Chapter 6

  *Eric y in his room, trying to get some rest, but unable to sleep. Repying his life over in his mind. Looking for answers to his many questions. A knock at the door. *

  Ahmadou: May I come in?

  Eric: Yeah, sure.

  Ahmadou: I wanted to see how you were holding up. I know you’ve been through a lot and it must be very confusing.

  Eric: To say the least.

  Ahmadou: Well, ask me anything, what do you want to know?

  *Eric pauses for a brief moment. He already knows exactly what he wants to know most of all. *

  Eric: Who my real parents are, are they still alive?

  Ahmadou: Sadly, they are not. Your father was the leader of one of the only tribes consisting of Baka in Southern Cameroon, his name was Michel. A highly respected man, and powerful. Not much is really known of where he came from. We may find those who know more, but common knowledge is he joined the tribe in his early adult years, and won the heart of your mother, Aissatou, the daughter of the King of the tribe at the time. He was not an official Fon/king, since most believe the Baka are indigenous. The people of the forest they are known as, some even believe they can transform into animals, or various other things.

  However, over time with the changing of the political ndscapes, some of the more educated Baka felt a need to start a tribe or kingdom of their own, and your grandfather was the original, not much is known of him either. It is believed too, that he came from another tribe but not of the Baka people, since they do not really believe in having leaders, mainly hunter gatherers. Much like the current guardians, they recruited some of the best of the Baka. From there they allowed whoever wished to be more educated and trained in current matters into the tribe. They held a good retion with the Baka people and would trade and assist them as needed. They also kept many of their traditions, especially those involving the spirit of the forest Jengi.

  Well, Michel had to prove he was worthy of Aissatou’s hand, for marriage is often used in a contract between families, which the current king had hoped to use to become more established as a tribe, since they were not currently recognized in the political ndscape. Your father was a mystery to the tribe, no sort of story to speak of. Almost as if he had amnesia, he did not know or wish to share where he had come from. Driven by great desire, passion, or something else, he proved his worth. In fact, he quickly became one of the most loved and respected people in the tribe. His deeds were monumental in the great success of the tribe, at the time.

  You see they were pushing for equal rights for the Baka. Since they are not considered equal to the Bantu tribes. They were making great headway in equal rights, but I’ll say more about that in a moment.

  *Eric sat quietly hanging on every word. He had longed his entire life to know his parents. He could feel a great sadness welling deep inside. His eyes watering, and his throat tightening. He couldn’t speak if he wanted to. *

  Ahmadou: Aissatou’s brothers were of course very jealous of Michel. She had 3 brothers at the time, and they were a disappointment to the King. They did nothing but use their influences to fool around with women of their choosing, and accomplished very little. They had pnned to kill Michel, but they were not prepared to face a man of his power, and he overwhelmed them easily, killing the three. Michel was apprehended and taken before the King, but there were witnesses to the event or events, I’m not entirely sure all that had occurred. The King spared Michel in an agreement that he take his daughter’s hand and become the King to be, for he had just lost 3 potential heirs. After Michel had agreed, a great ritual took pce, 3 long nights of dancing took pce, three deaths, three nights were required to pray to the spirit Jengi.

  Afterwards, the people left the location and moved somewhere else. Believing that the pce had been cursed. During the move, the king had disappeared, never to be seen again. You see death is considered a great misfortune to the Baka people, and 3 violent deaths required something from the king. We have sent people to investigate the old tribe site but that was years ago, we only attempted twice. Each man returned in a fugue state, rambling the same thing over and over.

  “The cursed king protects this nd, leave now or be consumed. The beast walks in the day and prowls at night. Once ruler of many, now bound by family, the cursed three and the guardian king.

  Only one, with great power, and blood we know, will find us where the forest glows. For it is his right, and his alone, to devour this curse, and free our souls.”

  It is believed by many that the king was turned into a forest guardian, cursed to ward off those who might enter the cursed nd. Three violent deaths, a curse too strong to escape from, the king’s duty to protect until the curse can be destroyed. Not sure why he would say devour, not even sure how, or why you would devour a curse. Anyway, maybe you’re the one meant to break that curse, but be warned, those two men that went never recovered fully. They lived awhile longer, but their lives were not normal. Night terrors, they would wake up screaming, and crying, inconsoble. That’s when we had created our first mental health ward within the Guardian’s sanctum. They never fully regained themselves. So, we never sent anyone near that pce again. The Baka left in the region seem to know to stay far away from there as well. It’s been like that ever since.

