Flashback

Ancient China,

About a thousand years ago.

A young woman in priestess robes could be seen panting heavily as she ran for her life.

“Master would kill me if I lost this!!” she thought, glancing at the bundle under her arm, as she remembered the last time she saw him, the day he gave her the bundle.

But there was no time to reminiscence over her master’s majestic physique as dodged in time to prevent an arrow from pinning her to the tree.

“Demons!” She mentally screamed, increasing her speed as she meandered through the forest.

“I thought Master said there was a portal around here!” she panted.

She felt her heart cut when she skidded to a halt by the edge of a high cliff. She was between the Devil and the deep blue sea…literally!

“Give it up dearie…” an ugly demon hissed inching towards her. “You have nowhere to go.”

She said nothing because unknown to them she had just noticed a whirlwind in the water. Defiantly, she continued inching towards the edge as more demons came out of the woods.

“What are you doing?” their Commander screamed, on seeing that she refused to surrender.

“Get them!”

She took a determined deep breath and she jumped into the water.

“Noooooooooooo!”

My church,

Lokoja, Kogi State,

Nigeria.

Sunday, February 13

7:15 AM

(My POV)

"Angel?"

I groaned as I tried to get the image haunting me for the past several weeks down on paper.

“Angel?”

It was always the same, I am fighting on a battleground close to a cliff but when I save my friend, whose face is blurry, I get stabbed by a flying dagger and fall into the ocean, drowning in the process.

“Angel?"

"C'mon, I'm almost done..." I grunted, unperturbed.

"Angeline?!”

I quickly came down from my creative plane, stuffing my sketch pad in my bible as I sprang to my feet. I knew I was in for it as I shuffled towards Mrs. Gideon who was standing akimbo with a glare to match.

“Ma’am?”

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be with your mates outside getting instructions from Mrs. Jones?” she asked, eyeing me like I was something vile.

She doesn’t look too bad for a large dark lady and, to be honest, I don’t look too bad with my bright dark brown eyes smooth milk honey skin, and shoulder-length hair tightly bound in my head tie.

Mrs. Gideon is the Assistant Children’s Church Coordinator, hot-tempered, strict as they come, and tougher than nails. As the epitome of all choleric Nigerian mothers, I needed to handle this situation with care before this dormant volcano became active.

“Yes, ma… my mother sent me earlier but after I delivered the message she said I should stick around, just in case she has more errands for me to run,’’ I said, half-truthfully.

The church was chaotic today because we were setting up for the first of our three fundraisers of the year. My mum is an event decorator so obviously they put her in charge of the decorations. I and my siblings have been running up and down nonstop I just ditched my mum and sat down in the pew to take “a little break” when Mrs. Gideon caught me.

“Oh… in that case, just go. I’ll tell her where you’ve gone.”

“Thank you, ma!” I said, relieved I got away with it, for now. I curtsied a little and scurried away clutching my bible to my chest.

My church is divided into two sections Adult Church and Children or Junior Church. The adult congresses in the Main Hall while the Children's Church comprised of the two smaller buildings behind.

Junior Church is further sub-divided into four classes: Teenagers’ class for teens or kids aged 12-18; Intermediate class for kids aged 11-7; Self-Control class for kids 7-4 and Toddlers’ class for tots or kids aged 4-1.

I graduated from the Adult Church last month but since we were to expect a large amount of visitors, Mum signed me up to help out in the Junior Church.

“Oh great, there goes my break!” I thought as I stepped aside to allow some elders to pass through the main entrance. I focused on my legs as I came down the stairs. It’s not my first time wearing heels but it won’t be the last time I’ve tripped because of them.

I soon found my mates, gathered around a pretty young short, and plump fair lady who was calling names.

“Were all African women cursed to get fat immediately after childbirth?” I wondered as I silently joined them.

Beaming beatifically, I greeted the ones nearby and stood beside a cute tall brown boy in a white caftan with black embroidery.

“Hey, bestie! Happy Sunday!” I sang sweetly, nudging him in the side.

