Dinner with a god.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As Ohi lay on the ground, catching his breath, he noticed Idoga sprinting toward him. Suddenly, a beam of light descended, accompanied by operatic music faintly reaching his ears - a curious effect, possibly due to his blood loss. Approaching was a burly man with defined muscles, clad in blue jeans and shirtless, sporting an impressive dreadlocked hairstyle. The man swiftly struck Idoga in the abdomen, causing him to writhe in pain on the ground. "Who are you?" Ohi inquired, bewildered. "I am Eshu, the guardian of the guardian," Eshu declared. Ohi was taken aback. "Was that supposed to be impressive?" Eshu, grinning, seemed pleased with his introduction. Idoga, as he stood up, began to fade away. "I'll seek retribution for this," he vowed before vanishing like the wind.

Ohi and Eshu locked eyes, prompting Ohi to question, "Are you truly Eshu?" Eshu smirked and rested his hand on his hip. "Yes, I can read your thoughts. Eshu is pretty remarkable," he replied confidently. "No, I mean, of all the gods, why we're you sent to be my guardian?" Ohi's words seemed to hurt Eshu deeply. "He's just a naive child," Eshu muttered, holding his chest as if in pain. "Listen, youngster, I am your new guardian. Show some respect," he demanded sternly, trying to mask the hurt in his heart.

The forest faded away, and they found themselves back in the field. A young boy, catching a ball, noticed a disheveled Ohi seated on the ground with a towering man sporting massive dreadlocks standing before him. Alarmed, the boy dashed to his friends, and upon noticing Ohi and the imposing figure, the children scattered. "Where do you live?" Eshu inquired, met with Ohi's defiant glare. "It's none of your concern. I won't accept you as my guardian, and I won't disclose where I live," Ohi retorted. Unperturbed, Eshu suggested a "magic chant" that involved asking people on Ohi's street for directions. Disappointed, Ohi folded his arms, but Eshu, with a mischievous grin, hoisted Ohi onto his shoulder. "Put me down!" Ohi squirmed, but Eshu teased about knocking him out due to his resilient energy before abruptly dropping him.

Realizing their appearances were unsuitable for visiting Ohi's house, Eshu utilized a small metallic ball, transforming his attire into a responsible-looking outfit. Handing Ohi a similar ball, Ohi reverted his tracksuit to normal. Impressed, Ohi acknowledged the transformation's coolness.

Arriving at the Ozovehe residence, Ohi introduced his companion to his anxious family. The family gathered around the dining table, with Ohi, the newcomer, Beni, Asipita, Bisi, and Ewatomi taking their seats. Eshu's disguise captivated Asipita, causing her to blush whenever their eyes met. Ohi felt frustrated seeing his innocent sister drawn to the wrong person.

Curious, Ozovehe inquired about Eshu's background and their friendship, distracting him from enjoying the delicious jollof rice. Eshu, claiming to be Benjamin Frank, shared being an only child and recent graduation from the University of Ilorin. Ohi, discomforted by his mother's endearing remarks to Eshu, mentally exclaimed, "He's your ancestor, Mom!" Eniola's concern for Ohi's well-being drew attention, though he assured her he was fine. Caught glaring at Eshu, Ohi hastily denied it when questioned by Bisi, though she remained suspicious.

"How's your search for Eshu going?" Ohi diverted Asipita's attention. This time, it was Eshu who choked on his food. Asipita suddenly stood up, concerned. Everyone's gaze fixed upon her as she gradually sat down, avoiding eye contact with her meal. "I still can't find him. It's more challenging than I expected," she sighed, pouting slightly. "Because you're looking for someone who doesn't exist," Beni teased, earning an irritated reaction from Bisi, known for her short temper. "I'll find him, just wait and watch," Bisi exclaimed, only to be advised by a composed Asipita, "You shouldn't waste your time looking for someone unreal." Eshu chimed in, making Asipita blush once again. "I'll find him, mark my words," she declared, pointing at everyone. "I agree with Bisi," Ohi surprised Bisi, pointing at Eshu, who appeared startled and choked on his rice. All eyes turned to him, but Bisi, easing the tension, exclaimed, "No, it can't be him," provoking laughter from everyone, including Eniola. "There's no way this gentleman could be Eshu," Eniola declared, echoed by Ozovehe and a subdued Asipita. Ohi received a scolding look from his grandmother for being silly. "If I see Eshu, I'll know," Bisi asserted confidently. "How will you know?" Ohi queried. "Because I'm smart and can unravel deceptions," she replied. Eniola praised her daughter with a thumbs up, while Ozovehe nodded in agreement. Ohi scoffed, sarcastically remarking, "Yes, how could I forget? You're as smart as Sherlock."

"They finished their dinner, and as Eshu departed, Eniola remarked to Ohi, 'He is a good boy; I like him,' before retiring to her room. 'I support your friendship with him,' his father said, patting Ohi's shoulder before leaving. Asipita approached him, saying, 'About your friend...' Dismissing her, he remarked, 'Forget him; he's too old for you,' and walked past, leaving her in astonishment. 'Ohi, come to my room; Eshu is waiting,' Ewatomi informed her grandson, who appeared shocked but followed her."

In a foreboding, dark forest, three figures clad in black robes stood amidst the chilling wind's whistle. Owls hooted while observing them from above. Suddenly, a man materialized before them, handing over a parchment. "Everything is ready; do not fail me," he declared. Their eyes glowed red, each wearing a sinister smile on their faces.