Flashback

Conference Room,

Chaos Hall,

Hell,

The Underworld. Mondays, February 14.

3:37 AM

" 'It was a living hell... in Hell! Everyone could be seen panically running for thier lives as the citizens were woken up moments ago, not by thier alarm clocks, but by an earthquake.The survivors can now be seen trying to salvage what is left of thier now dilapitated homes. Rumors have gone round that, just moment ago, the Crown Princes had just arrived on scene to survey the extent of the damages, giving thier condonlences to the relatives of those whose lives lost. There's been no offical statement from the Prinus of Hell so far, but the question everyone's minds still remains the same :What caused the earthquake? Can we really trust the Crown Princes to handle a crisis as delicate of this in thier fathers' absence? And how sure are we that this disaster won't occur again before they accend thier thrones...' "

Alden roared in furstration, flinging his dagger at 72' Plasma screen in the roonm, causing the other Crown Princes to mummur in disapproval.

"Aw gezz, man!" groaned Bilial, as some attendants came in to clear the mess.

"How dare she spew out that thrash about us!" gritted Arden, his pride hurt as he agitatedlly paced to and fro.

"I rather see it is the most beautiful constructive criticism I'v heard!" shrugged Aaron, ignoring the glares be recieved from the other princes.

"You know the TV was innocent, right?" muttered Dennis, as he eyed Aiden before tossing more popcorn into his mouth.

"What's the situation on ground?!" snapped Aiden authoritatively, brushing off the bration of the other Princes as he turned to Elvis, his father's third in command, who had been silently watching thier childish anticts

"Well," he began, clearing his throats. "The lives lost has been estimated to be over two hundred thousand citizens...

"Seven thousand five hundred and seventy three injured persons are currently recieving treatment and the cost of damages is worth three billon dollars!!" interuptted Aaron robotically, like he had already read the report.

"Dang it!" cursed Carson , hurling a half-bottle of water at him but he caught it easily.

"You know you don't have to always dampen someones spirit, right?" said Dennis.

"I can't help to baby boy!" shrugged Aaron, a stupid grin plastered on his face.

"But what could have caused the earthquake?" Memphis chipped in, steering them back to the reason for the meeting in the first place.

"Could it be Him?"

"No, Ethan!" groaned Carson, face palming himself. "Take it from me: When it comes. to Vengance, that's just petty!"

"But what if He was just trying to send us a message?" insisted Ethan, stubbornly.

"If you guys really need answers why can't you just ask Agatha?" suggested a soft sleepy voice in the corner.

There was stunned silence as everyone in the room turned to Belial in total shock.

"What?" yawned Belial, as they stared at him like he had just grown three heads.

"Do you realize that this is the first time in your life you've said something meaningful?!" jibed Carson, causing the rest to roar out in laughter.

Belial just rolled his eyes, muttering darkly as he shuffled in his seat to get a more confortable position to nod off.

"Let's go, sleepy head! muttered Dennis, grabbing Belial's arm they all teleported out of Hell.

***

Tuesday, February 15,

Mama T's Bar,

Surulere, Lagos,

Nigeria.

2:15 AM (GMT+1)

(Omniscient)

The club was still full of swing, the partying wild, like it had just started. Everyone was too busy enjoying themselves, in their own way to notice the hooded figure by the edge of the bar counter silently warching all of them like a hawk. His amber eyes suddenly narrowed on a young man luring a drunk lady into one of the VIP rooms. He was just about to go after them when a skimpyly dressed bartender placed a mug of beer before him.

"Here's your drink, sir!" she sang, sending him a flictious wink.

"I don't remember ordering anything, Grace!" he muttered, his voice sent chills down her spine as he gently pushed it back to her.

"I know, sir. It was that young man over there who bought it for you. Is he a friend of yours, I'd really like to get bus number." she gushed foolishly, pointing to the hot pale skinned super being across the room.

He was already surrounded by whores demanding for his attension and phone number, while the males in the room glared at him as thier dates couldnt stop openly drooling over him. But only one man's eyes widened in shock on seeing him till when thier gazes met. The hooded man felt all the blood drain from his body as he beheld his tormentor who just smirked back, enjoying the effect his presence had on him. The hooded man managed to swallow his emotions and broke his gaze. But the damage had already been done as his mind began to be bagered by the memories of his painful past. Meanwhile, the demon began to saunter towards him, after compelling the women away. He silently groaned as the demon sat down beside him, ordering Grace to get same more beers for them before he finally turned to face his puppet.

“You never struck me as the party type, Carson, so why are you here?" asked the hooded figure, starting the conversation as he drained the mug of beer Carson had bought for him earlier.

