Legacy Of The Gods Chapter 4

The Legacy Of The Gods: Blood Ties
Chapter 4

In the land of Ile-Ife, a place few mortals even knew existed, the sky blazed a bright, nearly blinding sapphire. In its center was a sun that was so bright, it would have rendered any mortal who saw it almost blind. Birds of indescribable colors and sizes flew across the pure and endless skies. In the land below, thick, green grass spread across, swaying in a cool and gentle wind. Animals roamed across the land, from tall, majestic elephants to quick and nimble gazelles. Lions stretched lazily in the shade of enormous, thick trees and bushes, and in the crystal clear waters of the rivers nearby, hippos slowly glided and swam, only their eyes and nostrils visible.

In the background near tall mountains, majestic and sparkling buildings and castles stood, the sunshine gleaming off their walls. Each building had their own dome and tower, giving it the look of a place directly out of storybooks humans so loved. Within the large city, other African gods and goddesses busily went about their day, their colorful clothing looking as though they sparkled and gleamed in the sun. Beautiful, dark-skinned goddesses carried baskets filled with fruit, vegetables, or other such food upon their heads, sitting perfectly on their colorful head wraps as they walked, giving them a perfectly balanced and feminine gait that many women in Africa imitated today.

Handsome gods proudly walked about wearing exquisitely designed robes, or bare-chested with long masculine kilts, signifying their ranks and stations. Their weapons hung protectively at their sides, ranging from swords, staffs, to shields and bows and arrows. This was Ile-Ife, a land that was on a different dimension than the mortal world. This was the holiest of holy cities, a place for the divinities of the Yoruba and the mysterious spirits that assisted them. This was where the creation of the mortal world started, where the Earth got their oceans and seas. It was also proudly considered to be the gateway to Heaven itself.  It was also proudly considered to be the gateway to Heaven itself. Here is where the few mortals who did learn of this magical city believe that human civilization got started from and influenced the Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, and even the Romans.

No mortal had ever set foot upon this land, and no mortal ever will. If they did so, they would instantly perish because of the dimension it existed on, just as without a body, a god would eventually perish in the mortal world. But all the splendor and majesty of the city and land meant little to Aja now, walking upon the grassy ground and passing a pair of snoozing lions. Their little cubs playfully tackled and swiped at each other nearby. She sighed and stopped before a tall and thick tree, its leaves swaying and rustling in the cool breeze. Worry weighed heavy in her heart, and she hoped the other gods had gotten her message to meet her.

The day she and the other gods have dreaded and feared had come. Baron Samedi was free, after so many years. It only seemed like yesterday to her when she and the other gods sealed away Samedi at almost a great cost. But now he was out, and if he wasn’t stopped, he would cause havoc, just like all those years ago. She had hoped, prayed that the seal would remain, but with them not finding any more descendants, their powers had weakened and it was only a matter of time before the seal degraded. But it was so hard to track them down. Not to mention Samedi was quick and relentless, and sadly found many of them first, giving them a bloody end and nearly wiping them all out. But at least she found one before Samedi did and bonded with her, and that gave the African goddess a little hope. She definitely learned to be quicker since they last started searching. But there had to be more, there just had to be! Aja sighed again, but before she could dwell on it more, a figure walked up to her, casting a shadow behind her.  She turned and smiled in relief when she saw who it was.  

“Oshun, you made it!” she said. She hugged the shorter goddess closely. After leaning away from the hug, Aja looked her friend over and could easily understand why she was the Goddess of Beauty and Love. To say she was beautiful was an understatement. Many men, god and mortal, had fallen to their knees before her with just a simple look and smile from her. Her thick, jet-black hair fell to almost the middle of her back, and her large, dark-brown eyes spoke volumes that words could never say. Her full, pouty lips were naturally red and soft, and her dark skin gleamed perfectly in the daylight.

She wore a soft yellow, body hugging robe that showed off her exquisite shape, and at her side was her trusty crossbow. When Aja looked at her curiously when she saw it, the beautiful goddess shrugged her shoulders. “I sensed the urgency of your message. Just because I’m the goddess of beauty and love, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to fight. And from what you said, this looks like it’ll be a very big fight.” A serious look crossed over her exquisite features. Both women were silent then, remembering just how difficult it was to defeat Samedi the last time. Now he has risen again, and this time, there’s no guarantee they might win.

