*As they made their way into the sanctum, they all couldn’t help but be amazed. It was as if an entire ancient temple had been gutted and remodeled from within. From the outside, it had appeared as an abandoned temple, wrapped in vines and jungle pnt life. However, on the inside it looked like a grand 5-star hotel. Marble tiling, statues, water falls, fine art covering the walls. All the door handles, light fixtures, chandeliers, looked luxurious. All the people walking about dressed in simir fashion. Steve whispered to the other four. *

  Steve: Isn’t this kind of strange. Everyone is so attractive, there isn’t a single average looking person here.

  Eric: I don’t know, they probably have a rigid training regime

  Steve: They’re not even all bck, I thought they were mostly people recruited from the Baka tribe, aren’t they an indigenous people here.

  Eric: Not all people in Cameroon are bck, Steve.

  Steve: I didn’t say that, but the Baka people would be, wouldn’t they? Even if that isn’t an issue, just look at their faces. They’re almost all perfect, it’s just odd.

  Eric: No, you’re right, let’s just talk about all this ter, when we’re alone.

  Steve: Okay.

  *Ahmadou approached an elevator, entered a code and pressed the button for the top floor. As they came to the top the elevator door opened, in front of them a rge metal double door with another key pad. Entering another 10-digit code the doors began to slide into the wall, opening up to a rge room. With carved wooden book shelves filled with old books. A dark gray marble tile covered the floor. Art pced extravagantly throughout fine bck leather and dark wood office furniture filled the room, with a rge oak desk against the back wall matching the decor A view of the rain forest seen through a rge gss wall. Behind the desk sat a mature looking woman, distinguished, jet-bck hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her eyes a piercing yellow color, her skin tone porcein, wearing a bck robe with gold stitching, and belt. Before anyone could speak, she introduced herself. *

  Mother Agbor: I am Mother Agbor. As you’re probably surprised by how I look I will eborate. I am not from here. I came during a time of chaos, and helped the guardians recim their identity. Much like the five of you, I have certain powers. Since, I do not know much about the five of you, I only think it’s fair you don’t know everything about me. Maybe, we can get to know each other bit by bit. I will get straight to the point, we have been looking for you Eric, watching and waiting for the right time. Henry, we’ve known about you for quite some time, we’ve been in contact with your parents since you were 15.

  *The men stood, lined up, whether they did it on accident, or some magic they were not sure, but there they stood listening. *

  Mother Agbor: Steve, we saw the footage from the psych facility, we were able to hack in and retrieve it.

  Steve: Aren’t there ws against stuff like that?

  Mother Agbor: Laws? You think we’re concerned with American ws? Just let me finish please, I do not wish to waste any time.

  *Steve nodded, not satisfied with the treatment, but wishing to remain respectful. He was a guest after all. *

  Mother Agbor: The video is quite interesting; I will have to show you some time. At one point you’re able to crawl up the wall like a spider, and even create a web with stuff coming out of your penis, quite strange really. Then you were able to speak to something, and then move about appearing to defy gravity, but I think something was there. What was there Steve?

  *Steve, not trusting this woman, lies. *

  Steve: I don’t remember, I bcked out.

  Mother Agbor: Hmm… Okay. Well at any rate, we think we know what you are anyway. If you wish to know more, you might want to be a little more forthright.

  *Steve again just nodded. Something just felt off about this woman to him. He started to question things in his mind as well. “Ahmadou knows way too much, and he never stops talking. It’s almost as if he’s pnned everything he’s said, and done.” A voice began to whisper in his mind, concentrating hard to listen “Do not trust them Steve, pretend for now, I will visit you in your dreams, tonight.” The whispering stopped. *

  Mother Agbor: Something wrong Steve?

  Steve: No, sorry, I’m listening.