"You haven't changed a bit, have you, Kay?" chuckled Carson, sounding a bit sympathetic.

Choosing to ignore Carson, Kay stood up and went over to the dart boards, paid the cashier for some darts and began to hurl them the targets along with other men while Carson infuriated his his every move by copying him.

"What do you want, Carson? " sighed Kay, in furstration as he went back to his seat by the counter, already tired of Carson followig him every where.

"Being straight forward and arrogant again?" drawled Carson, appearing on Kay's other side, two flutes of champane in hand.

"Looks like some one has grown wings?" he smirked, handing a flute to Kay before sipping from his as he sat down.

"I can't grow wings any more. You're the one who cut oft in the first place, remember?"

"Oh yeah, I really missed them good 'ol days!"

Just then, Grace finally arrived with the mugs of beer, which stopped Kay from punching Carson right in his stupid perfect nose. Grace then started to bat her lashes seductively at Carson who only rolled his eyes in disgust, to her disappointment, causing her to storm off her hips swaying dangerously as she left.

"Please just tell me what brought you to Nigeria and let's get this over with, Carson!" he snarled, once Grace was out of earshot.

"There's a threat to my kingdom and I need you to hunt it down before my father returns back to Hell." he ordered, switching to Boss Mode as he slid a wierd black and red card to Kay.

"What does it look like?" asked Kay, inspecting the card.

"We don't know." confessed Carson. "But what what we do know that it's a female dragon shifter."

"So, it can be anybody!"

"Exactly, that's why I'm gonna need you to go back home, hit the showers, dig up your hunting gear, dust it down and meet me at the airport 'cos our flight to California leaves in three hours."

"What!" exclaimed Kay.

"I know it's impromptu but it's not like you've got a choice or something..."

"Sure things boss!" he retorted, sarcastically. “By the way, what in it for me?"

"You know I owe you nothing but because I'm generous you not get a dime...above fifty million dollars! Half before job and the rest. when you're delivered her head to us."

Kay scoffed before he started to furiously quaff down the contents in his mug. He was already tired of this demon's presence and without pausing to breath, he continued to chugging down his drink, wondering how long it was going to take before be snaps as Carson continued rambling.

"Now now, calm down, tiger! How would you like it in...Euros? Oops, that ain't your currency! What was it again...Naira! Or maybe you'd prefer it in gold..."

Carson's ramblings were cut short when Kay suddenly slammed his now empty mug on the counter so hard it cracked, but he slowly turned to squarely face the confused gentleman beside him.

"Freedom!"

"Pardon?!"

"I don't want money, I want my freedom!" said Kay, soberly.

"Pardon?!" repeated Carson, still in shock causing Kay to lean in towards him.

"I. Want. My. Freedom!" he spelt out, before he sat back up and resumed drinking from another mug of beer.

"Kay, we've talked about this!" groaned Carson, pinching his brown in furstration. "You know I don't have what it takes is release you."

"Then find someone else for the job," he snapped, turning to leave only for two big burly demon bodyguards bar his way.

"Carson, tell your men to back down or hearts will get ripped out!" gritted Kay, trying his best to keep his inner demons under control.

"First of all, it's Master Carson to you." he started, with a smug look on his face. "And second of all, call off your bluff; you're coming with us whether you like it or not."

"Make me!"

"There's no way you can defeat two highly skilled Level 6..."

Carson's words got stuck in his throat on hearing two loud thuds. His eyes widened in shock on seeing his two men on the floor with gory holes in their chests before they turned to dust and disappeared. He then looked up to find himself ominously pleased than suprised to see Kay silently sipping the blood remaining in thier hearts, unperturbed by Carson's gaze on him. He knew Carson had cloaked them from the view of others that's why he didn't hesitate to end them.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Okay, fine!" relented Carson, throwing up his hands in defeat. "I'll give you twenty five million dollers for now and your freedom when the job is done. But, just have it in mind that even if I do free you it won't change what you 've become."

The revelation caused Kay to freeze in shock for sometime, as he showly brought down the half-empty heart from his lips.

"It still beats being your slave!" retorted Kay with a slight shrug, after thinking it through, before he resumed sucking the heart.

"It's really lave, Kay! exclaimed Carson, cheaking his watch. "Don't you want to go home and kiss your wife and kids good bye before your 'buisness trip'?"

Carson's taunt seeped deep into Kay's tormented soul, pricking his innermost demon on all sides as he clenched his fist in anger. It was quite miraculous how he still looked calm and cool on the outside though he was boiling on the inside.

"Oops, I forgot!" Carson spat, malisiously. "You murdered them..."

And he lost it!

