“Excuse me , son. What did you say again?” Mr Jonathan asked in exasperation after Jordan spoke.“You heard me, Mr Jonathan. I need 1000$ as advance payment.” Jordan spoke again for the third time, but he still didn’t manage to pull of the dense scowl off Mr Jonathan’s face.The old man found it cliche’ and unbelieavable that Jordan wanted to squander all his first salary on those people who didn’t seem like they could even raise a dollar to repay him. After all, they had explained themselves to his face that they had nothing to offer him in return for what Jordan was about to do for them. How could Jordan go ahead after hearing their confession and witnessing their poor state and decide to ask for advance payment and spend on them? Mr Jonathan had heard of so many brainsick things that people do with their first salary, but Jordan’s idea sounded the most pathetic one. I mean, how?“How can you spend your first income, an advance payment for the job that you are even yet to start, on
“It is alright, Jordan. I am sure it will be put to better use. I am sorry if I was a bit harsh. Please make use of it, and that is on me.” Mr. Jonathan said He felt embarrassed for arguing with Jordan over the issue. The gesture from Jordan to the people of Kibra was indeed a good one. Someone like a father would be so proud of his son's actions. Something worth earning him a heroic monument. He didn’t know why he was so blind and dumb to just agree with Jordan’s idea at once. ‘A bit harsh? You were extremely too much, old fool.’ Jordan thought inwardly. All the same, he needed the money he had gotten. He did not doubt that the extra cash would go a long way. She shoved the cash in his pockets. ‘One problem down.’ He thought as he looked back at Mr. Jonathan, who had a wide grin on his face. “Okay. You stay indoors and rest. You need a lot of rest for your wounds to heal faster. Stay as still as possible.” Jordan explained that they were walking back into Liya’s house, which was
Liya was awfully quiescent as they trekked on the befouled grounds towards the meeting square. Jordan noticed it, but he decided not to say a thing. He thought he had explained the situation well to Liya and trusted that the girls would find a way to sort out their differences.Soon, they arrived at a tree shade at the far end of the houses. The place was cloistered with stones laid in straight lines, which served as seats. This was where the council of the Kibra neighborhood met whenever they needed to address something. They consisted of old men and women, and no young person was supposed to be in the middle while the elders spoke.Liya looked at Jordan when they stopped. “I will have to leave you now. I am not supposed to be here," she explained. She would have wanted to stay with him, but she knew the rules, and she trusted Jordan would be okay.“Alright. And Liya, please watch over Mr. Jonathan and Ana. Make sure they rest.” He said.'Ana again’ “Okay. I will.” Liya said, urging
Jordan might have thought he was just kidding when he told Liya that he ate a lot, but his hoax turned into reality when the food was brought onto the table. He ate like an elephant. Even he was flabbergasted with himself.“Are you sure you were just joking a while ago when you said you eat a lot, or was it my mistake for taking the statement lightly?” Liya asked as she poured Jordan a third round of soup and tortillas.Ana threw them a glance. She didn’t think they would hold such a deep conversation to reach that point. So, what else had he told her? His favorite food?“I also can’t tell. A lot has happened in a blink. Maybe I have transformed, and I don’t know.” Jordan responded as he munched on his food.“But you have done a lot since last night. Throwing all those blows must have really taken a toll on you.” Liya said, looking at Jordan with admiration as he continued eating without minding anyone.“And carrying me to the hospital. I am sure I am heavy, so that might have really
“Speak, Liya! What is your problem with Ana because I have seen it. Didn’t you give me your word back at the hospital that Ana was as much welcomed here just like Mr. Jonatha and I?” Jordan questioned Liya.“And I was, Jordan. I was willing to accept her in even if I didn’t understand precisely why she had to come with us. But that was until her family followed us here and caused a terrifying scene. And now, after what has happened to Mr. Jonathan, do you still expect me to remain calm? Do you know who exactly all these people will blast if anything happens?” Liya spoke.“I will take the blame. That man is causing all this because of me. So, if anything happens, which I remember assuring you that it won’t, I will bear all the blame. So, Liya, leave Ana out of this unless you have another hidden problem with her.” Jordan explained.“You are just starting to build your trust with my people, Jordan. Are you willing to risk them seeing you as a bad guy for nothing?” Liya spoke again, and
“I am sorry, Jordan. This won’t happen again. You all can stay. I am sorry, Ana.” Liya said, looking at anything but their faces. She felt ashamed for her childish actions.“I don’t expect it to happen again, Liya. I do not want to see you and Ana fight again. Is that clear?” Jordan asked, and they both nodded their heads in agreement.Then Jordan turned to Mr. Jonathan. He had been quiet, listening to the discussion. He did not seem like he was contemplating taking Jordan and Ana’s advice to leave. Gazing at him, it was apparent what Mr. De’Luka had done was such a huge blow to him. The man was just trying to act strong.Jordan spoke. “So, Mr. Jonathan? Are you leaving?”The man shook his head as he pulled off an obviously strained smirk. It was slight, with so much concealed meaning. It was like he knew what Jordan and Ana said was true, but he was willing to defy it all and do what his heart wanted. “Naah!” He spoke.“No? But you know that that means more trouble. This man will be
