped. "Juke is not a tyrant."


    Calcilum slit his eyes at Haethena as he clenched his fist. "You''ll say anything to free your little boytoy."


    "I understand this situation is bad, but I cannot sit here and let you put all of the blame on Juke." Haethena huffed out from her seat. Her eyes were slit in irritation while her teeth grinded. "Calcilum was bullying the boy, until he retaliated. We all know how slick his mouth can get."


    "You traitor," Calcilum growled out, pointing a finger dangerously at Haethena. His hand trembled.


    Haethena eyes rolled, already tired of this conversation.


    "Haethena Rye, you take that back. This is your brother, and we do not turn our back on our family." Mrs. Rye said with rigid shoulders and daggered eyes trained on her daughter.


    Haethena eyes daggered defiant. "Funny. I don''t hear you telling him that when he''s the antagonizer."


    "Everyone, silence at once." Mila booming voice quieted the room. "Now, Meek... your wife is right. We are a family, but more importantly, we are a Rye. We are rational people and will handle this issue as such. This will not divide us."


    Meek let out a deep breath, tapping his finger against his knee.


    Mila''s eye bounced from everyone the room. "Tomorrow, this matter will be handled so that it does not happen again."


    "Well, if this family meeting is over, I''m going to go enjoy the festival." Haethena , loudly pushing her seat back as she stood to her feet. She stepped over to Mila and gave her grandmother a hug, then went out to the festival.


    Mila watched her leave with mild amusement.


    Meek let out a huff as he muttered, "That girl''s going to be the death of me."


    Calcilum fumed in his seat, anger rattling his body as his nails dug into the meat of his thighs. This wasn''t over for Juke. Not by a long shot. There were always other ways to break a person.


    ...


    Juke made his way through the crowd wearing the traditional garb of a brightly color dress and trousers. His locs hung loose around his shoulders and an animal mask sat on his head. A big smile graced his face as he watched all of the excitement around him.


    Making his way through the crowd, he spotted the Everly bunch. They were dressed in bright attires with mask. He approached the crew with a smirk.


    "Juke!" The younger kids cheered as they surrounded him, attacking him with hugs. The teen laughed, playing with the children for a second before he looked to his friends.


    The juvies however weren''t as pleased, as they gave him sour scowls. Juke gave his neck an embarrassed scratch as he gave them an apologetic look. He wasn''t really good at apologizing, but for his friends he finds it easy to say it. He just says it a little too much.


    "Look, guys. I''m-"


    "Save it," Swazzy cut in. "It won''t be your last time." She sniped to the boy.


    A grin spread on Juke''s face. "Don''t be like that, Sway." He feigned dramatic as he hugged on her and tried to plant wet kisses against her cheeks. The girl flailed as she pushed against Juke.


    "Boy stop," Swazzy pushed him off with a giggle, and he backed off with a smirk.


    Juke''s eyes roamed to Dre, knowing he owed him an apology more than anybody. He wasn''t much of an apologetic person, finding it truly hard to form those meaningful words. Dre picked up on his troubled face and lifted his fist to Juke with an earnest smile.


    "We''re good, brotha." Dre muttered.


    Juke''s face lit up with such youthful grace and he connected his fist with Dre''s in a fist bump.


    The group entertained themselves as the foster kids enjoyed the festival amenities. The fun went on for a while, before Juke caught sight of Haethena off to the side clapping along with the music.


    His body grew warm as he watched her, mesmerized. He tapped Dre''s arm and told him, "I''ll be right back."


    Dre lifted a brow, following his line of vision, before giving Juke an understood look. The two dapped it up then Juke was off.


    He made his way over until he stood to Haethena''s side as he bobbed to the beats. "So, um... Do you still wanna hang?" He asked her.


    She side-eyed him with a hint of mischief glint, "I shouldn''t be talking to you."


    Juke scratched his cheeks slightly embarrassed as he coiled back, "Oh... I mean, I get it."


    A light smile curled her lips. The drums continued the hype tune as fireworks lit the sky. The lights mirrored in Haethena''s eyes making them sparkle as the colors set her skin to glow. Juke knew he''d royally screwed up with her, but man was she breath taking.


    "The fireworks are beautiful," She started, never taking her eyes from the sky. "I know somewhere where they really shine though." Haethena looked over to Juke, holding her hand out for him.


    Is she giving me a chance? Juke''s cheeks grew warm as he blushed, then grabbed her hand. It was soft and warm.


    Haethena pulled him along and away from the crowd and buildings. They continued until they were out in a grassy field. The starry sky and the colorful fireworks were breathtaking without the extra lighting. The array of colors exploding painted the field. Juke hadn''t realized he was stuck starring until Haethena''s giggle woke him up.


    "I told you it was beautiful." She spoke as she went to lie in the grass.


    So are you, Juke thought, laying down beside her.


    The two watched the vibrant colors in peaceful silence, lying on their backs. Juke looked over to Haethena, then bit into his lip. "Look, I''m not going to apologize for hitting your brother."


    "I wouldn''t expect you to. I don''t blame you actually." Haethena''s voice was soft as she spoke. "Calcilum has always had the tendency to take things too far... running his mouth more than he needs to. He can be spiteful and snobby when he wants, but he''s still my brother. He is a reasonable kid sometimes, he''s just a little messed up. Something I can say you two share in common." Haethena gave Juke a cheeky smile.


    Juke let out a chuckle, "I am messed up ain''t it?"


    "Just a little bit," Haethena answered shrugging her shoulders. "However, hiding under all of that tough bravado, I can see there is a person with a good heart. You are yourself no matter what, and that is very admirable."


    Juke smiled at the compliment. "You''ve barely talked to me before. Why now?"


    A thoughtful look flashed on Haethena''s face as she gathered her words, "I''ve always watched you and your friends from afar, enjoying your freedom. I may be far from a saint myself, but there is always a spotlight on me. A way my mother perceive I should lead my life... how my father hover over us. Sometimes it''s easier to just pretend being perfect makes me happy. Plus, if I''m honest, the bad boy thing really turns me on."


    A light chuckle rumbled from Juke''s chest before his face took on a forlorn stare. "Honestly.... I''m not trying to be a bad boy. I''m just surviving how I have to," Juke''s voice was soft as he opened up.


    "I understand," Haethena gave him a sweet smile.


    Juke turned his head to peer at Haethena. The nights rays and fireworks sent a kaleidoscope of colors to glow on her frame. Like a sexy, hot goddess. "And you shouldn''t give a damn what your parents think. It''s your life... you have to live it how you want." He murmured.


    "You might be right," Haethena nodded her head. She gave Juke a longing look as she rubbed at her thigh seductively. "Well, you have me out here all alone. What is it you would like to do?"


    Juke skin boiled as he grew hard in his trousers. You know what I want to do, he thought as he scooted, closing the distance between them.


    Juke was slightly surprised as her soft lips landed on his, but he soon leaned into the warm kiss. Her hands wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him over until he was hovering over her body.


    Juke looked down at her, her skin flustered and hot. I want this more than anything, but I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t nervous. I ain''t no virgin, but what if I mess up. She is older and has more experience, so I''ve heard. I can''t embarrass myself.


    A finger poked him in the forehead, and he winced with a grimace.


    "You''re thinking too loud," Haethena said, then grabbed his face lovingly, "Just make yourself feel good, then make me feel good."


    Juke gave her a dimpled grin, then leaned down to kiss her.


    The teens enjoyed the rest of the night in teenage coital bliss as the vibrant fireworks illuminated the background.