The Masterpiece (The shadow I cast Book 1)

by Chiemeka Nicely

  “Oh, it’s like that is it?” She said walking away.

  “You want anything to drink?” He disappears into his bedroom.

  “Maybe some water.”

  “Help yourself.” He appears behind me, shirtless. Which one are we talking about here, the kitchen or you? I slap my hand over my mouth realising our mind-link is still open. He kisses my ear. I blush.

  “I’m going to take a shower. You staying here?”

  “Well since you’re offering.”

  “Do you have a change of clothes? You can take a shower after me unless you want to join?” I rock my head from side to side considering his offer. I need to have a clear mind.

  “Maybe another time, but my clothes should be here any minute.”

  The clock strikes 10pm. I decide this wouldn’t be a good time to tell him. “I think it’s best if I tell you tomorrow.” He watches me as I rise out of the sofa. Just as I pass him, I feel his hand slip under my arm.

  “Why are you stalling Cali? I can take it.” I really don’t know if he can. After what happened to his Custodian, Tadaaki, there’s no telling how my news will affect him. More than anything I hope he can understand and his past trauma won’t resurface and take control of him.

  “It’s late.”

  “If you don’t want to tell me then, show me.” He pulls me closer, preparing our foreheads to touch so our third eye could transfer the information.

  “Showing you is worse than telling you. If I tell you now you’re going to have questions…”

  “Naturally,” he scoffs.

  “…and I don’t think I can provide the full details since there is stuff I don’t even know. I mean when I started my assignment I had a clear head, and now everything is fuzzy, I’m losing memory when I’m awake, but then they come back to me as fragments in my dreams.” This is most probably a side effect of me not taking the necessary precaution to get here under short notice while my other half stays in Rimorr.

  “What are you saying, you should have told me about your assignment before I left?”

  “Maybe, maybe not. If I did, we’d probably both be in the same boat.”

  Dakarai releases me and rubs his hands up and down his face. He rotates his neck, before taking my hands in his. “My love, just tell me.”

  The burning desire to tell him chips at my self-restraint. There is never going to be a better time. It’s now or never.

  “I’m dying,” I blurt out before I can stop myself,

  The Kutawala

  “Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability.”

  The Civil War wasn’t the first time Acirfa was invaded. There was another time, millennia ago just when Genapians were beginning to understand technology. It was purely coincidental how the Earthlings stumbled upon their world. They had been researching life on other planets for decades. Their world was dying and they needed a substitute that would be able to cater for their needs. Acirfa was by far the greatest in comparison to the other planets. So, when they invaded Acirfa with all that they had researched, the Genapians were surprised. They knew life elsewhere existed in the universe, but never did they think one group of species would seek to conquer their world. Although there was one, a Seer who had predicted that exact moment; from the time they would arrive to the strategy they would use. No one listened to her, and as a result havoc and chaos reigned. Thousands murdered. The Genapians’ predictability landed them in that predicament. They never contemplated change as progression but encouraged repetitiveness, which they couldn’t see was dangerous. They were ignorant of the change that needed to occur to ensure their existence.

  It was only after the colonisation did some, not all, turn to the Mother Seer for guidance. Others shunned her, for allowing the Deities to enable such monstrosity to enter their mother land. The Mother Seer’s second foretelling wasn’t as detailed as the first but it was enough to empower them to overthrow the Kutawalas. It was only after their oppression did some see the error of their ways.

  In the guise of innocence, a few men built a Clan. Some would stay behind to protect their people from the Kutawalas, while others sought the Red Sunstones, hidden deep in the land by the first men and women of their kind.

  After years of searching they finally found what they were looking for. The Mother Seer instructed them on how to proceed with the ritual. When the Kutawalas found out what they were up to it was already too late. Everything was already set in motion. Six elders of the Clan stepped forth to wield the Red Sunstone, each piece embedded in six golden staffs to protect Acirfa, as well as build a legacy. When the ritual was complete, the Blue Star shone the brightest it had ever as it poured its energy into the six leaders who became the first in the chain of Dynasty rulers. This is where the Blue Flame first became unlocked in their DNA. They unified and banished the Kutawalas from their home while they created an impenetrable shield that would be protected by six gateways by members of their Clan, which they named the first line of Supreme Warriors.

  They performed another ritual to identify any Genapian that joined their ranks. The Eye of Horus was branded into their forearm as a symbol of protection and regal power. Later on, they developed it with technology to heighten their abilities.

  Their foundation became rooted in order and structure. The Kutawalas inspired them to develop their mind and advance their technology as well as to never underestimate other beings in the universe. Till this day, technology has a greater hold over the Genapians than spirituality. To some extent the first Kutawalas are to blame, but if they really wanted to, they would find their way back. Even with the Kutawalas banished, their mentality still lingered. This affected how the Dynasty’s functioned. They looked to perfect everything, even though they knew it to be a superficial ideology. A simulation unable of being attained. As the First Dynasty became perfectionists, the Sixth Dynasty slowly returned back to spirituality. This created discord and soon after the First Dynasty cast them out of the collective. The rawness of their art was something they could no longer comprehend apart from a selective few who kept their attraction to it a secret: Empress Nubia and Queen Jendayi, Dakarai’s mother. The use of paint being smeared across their faces in intricate designs for rituals, such as contacting the ancestors and Deities, were looked upon as evil, something to be feared and not tampered with for fear of what the unknown could bring. The truth. More death.

