*As Jean finished up his breakfast, he tells Henry he will see him ter. Wanting deeply to ignore instruction he was given by Eric, but each time he would try his bones would begin to ache, each time worse than the st. His normal impulse to steal almost in overdrive. It was not the normal feeling he would get when he would go browsing through stores. This was different. Objects around him began giving off a faint pulse like sensation, an aura. He knew, something Eric had done must have awoken something within. As he would grab items, he could understand them beyond any reasonable expnation. He picked up a half empty bottle of whiskey left in the gaming room and took a swig. The taste was quite wonderful, and smooth. He could pick out each individual fvor, and his mind comprehending the very making of the liquor. *

  (Jean speaking will now be written out normally, but his accent still remains)

  Jean: No wonder its 400 a bottle, that is quite the process just for some whiskey

  *He moved on through the pne, grabbing various things, and understanding them on a deeper level than he could have ever imagined. He came across a book shelf, full of old books. Some pulsating a bit more than the others, he touched them. Almost simultaneously, his mind comprehended the very fabric of each book. The entire meaning of what the author intended. *

  Jean: Well, that’s no fun. What am I supposed to read now. This power is ridiculous!

  In the middle of the book shelf, a safe, with a fingerprint reader on the front. From within a strong pulse. He touched the safe, and it too revealed itself. Almost as if the very atoms of the safe were syncing up with Jean. “For science,” he thought, and pced his middle finger on the finger print reader. The safe opened. “Well, well, well,” he thought.

  He opened the safe. Inside a book. Bound in a dark, thick, scaley leather, with gold etchings and a metal buckle holding the strap closed. He grabbed the book. His mind opened wide; he was frozen for a time. The knowledge almost over powering him. “This is a spell book,” he thought. Visions of different spells pying in his mind. How to cast them, what they’re useful for, when to use them, when not to use them… Everything imprinting on his mind and becoming one with him. As each spell imprinted on him, the book began to crumble and disappear into thin air. Others began to take notice, and were seen scurrying about. They did not seem pleased, or so that’s what Jean could gather while he remained frozen. He could see Ahmadou running over to him.

  Ahmadou: What have you done?

  *Jean, unable to speak, stared at Ahmadou out of the corner of his eye. One of the men said to Ahmadou, “We must stop him before the entire book is destroyed. *

  Ahmadou: It is too te; the book already recognizes him as the owner. He is a thief; he has stolen that which was not his to take. Ancient knowledge lost, to the likes of him.

  Ahmadou scowled at Jean for the remainder of Jean’s episode. As Jean regained control of his body, the book entirely consumed. He instinctively cast a spell. Ahmadou took a fighting stance and the others surrounded Jean, prepared to fight. However, as they watched, they realized it was not a spell meant for destruction, but creation. A book began to take form, an exact replica of what Jean had just consumed. He handed the book to Ahmadou.

  Ahmadou: What? How am I supposed to know this is accurate?

  Jean: It’s 100% accurate. I know everything about that magical tome now, it’s imprinted on my mind. I could blow this whole pne out of the sky, with the snap of my fingers and float to the ground, like a feather, if I wanted to. Seeing as I stole from you, by accident.

  Ahmadou: By accident, you think I’m a fool.

  Jean: I was told to, by my King!

  Ahmadou: Your king? What are you talking about. This is nonsense!

  Jean: ERIC IS MY KING! YOU WANT ANSWERS TALK TO HIM! NOW LET ME FINISH!

  Ahmadou perplexed by this odd notion, nodded his head in agreement

  Jean: I accidentally consumed your magical tome; I merely touched it. The safe here, unlocked for me, with my finger print. I was testing my powers, because my King told me I had to discover them. I wanted to break free from them, but he urged me not to. The doctor mocked me in that facility. He said I was a narcissist, and that people would hate me. YOU KNOW HOW THAT MADE ME FEEL?

  *Jean wiped away his tears, not even trying to fight them back*

  Jean: But Eric, he said I was special. No one has ever said that to me. Everyone runs from me, or ghosts me. My love life is non-existent. Friends all left and blocked me. I’m a fucking loser nobody. But Eric, he wanted me by his side. How could I refuse. Sure, I hate that he has power over me, but my need for acceptance is far beyond that feeling of hate.

  Ahmadou: What do you mean power over you.

  Jean feeling as he may have said too much, back tracks some.

  Jean: He’s our appointed leader of the group. He said we should all stick together and he feels he’s best suited to be our leader. I don’t disagree.

  Ahmadou, not quite believing the expnation, decides to just let it slide for the time being.

  Jean: That replica in your hands, is not worth a fraction of the tome though. I understand that. I owe you a debt. If it’s within reason I will repay you however you wish.

