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 defender of Agog. The kingdom was infamous for enduring attacks from deadly beasts with long fangs, malevolent spirits, and neighboring realms seeking to challenge its walls and culture. Many children were born to protect Agog's honor, and countless had perished in the line of duty until Ikuku emerged.
His heroic adventures were numerous, and he had earned the utmost respect and admiration from his people. Beyond the borders of Agog, his fame spread far and wide, and he was celebrated in the realms of distant kingdoms. Even the animals of the Kingdom of Light watched in awe as he fearlessly fought to protect his people, seldom missing his adventurous campaigns in defense of his homeland.
In the realm above Agog, a war known as the "War in Heaven" erupted, which resulted to a fierce conflict between the forces of heaven and Lucifer along with his Angels. Ikuku, though a prince, stepped forward as a valiant volunteer to defend the kingdom of heaven against the malevolent opposition. Before venturing into the battleground, his mother compelled him to make a solemn vow to return safely.
The battle raged on relentlessly, and when Lucifer found himself on the losing side, he attempted to strike down a seraphim. However, Ikuku swiftly intervened, using his curved sword to intercept the deadly blow, saving the seraphim from harm. In the process, Ikuku suffered a grievous injury, struck in the head. He was sent hurtling out of the protective dome encasing the battlefield, plummeting into the vast expanse of bottomless space. Despite his fellow soldiers' desperate attempts to reach him, it was too late to prevent his fall.
Deeply connected to his father - Amaa, Ikuku's perilous situation instantly alerted him to the danger. Overwhelmed by the potential loss of his only son, Amaa disregarded the risks befitting a king and mounted his horse with great haste.
Initially distressed by the unfolding events, the queen found solace upon learning that Amaa's younger brother, Eko, had followed him closely on horseback to ensure his safety. Together, they pursued a dangerous path to reach and protect Ikuku.
Amidst the aftermath of Lucifer's defeat, the opened portals still needed time to heal and close. These unstable gateways dotted the running path, with the horses riding precariously close to them, their destination nearly within reach.
Abruptly, as the king was in motion, he felt a force pushing him from behind. When he turned, he discovered it was his own brother-the same brother to whom he had almost given half of his kingdom. Startled, he cried out, "What are you doing, Eku?" But before he could comprehend the situation, both he and his horse were drawn into an endless portal leading to an unknown destination.
Eku quickly turned back and returned home, burdened with the grim news of the king's disappearance, which he shared with the queen and the entire kingdom. Although the Kingdom of Heaven emerged victorious in the battle, Ikuku's followers returned home in sorrow, mourning their loss and striking their chests in grief.
Although Amaa, the king possessed power more than that of his son Ikuku, yet he rarely displayed it openly. Despite holding the power of thunder, his countenance remained serene like a peaceful sea. However, Amaa had one vulnerability-anger. Whenever he experienced pain or loss, he would lose control, and his fury could engulf the entire kingdom, earning him the infamous title of "the wrath of the king" in Agog. To prevent such occurrences, the queen did everything in her power to limit his outbursts.
When Amaa fell, his weaknesses were laid bare due to the betrayal of his younger brother and the loss of his warrior son. He feared for the safety of his queen, knowing that his brother held a grudge from a long-standing, unresolved conflict that persisted even in his absence.
In his final moments, Amaa ignited the space around him with the last of his power, floating for several months before finally landing on a distant floating island in space during the month of Gamelion, according to the Athenian calendar, the following year.
Amidst the tranquil ambiance of the floating island, Amaa found solace in moments of retreat. Contemplating his relationships with others, he couldn't help but focus on two particular individuals-his beloved wife and only son, Ikuku.Regarding his brother, Eku, Amaa could proudly claim that they had never quarreled over anything, except for the unresolved dispute between his brother and his wife. Amaa had sincerely attempted to mend their differences, but Eku's obstinate pride hindered any resolution. While acknowledging that his wife wasn't without faults, Amaa had hoped that his younger brother would reciprocate the respect she deserved as his brother's spouse. It appeared, however, that Eku desired more than just that, or so Amaa suspected.
"I truly believe I did my utmost best. I know he coveted the kingdom, but I cannot simply hand it over to him while I am still alive," he mumbled to himself while seeking a comfortable spot near a crimson rock, not far from where he had landed.
He confessed to never having truly given his best in portraying the role of a king, a father, and a husband. To mask his insecurities and the fear of being perceived as a failure, he resorted to pretense. However, this facade proved futile for the well-being of his family," he admitted with remorse. "Oh, my son, my Queen!" he exclaimed, grappling with the weight of his mistakes. "I wonder if God will grant me another chance to make amends."
Until this moment, Amaa had believed that he placed his royal duties above all else, including his family. Now, he painfully realized that he had not prioritized them enough. In this bleak moment of his wretched life, he saw them as the true center of his universe. Memories of their wedding and the birth of Ikuku flooded his mind, leaving Amaa devastated and in tears. Overwhelmed with regret, he recklessly rolled on the dusty floor of the desolate island, feeling the anguish of his actions like thunderous lightning.
Amid this raw and heartrending display of emotions, he accidentally struck a rock just above his woolly head, causing him to lose consciousness.
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 the
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