One Shot: Fear The Midians!

Thou shalt notsuffer awitchto live. Exodus (We’elleh Shemoth)22:18.

-A few millennia ago, the Midianites were a nomadic tribe of people who lived in ancient Arabia. They were known for their wandering lifestyle and raiding other tribes. A small group of Midianites peeled off and separated themselves from the main group in order to settle into a more peaceful and common way of life. They soon find out that stationary as well as stable peace comes with a heavy price!

Deep in ancient Arabia the major Chieftan of the southern Sinai Peninsula lands is sitting in his huge heavily guarded tents with his council awaiting the latest information regarding his city-state. A “tentsmen” officer runs in announcing the arrival of the chief’s high council enforcers. Master Sheikh Heethro! ....First Seat Commander Darnor has arrived! Send him in immediately!, replies Heethro. The victuals are ready!...The Council is ready! A young but tall strong and broad-shouldered man enters the tents. He is handsome with presence in so much that all the young tents-maidens fall over themselves to get a look as he strolls in with his men. The only one not fawning over him is Orimah who turns and tends to her chores. So, it’s true!,..says one of the blushing tents-maids. Your heart only beats for Gallius!..fufufu! Gallius “is” cute! says another Maiden, but he’s NO Darnor!..Hahahaha! All of the women laugh as they continue to peek through the curtains hoping to catch a good look at Darnor. The talk in the caravans is that he already has someone!..says Orimah. A wilderness woman!... !!SCHNIKT!!..snarls one of the females. ....You’re just mad because out of all of us you are the only one he has NEVER given a second look at! ...!!FUFUFU!!....All the girls then mockingly laugh at Orimah. !!WINE!!...yells one of the tentsmen! ...Head Maiden!...the Council desires wine! A big much older woman yells for Orimah. Gather a few more and bring the Council Wine!, says the older woman named Zidonn. Orimah shoves vases into two other random girls, and they scurry into the main tents to fill the cups of the high council men. They are already in passionate discussions.... The lands are very lush with plenty of crop!,...The cattle on our many hills continue to multiply!...The coffers are full from trade!.... YET....you tell us all those things have been seeing consistent REDUCTION!....And you still say to us.... ALL IS WELL!??, barks a high council elder. Elder Ishnell....I tell you ...ALL IS TRULY..... WELL!..replies Darnor. Sheikh Heethro!..Maybe the lad is still too young to keep the records!?..continues Elder Ishnell. Elder I am twenty and five and have been keeping the records for the past five years of life! The numbers have always fluctuated! There is NO NEED for worry!.... Maybe the Elder is TOO OLD to continue on the High Council!?...snaps Darnor. !!DISRESPECTFUL!!....DISGUSTING!!....UNSEEMLY!!....IMPUDENCE!...INSOLENT BRAT!!...!!GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUMMMMBLEGRUMBLEGRUMBLEGRUMBLE!!!...All the people in the tents are in an uproar at Darnor’s words. Second Seat Gallius shakes his head in silence from embarrassment. The council of twenty-four men grumble loudly at Darnor’s disrespect aimed at the leery elder Ishnell. HE DOESN’T JUST DISRESPECT THIS COUNCIL, HE DISRESPECTS YOUR HOBOB(beloved/embraced leader) MASTER SHEIKH HEETHRO!...barks a middle-aged councilman name Milknahel. ENOUGH!!....shouts Heethro. Let us not bicker among ourselves like little maidens in the city streets! Elder Ishnell..I apologize for my son’s disrespectful flippancy, and I will address it at the proper time and in the proper way, but as for now we have more pressing matters! This is why you should take your post as king in the City-State father! Why do we stay out here in tents, running the city from the mud and sand!? We have long outgrown the old ways!..snaps Darnor. HE CONTINUES HIS IRREVERENCE EVEN IN THE SIGHT OF YOUR BENEVOLENCE MASTER SHEIK!..barks another High Council member who is around forty plus in age. Heaven help us if something were to happen to you Master Sheik and your ill-mannered son became head Chief Master!...I call for a vote to install the second seat Gallius to become the first! I SAID ENOUGH!...snarls the rock-solid sixty-something Heethro standing up unsheathing his massive sword. YOU WILL ALL COME TO RIGHT NOW!.....NOW!!... DO YOU HEAR ME!?..DO NOT FORGET WHO I AM!?...I AM THE SLAYER OF A THOUSAND!...AND I WILL NOT ABIDE RUDENESS FROM ANYONE!...“EVEN MY SONS!“...I WILL CHOP OFF EVERY HEAD IN THIS TENT!! !!HOBOB!!..says a councilman in contrition, with his hands up and head bowing, then another and another..Hobob!,..Hobob!,...Hobob!.... until all bow their heads in respect. Heethro then turns to his son Darnor... AS THE OFFSPRING OF MY FATHER(ancestor) RIGHTEOUS JETHRO.....I ASK AND I WANT YOU TO TELL ME PLAINLY....ARE THE RECORDS STRAIGHT!? Father the records... ARE THEY STRAIGHT SON!? NO!,.... GASPS!! All the councilmen gasp. ...But the records always go low and come back Hobob!..says Darnor. It’s normal! Is it?.... Yes, this always... I WAS ASKING GALLIUS!..barks Heethro cutting Darnor off. Is this a normal drop Gallius!?... Everyone is looking at Gallius... The tents go cold silent. The tension is thick in the air. Well?...says Ishnell....Tell us son! no.....It’s not normal....There is significant reduction! !!GRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! The tents erupt in grumbling and groaning. Darnor looks at Gallius from bended knee position as if he could kill him on the spot. He is so distracted he doesn’t hear his father speaking