  Ahmadou: You will not be repaying me… Mother Agbor will be the one to receive payment. You’re lucky she is a very kind and understanding woman. Now go to your quarters and stay there. Don’t touch anything else or we’re going to have a problem.

  *Jean, loathing being told what to do, forced himself to comply. Without a word, he walked back to his room. Smming the door behind him. *

  *Eric y in his room, exhausted but unable to sleep. The presence of the 4 men constant in his mind. He could feel their emotions. *

  Eric: HOW DO I TURN THIS SHIT OFF!

  *Eric grabbed his head and thrashed about in his bed. The mental discomfort from all the different emotions rushing through him. It wasn’t from Jack, not much came from there, or Steve, he could sense they were fast asleep. It wasn’t from Henry, there was emotion there, but it was very simple emotion, nothing too complex. Jean though, he could feel the complexities of his emotions. Mostly excitement, purpose. He sensed that Jean was doing as he had been told. It went on like this for a time. Then out of nowhere a rush of complex emotions. So strong they were causing a great discomfort within Eric. He reached out to locate Jean on the pne, he could see where he was and he was surrounded by men. “What’s going on?” He thought. Eric decided to find out, he stood up and headed toward Jean. Jean was now moving towards his room, and as Eric was approaching, he heard Jean open and sm the door. He went to the door and knocked. *

  Jean: What?

  *Eric opened the door*

  Eric: May I come in?

  Jean: Oh, it’s you, sorry.

  *Eric walked slowly into the room, focusing on Jean, and Jean alone*

  Eric: It’s okay, what’s wrong. I could tell you were going through a lot. I could sense you doing your task.

  Jean: YEAH! WELL, YOU FORCED ME!

  Eric: I know, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you any harm.

  Jean: You didn’t, ugh! I’m just pissed. I hate being told what to do. I can’t fucking stand it!

  Eric: Okay, I’ll try to remember that… Did you find anything out?

  Jean: Did I? Ohh, did I?

  *Jean nervously ughed, tears forming as he rambled on*

  Jean: Well, for starters I can understand objects I touch. After you made me discover my powers, I instinctively started searching for them. They give off an aura, and send pulses at me. The stronger the item, the stronger the aura. I was able to open a safe somehow, like the atoms in the safe recognized me, I was then able to use my fingerprint to open the lock. Inside there was a magical tome, I just touched it and it consumed the book. Ahmadou was not pleased, and sent me back to my room. Said I will have to speak with Mother Agbor. Oh, and I let it slip that you’re my king, I don’t know why I said so much. I tried to back track but I don’t think Ahmadou bought it.

  *Eric pondered over what Jean was saying. Before everything that happened, something like this would probably make Eric ugh, or question the person’s sanity. With everything that had already occurred though, it felt different. Almost instinctively he tapped into his unknown powers and reached out to Jean. As he focused, the words he needed to say to Jean came to his mind. *

  Eric: I knew you were special Jean. Forget Ahmadou and mother Agbor. I will make them bend the knee if they hurt you. This is incredible, you are incredible. You must control your emotions. You have friends now, a family. I know it may seem strange, we all only just met, but we were destined to be together. I will take responsibility for this. Who cares if they know I am your King. You and the other 3 will be my Royal Council. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I’ve spent my whole life running, shunned by society. I, we, will make a new society. One where people like us are accepted. Those in need are fed, clothed and sheltered. I will stand at the forefront, encouraging the weak to stand up, and become strong. Pushing the strong to protect the weak, so the weak may flourish. Like a Garden, yes, and we shall call it The King’s Garden.

  *Jean sat staring at Eric. The tears drying from his eyes. As if a weight had been lifted. His emotions calm, his mind clear. He knew deep down; he desired what Eric was speaking of. A position of power, to help others, to be recognized as something more than just a petty thief, or narcissist. He could tell Eric meant every word. He could not quite grasp how they would accomplish such an astounding feat, but he knew deep down, every fiber of his being desired this above all. Jean cleared his throat*

  Jean: That sounds… amazing really. How do you pn to do all that?

  Eric: Does it matter? Can’t you feel it, Jean? Something telling you that it should just be? I don’t know how, I can’t even fully expin why… but we will do this, I swear it. Or, I will die trying.

  *Eric paused for a moment, looking deeply into Jean’s eyes*

  Eric: I can tell you’re already feeling better. Good! Remember, control your emotions. You have a purpose now, I need you.

  Jean: I need you too, Eric.

  *Instinctively Jean embraced Eric in a deep hug, crying into his shoulder. Releasing all his pain he had been holding onto. Eric, stayed quiet, letting Jean do what he needed. As Jean finished, he sat back on his bed. *

  Jean: Thanks Eric. I’m ready now.

  Eric: Good.

