First published in the UK 2018 by Nicely publishing
Copyright © Chiemeka Nicely 2018
All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
British Library cataloguing in publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Cover Design by: Damonza.com
ISBN: 978-1-9996081-0-1
Nicelypublishing.com
Publisher’s note: This is a work of fiction. Name, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to historic events, actual people, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
To my family for their love and support.
&
To those willing to see through the fabrication bestowed upon them.
Contents
Welcome to Acirfa
1: Kimarr
2: Earth
3: Question everything
4: Deception or reality
5: The Messenger
6: Test my patience
7: The Blue Flame
8: Their way of life
9: Caught in the act
10: Compassion for the unfortunate
11: The challenge
12: Murder not mercy
13: The Devil has many faces
14: The Lower self
15: A cry for help
The Kutawala
16: The struggle
17: Words like a gun
18: The SYSTEM
19: Bonding
20: The Civil War
21: Release
22: Two peas in a pod
23: S.A.R.A.H
24 :Energy
25 The Glitch
26: The signs
27: Aelburn
28: Activation
Set in stone
29: May the force be with you
30: Reunited
31: Unchained
32: End of this road
Epilogue: Rebirth
Author’s note
Welcome to Acirfa
“However long the night, the dawn will break.”
Orbiting Earth in the ninth dimension, the red disc of the planet, Acirfa pulsates, radiating a steady flow of energy as its Red and Blue Star hang like beacons in space. The Blue Star sends waves of blue energy to Acirfa’s inhabitants below. The Genapians are an advanced race. The energy activates specific codes in their DNA, giving them heightened powers, elevating their consciousness and providing them with abilities so superior that they are beyond the understanding and imagination of most civilisations. The most potent power anyone can receive is the Blue Flame. It is the purest form of energy and is associated with the rarest of genes.
The gravitational pull the Blue Star emits can have adverse effects on Acirfa’s weather, influencing the tides and creating unusual lightning. The impenetrable shield that surrounds the super-continent Genapa (Gen-a-pa) protects its people from extra-terrestrials and those wishing to conquer their world for technology and resources.
With the Genapians highly advanced tech and superior minds, you might think life would be great. Instead, technology is one of the many things that divided the Sixth Kingdoms and created bad blood between the Dynasties. Each Dynasty specialised in Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but the Sixth Kingdom went beyond this and included spirituality in their systems of advancement and enquiry. The Second Dynasty was famously known for their tapestries, sophisticated models and architecture, which demonstrated their level of creativity. They used mathematics and engineering to construct exquisite designs in alignment with the stars. Their skills added to their rich culture and inspired their annual ‘visionary’ day which honoured and celebrated their people’s talents. The Third, Fourth and Fifth kingdoms mined their underground materials: Copper, Amethyst, the stabilising stone Carnelian and Jasper rocks. These they studied, theorising and inventing new technologies to harness their power, interweaving them into jewellery and clothing.
Some complained about the First Dynasty’s selfish attitude towards its neighbours, especially when it came to helping those less fortunate across the super-continent. Power is best defined by resources and military competence. What each of the Kingdoms didn’t understand was that they were unique in their own way; they didn’t need technology to empower them.
The First Dynasty’s range of weaponry was extraordinary; from the mind-controlling carbon lion-claw bracelet and spears enhanced with kinetic energy to magnetic earrings that heightened abilities and silver rings of the Elite Supreme Warrior Clan, which were presented only after completing rigorous initiation.
The Silver Ring is a super-computer which communicates with the other Warriors, creates virtual realities and acts as a recording device through the eyes of its host. Warriors are branded with the Eye of Horus, a symbol which enables them to transcend their physical form and create portals from the Ethers- a place from which all things manifest.
With technological advance came ignorance, a contributing factor to their downfall. It didn’t matter that the Genapians held Ma’at to the highest degree. Her virtues: truth, justice, righteousness, balance, order, reciprocity and harmony enabled her to maintain the universe, cosmos and society. As centuries passed, few people practised her teachings, instead, relinquishing her code and turning away from spirituality and the belief in the afterlife. Their egos clouded their judgement and disrupted the cosmic balance they were supposed to uphold.
Ignorance prevented them from seeing any further than their presumed assumptions about how they were supposed to live. Anything that contradicted their mindset was immediately avoided and regarded as a conspiracy.
Enlightenment will only come when one has the strength and courage to lift the veil of ignorance, and sometimes that happens when challenges are met head-on. These challenges will test one’s character; the weak will remain as they were or worse; the strong will rise above and attain what is rightfully their birth right.
Truth above all is the key to unlocking the essence of one’s Divine nature. It is time to remember who you are.
“The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it.”
- Abraham Lincoln
1
Kimarr
{Calista}
Fight or flight?
The former has always been encouraged, but right now the latter was a must.