“Morning, Angie! Happy Sunday!” he giggled, nudging me back. “I was looking for you last week…”

“Why, Anibe? Did you want to take me out?” I chortled.

Anibe and I go way back. He’s one of the first friends I made when my family newly moved to Lokoja eight years ago and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Though I mostly hang out with his sister Uyo, who is two years younger than I am, we’ve got no hard feelings between us. What’s more, we graduated from Teens’ class together and we try to sit together every Sunday so we could chat when the sermons get boring. Hey, don’t look at me that way… It is either that or we’d be rudely woken up by an usher just when the dream was getting good.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Nope, Uyo wanted to see you.”

“Oh, I was I church… Hey, do you think ASUU will go on strike?” I asked, a little worried.

“Forget that thing… they’ve already made up their minds.”

We were referring to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which was in charge of all the lecturers’ and academic professors’ welfare in most of the public universities in Nigeria. Over the years, due to the inadequate teaching conditions and their incessant demands, they’ve constantly been on strike.

“Bummer… but on the bright side we now have more time to hang out. So, when are you taking me out?”

“I’ll set the date if you answer one question…”

“Which is?”

“Will you sponsor it?” He asked coyly as we giggled again.

Just then, I heard my name. “Angie… Angie... where is she?” said Mrs. Jones, in her high voice, looking around for me.

“Present ma’am!” I said, carefully weaving forward.

‘‘Oh good, you’re here!’’ she beamed in relief. ‘‘You, Uyo, and Sam are in charge of the Self-Control Class. She said handing one Teachers’ Manual to me. “They are in Week 8… Oh before I forget, you also too wait behind for our visitors to arrive so that you can usher their children to their respective classes.’’ With that, she handed me a Guest list.

I silently studied the list as she continued dishing out responsibilities, excited to see a lot of foreign names. Going down the list, a name stood out from the rest. It was like… calling out to me. Like it had a connection with me…

‘‘Long Arthur Baidi…’’ I read aloud.

‘‘Oh, him? He’s a good man!’’ said Mrs. Jones. “He’s one of our church’s most consistent donors in America and a very religious man. Even though he’s filthy rich, he’s a very generous philanthropist.”

I didn’t know why but the name rang a bell. It stirred something within me, something powerful, something I had to hide…but I couldn’t lay my finger on it. I was still lost in my thoughts when Mrs. Jones dismissed us. I pushed my thoughts to the back of my mind as my partners joined me.

Just then, a loud screech outside the gates alerted us and I looked in time to see three dark gleaming news vans parking outside the gate. It had red strangely familiar characters blazoned on it…Chinese!

Suddenly, I got a wave of headache trying to decipher it but I felt it meant… Dawn!

‘‘DAWN…What a name to give a news station’’ I thought, still wondering how I was able to read it. I just shrugged and started catching up on the excitement I had missed during yesterday’s Youth Night as Sam, Uyo and I went to where we had been posted.

Somewhere else,

On the way to my church,

Inside an SUV.

7:17 AM

(Ari)

"Grandpa, I don't wanna go to church!" Cousin Kai whined, with a cute pout.

"You should have known that when you misused my money," he said, not looking up from the newspaper he was reading.

"I said I was sorry... Dal back me up here..." he pouted.

"No!" Oops Dal said softly, when he looked up briefly from his project on his tablet.

Kai frowned as Jiro and I laughed before turning to Grandpa hoping we would be scolded but he just smiled as folded his newspaper.

"Dal..." he began, clearing his throat a little.”...about what your father said yesterday..."

"I'm still thinking about it and I don't want to talk about It," he said, cutting Grandpa off.

"Established... but I just want to add that I agree with him..."

“Oh great!” he groaned.

"It's high time you get married.”

“I agree with Grandpa..."

“Shut up, Kai!”

“Yeah, it’s high time you get a Queen.” Jiro chipped in.

"I don't need to get married to be Lord of Leerland, Great father.” He said, still not taking his eyes of his tab.