  *Mother Agbor grinned at Steve, sending a shiver down his spine. No one else seemed to notice. She continued speaking. *

  Mother Agbor: As for you Jean, incredible. Ahmadou told me what happened. We have been searching for someone with your power for a very long time. To be clear, we’re not the only ones. Some organizations would kill for a power like that, and I mean literally kill. In fact, there are too many for me to even name. If others were to find out about it, you would be in grave danger, I fear. I promise I’ll protect you.

  *The words seemed empty to Steve, but he could tell Jean was eating it up. “So concerned with being accepted, he’s willing to just overlook her obvious ploy,” Steve thought. As he thought it, a gre from Mother Agbor came his way. “Can she read my fucking mind,” He thought. Again, she smirked at him. He started to sweat; his back completely drenched at this point. A panic, almost setting in, he inhaled deeply, in through his nose and out through his mouth. Gathering his composure he focused, once again. *

  Mother Agbor: Last but not least, Jack. You don’t know much about the history of your family do you Jack? Well, I do. I know exactly where your family comes from. You’re not the first to have such a lustful taste for machines. Your very blood alone worth a fortune to certain kinds.

  Jack: What on earth are you on about?

  Mother Agbor: No need to be so rude Jacky boy. I’m merely offering to show you who you really are. Do you not wish to know?

  *She paused for a moment, but before Jack could give an answer she continued. *

  Mother Agbor: No need to answer, I can already tell. You’re like a little boy, you just want to know who your daddy is.

  Steve: What the fuck is your problem?

  Eric: Steve, stop, now!

  *Again, as if controlled by a spell, Steve bowed his head and apologized. Despite, deep down wanting to punch this bitch in the throat. Ahmadou and Mother Agbor gave each other a quick look, as if to acknowledge recognition of what had just occurred. Jack, felt broken, unable to speak up. The woman demoralizing him so easily. He felt some ray of hope, with Steve standing up for him. What of the rest though? They just stood there listening. Mother Agbor continued on. *

  Mother Agbor. You may not like my tactics. I can be a bit blunt. I do not have time to waste with pleasantries. It may be a hard pill to swallow, but I do offer my guidance. I know things, I am much older than I look. I can help you all cultivate your powers here, all while providing protection. I will give you a few days to decide. Also, we have a grand feast prepared, you’ve come all this way, the least you can do is stay and enjoy it.

  Marco! Come! This is Marco.

  *A man approached*

  Marco: Yes mother!?

  Mother Agbor: This is Marco, he is my long-time assistant. He will show you to your rooms. The party is in 1 hour. He will come and get you when the party begins. Stay in your rooms and get some rest, I wouldn’t want you getting lost before the big party.

  *Marco led the men out of the Mother Agbor’s quarters and down the elevator to the 4th floor. No one seemed to notice, Henry was missing from the group now. They walked quite a way, the sanctum being very rge. *

  Eric: How many people live here Marco?

  Marco: Well, people come and go you see, it is a very rge organization. There are typically between 5 and 10 thousand that stay here. Since your pnned arrival there has been an influx of guests. There may be 20 thousand people here now, all the rooms have filled up to the brim, we’ve even had to bring in cots for some guests to sleep in.

  *Marco continued speaking as they made their way to their rooms. *

  All the middle floors are filled with rooms. The first floor is where the grand auditorium and dining hall are located. On the 2nd floor there is a dance hall, and a pool area, those are the main attractions during a party of course. We typically only have a few parties during the year, so they are usually very big events, and many people come.

  Steve: Why does everyone look so perfect?

  Marco: Oh that, ha-ha. Mother Agbor believes in inner beauty, many guests are required to wear a special ring that Mother Agbor provides them.

  Steve: Inner beauty huh? Seems quite vain to me.

  Marco: Yes, I can see how you might think that. I assure you it is not.

  Steve: Why don’t we have to wear them then?

  Marco scoffed: You think you’re worthy of such a gift?

  *After the remark Marco returned to his normal attitude and continued on. As they reached, Marco handed Eric the cards to their rooms. *

  Marco: Here are your key cards. You 5 will share these two rooms.

