The trio; the team formed.

Under the veil of darkness, Adejor and his fellow cult members converged on the outskirts of town, their shadows dancing in the flickering torchlight.

With whispers and incantations, they performed a series of occultic rituals, their eyes aglow with an otherworldly intensity.

As they sat in a circle, Akan's voice wove a spell of anticipation, revealing the long-sought secret: the thin line dividing the realms converged in this very town.

The challenge lay in pinpointing its exact location.

United in their quest, they resolved to rent a discreet abode, far from prying eyes.

Adejor's home was ruled out, lest they attract unwanted attention.

Instead, they opted for a hotel room in the bustling heart of the city, where activities would blend into the chaos.

Within the hotel's walls, they ensconced themselves, their box of occultic instruments at the ready.

Akan and his assistant, Fumi, a mysterious and enigmatic woman from Lagos, remained in the room, their eyes fixed on the unknown.

Fumi's tall, dark presence seemed to command the shadows, her quiet demeanor belying on aura of foreboding.

A new week dawned, bearing the same familiar rhythms, yet whispering promises of novel encounters.

For most, it was a chance to rediscover and reboot. But Agaba's mind was a maelstrom of preoccupation, his thoughts consumed by the looming confrontation with his dark namesake - a malevolent entity hell-bent on global domination.

As he navigated the school's corridors, a sense of unease settled over the student body.

Idibia, fresh from his suspension, slunk through the halls, his pride battered and his head hung low in shame.

His girlfriend, Nneka, seethed with a barely contained fury, her temper flaring at the slightest provocation.

The once-mocked Agaba now inspired a mixture of awe and trepidation, his very presence silencing the hallways, classrooms, and common areas.

Ahmed, Agaba's friend, sensed a change in his once boisterous companion.

The silence between them as they walked home was oppressive, until Ahmed broke the stillness.

"Agaba, have I ever wronged you?", he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Agaba's confusion was palpable as he smiled and replied, "No".

"Agaba, it's as if a stranger has taken your place…" Ahmed exclaimed, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and concern.

"…the past month has been a blur of silence and distance. We used to be inseparable, sharing laughs and adventures. But now, you're shadow of your former self. What have I done to deserve this cold shoulder?"

Agaba's enigmatic smile hinted at a hidden truth.

"Meet me at the park at 7pm today", he said, his voice low and mysterious.

"I'll reveal a secret that will change everything".

with that, he vanished into the evening, leaving Ahmed with a whirlwind of questions and a deepening sense of unease.

Nnenna at the other hand, concocted a plan to unravel the mystery surrounding Agaba.

She had a hunch that today was the day she would uncover the truth.

As she settled into her surveillance spot, a hidden hole in the fence separating their homes, she synchronized her watch with the time: 6:39 pm.

Through the peephole, she watched as Agaba discarded trash, washed his hands, and disappeared from view.

Moments later, he reemerged, towel-drying his hair, fresh from a shower.

Nnenna's gaze inadvertently lingered on Agaba's chiseled physique, but she quickly snapped back to attention, refocusing on her mission.

As Agaba prepared to leave, Nnenna's instincts kicked in.

She swiftly mounted her bicycle, poised for a stakeout. "Perhaps he's heading to the source of his powers", she whispered to herself, her eyes locked onto Agaba's retreating figure. "I must know".

As Agaba turned to face the window, Nnenna's heart skipped a beat.

She swiftly hid her face from the peephole, fearing she'd been caught.

When she dared to peek again, the curtains had been drawn, shrouding the window in secrecy.

Nnenna's patience was rewarded with the sound of Agaba's farewell to his mother, promising to return soon.

She sprang into action, mounting her bicycle in anticipation.

Peering through the hole once more, she watched as Agaba hailed a tricycle and sped off into the evening.

The tricycle wound its way through the city's outskirts, finally coming to a stop at the park.

Nnenna's surprise was palpable - this wasn't the clandestine meeting she'd envisioned.

She settled into an empty bench, concealing her identity behind a magazine.

Minutes ticked by before Ahmed appeared, throwing Nnenna's expectations into chaos.

Her confusion deepened - what was Agaba's connection to Ahmed?

The park, once a mundane public space, had transformed into a hub of intrigue.

Nnenna's determination remained unwavering, her eyes fixed on the unfolding scene as she clutched her magazine, a mask of anonymity.

Ahmed's arrival was met with a firm handshake, and the two engaged In hushed conversation as they waited for the sun's descent to thin the park's crowd.

27 minutes ticked by, and the park's population dwindled to a mere seven souls: a father and daughter strolling with their dog, two lovebirds entwined on a bench, a mysterious girl engrossed in a magazine, and the duo themselves.

Seizing the opportunity, Agaba and Ahmed slipped into the forest, leaving the faint glow of the park's lamps behind.

As they ventured deeper into the darkness, Ahmed's voice whispered through the trees, "Haven't we walked far enough?"

Agaba's response was laced with an air of secrecy, "Not yet, I don't want anyone to stumble upon this".

with that, they pressed onward, the forest swallowing them whole.

As Agaba and Ahmed vanished into the forest, Nnenna's instincts flared to life.