Great father is a title given to our grandpa by my granduncles but only brother Dal, Dad and my other uncles and aunties use it.

"True, but unfortunately the Kings men don’t feel the same” he paused, as brother Dal groaned throwing his head back on the headrest.

“They’ve insisted, their decision is final and I agree with them.”

“Great father!”

“Chill, Coz. There's no crime in not marrying someone you don't love." Kai chipped in.

"I don't believe in love…I can't love and I don't need to marry to be King. If they feel so upset about it they can…"

"You're the only heir to throne as long as that mark is on your chest!" roared grandpa, frustrated at his stubbornness.

A gravely hush washed over us as Grandpa and Brother Dal were locked in a glaring contest.

"Yes, Great father!" he said, subdued, breaking his gaze in respect.

"I know it’s been hard since...” sighed grandpa. “...but you've got to move and not let yourself be chained by the fears of the past.”

Dal said nothing as he turned to look out the window. I suppressed a sigh as I turned to Jiro. He only does that to hide his tears but he forgets that I could feel his pain. The drive during the rest of the journey was silent as the drivers wove through the crowd.

“I’m thirsty!” said grandpa, breaking the silence.

“Let me send a guard to…”

“Don’t worry, grandpa.I’ll get it!” Kai interrupted, hastening to open the door.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, grandpa!”

“You don’t even know your way around here!” Ben pointed out.

“I’ll just ask them.” he smirked, pointing to some sassily dressed ladies in front of a shop.

“Don’t wait for me!” he said, banging the door. With that he just turned and walked off still grinning foolishly.

“He’s never going to stop flirting, will he?” grandpa chuckled as we continued our journey to church.

“What a beautiful church!” grandpa murmured, in admiration, as the cars drove into the large compound.

Back in my church,

In front of the Main Hall.

7:17AM

(My POV)

I stayed behind a little longer to usher the guest kids to their classes since I had two names remaining on the list. Just then, three gleaming black SUVs drove in. I was awestruck by the details of the dragon emblems on the doors. I stretched out my hand to touch it when it was swatted away by a mean burly bodyguard, looking slick in his crisp white uniform. I swallowed my anger as he opened the door to reveal two adorable little angels, in our children church uniform, who amiably waved at me.

“Hi, darlings!” I sang, turning on my sweetest non-toothy smile. “I’m Angeline. Welcome to our church. I’m here to show you to your class. What’s your name love?”

“Benjiro…but you can call me Jiro or Ben.” he said as I helped him unfasten his seat belt and carried him out of the car. He was a chubby dimpled Japanese cherub with his auburn hair smoothly combed down.

“And I’m Cleo Ari Young!” the other dimpled darling said her pale skin and long black hair made me realize that see was Korean.

“The pleasure’s mine to make your acquaintance, Lady Ari.’ I said in a British accent, curtsying as I gave her my hand.

When she gleefully hopped out, I felt frozen as my eyes met the cold gaze of the third person in the backseat. He looked like he stepped out of a vampire fairytale with his dark long stylish hair, pale skin and blue lips…and even darker eyes. It was like everything had just disappeared and the only thing in existence was just us in our own world. I felt like I was praying, my heart racing, as I shuffled back bit, our eyes never breaking contact as he came down from the car.

“I see you fancy my car!” an old Chinese man crooned, stepping out of the other SUV causing me to break my gaze. I was taken aback by his bleach white hair which was longer than the vampire prince’s neatly bound in a long plait and his sky blue eyes which twinkled in the humid Nigerian morning rays.

“Oh y-yes, Mr. Long… Am I right?”

“Yes, indeed, child.” He smiled kindly.

“The dragons… they are so beautiful!” I blurted, mentally kicking myself.

“Oh really?” he chuckled, glancing at his vampire prince. “Are you sure it’s not something else…?”

“S-Sir?” I stammered my blushed deepened as I felt the handsome man’s icy gaze on me again.

“Nothing child!” he laughed, noticing my discomfort. “I was just joking. I bet you are curious know the difference between these three dragons?”