to him. DARNOR OMAR!!..... Darnor snaps to and looks at his father. Everyone calm down!.... Fine!... I’ll send the elder maidens to do a separate third-party count! We will make clear of this issue! In the meantime....Darnor is there any other matter that we need to know of son!? Darnor is still distracted in mind. Darnor is there more!?...asks Heethro. Yes!..We have received word that a small caravan of about seven camels is about to enter our lands! It was none our usual, but the scouts and High-Guards feel there is no need for alarm! This time all the councilmen just look at each other with concerned looks. Heethro notices... !!GALLIUS!!...take Menowin and two elite guard with you and spy out this caravan. Engage discreetly and find the intentions of our new visitors! Why are you sending HIM, when I AM FIRST SEAT!?..barks Darnor. “You” will stay behind and finish court matters “First Seat!“.....As well as mend the minds and hearts of your fellow tentsmen on the council with your famous stories of your travels! ......Besides!...says Heethro with a slick fatherly-grin..... You said the scouts and high-guards feel there is no need for alarm! ....Meaning that “is” a job for the “Second Seat!” COME!...MORE WINE!!.... Gallius rides out with his three men for almost a day before they reach the edge of a mountain edge and see the caravan moving slowly toward the city-state. So, how do we engage this caravan without looking like we are descending upon them?...says Menowin. Just as the Elder commanded..replies Gallius... We do it discreetly! ...He then turns and mounts his horse. But what does that mean?...says Menowin to himself as the others have left also. The Caravan continues to move slowly but surely until it comes to a narrow pass that would be perfect for an ambush. Its’ camel riders grow anxious. Take heart men, no evil shall befall us!... Continue the press!...says an obviously elderly man in the caravan covered in khaki linen garments. !!CARAVAN HOLD!!...shouts a caravan man that is riding the lead position. Hold!...hold!...hold!...says all the riders throughout the seven camels. Why have we stopped!?,..barks a man who is clearly in charge of the caravan. Sir!....There seems to be some riders in the path ahead! Are they marauders? They seem to be armed with swords, but they look like official tentsmen more than robbers! Then go see what they want!,..barks the man in charge. No!...continue until we meet them!...says the old man. That does not seem wise!...replies one of the caravan men. You still doubt the Prophet after all you have seen!?...says the caravan leader. If he says we go....We go! They continue the caravan moving until they reach Gallius, Menowin and the two elite guards who are blocking the path. The caravan is again halted. State your business with us if you will friends!...says the head caravan rider. We have not seen the likes of your caravan in these lands before friends!..replies Gallius. Tell us your business in these lands, and from where you have come!! The head guy begins to speak, but the Prophet among them cuts him off and begins to speak. I am ObedYah a prophet from Canaan land and we are just passing through! Just passing through?...Our men have first seen you many days ago!...you should’ve passed through our lands by now! Friend your lands has many muses, familiars and evil seducers! We slowly evaded them, and you would do well to rid yourselves of them! !!BAAAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!... Gallius and his men laugh. It’s been many generations since our families worshipped alike prophet of Canaan land!...mocks Gallius. We no longer keep those old ways, so we are not as superstitious as you all are my distant cousins! ....Besides those countryside people pay well, and do not bother us! We will not be ridding ourselves of them cousin from Canaan land! I know!..replies ObedYah. ....And for the overflow of abominations your generations will know strife and pain seeking to quench your desire and passion “until the sum looks to balance!” ....Now kind Midi family....Is there a toll that we must pay in order to pass?..asks the prophet. No!..replies Gallius still stunned as a shiver goes down the spine of his men and he because of the prophet’s words. The hairs also raise on their necks. Uh...No toll!,...But if your caravan is going to pass through the city-state of Tabuk then yes there will be a small duty levied! We indeed shall be traveling through the city to gather supplies and have a short rest! ....Thank you kindly for the information!...says the prophet as his caravan continues to slowly proceed on its’ journey. The head rider whispers to one of the last camel riders. The prophet looking back sees and nods before turning back to press forward. The last rider gives Gallius and his men small pouch skins with water and small bread cakes the size of one’s palm. He hurries back to his camel trotting a little to catch up as Gallius and his men watch wondering what to make of the Prophet’s words. Why did he give us this?..says Menowin ...Moreover why did we take it?...We don’t need.... !!WHOOOOOAAA!!...THIS IS DELICIOUS!...shouts one of the elite guards.... What kind of water is this!? ...AND THIS SWEET BREAD!...shouts the other... Is that Honey I taste!? Is this how worshipping people eat!?...says one of the elite guards giddy...Surely this is food of a God! Alright..alright!..calm down!..We have to report back to the Tents!..replies Gallius as he turns his horse and takes a bite of the bread. .....OH SH*T! Seven days after the interaction with the caravan Heethro and his tents realize those many Muses, Familiars and evil