  The Civil War took those that knew of the First invasion by surprise, because they knew there was no way the Kutawala and his Albinos could have entered without first being let in. The Genapians advancements had far superseded Earth’s technology, especially since they had an advantage with the Blue Star. While everyone else remained predictable giving the Kutawala the power to easily destroy them, the First Dynasty were only able to survive because they thought outside of the box. They broke the chain of unification and went solo.

  Now the Prince and Tamari have learned from their ancestors’ mistakes and are willing to do whatever is necessary to rid their land of their plague. The Genapians are evolved huemans, the Kutawalas shouldn’t have stood a chance against the Genapians, and for this, the Prince is aware of the steps he must take to reclaim his home. The Kutawala’s nature as barbaric as it seems doesn’t take away from his intelligence. He is willing to do whatever means necessary to maintain his position in power. His belief in his superiority largely creates discord amongst the people he has oppressed. The Genapians may realise their potential but as long as their minds are held captive their power diminishes. What was worse than being slaves physically was being locked in their own minds oblivious to the tools that could set them free. The Prince and Tamari understand this, which is why it means so much to them Calista sets the bar. Provides the example of the Neter that resides within and no matter how much of their people the Kutawala murders their inner strength will remain.

  “To survive a nation of sheep ruled by wolves owned by pigs you must become a lion.”

  16

/>   The struggle

  {Calista}

  After my split with my half, I rush to my cell in a somewhat unconscious state. I can hear sounds, but I can’t see anything, blinded by my desire to escape and afraid of a possible half-truth. I cannot bear to stomach the possibility that the Prince is right. This meaning I must step into the dark to put my confusion to rest and accept the change. Am I ready for this?

  A lump form in my throat as I watch the empty cell across from me. Her presence still lingers, her energy still suffocates me, I still remember her nails scratching against the bars. Tamika had left an imprint not even I can shake. A life for a prison; a life, for an eternal stain on my hands. And soul?

  For days I have been unable to sleep. But when I close my eyes I feel myself drifting, my body relaxes and sleep finally reaches me. Instead of entering the dream dimension my connection is cut off. The Prince enters my mind. I am too tired to stop him, and in some twisted way, I want to hear what he has to say. I want to learn more about this world and his experiences.

  Allow me to show you what we have been through since the Kutawala enslaved us..

  *

  My feet brush against the brown grass. The dry soil itching between my toes. Above, the sun is covered with a green gas that overtakes the sky, polluting the clouds with its toxicity. The Prince stands beside me guiding his memory. Before us, his mother tends to her people’s wounds. She is a true beauty. Her hair is her crown, thick locks with ancient jewellery dangling. These are ankhs, Ma’at, Nefertiti’s head and small crystal beads. Her hair graces her back and falls in curls near enough touching her ankles. She’s wearing a floor-length red dress that accentuates her curvaceous figure. Diamante patterns her V-cut neckline and the arms of her full sleeves. A belt is fitted around her waist with the Dynastic emblem glistening in gold. I’m in awe of her regal beauty and the pure energy that rolls off her in waves. I feel at ease, I feel empowered, and I haven’t even met her. Her smile stretches across her full lips, her bright eyes crinkling ever so slightly. Even at a time like this – of great evil, she still finds the strength to be the light. Her bare feet pads from body to body, giving them clean water and dressing their wounds with some type of oil she carried in her satchel. Her hand glows with blue energy as she heals their broken bones, scratches and bruises. Her people thank her as they cuddle together for warmth.

  Then the peaceful energy changes. The Kutawala and his Albinos advance with their magic, which rushes out of their pores. They grab the children, girls, in particular, plucking them out of their family’s embrace. Tamari rushes after them. He could not allow them to do this again. His panther roars to life, and just as it is about to detach itself from his skin, the Kutawala entraps him in a spell. His green magic whipping out like tentacles from his fingertips. It pushes against Tamari. His panther roars. It is unable to break free as the magic creates a barrier around its master. The blood drains from his face, his skin seems to strip as his dark pigment begins to transition to look like them. His people stare frightened. The Prince rushes forward his third eye glowing a deep purple. The Queen catches his arm and pulls him back. He wriggles in her embrace, her warm hands cupping his neck and back. Tamari gasps as his panther seem to disappear inside him. He lets out a whimper as he is rendered helpless.

  You cannot do this. The Prince shouts in the Kutawala’s head.

  The Kutawala laughs. I can do whatever I want because you allow it and I own you. Now if you know what’s good for you, you will keep your mouth shut. His words are like poison, the Prince falls to his knees, overwhelmed. The Kutawala is right. They surrendered. The King bent the knee. He gave up his power. The Queen tends to her people, but it’s not enough when every day the Kutawala come to take them away. But today was unlike any other day. Defiantly, the Queen walks forward.