  *As Marco turned around, he counted 4 heads behind him. He seemed to become quite perturbed. *

  Marco: Where is the other one, there’s supposed to be 5 of you. Oh, no! Where is he?!

  *The men looked around and noticed Henry was missing. *

  Eric: Oh, that’s just Henry. He gets lost sometimes, he’s kind of a goofball.

  Marco: Lost? I must tell Mother Agbor right away.

  Eric: Whoa man it’s not that big of a deal, he’s probably just wandering around or something. I’ll go find him for you.

  Marco: No! You stay, all of you just stay here I’ll be back soon to get you for the party.

  *Marco handed the keycards to Eric, and rushed off without any further expnation. *

  *Back in Mother Agbor’s chambers, she can be seen speaking to Ahmadou. The voices can be heard clearly, but they sound muffled, as if they’re being heard from within the walls. Their appearance as if being seen through sungsses. *

  Mother Agbor: Listen Ahmadou, we cannot let him unite the Baka people, that would not be good for our pns.

  Ahmadou: I understand. I told you it seemed as if he had powers just like his grandfather.

  Mother Agbor: Yes, very promising indeed. Any signs of his father’s gifts, or his mother’s? He would be quite an asset if he had their gifts as well.

  Ahmadou: He is able to speak many different nguages, I believe it’s an early sign of his mother’s gift. As for his father, it’s impossible to tell. He looks just like his father though, felt like I was seeing a ghost.

  Mother Agbor: Yes, he does look like his father. Had he not fallen so deeply in love with that woman we wouldn’t have this problem now. 32 years it’s taken us to get him here, it should have never taken that long. Now that he’s here, with those other 4. Steve especially, if he wasn’t so deeply involved, I swear I’d get rid of him. He’s talking to someone Ahmadou. Someone else has reached him. I don’t know who it is, but they were in his mind telling him something. We don’t have a lot of time.

  *The chamber’s doors began to open and in ran Marco. *

  Marco: Mother, one of the men went missing, I didn’t realize he wasn’t with us.

  Mother Agbor: WHAT!?

  *The vision of the chamber began to fade away as if whatever had been watching was moving away, through the walls. Quickly towards a location it was sensing off in the distance. *

  *Back in one of the rooms, the other 4 gathered. *

  Steve: They are not who they say they are, it’s so obvious.

  Eric: I hear you Steve, I do. They may have some answers though. None of us know what’s going on, do we? We may just have to py it by ear.

  Steve: Did you not see how upset Marco got when Henry came up missing? Where the fuck is Henry anyway?

  Henry: I’m right here.

  *As if popping out of thin air, Henry appeared before the others. *

  Steve: Ahhh! What the hell?!

  Eric: Henry where were you?

  *Eric grabbing Henry by the shoulders and staring intently into his eyes*

  Henry: You commanded me to sir. You said I had to gather intel, and that I must remember everything I heard. I hid in the walls and listened to Mother Agbor and Ahmadou’s conversation. Do you not remember sir?

  Eric: No, I remember, but when you went missing, I couldn’t locate you anywhere.

  Henry: Sorry sir, I had to become undetectable.

  Eric: How’d you even do that Henry? I just meant to listen to what was going on around you. I didn’t mean you had to spy on them.

  Henry: Sorry I misunderstood, I guess. I don’t really know how I did it. The best way I can describe it is instinct, I think. I just kind of did it.

  Eric: Could you do it again?

  Henry: You mean like right now? I don’t know, I don’t think so.

  Eric: So, you’re saying your power is circumstantial?

  *Henry shrugged*

  Steve: This is perfect, what did they say Henry?

  *Henry looked at Eric, as if he was asking for permission to speak, Eric nodded. Henry suddenly took an upright position. Eyes closed and mouth open, what sounded like a recording began to py from his mouth. The muffled voices could be heard, as if they were there. *

  Mother Agbor: Listen Ahmadou, we cannot let him unite the Baka people, that would not be good for our pns.