seducers on the countryside scattered among their lands are indeed the problem. Heethro and his high-council are told after much investigation that those countryside pagans steal and devour children and make sacrifices of people of all ages. When pressed they proclaim that what Heethro’s tents have heard about them is a lie and that they are no different from the many other pagans that are residing at the Midian City-state. Not too long afterwards it becomes clear that some of the pagans are in fact performing abominable and debaucherous acts. The Midians begin to hunt and slaughter the many factions of pagans. Lots of children have been going missing in the city-state and the townspeople plead with the Midians who behave as law enforcers to find them. One night it is revealed that all the different pagan groups are gathering for a huge ceremonial event in order to figure out how they can stop the Midian aggressions. Upon getting this information the Midians seek to find the meeting and end it once and for all. Gallius sent a troop of 10 well trained in fighting tentsmen to descend upon the city-state checking every corner of the city for the pagans. They find the village gossip and snitch Shantes and lean on him for information. Shantes doesn’t want to speak on the matter for fear of repercussions causing him to get beat nearly to death. !!WHOA!...What is going on here!...shouts Gallius riding up on his horse. Master 2nd Seat this man knows where the meeting is but refuses to tell. Orimah looks upon the beaten man with a heavy heart dismounting and hurries to tend to him. What information do you expect to get from a corpse!?...replies Gallius disappointed. Before any more could be said, the man jumped up and ran off into city getting away. !!F*CK!!...shouts one of the men....SHE CUT HIM LOOSE AND LET HIM ESCAPE!!.... They all gripe and grumble against Gallius for bringing a woman with him on the mission. WHY IS SHE HERE!? That is of none of your concern! Your ONLY concern is what I so order tentsmen!, says Gallius with a very angry and deep tone. They all recoil. Gallius then turns and looks at Orimah with a very angry look. Why are you looking at me in such a manner...says Orimah lovingly. Gallius is about to lay into Orimah because her actions embarrassed him in front of his men. I let him go master 2nd seat because he TOLD ME where the meeting is and that the children will be there! ....The secret meeting is to be held in a secret chamber under what everyone knows to be The Bath House of Beauty. A bath house owned by the rich ” landlord” Bassil on the far hinder parts of the City-State of Tabuk. Bassil!...That bastard foreigner!...says Gallius’ lead officer. So, you “know” the Bath House!..replies Gallius. Everyone else snickers. I DON’T GO THERE FOR “THAT” REASON!..barks the lead officer. AH!...BUT YOU JUST ADMITTED TO GOING!..barks another officer with glee. They all laugh, tease and make jokes as they hurry off to the far side of the ancient splendid city. They trot up the bath house. The entire courtyard which is bustling during the day is empty now. Gallius and his guards make their way into the atrium where the many exquisite wading pools are. It is dark lit only by the full moon and there is still eerily no one there. When they get deep inside to the inner most sanctum area, they notice there are lit torches on the walls. You’ve been here before Reza!...Do they keep this area lightened at night or no? I’ve only met with Bassil after hours once!..replies lead officer Reza.... And yes, I have seen that they keep the torches lit at night. ....But I must caution!... I do believe this to be some form of trap Master 2nd seat! How do you know?,..replies Gallius. I do not know!..replies Reza.... I just feel it so! I feel it too!..replies Gallius ...But there are young ones at the risk here! We cannot delay if it would mean a possible rescue! We have all seen what these disgusting people do! They all agree with forlorn faces. Look for an entrance lever!..says Reza. Bassil isn’t a clever man...It should be obvious! They all go around the area pulling torch handles and pressing on the walls looking for a secret switch. Uuugh!..this is tiring!... Where could it be!?,..barks one of the guards. Reza, it would seem your bath house master is a cleverer man than previously thought!...replies Gallius. Clever?...No...Simplistic yes!... says Orimah... Look at the two warrior statues facing each other with the sun in the middle of the wall. One warrior points his sword up and the other down! So!..replies Reza...That’s a common gentile theme...as it is above, so it is below! What are you thinking Orimah?..asks Gallius. Try to see if the statues arms move! One of the guards tries to move one of the statue’s arms as he is the closest. ....RRRRRGH!!..Nothing!...It won’t budge!! No!...No! ....Two of you try...at the same time and be sure to point to that fancy wall sculpture of the sun! Two of the guards grab an arm of the warriors and try pointing at the highly exotic wall art of the sun.... !!CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!!.. The arms move and the huge pool in the middle slowly and silently move forward as well revealing a downward spiraling stairway. MEN!,...THIS is why I brought Orimah with me!.... But alas this is where we part! I cannot take the risk of anything happening to you my sweet! This surprises the men as this is the first time they are seeing and hearing the 2nd seat, their ever-stoic captain act amorous towards any female. WHAT!?..snaps Orimah. And if something was to go wrong, am I supposed to be able to endure the thought of NOT knowing what