At this moment, Ikuku's whereabouts remain unknown, and his powers have left no trace in space. Though he might have been a renowned warrior in Agog, he never ventured into other metaphysical realms with his abilities. Amaa, who had promised to teach him how to conjure such powers since his youth, never kept his promises due to various reasons.
Despite Amaa's ability to navigate realms, he now finds himself exhausted and unconscious after the fall.
The situation is heartbreaking-a lost son and an unconscious father.
Suddenly, a time shift occurs, causing the day to disappear on the floating island, replaced by a reddish, smoky, dark, misty weather. Amaa starts coughing, feeling choked by this unexpected change.
As he opens his eyes, he discovers seven ancient dark marked stones surrounding him. Curious, he attempts to get a closer look at the marks, lifting his heavy body off the dusty ground, using his right hand to support his weight and wondering about the language inscribed on them.
To his surprise, he hears a response saying, "It's a map to a pathway, Amaa." Seeking protection, he moves closer to one of the stones, finding a dark spot to shield himself from this invisible stranger.The persistent voice spoke, "Amaa, I am the guardian of the metaphysical passage - Ekuk. I understand you better than you know yourself. I equally knew you fell without your hammer. But your powers are intact. But, to find your son, you must be reborn as a human. Your greatest desire is clear, and you must traverse this rock I'm on. God made them while you're in transit." Amaa, hidden, glimpsed an aged elf-like figure. Approaching cautiously, he pretended to agree with the proposal, though doubt and suspicion grew.
Apart from his anger, Amaa's unwavering obstinacy and distrust, except for the Queen, were his weaknesses. He pushed his will, arguing aimlessly, even when lost. Amaa stepped forward cautiously, "You mean human. They might not be as strong as I am. Finding my son requires strength. You might know me, but I am not here to discuss my past"
Then Ekuk asked, "Is any note of fear in your voice?"
And Amaa replied,"it's experience. Am a king remember, not just one but also a navigator of the universe. "The creature sensed his dissent, cried out, "Universe is a ship, but the living part of it are men on board," and turned to stop him from the wrong ancient stone. Amaa leapt towards it, disappearing instantly.
Ekuku landed at the centre of the seven ancient stones, hitting continuously the floor continuously, with both hands and a parting response, "How inevitable Amaa !".
Upon reaching the state of agog, Eku was ceremoniously anointed as king in adherence to their cultural customs. The legacy of kingship had traditionally been passed down through their family lineage, typically to a son. Over countless centuries, this lineage had maintained an untainted reputation and contributed significantly to the prosperity of the land. Regrettably, Eku's reign took a dark turn as he evolved into a tyrannical ruler-reckless, power-hungry, and unjust, especially towards the former queen. He oppressed his own brother's household, subjected them to cruelty, and confined them within one of the Royal Chambers.
He relentlessly pursued the grieving queen for marriage, displaying anger at her repeated rejections. Amaa's family was deeply disheartened by this disgraceful exhibition, particularly considering the benevolence shown to Eku by the previous king, who was his only brother.
Meanwhile, in the floating island, Ekuku, rising from his kneel amidst the stones, spotted a shadow nearby, surprised. "I didn't expect anyone, spirit or flesh," he stuttered, grasping his gleaming golden knife defensively.
"It's me," the figure reassured. "Who are you then? Identify yourself," he demanded, illuminating his sword's rear light. "Amaa. I thought I witnessed you vanish into a chasm through those ancient stones?" Amaa, catching his breath, sat down in disbelief. "Bottomless what?" he exclaimed.
"Yes, Amaa, I saw you depart, yet here you are. How is this possible?" Ekuku questioned, sheathing his dagger.
"A hidden truth concealed from even Agog and the queens, revealed only to the heir, passed down from father to the next crowned prince. We are royal twins, but the throne activates our distinct personas," the figure elaborated.
"My twin ventured into the portal—an extroverted and occasionally fierce counterpart," he chuckled. "I, on the other hand, am the introverted aspect of the king, relying on his virtues, wisdom, and strategic thinking.