  As to why your parents are not alive. Well, when you were taken, Michel and Aissatou were broken, their pain in losing you was a great one. Their first-born son, taken, right under their noses. Michel and Aissatou together, vowed to find you no matter the cost. However, since they had no way of knowing who took you, they were forced to interrogate whoever they could, and they spared no one. Making enemies of many. The tribe slowly crumbled as they relentlessly searched for you.

  Finally, they crossed a powerful foe and discovered they were the ones behind it all. They attacked with everything they had left, but the Tribe was no match, for they had chipped themselves away over the years of searching. The entire tribe left in ruin. One remained to tell of the tale. Michel had told him about us, how Michel knew of the Guardians, well, we do have a good retionship with the Baka, and most of the Guardians are from there, so it’s no surprise that he knew of us. The man spoke of your existence, and how you were taken. A story much like the foretold prophecy.

  *Tears flowing down Eric’s face. Feeling as if an entire Tribe wiped away because of him. He remained quiet as the tears fell like rain. *

  Ahmadou: The Guardians take a strong stance against violence, but many believed you were worth saving at any cost. A council was held to decide what to do about you. Put to a vote it was determined we would attempt to rescue you using force. For the first time in the Guardians existence, the first and the st time I should say.

  There were great consequences from the rescue attempt and it took time to recover what we had lost. Not in terms of men, for we lost very few men, but more in terms of spirit. A rage welled deep within the hearts of the Guardians for quite some time and was only quelched by the arrival of Mother Agbor. If she had not come, who knows what we would have turned into.

  Violence does not solve problems, it can repce the problem with a new one, but better to have an enemy you know than one who lurks in the dark. Or it creates chaos, that once unleashed, is near impossible to stop its flow. Remember that Eric, for it is of great importance.

  Anyway, you escaped. An incredible story really. Probably for the best. Who knows if the men sent to rescue you might have accidentally killed you had you not. Them not being in their right minds once the battle had begun. We sent men looking for you, but you were long gone. Only rumors of a running bush a day ahead. To think you could outrun us like that as a 12 year old boy. Maybe the powers of the nd run deep within you. We all admired your escape, for a long time. I was around 32 at the time. Even our best men couldn’t track you down.

  Eventually we were able to locate your whereabouts. We’ve been following you for around 20 years now. Coming closer and closer to knowing everything about you. We probably could have approached you long ago, but the memory of that night long ago still pys in our memories, and we didn’t want to scare you away again. At least to the point of you becoming a bush.

  *Eric still crying, gave a slight chuckle. *

  Ahmadou: However, with our enemies becoming aware of your presence, well, we had no choice but to come find you.

  *Eric, beginning to compose himself, remained quiet*

  Ahmadou: As to why people don’t know about this, well. We covered it up as best we could. It’s only rumor now. We were even able to change the story behind the fall of your old Tribe. It’s terrifying what money and power can do. Considering it was a Baka Tribe, who most already ignored anyway, it was not even that difficult to cover up. We only did it to protect you. There are those out there who might want you dead, or to use you for something terrible. Who’s to say if we’ve done the right thing, I believe we have. A heavy burden lies on you, you must know. Many believe you will be the one to save the Baka. To bring to them that which they greatly deserve.

  *Eric wiped away his tears and running nose with a towel that y on his nightstand. *

  Eric: I think that’s about all I can take for right now. I feel exhausted. I think I’ll get some sleep. Please tell the others not to disturb me, I want to be alone for a bit.

  Ahmadou: I understand.

  *And with that Ahmadou left Eric’s room. Eric, slipping under his comforter and curling into a ball, he falls into a deep sleep. *

  *Eric, feeling as if he was just transported, awakens in a room. White tile, walls and columns surround him. He hears a singing in the distance. Sounds he had not heard before. It seemed to be attempting to communicate with him, he could almost understand it if he focused. *

  Woman: Focus your mind!

  *The sound ringing in his mind, his mind deciphering some of the meaning behind the sounds or song, he did not know. Some of it being deciphered for him, or so it felt. He started to walk forward. Almost as if walking through a maze *

  Woman: Up ahead take a right, then after 3 intersections take a left.