happened to you!?.....I am going! YOU CANNOT!..barks Gallius taking hold of Orimah who stubbornly holds like a mule. ...You Just said you needed me!...What if another puzzle were to come up!? I’m willing to take my chances!..replies Gallius. Orimah then takes off down the stairway ahead of the men. !!NOOOO!!...says Gallius emphatically while trying not sound loud. They give chase to Orimah for a long time before they notice they have gone quite a ways down and under the city. What is going on?...says one of the guards we’ve been going down for a long time now!...Who built this? This had to have been under construction since the City’s inception!..replies Gallius. Orimah just in front of them stops due to the conversation. They all stop and ponder what kind of situation they may be getting themselves into. That’s when they hear it...... !!SHOOOOMP!!... A loud “closing” sound from far above echoing down. Maybe that’s just the pool closing behind us?...says one of the guards. Everyone stands still listening..... Everything goes silent... but then out of nowhere the stairwell stairs all shift down making the ground beneath them one big slide, then a powerful rush of water from above carries them down like a water rapids chute pipe. !!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHH!!!.........They all scream as they go splashing down with tremendous speed and no way to control what is happening. The end of the tunnel is approaching rapidly and they don’t know how the ride will end. Then quick and instant darkness! Gallius awakens outside the City-State at a small Oasis under two palm trees sitting near a small pool of water. WHAT HAPPANED!!? ....How did I get here!?.....WHERE IS EVERYONE!!?... Then like a sharp splitting headache a flash of some of the memory of what happened comes to Gallius. !!WHAT!?.....AN UNDERGROUND TEMPLE!!..... then what he remembers stopped....then again a sharp pain of memory..... AAAAAAAAAAAAAUGGHHH!... MY MEN!!! THEY’RE CHOPPING OFF THEIR ......AND THEY’RE DRINKING IT!!.... The memories stop and Gallius once again looks around in terror as he draws a blank,...But then again, another sharp pain of memory comes back to him.... !!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGH!! !!MERCIFUL FATHER IN HEAVEN WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO THOSE POOR CHILDREN.... WHAT ARE THEY CHANTING!!.... Gallius then remembers hearing himself shout... LEAVE THE CHILDREN ALONE!!....FIGHT MEEEEEEE!! .....Then Orimah shouts.....GALLIUS!!! KAARRAAAAAACK!!.... Gallius remembers getting knocked out with a huge blunt object by someone he seemed to know but couldn’t make out who it was... Gallius fights to get up and start running... he can’t remember why,..but he knows he needs to run. As he struggles one last sharp pain of memory comes to him again..... It’s Orimah thrusting him into a chute and pulling a lever. He then remembers a gush of water blasting him upwards before everything goes black again. Gallius starts crying bitterly at the vague memories of children being extremely abused, the soul piercing chanting, the ceremonial dismembering of his men.... and Orimah... He knew he lost Orimah forever. That’s when another vague memory becomes a little clearer, this time without a sharp pain....MAGIC!!...They were performing miraculous un-natural feats!....IT WAS MAGIC!! Gallius gasping and panting limps over to hide in a cluster of huge boulders in the desert night still lit up by the full moon. He can barely catch his breath and starts hyperventilating for the events that plague his mind. THIS IS HORRIBLE.....WHAT GREAT EVIL!!... THE MOST HIGH IS PUNISHING US! ....IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF THAT PROPHET FROM CANAAN LAND!....THIS IS HIS FAULT! Then a strong but soft voice that vibrates through Gallius’ chest speaks from the other side of the huge boulders. Neither the Most High, nor the Prophet is at fault for the matters that have befallen you and your people! For you and your people had not heeded the warnings of the seer in time to stop the abominations! You are the stewards of your own calamity! Who are you!?.... No!... I need no answer! ....I can determine it without you saying so!.... All I ask is that you give us the means to make things right! ...I beg of you!...cries Gallius clinging to the other side of the boulder streaming tears so much that his snot rolls down to the ground. You shall be given the means!...says the man dressed in illuminated linens. Gallius is in such awe of the man that he barely can make out what he is saying. PAY ATTENTION!..proclaims the man in bright linens.. You shall be endowed with such spiritual ability and strength that no evil men, seducers, or common man shall be able to withstand you! Take heed!...For in order to remain in power you must hunt...suffer not a witch in order to retain your standing and for their might they end up overtaking you! Never lose yourself! As much as lays within you reduce harm! In your temperance you will possess yourself, lest you slip! Be sure to tell all your near Midianite kinsmen as from this moment all of you will be endowed, even your seed according to the statutes I have just mentioned. Now go! The filthy one’s pursuit of you has been slow, but it is sure! If you do not make haste they will catch up and overtake you! What exactly is this power? When Gallius looks up the man is gone. Have faith!. says the man in linen’s voice out of nowhere.... Now go!.. They are near! Gallius’ heart throbs for fear and he hobbles as fast as he can until he reaches the safety of the lands of the tents of Chief Heethro. He tells the entire tribe and