Additionally, I am a people-person. You can refer to me as Amaa ike." Moving closer to Ekuku, he continued.
"I trust your intentions, and I seek your forgiveness. Please guide me to reunite with my son. I implore you on my father's grave," he pleaded, kneeling before Ekuk. "Whatever Amaa Ogu has done, please put the blame on me, for I have not been able to train that part of me the same way I failed my son."
Ekuk raised him up, standing shoulder to shoulder, affirming, "I recognize your inherent royalty. You are a King. I am willing to help."
Touch the stone behind me; it will transport you to the human realm. Maintain your virtues, for they will aid you in finding both your second nature and your son." Ekuk let him go, adding, "However, the journey will be arduous.
You'll grapple with men, demons, and dark forces in your quest, but I'll keep you in my prayers, hoping you retain your identity and virtues. Your second nature has disrupted the metaphysical order."
Amaa ike nodded, stepped back, adjusted his attire, touched the stone, and vanished through the enigmatic portal as his gaze fixed on Ekuk's back view
Now, Amaa Ogu embarks on an extensive journey through a portal, transcending both time and distance into what appears to be an underworld. The king's ability to fly proves ineffective in this realm, necessitating a passage on foot.It's a forbidden place, ruled by fallen angels on their way to Earth to wreak havoc on souls.In the depths of this forbidding underworld, a lone soul ventures through a shadowy path, guided only by its faint ethereal glow. The enclosing walls suffocate with a darkness that swallows any glimmer of hope. Sinister whispers echo, taunting voices of demons hungry for souls. The soul presses forward, trembling with fear but resolute in finding an escape from this nightmarish realm.As Amaa Ogu advances, grotesque forces emerge from the darkness, their terrifying forms contorting and twisting. Hollow voids for eyes bore into the trembling essence, their insatiable hunger palpable.Yet, a spark of resilience ignites within the soul, fueled by memories of a gloriou
The air hummed with a subtle energy as the Ekuk extended a hand, fingers gracefully dancing over ephemeral currents. Threads of light connected points on the map representing the timelines of Amaas - Ike and Ogu.With a focused expression, the gate Keeper traced two threads, unravelling the intricate dance of time in their past and future.In the sacred silence, holographic visions materialized-first steps of a child, a lover's embrace, a warrior's triumph. Simultaneously, the future flickered, revealing challenges with a blurry ending. The gate Keeper's eyes glowed with otherworldly intensity and concern for both Amaas.Manipulating the time map, he sought to alter their events but realized he needed their approval, being beyond mortal influence.Ekuk muttered, "Am dealing with a king who used to be a very independent, stubborn, though not a knucklehead, but a violent youth. Hope both of them approve my " Initiating a call, he stood and navigated a beeping device to the two coordinat
One by one, this legion of fallen angels entered the swirling vortex in haste, evading an unseen pursuer, vanishing into the corridors of time at the command of their leader-the multi-headed beast, the formidable Lucifer.Disguised, Amaa Ogu shadowed their movements, seizing every opportunity to peer through the doors after their leaps, determined to unravel the secrets hidden in each corridor. He remarked, "I must comprehend the intentions of this defeated reptile and what it holds for the human race."Gazing through the keyhole with one eye closed, his unique powers bestowed him a momentary vision, a fleeting insight into the century-long plans of the monstrous creature within the timeless portal tunnel.The initial station materialized in ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, unveiling a fallen angel who took on the guise of a cunning war strategist-the same one that deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. This deceiver orchestrated events such as Cain killing his brother. C