She sensed that the puzzle pieces were finally falling into place.

With a deep breath, she trailed behind them, her footsteps silent on the forest floor.

The duo halted beneath the sprawling canopy of a tree.

Agaba's voice was low and mysterious, "this is where I'll reveal the secret".

Ahmed's response was laced with anticipation, "Okay, then".

But Agaba's gaze lingered, his eyes scanning the underbush.

Suddenly, his voice rang out, "I know you're following us. Come out!"

Ahmed's head jerked toward Agaba, his eyes wide with surprise.

He had been expecting some mystical revelation, but instead, Agaba had called out to…someone.

Nnenna's heart skipped a beat as a froze, realizing she had been discovered.

Ahmed's bewildering expression mirrored her own, as they both wondered: who else was lurking in the shadows?

Nnenna's heart sank as she emerged from the underbush, her eyes locking onto the two boys who stood before her, their gazes piercing.

Fear coursed through her veins like ice as she stuttered out an apology,

"I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to spy on you…I'll just leave".

But Agaba's response sent her heart racing, "No, you won't"

The words hung in the air like a challenge, and Nnenna's mind spiraled into a vortex of worst-case scenarios.

Regret washed over her, but before panic could consume her, Agaba's next words stayed her fears.

"I know you've seen me, Nnenna. I've caught you watching me from your rooftop, witnessing my control over the elements. Your curiosity is palpable. You can stay… and watch".

Nnenna's words faltered, her mind reeling from the revelation.

"you knew I was coming too?" she stammered, Agaba's nonchalant response only deepened her bewilderment.

"Yeah, let's just say I've been aware of your… interest".

Nnenna's cheeks flushed as she recalled her covert admiration of Agaba's physique. "foolish me", she muttered under her breath.

Agaba's gaze shifted upward, and in a breathtaking display, he soared into the air, his body weightless as he settled onto a branch, the air around him rippled, as if the very elements themselves were under his command.

Ahmed's eyes went wide with shock, while Nnenna's expression was more measured, her theory finally confirmed.

Agaba's voice carried on the wind,

"this is only the beginning.

I've never been vulnerable to accidents or injuries as suspected by many.

My bloodline holds a legacy of the Echur, a sacred rock imbued with the essence of the seven natural elements.

The gods bestowed this power upon my ancestors during the Igala empire's reign, when the Idoma people cried out for deliverance.

The echur's power courses through my veins, and I am its rightful heir".

Ahmed's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, as he adjust his glasses…

"I've heard whispers of this legend, but my parents dismissed it as mere myth. Even the African culture books I've read treat it as a folklore, a fascinating tale shared among the middle beltan tribes - the Igalas, Idomas, Tivs and Jukuns."

Agaba's gaze intensified, his voice low and mysterious. "Isn't it intriguing that all four tribes have a shared knowledge of this power? They've all been touched by its influence, and yet, they all pinpoint the Idomas as the epicenter"

Ahmed's expression turned somber, his voice laced with a hint of tribal lore.

" Yes, the Igalas, in particular, have a… complicated history with this power. According to our storied, it's a dark and malevolent force that the Idomas wielded to oppress us, to slaughter our Attah, and ultimately, to bring their own downfall. A cure, some might say".

Agaba's sigh was heavy with the weight of centuries-old secrets.

"the stories you've heard are rooted in truth, but they've been tainted by the passage of time and the biases of those who told them. The power granted to the Idomas was not a curse, but a gift from the gods to defend themselves against the tyranny of the Attah IV dynasty".

"the possessors of this power established noble bloodlines, using their abilities for the greater good. However, as the centuries passed, the lure of power and control corrupted one of the descendants of the Igoche clan… a man named Agaba…".

Nnenna's curiosity got the better of her, and she interrupted, "wait, are you a descendant of his? You share the same name!"

Agaba's enigmatic smile hinted at a more complex truth. "…just let me finish, okay?…"

She nodded and whispered, "what are foolish question, why did I ask this" , Agaba's voice wove a spell of intrigue, drawing her deeper into the mystery.

"… Agaba's thirst for power knew no bounds. By his mid-twenties, he had ascended the military ranks, becoming one of the feared and revered soldiers. He exploited his influence to create a cult, ruthlessly eliminating the other seven bloodlines who possessed the ancient power. But my clan, a nomadic people, evaded his grasp… for a time…".

Agaba's eyes seemed to gaze into the depths of history, his voice dripping with an otherworldly intensity.

"…my ancestor, Ode, a spiritual warrior of unparalleled prowess, confronted Agaba as he prepared to infiltrate the capital. Ode shattered the veil between the physical and spiritual realms, banishing Agaba and his followers to a realm beyond mortal comprehension…".

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of forgotten lore.

"…the kingdom teetered on the brink of chaos as Agaba's remnant followers sought to continue his dark legacy.

My bloodline was forced to dwell in the shadows, hiding our existence from those who would misuse our power.

Oloche, the son of Ode, however, discovered the Echur, the ancient stone imbued with the essence of the seven natural elements. He crafted an imprenetrable sanctuary, a cottage of unparalleled protection, to safeguard the Echur, and our family's secrets…"

A shiver ran down Agaba's spine as he recounted the fateful day his destiny was forever sealed.