tentsmen all that had befallen him and his men. He then admonishes them all that the man in bright linens had told him. Heethro and everyone then become very upset with Gallius believing that in the light of such atrocities that he would speak of such folly regarding the words of the man in the bright linens. WE WILL INDEED SHOW STRENGTH AND ABILITY!...says Heethro. ....BUT IT WON’T BE BECAUSE OF FABLES!! They take a few days to gather and arm all willing to fight, but when Heethro’s men finally march on the city-state of Tabuk they find no trace of the pagans. Even the secret passage entrance is destroyed with no way down the shaft that led to the underground temple. Even Bassil has seemed to have fled the city-state leaving trusted servants in charge of the bath house. With weeks passing and no pagans seen in the Midian lands people begin to forget what Gallius affirmed. Some even whisper that he himself may have been behind the events all along. Peace seems to prevail, but the mood remains somber as Heethro begins to slowly decline. With the Master Sheikh being low First Seat Dornor remains by his father’s side acting as Sheikh while Gallius has to attend the affairs carried out by the first seat. Gallius is overworked and while making his rounds with Medowin acting as 2nd seat they stumble upon the cluster of boulders where the man in bright linens spoke with Gallius. Upon seeing and taking notice, Gallius’ eyes grow wide and says to Menowin... THIS IS IT!...THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE THE MAN IN BRIGHT LINENS SPOKE TO ME! The other five men snicker at Gallius because no one believed him. Many mocked and joked about him behind his back regarding the matter. I know everyone makes sport of me about it!...replies Gallius. ....But it’s the look of severe pity in the eyes of Menowin that infuriates Gallius. ...As if seeing one’s hero fall. I TELL YOU IT HAPPENED D*MMIT!! ....KRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKK!! Gallius’ eyes glow a powerful amber color against his shiny bronzed skin as he punched down on one of the boulders. The intense crack and instant explosion of power catches Gallius’ men totally off guard causing them to fall off their horses. What...what was that!?..asks one of the guards. WHOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAA!!...says Menowin and the rest of the men when they look behind the cracked boulder and notice the ground has split in too for a long ways out in what would be a kilometer in modern measurement distance. With eyes wide Gallius and his men rejoice as they realize they too can do similar feats but not as powerful Gallius. It’s probably because we have to train more!..says Menowin. YES!..replies Gallius...But moreover!.......... WE HAVE TO HUNT!! From that moment forward the Midianites throughout their generations have hunted and killed witches and kept the great abilities of their family a secret.

Now in these modern days an awkward young Midi boy named Barnabi James Gideon living in the suburbs of a major city in the USA has graduated from middle school and is giddy for his first day in Highschool.

(MONDAY) I can’t wait!..says the young boy as his mom pulls up to drop him off. This is going to be sooooo awesome! He’s gonna be fodder!...says his little brother in the backseat. Hush!...he will NOT Jahmyr!...replies their mom. “You” should try being just as optimistic and get your head out of that contraption for a change! Unfortunately, mom!...he’s gonna be major fodder!,.. chimes in Jahmyr’s twin sister Jouri. GASP!...you too Jouri....When did my babies become such poo-puts! What’s a poo-put!?..asks Jahmyr. Something Millennial-speak replies Jouri.... so “OLD!” ...say both twins in unison. HAHAHAHA! Watch how old I am when I forget to pick you two up later! ...or show up in dad’s project car... NO!...says the twins. We’re here!... This is you BJ!...Go get em’ champ! MARY!...MARY!?...Is that you!?.... We missed you at the Home Owner’s Association meetings! Things just haven’t been the same without you! I’ve been in charge for quite some time! replies Mary. ....I figured I’d let someone else get a chance...ya know!?.... Full disclosure!...We are desperate Mary! ...We’ll even take Maceo! Naw!..trust me...you don’t want Mace in charge! BEEP-BEEP! Well... gotta go Becky...I’m holding up the line! Freakin’ basic b*tch!...snaps Jouri. JOURI!...EXCUSE ME!? WATCH YOUR MOUTH YOUNG LADY!...And stay your young behind out of grown folk conversations!,..replies Maritza as they ride off. ....Although.... she “is” a basic.........um.......chick! Barnabi gleefully strolls into the high school making his way down the halls until he finds his locker. YOOOO!....What are you doing!? What?,..replies Barnabi. What do you mean WHAT!?...says a huge teenager. ...THAT’S MY LOCKER! Barnabi looks at his orientation slip. Nooo!....Sorry!..This is my locker!....SEE! Barnabi shows the annoying teen his slip. I DON’T CARE WHAT THAT SAYS!...THIS IS “MY” LOCKER!! Why would they tell me this is my locker if it isn’t!?..replies Barnabi. DA FUQ I KNOW!?....CARRY YA ASS DOWN TO THE ADMIN OFFICE AND TELL “THEM” TO FIX IT! Barnabi is a very mellow guy, but once his fuse is lit he will rage out... He grits his teeth noticing the three other girls and two males who seem to be slightly taking joy in his anguish. They can almost see fumes coming from the top of Barnabi’s head from his kindling anger... But he turns to go to the Administrative Office.... !!SLAM!! Out of nowhere a very pretty girl slams her hand up against the locker in front of Barnabi stopping him from leaving. Boy!....This your locker!...They’re