‘‘Yes sir!’’ I beamed, enthusiastically, ‘‘I am curious but I already know them.”

“Really, tell me then.” He prompted, mimicking my excitement.

‘‘Yes sir!’’ I beamed, enthusiastically, ‘‘the first one…”

“Sir, is this necessary?” asked a handsome middle aged man, coming to his side.

‘‘I want to hear her out!’’ he said, stubbornly.

‘‘But, sir, the service is about to start and...’’

“Let me hear what the young lady has to say!” he snapped, his eyes glinted icily, even colder than that of the vampire prince causing Mr. interrupter to shrink back in fear.

“Continue dear!” he bided me, turning back to his amiable self

‘‘Oh well…this is an Azure dragon.’’ I said, pointing to the first car “…commonly found in drawings of the Qing dynasty; the second car has a Celestial dragon on it and your last car has the Jade dragon on it.”

‘‘What do you know about the Jade dragon?’’

“Not much, except that it’s the emblem of emperors and what first seen on artifacts dating back to the Zhou dynasty.”

"Hmm! This is interesting!’’ he pondered, oblivious of our curious stares.

‘‘Sir, is everything alright?’’

"Nothing, child!’’ he said, snapping back to reality ‘‘I’m just impressed by your knowledge of my culture.’’

"I’m just fascinated by dragons…’’

"I wish I could stay and know more about you child but I have to enter. Can I entrust my grandchildren’s safety into your hands?’’ he asked me, suddenly solemn.

‘‘Yes sir!’’

‘‘Promise me you’ll protect them with your life!”

"Yes sir, I promise!’’ I said as Ari and Ben started dragging me towards the main hall before I guided them towards their class.

Opposite the church,

Inside the surveillance van,

9:20 AM

(Dr. Lu’s POV)

I struggled against the ropes as my captors, unperturbed, continued to plan their attack on the church. There were about at least six in each of the three vans but I couldn’t recognize them due to their red face masks on their complete ninja outfit. Only their silent leader wore a blue mask. He had been writing for over an hour in an old journal, until he stood up not long ago to get a drink from the mini fridge.

“What’s the area report?” he said, after a gulp, turning to the Agent using the periscope.

“Main targets have just arrived sir!’’ he replied, smartly “three SUVs…the tigers have been separated from the preys with a civilian leading them away.”

‘‘No need for rhymes, rookie.’’ another Agent muttered, assembling his gun while their boss was busy whispering on the phone.

“You’ll never get away with this! I spat whatever it is you all are planning…”

"Shut up!” the rookie roared, silencing me with a slap.

“Make me!” I dared, ignoring the blood that was trickling down the side of my mouth.

He raised his fist to punch me again but it was held back by the senior Agent.

“Touch him again and boss won’t hesitate to rip your head off, rookie.” warned the older Agent.

“I’d do as he says, rookie.” I taunted.

“You’re one lucky Doc.” he sneered, going back to the periscope.

‘‘Alright men, listen up!’’ their leader barked, joining them on the table, oblivious of what had happen. ‘‘There’s been a slight change of plans; we’re dealing with a Situation IV, so Operation Storm has been swapped with OG…”

“What’s OG?” some newbies inquired.

“Operation Graveyard.”

"Bummer!’’ another Agent murmured.

"We’ll be spanning the perimeter. Total stealth, rookies!’’ he warned. “Don’t get caught; whatever you do don’t shoot without a silencer or till I say so. Any questions…let’s roll!”

He ignored the few hands that were up as he led the way. The others quickly picked their weapons and ammo from a big green box. The rookie tried to keep up but on getting there he found it emptied clean. Cursing, he scanned the bus for another till his eyes fell on a small purple box. Satisfied with the darts in it he pocketed it and left.

When he was out of sight, I continued cutting the ropes that bound me with a dagger I had swiped from the rookie. I didn’t know how long it took but soon I was free and I quickly hastened to the door to escape. As I reached to grip the handle, the door opened to reveal their leader eerily grinning at me.

“Nathair! I was…”

“Going somewhere?”

TBC