“Yes, but there is hope,” Aja said after the tense pause. “I have found a descendant, so that means there must be more. We just have to keep our eyes and senses open.” She looked around. “Where are the others?”

Before Oshun could answer, another figure flashed into existence, grinning widely. He was bare-chested with a white and gold kilt, and thick sandals with tiny wings covered his feet. He was handsome, with an honest face and thick, afro hair. “Sorry I’m late, but there’s been some tensions rising within the city. I’m sure it has to do with your message. The others were tied up as well, but I’m sure they’ll try their best to make it.”

“Eshu!” Aja walked over to him and gratefully took his hand in hers. “Yes, this is very serious. I’m afraid Baron Samedi is back, and we need to make haste and find any more descendants of the royal families before he does." She looked at the handsome, dark-skinned god imploringly.

The God and Protector of Travelers and Fortune’s eyes widened at those words. He then nodded and gave her a determined look. “I should have known. Even the Underworld is showing some signs of unrest and activity.” He shook his afro head. “We must stop him.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” said a deep, serious voice. They all turned to see another god walking up to them. He was very tall and muscular, and it looked like his robe of dark colors could barely cover his broad chest and thick arms. A light beard covered his jaw and chin, giving him a mature look. His thick hair was neatly slicked back into a low, puffy ponytail. “There is no time to lose, we must begin our search now. I’m sure Samedi has already begun to make his plans.”

“You are right, as you always are, Ogun,” smiled Aja. Oshun stepped up beside her, giving her own smile to the hulking Blacksmith and War god. Aja looked around once more before turning back to the others. “We cannot wait for the others. We must begin our search now. I will fill them in on our developments when we meet up with them.” At that, they gathered around, and together they disappeared in a soft, flashing light. In her heart, Aja prayed she was not too late. She didn’t want to leave Billie alone for too long. From what she could remember, Baron Samedi was as cunning and ruthless as a snake, and the longer Billie was left alone, the more danger she was in.

*************************************************************************************


Yawning, young Dante Jones walked downstairs to the kitchen, hoping to get some breakfast before heading off to school. For some reason, it was an unsettling night for him, but thankfully the tense feeling had faded. Now he just wanted an uneventful day at school and perhaps even try out for the basketball team. He had played in his old school, so there’s no reason he couldn’t at this one.

When he entered the kitchen, his grandmother was already there, walking about and muttering to herself in her New Orleans accent. She absently took out some bowls and a carton of milk and placed it on the dining table before shuffling back to the cupboards. Watching her, he swore he could hear her say things like “evil coming” and “must be protected”, but he waved if off and went over to the small table to sit down.

“Gran, is everything okay?” he asked when she brought over some cereal. The old woman muttered some more before suddenly realizing her grandson was sitting before her.

“Oh, Dante!” she said, blinking her eyes as if suddenly just awakening. Looking distracted, she poured some cereal in the bowl in front of Dante, then hers. “Sorry love, it’s just been a rough couple of nights.” She sat down next to him in a chair. She looked around quietly  before whispering, “Something is coming, something bad. We must prepare ourselves. I did a spell the other night, and it looks like -”

“Gran, can you stop with that? You know I don’t believe in that voodoo mumbo jumbo you do!” Dante said, a little louder than he wanted. When his grandmother looked at him with wide eyes, he sighed. “I’m sorry Gran, but this is the modern world now, and that stuff you do, it doesn’t mean anything anymore, okay? I know you wanted me to learn after Mom and Dad -” He paused to gather himself before continuing. “I’m sorry, but it’s just not part of me.” He looked at her with pleading eyes, hoping she would understand.

Hattie looked at her grandson sadly. She had such high hopes for him in following her footsteps, just as his mother did. When he had come to live with her after his parents’ accident, she was sure he had inherited her knack for voodoo. Well, at least GOOD voodoo, but he wanted nothing to do with it. But how else was she going to explain to him that a great evil is on its way? How would she be able to teach him to protect himself if he won’t listen to her? Hattie sighed. He was young, and he was product of this time, she understood that. But she knew eventually he would come around. After all, she was reluctant when her own mother began teaching her. It was in his blood, she knew it. It would just take a little time for him to accept. “Alright Dante. But please, be careful. Something is coming, and I know you felt it too.” The old woman looked at him expectantly.