f*cking with you! Senior lockers are all the way on the other side of the school! They all bust out in laughter... !!!BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!... Just hazing ya’ a little Freshman!..Says the one who was punking Barnabi. Look!...I’m an a-hole, but not that much of an a-hole! Barnabi is still livid. Ah look at your face!.... ANYWAY! ....My bad new blood! My name is Markus “Sparks” Sampson, this is my lady Fiji, that’s Parker, Camrin, Barzel and Fred! We’re actually Student Body Council this year, so if you have any suggestions, issues, or anything... Uh...let us know! Marcus looks at the pretty girl that stood up for Barnabi... Ka’noor...right? She just stares at him. ....I was gonna stop him!...I wouldn’t have let him go all the way to the admin’s office!... Geez lighten up! As they all walk off the one named Camrin looks back at Barnabi chatting with the pretty girl and her brother. Camrin gets a very concerned look. Are you.....Ok?...asks Kanoor as she runs her hand from Barnabi’s shoulder down his arm. It calms him down. Yeah, you need to control that temper buddy!..says Kanoor’s short and feisty looking brother. Easy Jerico!...says Kanoor. I’m just sayin’ if the guy goes around wearing his feelings on his sleeves like that, these freakin’ turd-blossoms will be eating him for breakfast lunch and dinner! What my brother is “trying” to say is....don’t let em’ see ya’ sweat!...ok?.....ummm.... OH!...My name is Barnabi.....Barnabi Gideon! That name sounds familiar!..replies Jerico. So Bonzi...cool!...says Kanoor. !!RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!... Well,...that’s first period...who ya’ got? Barnabi looks at his class slip.... Uh...Osmond! Oh...yeah had him last year when “we” were freshmen!...says Kanoor. Look!...He can be a big ol’ prick, but if you stay on top of your work, he’ll leave you alone! He rips into slackers so do your work and watch the show! says Jerico walking away. See ya!...says Kanoor with a gorgeous smile as she catches up to Jerico. Barnabi is in a fog of infatuation as his heart continues to beat out of his chest no longer from anger but amorousness. He is paralyzed with intrigue as she disappears down the hall. He can just barely make out what some other boys are saying about him.... Man!...How’s he talking to Kanoor!?...She da baddest thing in the entire school! Yeah, she bad!...chimes in another boy.... But I don’t know man!... C’mon we’re late second bell’s about to ring! All the remaining students in the hall scurry into their classes. Barnabi snaps too and dashes for his class which isn’t far. He slides in the door just before the teacher closed it. Later on, it is the last class of the morning before lunch hours. Barnabi has been getting a few jabs here and there all morning from his fellow students regarding his nerdish looks. Since Barnabi stands out his science teacher calls him to the front to answer a question. Upon realizing Barnabi is very smart he shoots a few more questions at Barnabi. Barnabi had been able to answer all the questions with ease, but there was a fellow teenage girl who felt the need to prove that she too was just as smart blurting out answers before Barnabi. Some of her answers being right and some wrong. It became very annoying to watch, until the teacher asked a question that stumped them both. It is a dead silence in the room until Barnabi tells the girl.... Wow!..You sound so much smarter when you’re quiet!... OOOOOOOOoooooooooh!! !!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!! The class erupts in laughter. That wasn’t nice Mr. Gideon!...replies the teacher. Another student who seems to be her boyfriend jumps up and says... Y’all thought that was funny?...Dude’s corny! Barnabi fired back.... Or you could shock us and say something intelligent! !!WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!...The class erupted again...!!!RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!.. Before anymore back and forth could happen, the bell rings and class ended. As the students leave the teacher tries to hold in his laughter. Barnabi goes to lunch grabbing his plate with his usual carefree attitude. As he looks for a place to sit, he realizes that everyone is sitting in clicks like the High School movie cliche manner. Screw it!...He thinks to himself...Where are the nerds!?.... At least he could learn what’s new in geek-stuff. Pull up a chair partner!...says one of the many nerdy kids to Barnabi. My name’s Jack!...That’s Joey, Todd, and that wonderful lady over there is Betty! Nice to meet you guys!,..I’m Barnabi. They all greet him. Barnabi’s new friends then go back to their debate about Gaming Cards for their Builds. Jack can’t help but notice Barnabi is constantly looking around as opposed to eating. Dude!...You expecting someone? ....Ah.. Not really...No...Well...I was hoping someone was going to be in here! Alright!...who is she?..asks Jack. Sigh!....Kanoor....says Barnabi. !!BRO!...YOU THINK YOU GETTING KANOOR!?....SITTING WITH THESE SH*T STAINS!,..barks a random boy. Mind your business Baxter the *ss-master!...rips Betty. She’s not even in this lunch period you idiot!...replies the boy. Don’t pay him any attention!...says Todd. He makes booty-hole molds in his mom’s basement! Barnabi then looks down deflated. Well d*mn dude!...You got it bad!...says Joe... You have to do something to impress her!...says Todd. Or he could just simply ask her out!...replies Betty. The direct approach never works with chicks!...says Jack. Yeah....what do I know about being a “chick!