  *Eric followed blindly, if only out of pure curiosity. Once he reached the final left turn, the song pyed more directions to follow. *

  Woman: Go past the first intersection, go right, then right again, then two lefts, a right and then a left passing no intersections.

  *Eric followed the directions once again, upon reaching the end, more directions. “How long will this go on,” he wondered. The woman answered, seeming to understand the moment he had the thought *

  Woman: Not much longer, now head straight, do not look back, not even once, just look straight ahead and don’t stop until I say so.

  *Eric began walking, he walked for a good 10 minutes, the white surrounding him suddenly began getting brighter, everything turning blindingly bright, he continued to walk shielding his eyes. He kept walking, everything so bright he had to close his eyes and keep walking straight. Finally, the woman’s song rang in his mind “stop.” The song no longer in his head but right in front of him. He was not sure to open his eyes or not. “Open your eyes, Eric.” Eric opened his eyes, before him stood a tall, slender woman, with the most beautiful vitiligo he had ever seen. As if someone had taken a paint brush, and painted this beautifully dark woman with beautiful shades of light-colored skin tones. The designs it made almost like staring at a well-crafted art piece. One side of the woman’s face bright as the day with an ice-colored blue eye, on the other side dark as night, with a rich and dark colored green eye. Like staring into gcier on one side and evoking the allure of a dark mysterious forest on the other. The woman spoke in her music like words, ringing out, the pitch changing the meaning as she sang her words to Eric. He could not comprehend everything. His mind struggling to understand, it became almost painful, as his effort increased. He felt deep down, he must understand her, he will understand her. *

  Woman: Are…. To…. Understand… saying…focus…. Need…you…understand.

  Eric: Yes, I understand, but it’s very difficult and my mind is not transcribing everything, only some meaning is clear.

  Woman: Yes…trying…clear…thoughts…more…able…understand… I need…something… from… you.

  *Eric groans in agony, his head pounding, he drops to his knees, and begins to shake. *

  Woman: Perhaps… not… ready… send… back… for now.

  *A surge in his mind forced an understanding, as if the woman was making him understand. *

  Woman: You must understand your powers; I will return to you soon. You must awaken your mind, and harness your power. Then, and only then will I tell you who I am, and what you are.

  *A blinding light fshes and Eric is sent back to his room. *

  *Eric awakens, back in his room on the pne. Now 4:56 in the morning. He must have slept a good 2-3 hours. He did not remember exactly when he had fallen asleep. Ears still ringing, and head still pounding he cleared his mind. “Who or what was that?” He thought. “How was I able to understand her song.” As if she had left an imprinted guide in his mind, he knew what he must do. He must harness his power to understand. He felt as if he may be able to understand and speak nguages he did not even know. As if his mind would transcribe the meanings in his mind, and give him the words to speak if needed. Cameroon was a nd of many nguages, maybe he could harness his power there. Unable to sleep, and feeling hungry, he left his room in search of food, and maybe some company. He had already moved on from his deep pain he felt from learning of his parent’s and tribe’s fate. The pain still lingered, but a part of him now.

  He could not change the past. This new world that awaited him, filled him with a surge of excitement. No more running… from himself at least. Why had he suppressed this feeling inside of him for so long. “Maybe timing is everything. Maybe I needed to learn from my journey.” He thought, as he came to the kitchen. Ptes y about with an assortment of food to choose from. The food looked delightful. Breakfast cakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and anything else you could ever want. He made himself a pte, a rge pte of food. He felt his body needed it. Then headed for the dining area. As he was headed to the dining area, he could hear two familiar voices in the gaming room*

  Jack: What the fuck Steve, are you some kind of video game savant. I haven’t won a single game we’ve pyed. Here, have another drink.

  *Jack threw a round Ice cube in a gss, mixing a sugar cube, mineral water, bitters and expensive whiskey in another gss then pouring it over the ice cube he handed it to Steve*

  Steve: ha-ha, okay. I don’t think I could say no to one of these. This is probably the best tasting old fashioned I’ll ever taste.

  Jack: Well, it helps when you have a 400 bottle to mix drinks with. I can’t believe they just let us have this.

  *Eric approached the two. *

  Eric: You both seem to be enjoying yourselves.

  Jack: Yeah, that we are.

  Eric: You mind if I join? I want to talk to the both of you. I think it’s important.

  Steve: Yes, join us. Make him an old-fashioned Jack.

  Jack: A double coming right up, you need to catch up.