“Please help us!”Jordan and his crew almost crashed into a woman outside the door with a child of around three years in her hands. The woman’s face was drenched in tears as she pleaded with Jordan, with a lot of people behind her.She handed the baby to Jordan before he could even say a word. Jordan remained cool as he assessed the girl in his hands. Her breathing was rapid. And she was burning with fever. Her eyes looked so weak.A life had been placed in his hands, which he had to save. Yet again. “What is wrong with her? What happened?” Jordan asked as he turned back into the house and placed the child on the sofa. The rest of the people also followed. They all wanted to see how he would tend to the kid.Jordan stood up and spoke. “Please, I would like to request that you all step outside. We might suffocate the child from all the concern. I would like to be left only with the girl’s mother.” He said.The people walked outside and waited patiently, although with mounting anxieties
On the ninth day, at exactly quarter past four in the evening, Jordan was checking on the last person. He was exhausted like a horse. He had checked every one of them and administered drugs for them."Like I advised every single person, cleanliness is key. Boil drinking water and leave it in a clean place to cool before taking it. Eat a balanced diet and get the prescriptions that I have written down from the drugs’ desk.” Jordan explained, handing the prescription to the young lady.“Thank you so much, sir. I know that everyone has stood in this seat with the same words, sir. Please know they all came from the deepest parts of our hearts. You have given us all your services for free, and on top of that, you even bought us medicines. You have spent your precious time doing free work for some poor people that you don’t even know. Only the gods can reward you. May you find favor and all that you yearn for in the eyes of the gods. Bless you, sir.” The kind lady stood up, ready to leave,
Three months later!Anticipation and enthusiasm surrounded the grand opening ceremony as it took place. In addition to officially opening The Rivers Group of Martial Arts' newest location, the ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the end of a journey that had passed through darkness and emerged into the light of mutual empowerment and progress.Jordan stood proudly in front of the assembly and spoke to them. "Our slogan stands true today as it did when we started: The Rivers Group of Martial Arts is not just a school to teach martial arts, but a community for empowerment and growth, both as a community and individually." His statements reverberated with authenticity, capturing the spirit of their group's objective."And so, ladies and gentlemen, here I present to you the last, as of now, branch of The Rivers Group of Martial Arts." Jordan handed the scissors to Ana, symbolizing the transition from the shadows of the past to the bright possibilities of the future. As Ana cut the ribbon, t
The following day, Ana woke up in his old home, the De’luka mansion. Ricotchetting her eyes. Memories lingered—a combo of both good and bad memories. She had slept off there with her entire crew to prepare for the burial.“Are you ready? You can stay back if you want. I will bring the body here.” Jordan said, giving her a morning hug after strolling into her room.Ana sampled everything that Jordan’s body was bleeding on her—the solace, the heat, the comfort. Everything. She appreciated his comfort and his gesture. She then pulled away, and Jordan kept her hands in his. “I appreciate this, Jordan, but I have to do this.”“Are you really sure?” Jordan emphasized."Come on, Jordan! Do I look like I am showing signs of a mental breakdown or something? I am perfect. Besides, you and I know the story behind this man. I'm all good.” She said.Jordan nodded his head. “Alright. I never said that you were about to break down, by the way. I know you are strong. Even more than I am.”‘Yeah, yeah
“I guess so. We can all say that.” The officer affirmed.A few chatters filled the room for a long time. Who would have thought that a once vigilante group could be saluted by the government, huh?Jordan cleared his voice, speaking to the officer, although everyone was keen. “Whether the government recognizes me or not, I don’t care. But I know how much you loved your job. I also know that you like it, and it is my hope that you have no regrets whatsoever for those few days that you and your boys have been members of this family. I want you to know that I cannot hold you back. If they want to give you back your position, please don’t feel obliged to remain with us. You deserve that position.”Officer Adamson looked at Jordan with so much appreciation and gratitude. “Regrets? What is there to regret about being part of this great community, Jordan? I felt honored that I was lucky to have a chance to meet you all and to partake in your just missions. But, like you said, I feel the need