  Ahmadou: I understand. I told you it seemed as if he had powers just like his grandfather.

  Mother Agbor: Yes, very promising indeed. Any signs of his father’s gifts, or his mother’s? He would be quite an asset if he had their gifts as well.

  Ahmadou: He is able to speak many different nguages, I believe it’s an early sign of his mother’s gift. As for his father, it’s impossible to tell. He looks just like his father though, felt like I was seeing a ghost.

  Mother Agbor: Yes, he does look like his father. Had he not fallen so deeply in love with that woman we wouldn’t have this problem now. 32 years it’s taken us to get him here, it should have never taken that long. Now that he’s here, those other 4. Steve especially, if he wasn’t so deeply involved, I swear I’d get rid of him. He’s talking to someone Ahmadou. Someone else has reached him. I don’t know who it is, but they were in his mind telling him something. We don’t have a lot of time.

  *Doors opening can be heard *

  Marco: Mother, one of the men went missing, I didn’t realize he wasn’t with us.

  Mother Agbor: WHAT!?

  *The recording ended, and Henry went back to normal. The men stood in the room, all deep in thought. Until Steve spoke up. *

  Steve: I told you! This is not good. They’ve been pnning this whole thing, Eric. They’ve been following you, and they seem to know more about your grandfather and your parents too. They must be talking about your kingly power, to make those swear fealty to you. What about the other powers, are they talking about that dream you had?

  Eric: I don’t know. Who was she referring to Steve. Who were you talking to?

  Steve: I can’t tell you, yet. Please, don’t make me. Just trust me, I don’t even know who it is. They visit me in my dreams. Please, I beg you not to make me say more.

  Eric: You trust them more than us? Huh?

  Steve: No, I don’t know… I don’t trust anyone. I barely know any of you. I like you guys, a lot. I really do. I’ve never been good with people. I’ve always had this terrible anxiety, and I’ve always had trust issues. I don’t trust her either.

  Eric: Her, huh? So, it is a woman… what does she look like?

  Steve: She’s probably aware of me talking about her right now, I don’t think she’s going to like that. What choice do I have? None of you will be satisfied until I tell you it seems, and we have more important things we need to discuss, like that crazy bitch Mother Agbor.

  Eric: Go on then, tell us.

  Steve: She came to me in a dream, around the same time you had yours Eric. She told me not to tell you guys. I get the feeling she knows about Mother Agbor, maybe she didn’t want her finding out. Anyway, it was a strange dream. She told me she was one of the st of her kind, she said Dreamwalkers. That I was the first of my kind, and that they had been looking for me. I befriended an entity, Dea Mandou, Goddess of hands. When we were back at the facility she spoke to me. Told me to remember the feeling of friendship she showed me. Saying that not all would be friend that many would be foe. At least that’s what I got out of it. Anyway, this woman in my dreams knew about that. Said there was a shift in the dream realm, or something like that.

  Eric: I thought you didn’t remember. I shared my dream with you, but you’re just hiding everything. You talk about trust, but how can we trust you?

  Jack: Enough Eric, please. Steve is not an enemy. We’ve all been through a lot.

  Eric: Oh, Steve’s little buddy. I bet he told you everything.

  Jack: He didn’t, why are you getting so angry with us?

  Eric: I am your king, am I not?

  *No one said a word, they all just bowed their heads at Eric. Not from force, but the idea of what he could do if he was angry sent fear through their very bones. *

  *Jean approached Eric, softly *

  Jean: Eric, you’re scaring us. All of us. Steve’s not wrong, and you aren’t either. Trust isn’t built in a day, a week, months or even years. It takes time. Just because you chose to trust them with something, doesn’t mean they have to immediately return the trust. You didn’t share your dream with me. I’m not hurt by it, maybe you meant to tell me ter. There is a lot going on, just take a breath. We really need to discuss what we’re going to do. Marco will be back soon to get us for the party.