  Eric: I don’t…

  Jack: If you wanna join us mate, you got to have at least 1. Are you allergic or something?

  Eric: No, I guess not. Fine! Make me a drink brother.

  Jack: Brother? I like the sound of that, I’ve never had much family. I’ve been an orphan since I was little, and always had trouble making friends, real friends at least.

  *Jack finished the drink and handed it to Eric. *

  Eric: Thank you.

  *Eric taking a sip, as the liquor touched his lips he made a pleased facial expression. *

  Eric: Woah! Now that’s a drink!

  *Eric began to eat his food and enjoy his drink. While doing so he leaned in to speak quietly to the others. *

  Eric: I had a strange dream, although it did not quite feel like a dream. A strange woman, beautiful. Her skin covered in amazing vitiligo patterns. She spoke in song, not words, but sounds. However, I could understand her song. My mind seemed to be deciphering what she was saying. I could not understand everything though. As if my mind was not strong enough. She told me I wasn’t ready, and then I awakened.

  *The two men sat staring at Eric. Steve, wondered if he should tell of his dream as well. He thought better not to, he was not sure what this woman knew. He felt deep down that he must not disobey her. Was it a threat he felt, passionate loyalty? Had she cast a spell on him? He did not know. He just knew he would not betray her, he felt he would not like the consequence. *

  Eric: I can feel my mind opening, almost as if I’m awakening to something. I just wanted to let you guys know. I will tell Jean and Henry another time. Please don’t tell them yet. I would like to tell them myself. I don’t fully trust these guardians either. Everyone seems to have some agenda.

  *All of a sudden, Eric felt a rush of power through him. His mind focused he stared at the two men. Words coming from his mouth seemingly out of his control, his voice deepened, and powerful*

  Eric: SWEAR YOUR FEALTY TO ME! WE MUST STAND TOGETHER! FOR TOGETHER WE WILL ACHIEVE GREATNESS!

  *As if controlled by power the two men took a knee, and bowed their heads*

  Jack: Yes, my king! I swear it!

  Steve: I swear it!

  *The men remained in pce for a minute. The power of the words fading. Eric, released the hold. *

  Jack: Whoa! What was that, Eric?

  Eric: I don’t know… it just happened. I didn’t mean to do that.

  *Steve rubbed his head. *

  Steve: Not that I mind you being our leader, but I’d of at least like to have a choice in the matter. It feels as if I disobey you, I will be punished. Tell me to do something.

  Eric: Okay? Hand me that pillow by you.

  Steve: No! ARGHHHHHHH

  *As if something had taken over his body, he reached for the pillow and handed it to Eric. *

  Steve: FUCK!!! That fucking hurts, Jesus!

  Eric: What happened?

  Steve: My mind felt like it was exploding, and something forced me to do as you said. Man, this shit just keeps getting weirder.

  Eric: Yeah, sorry, I didn’t mean to.

  Jack: It’s cool, you’re our brother, right?

  Eric: Yeah, I guess.

  Jack: Connected now by something deeper than any of us can comprehend.

  Eric: Yeah. I will care for you guys like my own, I feel as if you are my own. The start of a strange family, I guess. King of the Outcasts!

  Steve: I like the sound of that! For the Outcasts!

  Jack: The Outcasts!

  *The men raised their drinks, and cheered. *

  Steve: If you’re going to do that again Eric, maybe give the people a warning, and let them decide if they want to vow their fealty to you. Otherwise, some might feel forced, and I don’t want people to feel forced to be a part of this.

  Eric: Agreed!

  *The men went about pying their games and having drinks. Enjoying the little time they had left on this luxurious pne. *

  *A few hours had passed; Eric could sense they were coming close to his home nd. He could now sense the others on the pne. Some he did not know, just could feel their presence. Jack and Steve’s presence were quite strong, different from the rest, the strong bond putting off a pulse like sensation. “This is strange,” Eric thought. He had had a few drinks, and felt quite tipsy. As he felt the presence of Jean and Henry, his thoughts became clear. He needed to recruit these men before arriving in Cameroon. He would not force them like he did Jack and Steve, but he would convince them that they must. A deep desire welled in him, uncontrolble desire. *

  Eric: I have something to do.

  Jack: Alright mate! See ya around. I think I’m off to bed, I’m buggered.

  Steve: Me too! It was fun Jack see ya.