The strangers came out of nowhere gathering around me like a pack of hungry wolves, practically materialising out of thin air. For miles, there was nothing but arid land. The Earth screamed for nutrients as a web of cracks sprouted like alfalfa across its fragile skin. Steep hills with the occasional eyesore of crumbling huts were visible through naked trees, their fruit lost within death’s phantom. A sight for weak eyes. The Sixth Dynasty’s palace still bore the scars of the war. After all these years it is the only reminder of what was and what could have been. The Kingdom’s walls still remained, pockmarked, with straws of roots weaving through its crevice. The once elegant palace tilted beneath engraved, crumbling pillars. Even the statue of the Dynastic emblem of a Lion’s head with a Cobra wrapped in its hair had fallen from its place with Ma’at. All that remained was the golden staff with the Red Sunstone and half of Maat
’s wing with one leg folded underneath her.
With every step I took, my breath hung like fog in the air.
This was the first sign nothing was as it appeared. The second was the gravitational shift. A ghost-like blizzard of energy danced across the land with a seeming content, I so gravely lacked. Rocks floated off the ground, stirred by a high-pitched frequency that was deafening to the ear and rendered my senses numb. Cupping my ears did not dull the sound. The frequency entrapped me in a spell I could not break. But I stood my ground. It would take a lot more to send me scurrying back to Aelburn.
Defiant, I proceeded.
From the moment I crossed the border, my bare feet wading through the River Elin to set foot on the deserted Kimarr, a vague feeling of unease haunted me. My ankle beads rattled amplifying my concerns. Despite the stories about the Sixth Dynasty’s disappearance after the Civil War, it felt surreal to be here; strange energy hinted at life here. Anyone setting foot on Kimarr within a decade would have thought it too; an overwhelming feeling of pure Ka, energy and spirit, infused with pain and misery. It burnt my tongue- a metallic taste staining my saliva, twisting my insides into fists. It took a lot not to vomit on the very ground where death had marked its territory. It was at this moment, peculiarity overwhelming me, that I knew I was not alone.
*
When they come, the sky opens bearing its soul. I crouch into my defence position with my Jasper-hilt sword at the ready. The beating rain disturbs the eerie silence. I feel like I am treading in no-man’s land and at any minute someone will open fire. Being entirely exposed my chances of survival would be slim. At a distance, I watch them approach me as I shift from one foot to the other. A sudden wind quickly slaps my face, creating a stinging sensation in my eyes. My shoulder-length plaits with small silver beads whip into my face every so often adding to the pain I have to endure while keeping my gaze on the unknown. Through the mist of the downpour- red lightning strikes the sky, illuminating it with its rumbles. The thumping motion of my heart urges me to turn back, evading the oncoming group as I fail my assignment.
Fear is an illusion; it is not real.
I try to put my mind at ease, finding reassurance in my father’s words.
Their weapons are strapped to their backs- ranging from the basics of axes and spears to whips and knives. Not far behind, a panther creeps. Its black coat shimmers with the Blue Star’s reflection in its eyes. Water drips from its whiskers, its paws splashing lightly in the mini sinkholes behind its master. They are all male with a skin tone unlike any other. I know there are different shades of black, but theirs is foreign and strange, almost as if they are people of the ice rather than the Sun. Their excessively pale skin has a red tint to it, if not for this I would have thought they were bloodless. It isn’t until they bare their teeth, in I guess an attempt at a smile that I realise how abhorrent they are. The shape and size of their teeth, which look incredibly sharp makes them look more animalistic than human. If not for their broad nose and thick lips, I would have thought they were an entirely different species.
About eight of them, stand tall, with unkempt hair that defies gravity. Their loincloths decorated with mini black beads accentuate their muscular figure.
“You’re trespassing,” the one standing across from me said, his hoarse voice carrying with the wind and the cacophony of the rain. His bloodshot eyes watches me like a lion does its prey, assessing my whole physique. Under his gaze, I feel utterly naked. His eyes skim across my two beauty spots that nestle, almost sheltering, beneath my full lips. High cheekbones like mine are considered attractive. He shows his appreciation with a flick of his tongue. My sun-kissed complexion contrasts his own. He finds me captivating. It isn’t just my body, the way my claw-choker neck jumpsuit accentuates my figure but I have always known the energy surrounding me is alluring. He breathes in my energy as if it would invigorate his life; his mind being transported to a place where he met his true love. From the images that resurface in his thoughts, he can see why they call me exceptional. At first he is surprised I have made the trip, but in all honesty, he shouldn’t have been. The way they have planned things, there will be nothing short of a hundred percent success rate. He just hopes I will make this encounter quick to avoid delaying what is to come.
When he rolls his neck, my eyes trace a long scar running from his chin to the base of his throat. My eyes shift to his companions; each hold the same mark as if they are clones. My jaw slackens. He does not bear the mark of the Eye of Horus, yet he so easily conjures multiple reflections of himself. He is intriguing to the eye- beauty drips from him like a waterfall off rocks. Maybe not so long ago he held more of a likeness to the original black man, instead of the diluted version in front of me.
“If you could just let me pass, then I’ll be on my way.” I shift the slender blade to my right hand. Doubt calls to me, willing me to see the mistake I have made in switching father’s assignments. Surely, my original one was better suited for me.