“,..replies Betty. You guys seem to know her...What can I do to impress her!?..asks Barnabi. She likes hip-hop dance challenges just like every other teenage female!....durr!...says the interloping Baxter kid. No, they don’t!...replies Betty. ...Listen to these boy-splainers and you’ll be dead in the water before you start!...says Betty. This you?..replies Baxter showing everyone a TikTok clip of Betty doing the latest dance. I’ll do it!..says Barnabi. I gotta see this!..says Joe. When are you gonna show her?,..asks Jack. More like How?,..says Todd. Sigh!...You guys are clueless!...says Betty. Do it during the Assembly today! I don’t think they’re gonna let freshman up there!...says Todd. You make it happen!...says Betty cheerfully...in the name of Love! Gag!....Barf!...and Yack!...says Jack. You just mad because you don’t have a girlfriend!...says Betty. Pishaw!...replies Jack.... I have “you!” So, no girl!...replies Joe. Thanks Joe!... You’re really special!.....No I mean REAALLLY SPECIAL! Well, good luck Barns!...says Jack as he and his crew leave Barnabi. ...We’ll be rooting for ya! The poor guy is toast!...says Todd under his breath. Yeah, he is!..replies Betty looking down. Poor bastard!...says jack as they all laugh and jostle with each other walking to their afternoon classes. The girl from earlier named Camrin is sitting at the in-crowd table looking at Barnabi with a really concerned look on her face. Later that day about an hour before school was supposed to let out the Principal and staff call for the first Assembly of the year. They even had one of the students DJ for the event. The Principal admonishes the students, cheers them and encourages them...introduces new staff and updates them on upcoming functions. Ok..ok now that all that’s out of the way, we’re gonna let a few of you get the opportunity to express yourselves...This was not my idea may god have mercy on us! Mrs. Truskin!...You’re up! Mrs. Truskin comes out and introduces the first act which is a senior and well-known songstress. She does exceedingly well. Then a cover band, then a student doing poetry. Barnabi has made his way to backstage in order to get his chance to impress Kanoor with a dance. When he gets to the DJ the two students he dissed earlier that day are there. They argue that Barnabi is a freshman and therefore not allowed to participate. It’s the school rules!...barks the female. Look!...I’m just DJing!...Take it up with Principal Clarkson! Besides!..It’s only fair this guy gets a chance to express himself like everyone else! Either let him go!...Or I won’t play for your set!...how about that!? The two walk off mumbling about revenge under their breath. So,...uh...What are you gonna do? ...A dance!...replies Barnabi. ...For a girl! Oh!...I see...Well if you’re trying to impress her you should start by doing the “pump-it” dance first then go into yours! I...I don’t know that! SERIOUSLY!?....It’s gone viral, and it originated here at our school! It’s our official sports arena dance! How could you not have heard of.... Ok...here’s what you do! Pump your arms like you’re churning butter while thrusting your hips forward! As Barnabi tries to learn the DJ starts playing the Pump it up song. The curtain is closed while on the other side the entire school and faculty are singing along. Barnabi’s heart pumps as he can feel the energy of everyone excited and enjoying the school’s spirit song. Dude get ready...says the DJ... You’re up in 10......9.........8...... Bro!...You gotta say “YEAH-OH-YEAH!” as you pump!.... GOT IT!? Barnabi nods in agreement. ...In 3....2.........1..... Barnabi starts pumping hard. The curtains spread open. The music stops. Barnabi looks as if he is VIGOROUSLY pleasuring himself while screaming “YEAH-OH-YEAH!” Everyone gasps. Mrs. Truskin faints. Some of the girls scream eeewwwwwweee gross! Then everyone laughs. Principal Clarkson is livid. STOP!......STOP!...WILLIAM!...GET HIM!!... The gym teacher who is also the Vice-Principal hurries on stage and grabs up Barnabi by the back of his collar. I DEDICATE THIS DANCE TO THE LOVELY KANOOR!..shouts Barnabi. Kanoor sinks down in her seat. Everyone all at once immediately turns and looks at Kanoor. Her brother Jerico sitting in the seat in front of her snickers.....jajaja....Magnificent! Barnabi looks over and sees the DJ kid laughing with the two students he had dissed earlier. That’s it!... shouts Principal Clarkson under her breath. ....Shut it down!....Everyone back to your home rooms for the remainder of the day! Barnabi makes his way over to Kanoor as everyone leaves the auditorium. Other students try to tease her about Barnabi, but she takes it in stride not letting it get to her. I’m sorry if what I did offended you!..says Barnabi with a strong, but slight Midianite accent and tone. It’s ok Bonzi!....replies Kanoor as all the students bustle to get back to their home rooms. As a matter of fact,...I....well me and my brother are throwing a party....a very big party...lots of food, fun and people from all over the world! ...Maybe even a celebrity or two! Barnabi can’t help but notice that while Kanoor is talking he can see that girl from earlier Camrin looking wide-eyed and distraught. It seems she is upset by Kanoor. Hello...earth to Bonzi! Oh I’m sorry..What? BOY!...PAY ATTENTION! shouts Kanoor playfully..I said....Do you wanna come......... to my party?.... As my guest! Barnabi lights up with restrained glee. YEAH!.... I mean sure...like ya’ know whatever...I’m there! Great!..replies Kanoor. It’s this Saturday night!...Kinda like a back-to-school shing-ding! Gimme your “at” so I can text you the deets later! ....Oh yeah and bring your new friends....all of em...the more the merrier! Oh yeah!...says Barnabi. Kanoor looks at him.... Oh...my bad! I didn’t mean to say....that...again. Kanoor leaves with a crew of beautiful girls who all smile at Barnabi with devilish grins. As Barnabi leaves the school looking for his mother’s car he is pulled into some big bushes on the side of the building. It’s the Camrin girl. Look!...I think you’re cute and all but I’m hoping to get with Kanoor!...says Barnabi.... Besides aren’t you with that Barzel dude!? Ugh!.....f*ckin’ freshmen!...whispers Camrin pissed. .....Every f*ckin year! Barnabi chimes in,..My mom’s car just pulled up! I really need to be going!...she will, and I quote....