"Only buause in you possessed me, you mother bleeper!" roared Kay in Carson's face, causing everyone's attention to be on them while the sociopath just chuckled evilly as he wiped the spit sprayed on his face.

"I'll only be linent today because I'm in a good mood." Carson hoarsely whispered in ear, his breath fanning Kay's face.

"But don't forget too soon, Kay: I made you and only I can break you!"

With that Carson stood up and patted Kay's shoulder before he straightened his suit. Kay's eyes burned Carson's back as he exited the bar. Still shaking in anger, Kay let out a roar and hurled his last dart at the board which was at the end other end of the room before storming out.

There was an eerie hush in the club for two whole minutes as everyone still had thier the jaws dropped as they gaped at the dart board. Kay's dart was now on the bullseye after spliting dart was one that had been there previously!

***

Close to the San Diego International Airport,

In the Long's private jet.

Tuesday February, 15.

4:14 pm (PDT)

(My Pov)

I woke up with a start, gasping dered for air as I durched chest. I couldn't shrug off the strange feeling like my life was in danger causing my heart to race faster in panic. My eyes darted around the room in alarm as I wondered why I was on a plane instead of being in my room.

"Big Aurity, are you okay?" asked the little Japanesse boy, sitted on my right by the window, in worry.

"Ben!" I panted in relief, rubbing my eyes as I rested back in my seat.

"So, it wasn't a dream!" I thought, chuckling a bit.

"Angie, are you okay! Should I get you a drink?" asked Ari, seated on my other side.

I beamed warmly, touched thier affection and love for me so I stopped Ari from pushing the Air Hostess button.

"No thank you, Ari. I think I feel much better now." I beamed as I patted her arm.

"But, you weren't okay when you..."

"I just had a litle nightmare..."

"A little?" scoffed Ben, cutely as he narrowed his eyes on me

"Ok, I had a very scary nightmare but don't worry; I am going to be fine." I reassured.

"If you say so, nanny."

"You do you!"

Still exhausted, I exhaled as I reclined in my seat and closed my eyes, flashing back to how I ended up on a privtate jet set to Cali. To be honest, the past 48hrs have been really tiring. On Sunday, immediately after the service ended, Great Father Long wasted no time in getting all my vital documents ready even before we had all reached our home - a beautiful unpainted four bedroom bungalow with a cream roof fenced in a large compound, with a coup in the corner, inside Unity Community. They had even linked up my bank account payroll immediately we set foot in the parlour but I was too busy with Ari and Ben, who didn't leave my side.

Initially, mummy had vehementlly kicked againce me leaving Nigeria , even when Great Father Long offered to invest in her buisness she refused. Gramps had to travel all the way from Otite, which is just a 60 min drive to Lokoja, just to talk to her before she finally agreed. Even the amount of salary sparked a family feud as my aunts and uncles joined my parents via Zoom to it haggle over but they could not reach a conclusion as my paycheck was either too fat or too slim!

I left them to argue thier lungs out in the parlour as I hosted a small tea party in my bedroom with Lady Ari, Minister Ben, Dutchess Leslie and Lord Kent. (Kent and Leslie are my twin junior sibling and the only ones around as Ian and Glen were not home yet.) It was hour later they finally remembered me and summoned to 'know my opinion in the matter' when they had already agreed on my pay.

Tch, who does that!

In all these, I couldn't help but notice how Gramps and Great Father Long kept concuring each other's sentences making everyone quite uncomfortable. Most especially me but I didn't really care dragon-sized problems to deal with. And by that, I meant Blaise.

I named my dragon Blaise after my element, fire. (That's according my Greek Zodiac though Chinese Zodiac is water). I could tell it loved it seconds after I had christained it because it to my surprise it immediately glowed bright like a hot metal.

My little purple dragon - Blaise Ignis Richmen - later explained o me that the glowing was the confirmation t of our bond as Master and Servant just like how it happened in Moonlit Fantasy. But honestly, I really didn't see Blaise as a servant because he's been really helping me in keeping my powers in check. But with a lot of people now in the house, it wasn't safe for him to come out without anyone freaking out. I feared they'd mistake him for a demon and that's when Blaise revealed my first dragon shifter power which is...a story for another day.

Back to my narration, my Gramps then called me the parlour to inform me that my paycheck would be $50 per hour and by 3pm I found myself on the road with the Longs accompanied by Mummy and Gramps. Our course was due North as we headed to Abuja-the nearest state with an international airport. Luckily, we arrived exactly a hour and a half later, branching Aunt Anabella's place so we could spend the the night while the Longs booked a nearby hotel.