Generations later, within the Umuigwe community in Africa in 1917. The Okoro family, known as a lineage of chief priests, remained dedicated to their sacred duties. The succession of their role was seamless until it reached Ikenna, a warrior and chief priest with two wives.Unfortunately, his first wife, Ugoma, faced mistreatment and infertility, leading to villagers singing songs of shame. And the village chief priest supposed to have a son to be worthy to carry the village ofo for any festival especially the iwa ji festival. Despite Ikenna's neglect, one intoxicated night, he mistakenly took Ugoma for his second wife, Ekemma, the newly married bride. Took her in and made love to her.When Ikenna realized his errors, he physically assaulted her, forcefully pushing her into the nearby bushes, hurling derogatory remarks on her, 'Ewu, you came here to waste my time, You barren-stricken woman.'Helpless on the rocky ground, Ugoma made a desperate plea to Almighty God, whom she had never
Eight years had passed, and Umuigwe found itself amidst the vibrant celebration of the iwa-akwa festival. Young men of the eligible age gathered in the village square, adorned in new wrappers for the initiation ceremony into warriors. However, the overall atmosphere in the village was oddly quiet and desolate. Amidst the festivities, the family of Ikenna stood in stark contrast, enveloped in mourning. Their only son, Nduka, was battling a terminal illness that had drained substantial resources from the family. Nduka lay in the warm, embracing arms of Ugoma, his fragile form a poignant reminder of the somber reality overshadowing the festive occasion.As the rhythmic beats of the celebration echoed through Umuigwe, the contrast between the joyous festivities and the sorrowful predicament of Ikenna's family painted a poignant picture of life's complexities. The iwa-akwa festival, meant to mark a significant rite of passage for young warriors, unfolded against the backdrop of a family gr
Five days before the Iwa-akwa festival, nestled 20 miles from Umuigwe village, lay the obscure Okpo village. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship in pottery, fishing implements, and masterful canoe construction, they possessed a dark underbelly stained by the abhorrent practice of human slavery. In a grotesque exchange, they callously traded their own kin for coveted items like mirrors, foreign garments, alcohol, and medicinal supplies.This depravity reached an unfathomable zenith as Okpo villagers shamelessly bartered even their sacred deities to opportunistic Europeans. The sordid transactions unfolded with the sinister collaboration of corrupted native doctors, known as dibias in Iboland, who facilitated the sale of gods for substantial sums of money and gleaming gold.The once-honorable legacy of Okpo became eclipsed by the shadows of avarice and moral decay, staining the upcoming festival with an unsettling pallor of guilt and despondency.Numerous sacred idols, symbols of
Half a year prior to the miraculous event at Ikenna's House, Nduka embodied fragility, yet his spirit mirrored the resilience of African soil, thriving amidst companionship. His haven, however, turned tumultuous as Ofoha, an authoritative presence among the boys, orchestrated torment. Envy fueled Ofoha's aggression towards Nduka, a delicate lad from a lineage steeped in both royalty and warrior heritage. The once-solace of camaraderie now resembled a battlefield, where Nduka grappled with the hostility imposed by a peer whose disdain stemmed from resentment towards the fragility interwoven with noble lineage. Beneath the majestic baobab tree, children reveled in laughter, the air buzzing with youthful vigor. However, Nduka's presence ushered in a foreboding change. Ofoha and his accomplices, driven by cruelty, descended on Nduka like vultures targeting wounded prey. They ruthlessly pulled him to the ground, forcing sand into his mouth. Feeble attempts to escape were drowned out by
Amidst the tranquil fields where children played along a serene stream, an unexpected terror arose. First, there was a scream, then a second one, signaling the arrival of a monstrous and colossal dog emerging from the western forest of Agog, near the stream.This terrifying beast bore thick, matted fur and eyes that seemed to penetrate the depths of everyone's soul.Most disturbing of all was the smoke billowing from its wide mouth, infusing the air with a foul and sulfurous odor. It moved closer and closer to the village, exuding an otherworldly energy and radiating an aura of pure malevolence, as if a demonic manifestation had come to life.Chaos gripped the village as its inhabitants scattered in fear. However, amidst the commotion, an astonishing scene unfolded. There, standing tall over the fallen beast, was a young warrior dressed like a ninja in fierce combat, showing no fear of either man or spirit.This courageous warrior was none other than Ikuku, renowned as the fearless de