“You are a long way from home,” he said in a sing-song voice that mocks my precarious situation. Then he holds out his hand, tasting the rain as it speaks to him. Or maybe he is trying to bridge the energy gap between us. His panther prowls closer to his side, shimmering like an unstable portal. “This was no accident -” he pauses, then says “- intentional.” Sweat slithers down my back with every word slipping from his mouth. I become more nervous with the darkening of the sky, no matter how hard I try to still my mind. Then comes the hammer blow…
“We have been expecting you.”
I detect relief in his voice that he has to search for me no longer. My mind goes on a rampage. Is this a trap? Did father know all along? Is this bait to teach me a lesson…to get rid of me?
His sinister look indicates the confrontation is over.
The panther growls and fuses with its master. In a blur, I cut the guy to my right creating a way out. He disperses, and I rush to a nearby lake. Gravity’s pull weakens. I find myself taking long leaps, my balance becoming slightly off as gravity works against me. Hot on my tail the remaining seven slice at the air. The sharp cutting sound urges me to pick up the pace. In my peripheral, I see four of them split into two on either side running ahead of me. I am familiar with this tactic and know I have to think fast. I activate my Eye of Horus; it flashes gold as I call upon a portal. I dive into the Lake expecting to slip through it, but I’m shocked to find my leg scratch against a sharp rock. How strange! The water licks at my wound; my vision blurs. My head becomes light. Shaking it only adds to the drunken feeling. My heart thumps in my ear; my mouth dries, I see his figure loom over me.
In a rush, the seven become one. The image of his panther occasionally pushes through the barrier of his flesh. His lips distort into a smirk. I blink rapidly, unable to rid myself of his ripple-like reflection. “S-stay back!” My voice echoes. I throw my hands in the air ready to attack. My Blue Flame roars to life, its marks gradually wrapping its tentacles around my fingers. The water sloshes at my thighs. Cramps start to form. All my hard training for moments like these quickly slip from my mind. If father could see me…
I become docile.
“Ssh-” he crouches “- it will soon be over.” And I believe him regardless of my Blue Flame vibrating at my fingertips. I have walked into his trap. The Lake Myopia is known for its psychedelic properties, and unwittingly I have more than stumbled into it. “What do you want from me?” I slur feeling the current of the water grow stronger, my body weakening. In the Lake, my reflection wavers. Maybe I should have listened, rather than allow my rebel nature to control me.
He jumps into the water and scrapes me up just before I collapse. A spark ignites between us as we make physical contact. For a second, I forget whose embrace I am in, as I stare into his brown eyes. A man with a weight similar to my own, a depth to his soul that confirms he means no harm. He has an obligation to his people; he must perform like everyone else. Protect life. Empower and awaken the blind. Just as quickly as the sp
ark had crackled, it disappeared, leaving me void of emotion. Our connection lost. The darkness around us draws near.
“You will soon find out.”
My blade slips from my hands into the lake. Light passes through it just before new territory claims it as its own amongst two-toned rocks. The sky with quick succession closes back up and the red lightning strikes once more, taking me with it.
“Excuse me here’s your nose I found it in my business.”
2
Earth
{Dakarai}
The moment I step beyond the veil, Khari by my side, I have a feeling something is wrong, but I just can’t place my finger on it. It prickles tears in my eyes as autumn’s breeze fiercely welcomes us. Orange-red leaves scurry to the far corners of the pavements ahead. Graffiti mauls the withered walls in front of us. Paint dripping with monstrosity rather than beauty. The only street light at the end of the alleyway flickers, shadows dancing through its hands. A full moon floats across the sky. The portal we arrived through shimmers out of sight with the now invisible veil. We roll down our sleeves covering our Eye of Horus and swiftly flip our hoods over our head. I make sure to quickly alter my appearance, so I look much older than I actually am, Unlike Khari, I have still got a baby face not to mention I’ve just transitioned from teenagerhood to adulthood. Khari rubs his hands together blowing into them like a technician does his laptop after it has gathered a considerable amount of dust through its fan. It seems we hadn’t prepared adequately for this drastic change in weather. Of course, we know Earth’s temperatures are a lot more moderate in comparison to Genapa.
A few passengers walk by, their hands thrust deep into their jogger pockets searching for any bit of warmth that could soothe their tired muscles.
As we exit the alley onto Rushey Green road, a strong scent of tobacco and weed drifts towards us. Instinctively, I bury my nose in my hoodie almost coughing from its thick cloud as it overtakes the air. A gang of boys with their belts below their waist and hats that shield their stoned eyes nod in our direction. We return the gesture and settle into our cover with ease. They cross the road and disappear under the statue of the big black cat. Men and women, smartly dressed, pour into the Broadway theatre - excitement in their voices as they laugh and chatter. Some cars zoom by over the speed limit, trying to beat the traffic light before it changes to red.
The Masterpiece (The shadow I cast Book 1) Page 1