I exhausted my Shopping Spree Wish in ShopRite and Game. But in less than a minute, on entering the mall the battlelines had been drawn as Mummy, Aunt Annabella and Gramps were so engrossed in Wardrobe War MLXXVI to notice when I snuck away with Ari and Ben in order to raid the bookstore. I felt quite offended when Dorian, the baby face of the LOLs, demanded whether I was a girl on seeing the amount of books I had bought. (I was not my fault! Ari was the one whom had bowled him over with my trolley.) Because he feels that most girls would go for the latest clothes and bling earning him an earful from Gramps.

But Damien, the ice prince, took an empty journal and a case of rainbow coloured pens and placed them in my trolley.

"I've seen how much you love to read other people 's thoughts, it wouldn't be so bad to pour out yours though, would it?" he said, on seeing the questioning look on my face.

"Erm, thanks!"I replied as we were incidentally just passing the florist's

Damien then took a black rose from its brothers and paid for it, giving the man a very fat tip.

"I may not be good with words but I hope you can accept this from the bottom of my heart" with that he gently placed the flower in my hair, my heart raced as I felt his pale fingers brushing my ear

When I thought of it, I realized that the next day was actually Valentine's Day. OMG, was he going to ask me to be his Val? But his next words deflated my hopes instantly.

"This is a token of appreciation for protecting my sister!"

"Seriously, couldn't you give me a gift card or somthing else instead of a flower?!" I thought in disappointment as we joined the rest at the check-out and I quickly hid the rose in my pocket before anyone noticed it on me.

We were able to round up by 7pm on the dot and headed back to my Aunt's place so I could rest for my flight tomorrow while the Longs went back to their hotel. But I wasn't too surprised to see the Long's SUV parked in front of the house, the next day, waiting to take us to the airport. I couldn't hold back my tears at the departure hall as I hugged Gramps, mummy and Aunt Annabella. Ari and Ben were kind enough to help me up the stairs since I couldn't see well due to my misted eyes.

The voice of the air hostess announcing our arrival brought me back to earth. I got infected with Ben and Ari's excitement as the jet tipped downward, gradually hitting the run way. We held hands, giggling as the jet came to a halt, parking infront of a red carpeted stairway, before a sea of fans. I gulped quite taken back by the scores of people who had troupes out to welcome the Longs back that I didn't realize I had been holding my breath till the jet finally came to a halt without crushing anyone . I was quite nervous to face the crowd ourside, my hands shook as I helped Ben and Ari to unfasten thier seatbelts. Blaise and I couldn't hold back our chuckles as they immediately dashed towards the restroom, arguing and elbowing each other.

I then shook my head, slight smile played on my face as I unfastened my seatbelt and stood up to stretch my sore limbs. I was just about tovopen the luggage compartment above when I got startled by the presence of someone behind me.

"Oh. Mr Cheng! I didn't see you there!"

"Miss Richmen, what were you about to do?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I was about to take my load." was the instant reply, causing him gasp, clamping his mouth with both hands in horror.

"D-Did I do something wrong?" I thought, confused by his strange behaviour.

I was completely at sea as I stared back at him. But look on his face was so... you know the look one gives you've committed an abomination but you still insist that you're right? Well, that was the look!

"I'm sorry, Miss Richmen but I'm afraid I cannot let you carry your bags"

"Why, am I not a servant?"

"Point of Correction, Grand Master Long's special guest miss so you can't be stressed." he explained, signaling the porters. "Moreso, I've been given specific instructions on how your bags will be handled.

That was one of the most lamest things I've ever heard but I wasn't going to just let them take what's mine without a fight.

"Don't worry, I can handle it!" I said, bringing down my bags only for it to be snatched by the porters.

"Hey, what gives!"

"I'm sorry, we're just following orders!" Mr. Cheng cooed, apologetically.

"But you guys don't have to stress yourselves." I insisted , still stubbornly holding unto my bags. "I'm sure you all must be so tired from taking care of us for the past 15 hrs."

"Please, just let us do our job, Miss Richmen!" pleaded one of the porters tugging at my bag at the handle.

"No, give it, it's mine!" I protested, tugging it back.

"What's going on here ?!"

We all gulped as we turned to the owner of the voice. I was Great Father Long, flanked with Ben, Ari, her brother Damien, thier cousin Dorian and some servants I hadn't seen before.

"Sir, I want to carry my load but Mr. Cheng won't allow me." I complained, pouting a little, ignoring suddenly grin that appeared on Kai's face.

"Your grandmother really trained you well!" chuckled Great Father Long, wrapping his arms around me. "I know you learnt a lot of things back in Nigeria's but now you are in America which means you have to do things our been taught way and that means..."