  *Eric nodded to Jean, and left the room. Leaving Jean to himself. No orders to be given. Eric, felt a deeper connection with Jean now. He wondered, “was this my powers doing? Or was that friendship?” Not knowing much about either, he couldn’t tell. His mind settling on it being a friendship. Something so raw, and powerful could not be forced. Could it? Eric headed to his room, able to close his eyes now that the strong emotions from Jean had been relinquished. “Maybe I can get some actual sleep this time,” he thought as he drifted off. *

  *On the other pne Rich and Katrina begin deboarding. Unable to find any answers to their current predicament after long hours of reading. They were both silent. It wasn’t that the information they discovered wasn’t useful. It just did not pertain to what they were looking for. In fact, they didn’t really know what they were looking for to begin with. They made their way off the pn and through the airport in Dou DLA. They made their way to baggage cim and awaited their luggage. As they waited a cloaked man appeared, saying nothing he handed Rich a folded piece of paper and a phone then headed off, disappearing amongst the crowd. Rich unfolded the paper and began to read. *

  Hello Again,

  If you’re reading this, you’re exactly where you need to be right now. I have booked you a room at a local hotel, K Hotel Dou, it’s under the name Rex, I know them there, they will set you up. You are to wait there until further notice. Stay in your room, do not leave. If you are discovered it will not be good. You may order any room service you wish, but again DO NOT LEAVE THE ROOM!

  Just so you’re not wondering and feeling the need to search for answers, I will eborate. They have either arrived there themselves already, or will be there shortly. They will then make their way to their Sanctum located deep in the Southeastern Rain Forests of Cameroon where many of the indigenous Baka people live. They reside there in secret. Essentially it is their base of operations.

  Once they are far enough ahead, I will send someone to guide you there. I have given you a phone, with the coordinates in case something goes awry. Once you are deep in the forest, I will not be able to contact you though. So, it’s imperative you stick with your guide, or you will be lost.

  If you are captured by them. Do not fight, they are a peaceful people, they will not harm you, unless you harm them. You are to convince Eric to come back with you. I sense you may have difficulty though. This may prove more difficult than I originally predicted. I would like to extend a peace offering. The only thing I require from you is an attempt. I’m quite intrigued by recent events. You see it has been quite boring the st 20 years, just do the best you can, Cousin.

  Sorry I was a little rough, so much pent-up testosterone, I’m sure you can understand, all that rage you had, you must really love that woman. Had you fought me you might have beaten me, good thing you were so easily fooled. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m sure you will see, I am not the worst of them. There is so much you don’t know, but I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough, big boy.

  Ta-ta

  Rex

  *Rich crumpled the paper and was ready to toss it in the trash. *

  Katrina: Don’t, someone might be watching. I feel eyes on me. Let’s just head to the hotel, quickly.

  Rich: I fucking hate that piece of shit.

  Katrina: It’s okay, you should be relieved. Maybe he’s just toying with us. I know that doesn’t really help, but at least he doesn’t want to kill us, right?

  Rich: Whatever, there’s our bags, let’s go.

  *They grabbed their bags and headed out the door, grabbing a ride from a shuttle to K Hotel. As they pulled up, they could see the tall building about 12 stories high. Bck metal lining with gold lettering. The shuttle pulled to the front and let them out. Fancy bck fencing enclosed the property, with lush green tropical ndscaping. *

  Katrina: Fancy, always wanted to go somewhere nice with you instead of just meeting up after work.

  Rich: Yeah, well I guess dreams really do come true, huh?

  *Katrina ughed. She loved this sarcastic side of him. She also loved how serious he was. His darkness frightening, yet hauntingly captivating. Just to be near him, gave her a thrill no other man could. She couldn’t help but have lustful thoughts of rough sex. *

  Katrina: Yeah, I guess so.

  *Katrina wrapped her arms through his right arm and held him tightly. Letting her body communicate her inner desires. She seductively held him close, as they walked through the front doors. They approached the check in counter. While Rich began checking in, she hugged him from behind, rubbing her head into his back. *

  Rich: We’re here to check in, it’s under the name Rex.

  Clerk: Why yes, of course! We have you booked in one of our deluxe rooms. Your stay comes with this complementary basket. You are an esteemed guest, please let us know if there is anything you would like us to bring you.

  *The clerk reached below and pulled up a fine basket with two bottles of fine wine and chocotes. *

  Clerk: Here are your keys, you’re on the top floor, just use your key in the elevator then go to the 12th floor, you’re in room 1207.

  Rich: That’s it? You just give us the room keys no questions asked.

  Clerk: Yes sir, we’ve been instructed to do so. We’ve been expecting your arrival. Rex has been a valued asset to this establishment since the opening. We have not been open long, but he has brought us a lot of business. We hope you will enjoy your stay.

  *As they walked toward the elevator, Katrina locked her arms around Rich’s. *

  Rich: Awfully clingy, are we?

  *He didn’t mind, in fact it felt really nice. Warm in fact. *

  Katrina: I don’t know, am I?