The dark-skinned boy’s eyes widened before he swallowed. No, it just couldn’t be possible. He opened his mouth to say he did feel a little tense the other night, but then he closed it and shook his head. He was not going to be dragged into this again. “Look, Gran, I have to go. I’ll see you later on tonight, okay?” Leaving his bowl, he got up and gave a quick peck on his grandmother’s cheek. He then grabbed his book bag hanging on the hook by the backdoor and quickly left, barely looking back.

When he was gone, Hattie sighed worriedly. Could the evil she felt that night have anything to do with Dante's bad mood this morning? If so, how could she help him if he won’t let her? With a concerned look on her dark face, she got up and began clearing away the dishes. All she could do now is pray and hope that when the time comes, her grandson would come to her for help. She couldn’t force anything on him or she’d risk driving a wedge between them. But she would be here, no matter what. She would be here.

*************************************************************************************


The final bell rang, signifying the unofficial beginning of the weekend, and Billie breathed out in relief. Immediately the students in the classroom scrambled and gathered up their belongings, rushing for the doorway. “Don’t forget, a quiz on Monday about the Magna Carta!” yelled out the history teacher. There were a couple of groans, as expected, before the classroom emptied moments later.

Billie quickly made her way to her locker, feeling a bit down. She had hoped to see the beautiful goddess Aja, but no matter how long she waited and even called, she didn’t come. There were so many questions she wanted to ask! Where were the others like her? Were there some in her school? Could she help find the descendants of Yoruba royalty here in America? She especially also wanted to talk about what happened the other day with Hazelynn. Billie was sure the goddess would give her advice on how to deal with those popular mean girls in school. After all, she was a goddess that lived thousands of years, she certainly must have dealt with lots of mean girls!  

Billie chuckled at that before struggling to get her book bag out of her locker. But it was stubbornly not coming out, tucked behind her many books and caught on a hook. She pulled again, and it wouldn’t budge. Narrowing her eyes, she pulled really hard this time, and when the bag was finally pulled free, scattering her books, the momentum caused her to stagger back clumsily. “Whoa!” Billie yelled, flailing her arms. But just before she was sure she was going to fall back and land heavily on the floor, a strong arm caught her across her back, steadying her as Billie squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the pain coming from the fall.

When Billie didn’t feel the floor beneath her or pain racing through her body, she blinked her eyes open and looked up into a kind, handsome dark face. He raised his eyebrow and looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh. “Oh!” Billie straightened herself up and nervously began fixing her clothes. “Umm, thanks,” she said quietly. She then put on her book bag and quickly stacked her books back in her locker. She closed her locker and blushed slightly, running a hand through her ponytail.  

“No problem. I’m Dante, by the way.” He pushed his hands in his pant pockets and gave a lopsided smile.

Billie thought hard on where she heard that name, then she smiled in recognition. “Oh, that’s right, you’re in my Math class, and you transferred here about a month ago. I’m Billie.”

“I know. I heard about you. You helped the school their third soccer award. You’re amazing!” He blushed a little when he realized what he said. “Err, I mean -”

Billie chuckled slightly, seeing his blush. “It’s okay. I just can’t believe it’s still such big news,” She looked around at the emptying halls. “Well, it’s nice to meet another fan and all, but I really have to go." She zipped up her jacket and turned. But to her surprise, and perhaps a little more to her delight, Dante followed her.

“That’s cool. Perhaps, ummm, I could walk you out. I’m on my way home too. My grandmother’s been a little tense lately and I just want to make sure she’s okay. I also want to tell her right away I think I made the basketball team.” He smiled proudly.

“Really? That’s awesome! And sure, that’ll be great if you can walk me out." She gave him a small smile as he walked beside her. She had noticed him a few times in class, but she had never imagined he would be interested in talking to her much less saving her from embarrassment!

They walked together in silence, making their way through the crowd of students. Somehow, Billie felts a little safer with Dante there. It was like there would be nothing for her to worry about as long as he was beside her. Billie didn’t mind that feeling at all. She hoped she would get to know this boy a little more in time.