  “If you want my people you are going to have to go through me.”

  Tamari grunts, “no”, jaw clenched as he still fights the magic. Her people gasp, they dispute her decision.

  “Anyone else feeling rebellious today?” The Kutawala widens his arms welcoming them. One by one the elderly rise, and then the children. If the Queen is willing to put her life on the line for them, they will do the same. They beat their chests with their fists and mutter a prayer for their Queen. May Oya bless her with strength. The Kutawala snarls. The beating sounds deeply disturbs him, its rhythm is off putting to his chaotic nature. On impulse he forces his magic to wrap itself around her neck. She doesn’t cry out, nor make a move. The magic fleshes from her neck and scorches her dress. She fights back, pushing her energy forth. It surrounds her in a heavenly light. Like a virus the magic eats at her, marking her skin. With every piece of cloth that fell from her body a scar formed.

  “For every mark, you become a reminder of what will happen if you disobey.”

  “So be it. You may have our physical form, but in time you will realise you picked the wrong civilisation to interfere with.”

  “Oh, we picked perfectly, in fact, we were welcomed.” His magic slips around her hair. She clenches her fists, her rings cutting deep. The Prince cries out. He soaks up her pain. Like water crawling on to sand, the magic slowly burns at her hair. Her chest tightens but still she stands. Within minutes it has shortened her hair to her waist. The chanting and chest-beating gets louder. Her energy forces the magic away from her. The rest of her dress falls from her body. She stands naked and strong.

  “You cannot break us.”

  “In time I’ll do more than break all of your kind.”

  *

  The memory fades and we are transported to the stars. The darkness wraps us in its embrace as we dangle above Acirfa.

  “That didn’t seem so bad. I witnessed strength. Your mother and her people stood united.”

  “That was only the begin, you have much to learn.”

  “People don’t like to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.”

  - Friedrich Nietzsche

  17

  Words like a gun

  {Calista}

  The next day I fear how Dakarai would react to my disturbing news. He went to bed and didn’t even say a word. This was unlike him. One moment he was almost begging me to spill the beans and the next, he was silent. He is a mirror. I can usually see his reflection, but its image is distorted. There is no way I can tell what he feels unless I ask. Something I ponder, as I sip my peppermint tea.

  When he finally comes out of his room dressed in all black, I exhale and mentally prepare myself to confront him. He looks at me with tired eyes and barely mutters a good morning. I too respond with a lack of energy. I didn’t know I could feel like this with him. I have never been ashamed to show my true character to him.

  “Were you lying to me?” he says when he finally meets my eyes. His words sting.

  “How can you ask me that?”

  “Because lately you’ve been acting out of the ordinary, doing things your way to suit your own agenda, not realising that you are catching other people on your web.” He spreads his hands on the counter and breathes. I can see the frustration in his eyes. “If what you’re saying is true, how did it happen?”

  “Upon my assignment, I was kidnapped, and now I need your help.” He turns around and puts his cup in the sink.

  “So, what, I’m just supposed to drop everything that I’m doing and rush to help you? Come on Cali, don’t you get tired of always being saved? What happened to be independent and solve your own problems, on your own?”

  My throat dries. “This time its different Dakarai, life or death.”

  “Isn’t that what you always say?” he says, scratching his jaw. “I know we made a pact to always protect each other, but this…this is getting silly now. You got yourself into this situation, you can get yourself out of it.”

  I know he doesn’t mean it. I storm in on his assignment and blurt out that I’m dying but show no signs or evidence. According to him, this might be another trick by this so-called SYS
TEM he is trying to figure out.

  “So, is that it, you’re willing to just let me die? How heartless can you get?”

  “Heartless? You want to talk about heartless!” He shouts, rage flaring in his veins. He closes the gap between us. “Cali not everything is about you! The universe doesn’t revolve around you, and just because you are my woman that doesn’t mean every time you call…I have to come running. Just like you, I have responsibilities.”

  He steps back and takes a deep breath with his eyes closed. “I asked you to tell me what your assignment was before I left, you refused. Now you come to me with this. Why didn’t you trust me in the beginning?”

  “I did I…I just felt you would have prevented me from going if you knew what it was.”

  “By the looks of it, I would have. For good reason. But you didn’t give me the opportunity to even consider it.” Silence stretches between us. Even though he has a point, the problems I face are serious. I don’t how to tackle them– he’s the only one that can help me solve this.”

  “Did you know I got put on suspension? Yesterday I wasn’t even supposed to be in the station. I’m an alleged suspect in a case that is directly linked to Khari and me. I feel like this may be the first assignment I may fail, and now you come to me with this…”

  He walks back towards me and places his hands on my shoulder, his calm restored. I feel his warmth seep through my clothing.

  “Tell me why I should believe you, Cali. The one thing that can prove all of this, you are withholding. If you’re not going to show me, how can I help you?” He claps his hands together in front of his face and breathes in deeply. “If you were really dying, how can you be here right now?” He is right. Stepping through a portal would only speed up the process, and I would look like the life has been sucked out of me. Instead, there is a slight glow to my skin, and I seem far from being on the verge of death.