  *As the elevator closed and began to ascend, their eyes locked. Her hand around his waist, other hand reaching towards his face, touching his cheek gracefully, her fingers rubbing his ear lobe. She pressed her soft lips against his, pushing his lips open with the force of her own, and slipping her tongue into his mouth. She kissed him with great passion. Again, letting her body convey her feelings. She wanted him badly, and he could no longer resist the temptation. He grabbed her hand, and pushed it against the back wall of the elevator, grabbing her throat softly with his other hand. Kissing her lips, her ears, her neck… *

  Elevator speaker: 12th floor

  *Katrina ughed, a deep belly ugh. Feeling euphoric from the kiss she ran ahead towards the room, spinning back around to beckon Rich to hurry on. She found the door and seductively pced her back against it. Egging him on with her body, and eyes. As if she was screaming “Take me!” As Rich opened the door he continued kissing her, he could feel her desires, almost see them in his mind. She wanted him to be rough. He threw her on the bed. She giggled. He ripped her shirt off from the front, kissing her breasts as he unfastened her bra. She began taking off hist belt, and unfastening the button of his pants. The pants fell to the floor. Reaching into his boxer briefs, she softly pulled out his dick and whispered in his ear *

  Katrina: I want you to stick your fat cock in me, don’t make me wait any longer

  *He reached down, under her skirt, and pulled off her red ced panties. Throwing them to the side, he pulled her to the edge of the bed. He lifted both her legs, one over each arm and then grabbing her hands for support, he inserted. *

  Katrina: Oh my god, yes! Fuck me!

  *Her wish was his command, he wasted no time, her vagina soaked from extreme arousal, his thrusts deep and hard. She screamed with pleasure. It all felt so good, her mind exploding with chemicals, her whole-body tingling, he was perfect, in that moment everything just right, her mind focused only on the sex. *

  Katrina: That’s it, right there, don’t stop, keep going, I’m gonna… I’m… cumming.

  *Katrina’s breath disappeared, the orgasm took control, her body shaking, her eyes rolled in the back of her head, she gasped for air. *

  Katrina: Oh my god, oh my god!

  *As she began to cum, Rich, being aroused at her orgasm, also began to climax. *

  Rich: I’m cumming!

  *He continued to thrust until both had reached the end of their orgasms. He pulled out, cum dripping onto the floor. He picked her up and carried her into the bathroom and started a shower. Feeling to make sure the warmth was good enough. Once it was, he pced her in the shower and joined her. *

  Rich: Let’s wash up, then we’ll order the best food, and watch some stupid tv show, whatever you want.

  Katrina still, somewhat overwhelmed by the long orgasm she just had, became very giddy

  Katrina: Really? You want to watch a show with me?

  Rich: Yeah, I do.

  Katrina: You know… this is nice, isn’t it? It feels more real. Like I could see myself spending the rest of my life with you. I’d like to know how you feel.

  Rich: They’re just feelings, feelings can be fickle.

  Katrina: We’ve been seeing each other over 3 years now, I don’t think my feelings will ever change. I’m not saying I know everything about you, but I like how you treat me. Even when you’re sarcastic, or down right mean to me. Something about it just drives me wild. Most of the time though, you’re understanding, kind, and considerate. The little gifts you always sneak to me at work, tossing a bnket over me when you think I’m sleeping, leaving me breakfast and a pot of coffee with a little note because you’re off to work before I’ve woken up. Behind that gruff exterior you’re just a big teddy bear. Stop running away from it, tell me what you feel.

  Rich: You know how I feel.

  Katrina: No, I don’t! I want you to tell me.

  Rich: Fine! You wanna know how I feel? Don’t bme me ter if my mind changes, or if I hurt you. You still want to know?

  Katrina: Yes, please… tell me.

  Rich: I love you Katrina… you’re the first person I’ve loved in a very long time. I’d forgotten what love even felt like. I’d forgotten what it felt like to actually care about another person, until you came along. It took years, yeah, but thinking back, I think I’ve loved you for quite some time now. I just didn’t want anything to change, I liked the way things were, how they are. I’m not na?ve though, I knew a day would come when it wouldn’t be enough anymore. Trust me I’ve thought countless times about losing you and the thought alone almost breaks me in two.

  * Rich wiped the tears from his eyes, and cleared his nose with a blow, letting the shower rinse it all away. Katrina frozen, staring at him. Such beautiful words to hear, her heart felt as if it was melting. Tears of joy forming in her eyes. *

  Rich: You wanted to know, well, now you know.

  Katrina: I love you too.

  *He brushed her face and gave her one st passionate kiss. They finished their shower, then enjoyed the rest of the night as pnned. Eating fancy food and watching whatever shows Katrina could think of. They cuddled, and ughed, and fell asleep in each other’s arms. *