When they were outside, they turned the corner, and Billie was just about to ask Dante about where he used to live when the side door to the school building opened and Hazelynn walked out, tossing her long hair behind her. Billie ducked her head, hoping the girl wouldn’t see her, but when Hazelynn crossed over to her path, she narrowed her eyes. “Oh great, it’s you. My mom grounded me because of you getting me detention, and I have to babysit my little brother this whole weekend. Thanks a lot!”

“It was your fault, you’re the one who thought she had to show off in front of her friends!” Billie felt her temper rising, but before she could say anything else, Hazelynn turn to Dante, smiling.

“Whatever. So, who’s your new friend? He’s kind of cute.” Hazelynn stepped up to him, tilting her head and continuing to smile.

Billie hands balled into fists and her eyes narrowed watching Dante smile nervously, unsure of how to handle the girl’s attention.

“That’s none of your business!” she growled out. “And if it’s all the same to you, we were just leaving.” Billie reached over and grabbed Dante’s arm, dragging him off with her.  What was Hazelynn’s problem anyway, acting like a floozy?

She stalked off, too angry to even trust herself to speak while Dante had a bewildered look on his face. But when she looked back, she saw Hazelynn following not too far behind. She shrugged when she saw Billie glaring at her. “What? I walk home this way too!” she said with a grin.  

Billie groaned and rolled her eyes. Dante wisely remained silent, but still couldn’t help chuckling quietly to himself in amusement. He didn’t even mind that she was still holding his arm. They had gone about half a block from the school and about to cross the street to catch the bus when a tense, overwhelming feeling came over Billie. She stopped and looked around, letting go of Dante’s arm and making him look at her curiously. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Billie was just about to answer when Aja’s voice nearly blasted into her mind. Billie, get out of there, run! The goddess’s voice was filled with panic. Samedi’s found you, go! “Aja?” the dark-skinned girl whispered out. There was no doubt about it. It was her, and she sounded desperate. Billie wasted no time in grabbing Dante’s arm again and walking very quickly.

“Dante, you have to trust me. We need to get out of here, now.” She looked back at him in desperation as she pulled him along.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, getting worried.

“Hey, wait up!” Hazelynn yelled out behind them. “Where are you going?” She rushed forward to catch up to them.

But Billie barely heard Hazelynn. She and Dante were now running down the rest of the block. Why was this happening now? She had only wanted to get to know this handsome boy a little more! They ran until she stopped in front of a small abandoned store, with only a few people walking around. She pulled Dante to the alley besides it. A second later, she peeked out.

“Billie, what’s going on?” Dante asked, a hand on his hip. “Does this have to do with your friend and how she seemed interested in me?”

“She’s not my friend, and this has nothing to do with her!” After making sure that it was safe, Billie took Dante’s hand again and stepped outside. She sighed in relief and turned to him. “I’m sorry, it’s just, well, I thought I heard -”

Billie, look out! Aja screamed in her mind. The girl barely had time to look up and tackle Dante to the ground before a long, sharp-edged scythe sailed overhead, missing Dante’s head by just an inch or so.

They rolled away, and when they finally stopped and slowly stood up, they were met by Baron Samedi walking up to them, tall and imposing with his trench coat billowing out behind him in the breeze. His long scythe swung beside him, its sharp pointing gleaming and shining in the late afternoon sun.

The few people around turned to see what was going, and when they saw the immensely tall man with his face painted like a skull, they ran away screaming.

“What the heck?” Dante breathed out, hardly believing what he was seeing.

“You thought you could make a fool of me and not pay the price, did you?” Baron Samedi said in his deep, baritone voice, staring at Billie. “I shall personally teach you a lesson in what it means to try and stand against me. I shall make you writhe in pain for a thousand years!” He lifted his scythe and continued walking forward, sneering all the while.

“Oh my God, what the hell is that?” screamed out a new voice. With a gasp, Billie turned to see Hazelynn standing right behind them, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

“Oh no,” Billie breathed out. How would she be able to help them? Aja, if you’re ever going to help, now is the time! Billie thought desperately.

*******************************************************************************************************


To Be Continued…..