  Eric: Fine, whatever.

  *Eric scowled at Steve. Then shook his head, and went on with the conversation. Now focusing on their current predicament, Eric devised a pn. *

  Eric: I’m going to give you all orders, you understand?

  *Eric looked around, they all nodded. *

  Eric: It won’t be anything too complex, this is just so we can make it through the night. 1. You will all act, and I mean act your fucking asses off, that you have no idea what’s going on. 2. You will enjoy tonight’s party to the fullest, it’ll help with the illusion 3. When the party has died down, we will all meet in the public bath, again pretending, creating the illusion 4. When we are done with that, we will hold a meeting to discuss tomorrow’s pns. You will not hide anything from me! If we are to make it out of this, we must have each other’s backs.

  *Eric stared at Steve once again. *

  Eric: Is that understood!?

  *Collectively they all said “Yes, sir!” *

  Eric: Alright, I need to lie down for a bit. I urge the rest of you to do the same.

  *Eric, took one of the beds in the room and id down. The rest of the men went about their separate ways, Henry and Jean staying in the same room with Eric and Jack and Steve taking the other room. They all id in their beds, thinking to themselves, but ultimately unable to fall asleep. Quietly they waited for Marco to return. *

  *Back at Hotel K Dou, Rich and Katrina asleep in bed. A loud pound at the door. Instinctively, Rich jumped up out of bed. *

  Katrina: Who is it?

  Rich: How the hell am I supposed to know?

  Katrina: Right. I don’t know, sorry I’m still half asleep

  *Another pounding sound rang through the room. *

  Rich: It’s 3 in the morning, it’s probably someone Rex sent, fucking jackass.

  *Rich headed for the door, and peaked out the peep hole. A lone, tall, bck man, stood at the door. Appearing non-threatening, Rich decided it was okay to open the door. *

  Rich: Yes? How can I help you?

  Man: Rich? I was sent here to get you. We must go now. I was told you need a ride to the Southeastern Rain Forest. I can get you there. They’ve paid me a lot of money to get you there quickly. We are to meet someone; I have the coordinates.

  *As the man was speaking to Rich, the phone he had been given vibrated. A text message from Rex. *

  Rex: Go with him, don’t tell him anything. He is just a ride. You’re meeting someone, goes by the name of Caliko. Apparently, they had a party st night, he was there. The window of opportunity is short, but he owes me a rge debt he’d like to be free of, so he’s helping us out from the inside. You’ll inevitably run into Mother Agbor, she’s fooled them all into thinking I’m madly in love with her, I don’t know who could love that conniving bitch. Anyway, there’s just one thing you need to say to her. Tell her Rex sent you, and that I’m done pying her stupid games, that if I have to come there myself I will. Request to speak with Eric. Tell her you will honor his wishes, and leave peacefully if he chooses to stay.

  I won’t be able to reach you by phone once you’re in the rainforest, and it’s way too risky to use any magic, so you’ll be on your own. Tell Eric, it’s in his best interest to leave there, just trust me. Nothing good can come from him being there. I can only hope he’s realized it, I’m sure you’ll feel it when you’re there. They may not be of violent nature, but believe me, there are much worse ways to torment the soul. Listen, I really fucked up Rich. If everything goes badly, just know I’m sorry. I’ll expin everything after I promise. Oh, and leave your stuff, I’ll have my men retrieve it for you.

  *Rich sent a text back. *

  Rich: Fine! You better!

  *Rich turned his attention back to the man at the door. *

  Rich: Alright man, give me 5 minutes to get dressed.

  *Rich closed the door and told Katrina it was time to go. He felt torn. He did not want to leave her behind for Rex, and he didn’t want to take him with her to the Sanctum. He knew though, that she would fight him tooth and nail to be by his side. Not having the strength to fight her on the issue, he just decided to let her come. They both dressed and grabbed a few things they needed and headed off with their ride. Making their way to the Rain Forest. *