  *The men all headed off in separate directions. Eric headed straight for Henry, and found him quite quickly since he knew exactly where he was. *

  Eric: Come with me Henry I need to speak to you and Jean.

  Henry: Okay.

  *Eric led Henry to Jean’s room. Knowing he was already awake from his new found ability, Eric knocked. *

  Jean: Come in! Ahh Ereek, How are you zis morning?

  Eric: I’m good, I need to talk to you and Henry about something.

  Jean: Vat iz eet?

  Eric: This may sound strange, but I would like to ask you to swear fealty to me.

  Jean: Haha, Vat for Ereek? Are you to be our King?

  *Jean Laughed heartily. *

  Eric: Exactly! I have this power you see and I can force people to bend the knee. I wanted your permission first though, since I consider you a friend.

  Jean: And vy should I do zis?

  Eric: I don’t know it’s just a feeling I have that’s all.

  Jean: Hmm, eef only out of pure curiosity to see zis power I vil agree to zis.

  Eric: Thank you, Jean. What about you Henry?

  Henry: Yeah, sure, whatever, I don’t care.

  Eric: Thanks, okay stand over there.

  *Eric felt the same rush as he did before*

  Eric: SWEAR YOUR FEALTY TO ME! WE MUST STAND TOGETHER! FOR TOGETHER WE WILL ACHIEVE GREATNESS!

  *The two men kneeled before Eric; heads bowed. *

  Jean: I swear my fealty to you sire!

  Henry: I swear it!

  *Eric released his hold. *

  Jean: Woah! Zat Vas Incroyable!

  Henry: Wow! Cool!

  Eric: You can’t disobey me now. I will not force you to do things, just know if I ask for something by accident, and you refuse, this power will force you to complete the task. We tested it out to see what happens.

  Jean: Ve? Who’s Ve?

  Eric: Jack and Steve. We are a family now, well sort of. The Outcasts. I felt it was a fitting name.

  Jean: No vorries, I like eet… Zee Outcasts huh?

  Henry: Awesome! I always wanted to be an Outcast.

  Eric: Do you even know what that means?

  Henry: I think so.

  Eric: Okay, works for me. Thank you! Both of you. I feel better now. My mind was nagging at me. An uncontrolble force driving me to recruit the two of you. Almost feels like destiny. Anyway, we’ll be in Cameroon soon. Get yourselves some breakfast. The food is wonderful. I need to get a little more sleep, I’m afraid I had too much fun with Jack and Steve, I must of drank 5 or 6 old fashions. We must stick together when we arrive. We will gather intel and find out what’s going on. Try to remember everything so we can discuss this all ter. Henry, do you understand?

  Henry: Yes, I think so.

  Eric: Henry, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND! REMEMBER WHAT YOU HEAR!

  Henry: Yes sire.

  Jean: Woah! Vat vas zat?

  Eric: It is my power, although I don’t have full control over it, it seems. It’s almost as if someone or something just takes the wheel and guides me to do or say these things. It’s very strange… and now, that we are connected, I sense the both of you, more than before. Untapped potential, especially you Jean. Henry has already shown some of what he can do, but you, everything is a mystery, but I sense something great in you. Same with Steve and Jack from earlier.

  Jean: What do you mean.

  Eric: It’s hard to expin, but I think you 4 are special. To me you are already special, but I mean I think you all have gifts… and you don’t even realize it.

  *Jean began ughing uncontrolbly. *

  Jean: You think being a narcissist is a gift! Hahahaha. Too funny!

  Eric: YOU WILL FIND YOUR POWER JEAN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!

  Jean: Yes, my king!

  *Jean’s head bowed. *

  Jean: Damnit Eric, I thought you said you wouldn’t do that.

  Eric: I didn’t mean to Jean, I swear, it just does it. Now go eat something, I’m going to bed. This power has drained me I think, I’m becoming quite agitated for some reason. I must rest.

  *As Eric rushed off the two headed for breakfast, not wishing to find out about disobeying something they were told from their new leader. They couldn’t be mad though, they agreed to this. Jean could tell Eric was powerful. His ability seemed extremely powerful. He also felt somewhat excited. He had said he was special. Maybe it was the command he was given, or his own desire, but he very much wanted to find out more about himself. Something really bothered him about being forced to do so though. *

  *The flight continued on. The men now joined together, awaiting their destination. *