"Following your rules?" I guessed, cutely corking my head at him.

"Good guess ! And one of them is to let the porters carry our bags anytime come back fram a trip. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Great Father!" I mummured, my head hung in defeat.

"Don't worry, you'll soon get used to things." he cooed, pulling me into a warm hug which broken up seconds later by a soft grow.

I was quite taken aback to see Damien snarling at Great Father while Ari and Ben giggled in glee till Damien shot them a glare.

"Why is he glaring at his grand father?" I thought, as he rolled his eyes as Ben and Ari continued to o snicker.

"But I can carry my purse, right?" with twinkling in hope as I tried to cover up the akward moment.

"Of course, why not?"

Beaming, I snatched my purse with a fake sophisticated huff, pointing my nose up in mock pride. I comically held my shoulder high trying to vain and egotic as I could, encouraged by Ben and Ari's laughter before I then held their hands as I led Hum out of the jet.

"Oh, I almost forgor to tell you this, child." started Great Father Long, stopping us in our tracks. "I have to apologize in advance..."

"Whatfore?!" I thought.

"...for the cameras!"

"Cameras!" Blaise and I mentally screamed.

Just as I had inherited some of Blaise's dragon abilities, it inherited some of my humanity - Manifesting in most of my likes, dislike and fears -vFor instance, we hate being the center of attention but we crave to be in the limelight. I also try to avoid anything makes me self-concious ever since I had my first panic attack when I was 11, while auditoring for a play in the 7th Grade, and Cameras one of these triggers.

"Your grand mamother told me of your phobias but do you want to know a secret? I have the fear of flashing lights too, all these publicity stuff was my son's lidea.

"Un-huh?!"

"But that's by the way, I really wanted to personally show you my house but I can't because I have some business attend to." he explained.

"It's ok,sir." I beamed in understanding and bowed. "I wish you a safe drive and lots of luck in your endeavours."

"Thank you and amen. I can assure you that your stay here will turn out to be a very fruitful and magical one." he smirked glancing at Damien, whose ear turned red unlike Kai who was confused as I was.

"Who knows how life changing that would be?" he added, his cryptic grin spreading, as Ari and Ben began to smile like Chesire cats!

"I pray so!" I muttered, trying my best to show how I wasn't uncomfortable with their wierd behaviors.

"Who cares!" Blaise said, airily "We're going to be on TV!"

"I am going to be on TV!" I corrected.

Just then, Ari and Ben impatiently pulled me towards the exit, which was opened by a grumpy man in white suit. I dimmed my eyes a bit as we were greeted by bright lights and the roaring crowd below, causing me to blanch in fear. But Ari and Ben so engrossed in enthusiastically waving at the crowd to notice.

I had no choice but to be strong...I knew it was time to face my fears!

It was time...my time!

I felt wave of courage surging through me, taking abreath deep breath before I help them down the stairs, holding thightly unto Ben and Ari as I had momentarily been blinded by the million flashes of camera light.

Deep down. I felt Blaise smile, it knew I was ready!

Ready be in the spotlight.

Ready to live my new life!

Read to live the Long Life!

***

Mean while,

At a Motor Park,

Lokoja, Kogi,

(Alice)

I couldn't stop my tears from falling as I pulled my mother in for a last hug. She was about to board a chartered car to Okene. It was just a 60 min drive Mama insisted on going back early because of some work she had to round up in her church, as it's Financial Secretary.

"Your heart is heavy, why?" she asked, jolting me out of my thoughts as we disengaged from the hug.

"Ma?"

"What's wrong, Alice? "she purred, cupping my face, her eyes twinkling in concern.

"I'm worried about Angeline, Mama!" I confessed, trying to dam my tears. "I'm scared because l have a bad feeling she might get into rouble she can be. You yourself know how restless she can be. I'm sure she's already caused havoc as we speak..."

"Calm down, Alice! Our child I has just woken up her destiny!" Mama said, cutting me off as she took my hands in hers. "You don't have to worry about her anymore, because not only is she in safe hands, she's now been endowed with gifts that will make her soar higher than her contemporaries. She will surely face a lot of oppositions to her destiny but in the end she will crush them all and reclaim what has always been hers!"

"W-what are you saying, ma?" I stuttered in confusion.

Mama just replied with a beautiful mysterious grin and pulled me into another hug.

"Why do I feel like there's much more to this?" I thought, as I slowly hugged her back.

"Don't worry, everything is going to be okay." she whispered, rubbing my back.

And at that moment, I felt at peace! My mother and I, alone in our own world, oblivious of the usual daily hustles and chaos of a typical Nigerian motor park.

TBC