The group, which had now become a family, pushed itself into the audacious project of opening martial arts schools in the following weeks, their unwavering dedication transforming dreams into concrete accomplishments. With incredible vigor, resolve, and a sense of purpose that permeated each movement they took, Jordan's vision came to life in that brightly illuminated room.Securing a central location for their flagship martial arts school was the crew's initial action. They converted a large warehouse, which had previously served as a symbol of corruption, into a center for empowerment, training, and discipline after extensive reconnaissance and planning sessions. When they held their first courses, the sound of kicks and swishing-trained moves filled the air inside those walls.With her excellent organizational abilities, Sarah oversaw the administrative side, making sure that all licenses, registrations, and marketing campaigns were completed. She proved to be the mainstay of the o
As the soft hues of morning began to seep through the windows, the room, once ablaze with celebration, now held a serene stillness. Jordan and his crew, draped in the comforting shadows of a night well spent, found themselves resting on makeshift seats, their weariness a testament to the battles fought and won.The sunlight painted a gentle tableau, revealing the subtle lines of fatigue etched on each face. Yet, amidst the quietude, a sense of unity prevailed. Jordan, observing the camaraderie that had evolved in the past hours, felt a renewed purpose bubbling within him. This wasn't just a crew; they were a band of individuals who had weathered storms together and emerged stronger.Looking at Major, he knew that he had a question to tackle. They looked somehow confused about what to do next, and he knew he owed them an explanation, at least for the sake of their sanity. He remembered how he and Major’s group became participants. Initially, they were just his hired bodyguards, but ove
‘‘Huuu!” Noises crackled in the house of Jordan as the members heaved out their tiredness, sampled in the aura of victory, and rested their weapons on the tables as they took their seats. It was almost 4 in the morning, but the night echoed with sounds for the next few hours. Their faces were smeared with soot and sweat from the tough battle they had fought and, by God’s grace, won.“This calls for a big celebration!” Jordan spoke, pulling Ana beside him as he rested on his signature seat of authority. “Mariela? Could you make us something delicious for us?”Mariela nodded in agreement. “After emerging triumphant, you all deserve a special treat. I had made arrangements before we left. I will be back in a sec.”They all made sweet sounds of appreciation that sent Mariela off to the kitchen with a smile on her face.Soon enough, she was making hasty back-and-forth tours to and from the kitchen with trays of mouthwatering shawarmas. Then the drinks followed, and everyone wanted nothing
As Jordan and his group crouched in the shadows, staring at the far-off warehouse where the covert conflict had taken place, the night sky hung thick with an oppressive still. An overwhelming feeling of unease permeated the air as they anticipated reaching the pinnacle of their unwavering quest for justice.Abruptly, a menacing gleam illuminated the horizon, illuminating Jordan's team members' features with elongated shadows. From the warehouse, flames shot up, licking the darkness with an abysmal embrace. The blast echoed through the still air like a mighty cry of vengeance.Jordan clinched his hands and tensed his jaw, watching the conflagration with a bleak determination mixed with joy. The warehouse collapsed under the weight of its own secrets; it had previously been a center of corruption and dishonesty. His transgressors were being burned into charred souls. He could imagine them weeping in pain as the wildfire mercilessly devoured them.Jordan whispered, "That's it," his voice
“Names? What names, Jordan?” Mr. Elias asked in confusion.Jordan, with a steely gaze, had no time to waste. He needed to get to the heart of the issue as fast as he could. His voice was firm as he spoke. "The names of your supporters. The high-ranking officials who are protecting."The alliance members exchanged uneasy glances, a palpable scent of impending doom slapping at their nostrils. How could they comply with Jordan's request? Revealing the identities of those wielding formidable power felt like signing their own death warrants. And death was what they were trying to escape by all means. How could they negotiate for survival and sell themselves to the devil in the same way?“Jordan, please understand that we cannot do that. It is too dangerous for us. Besides, why do you want the names?” Mr. Elias replied, attempting to mask the tension in his voice.Jordan's eyes narrowed, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I need those names to expose the corruption that is eatin
Jordan looked at Elias and his meanness. He could read through their minds. He knew exactly what they wanted. And he loved their stupidity.Elias gazed at Jordan and spoke with a stern voice without a single tinge of wavering in it. “You are wiser than this, Jordan. I know you know what I mean.”Jordan shook his head and read a memo that said, ‘I know, but I want to hear that crap from your stinking mouth itself’! “No! Please enlighten me, Elias! I might be getting carried away.” Jodan spoke.Elias even managed to smirk, even though he could not tell whether Jordan was toying with his mind or not. He spoke. "Jordan, all I am suggesting is that we can settle this amicably. You don’t have to betray your noble parents by becoming a bloody murderer. Well, if it is revenge that you want, your parents are gone, and you can’t bring them back. Don’t even kill us. I have got something that will surely interest you."Jordan, unmoved, eyed Elias with a steely gaze, his expression portraying no