"…my father took me to the sacred cottage, a tradition passed down through generations. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. As I stood gazing at the spectacular appearance of the Echur, the ancient stone cracked open, and I was suspended in mid-air, my body sliced apart by an unseen force…".

Agaba's eyes seemed to gaze into the depths of his soul.

"…my father witnessed a vision of the gods themselves dismantling my body, infusing me with the raw power of the elements. They prophesied that the seal would break during my lifetime, and I must master all seven natural elements before the impending catastrophe.

For the past year, I've been training relentlessly, honing my skills to face the unimaginable challenges ahead…".

A hint of trepidation crept into Agaba's voice.

"… my uncle warned me that Agaba and his minions may return, more powerful than ever, after spending half a millennium navigating the treacherous realms of the demonic spiritual world. I must become stronger, for the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The gods have shown my father and me a glimpse of the apocalypse that awaits if I fail. Agaba seeks to merge the demonic realm with our own, ruling with an iron fist, and paying homage to the devil himself. The weight of destiny rests on my shoulders - the fate of the world is mine to shape".

Ahmed's eyes sparkled with newfound understanding.

"I see now, your intense focus on mastering the wielder's powers wasn't about ignoring us, but about protecting us. You had to prepare for the impending storm".

His voice was laced with remorse. "I was wrong to doubt you. Agaba. You were doing it all for our good".

Agaba's expression softened, his voice filled with warmth.

"no need to apologize, Ahmed. True friends feel the weight of uncertainty, and you've proven your loyalty time and again".

Nnenna stepped forward, her determination evident.

"we want to help, Agaba. What can we do to support you?"

Ahmed nodded in agreement, his eyes burning with a sense of purpose.

Agaba's gaze swept over his friends, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

"for now, you must do what you think is best for our world. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance".

As the night wore on, Agaba glanced at the sky, the stars twinkled like diamonds.

"it's late. Let's return home and ponder our next move. We'll convene again tomorrow"

With a subtle gesture, Agaba summoned the wind to sweep them off their feet, carrying them effortlessly over the forest and back into the deserted park.

The only sound was the soft rustling of leaves and the distant hooting of owls.

Nnenna's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes cast downward in lingering embarrassment reflecting on her previous peeping act.

"I suppose this is goodnight, then?"Agaba's gaze met Nnenna's, and she nodded, "yeah".

Ahmed, sensing the late hour, hastily bid them farewell.

"my mom will kill me! See you guys tomorrow!" he sprinted into the street, waving down a passing tricycle.

After a quick negotiation, he waved goodbye and sped off into the night.

Nnenna, however, lingered, her cheeks flushing with a mix of shyness and uncertainty.

She had never been alone with a guy before, and the experience was both thrilling and intimidating.

As she questioned her own feelings, wondering if she was developing a crush on Agaba, he interrupted her reverie.

"Nnenna, aren't you heading home?" Agaba called out, already a few steps ahead.

Snapping back to reality, Nnenna stuttered, "Y-yes… I am… you're going home too?… never mind… forget the question".

Agaba turned, his eyes sparkling with amusement at her flustered state.

"never mind then," he said with a chuckle. "Let's walk together instead".

Nnenna's cheeks burned brighter as she shook her head, "Y-yeah… we can know more about ourselves on the way… (she shook her head again) never mind".

Agaba ignored her hesitation and asked, "so, how are your parents? I hardly ever see them".

Nnenna's nervousness dissipated as she launched into a description of her family.

"My dad owns a super market in the main market, and my mom helps him out. She's also into online marketing and affiliate trading for other businesses, you know why my hair is curly like an Asian's hair?, its because my mom is Lebanese…".

They both chuckled as they strolled through the quiet streets, their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from the family to friends and shared interests.

Nnenna was surprised to find herself feeling so at ease with Agaba.

Before she knew it, they had reached her doorstep, and she realized she had forgotten all about her bicycle.

As they arrived at the gate of Nnenna's home, her sister, Nneka, was adjusting the room curtains. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a pang of jealousy struck her as she spotted Nnenna laughing and chatting with Agaba.

Misinterpreting the scene, Nneka assumed that her shy sister had finally found a love interest - and of all people, it was the infamous former school clown, Agaba.

Her disdain and jealousy simmered, and with a huff, she slammed the curtains shut and flopped onto her bed.

Nnenna and Agaba shared a warm goodbye, shaking hands before parting ways.

As Agaba walked towards his vicinity, Nnenna couldn't help but steal a glance, admiring the mysterious boy who had captivated her attention.

Just as Agaba was about to open his gate, he felt an intense gaze upon him.

Turning around, he caught Nnenna lost in thought, her eye fixed on him.

She quickly snapped out of her reverie, her cheeks flushing as she hastily opened her gate and disappeared into the night.

That night, Nnenna's mind whirled with thoughts of Agaba, replaying their encounter and wondering about the enigmatic boy who had piqued her curiosity.

She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Agaba than met the eye, and she found herself eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding him.