“leave my ass!” GET BACK HERE YOU OBLIVIOUS NERDY RET*RD!!.....I need you to listen and listen carefully! .....DO NOT GET INTO THAT KANOOR GIRL...AND HER BROTHER!,...DO NOT HANG AROUND THEM, ....DO NOT TALK TO THEM.....AND FOR F*CK’S SAKE DO.....NOT....GO... TO ANY PARTY THEY ARE A PART OF!! I don’t need you to just understand, I need you to overstand and enter-stand! SIGH!...I’m tired, and so are these pranks!....is everyone at this school infatuated with practical jokes!? What?..replies a distressed Camrin. Barnabi turns to leave. F*ck it,..I’ll say it!....Dude!...THEY ARE WITCHES!!...says Camrin trying not to be too loud. This stops Barnabi in his tracks making his bronzed Midian skin ripple with a quick glow and his eyes turn amber. He turned and looked at Camrin who is instantly shocked by the change. When she looks at him in terror, Barnabi returns to normal. Look!...I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me, but I like her! I like her a lot!,...And this is the first time a girl that looks as pretty as her didn’t look at me like I was something someone had just left in the toilet!.... I gotta go!..says Barnabi in a somber slightly middle eastern accented voice. Camrin still in utter shock at what she just saw is speechless. Is he......is he one of them too?.... I’ve never seen one of them do “that” before!.... Is he some new kind?...Or something totally different! She watches still stunned a little as Barnabi hops in his mom’s Mercedes station wagon and rides off. Later the Gideon family is sitting down for supper. Mary is washing dishes while Mace asks his children how their day went. You two?...asks Mace. Jouri says... Cool! Jahmyr says... It was boring but good! Bj?... What about you? ...I know High School can be a little rough at first! My day was fine Pop! You might want to ask him again dad! ...snicthk!...snickers Jahmyr. Huh?..replies Mace a little confused. Do I need to ask you again Barney? “YEAH”..replies Jouri snickering under her breath. “OH YEAH!“....says Jahmyr holding in his laughter. Barnabi is shocked they know what happened in school earlier. Ok...I’m just gonna chalk it up to young people stuff!..replies Mace looking at the interaction. You seem to be in one piece Barn... Just try to maintain your integrity son! How can he maintain integrity when you call him by all those different nicknames!...says Maritza. I KNOW YOU AIN’T TALKING RITZA!...When YOU’RE the reason we call him by all those different.......“UGH!!” At that moment the whole family stops in their tracks... All except Barnabi who seems clueless. Wow!...I forgot you guys have groupies my age in Highschool! ...Tell your simpy-friends to mind their own business!!.. Huh?...What’s going on!? B!...take your brother and sister upstairs to your bedrooms, and don’t come out until I say so!..barks Mace under his Breath. Jahmyr and Jouri do not make a peep. They promptly get up and go upstairs. Barnabi gestures as if he wants to ask what’s going on but doesn’t because of the stern look in his father’s face. As Barnabi leaves the kitchen to head upstairs there comes a knock at the door... “KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!” Barnabi can hear his father open the door and react.... UNCLE!....GLAD TO SEE YOU...COME IN!...COME IN! As he reaches the top of the stairs, he can see his brother and sister huddled near a heating vent trying to listen in on the conversation being held in the kitchen below. Oh!...It’s uncle Mahttshan!...says Barnabi loudly. !!SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! chides Jouri and Jahmyr. They listen in and hear them talking about Hunting. They hear their father tell Mahtt... Well, it’s mostly “posers” and “cosplayers” these days! ..Young people looking for a place to belong! Although.....I almost killed some kids because due to the internet they’re getting closer and closer to what a true “visionary mysticism” is and moving away from the Halloween clown show! Young punks trying to “keep it real” and be “authentic!” All in all, there doesn’t seem to be many left in this region. I’ve put in enough time....I’ve been thinking about backing off!..says Mace. HARUMPH!!..snarls the huge and Stoic Mahttshan trying not to show his disdain for Maceo’s decision to retire. I see you have two prodigies! I take it you’re looking at them taking your place? It’s still too early to know if they’re up for it!,....but...YES!...They’re coming along nicely!..replies Mace hesitantly. And the oldest!?...asks Mahttshan. He didn’t seem to be able to sense anything...What’s with that?... You not training him? Aah!...He’s an angsty teen is all!... He definitely got promise maybe even more than the others! Mahtt’s eyes widen at the notion. ....But it’s tough keeping his attention and interest.... In anything! Ya’ know what I mean? ...Oh...yeah!... Sure...sure!..replies uncle Mahtt. Heaven knows I’ve been trying! Hmmm..replies Mahtt. Well I don’t have to tell you that you don’t want to let down your guard!...Not even a little!.... you remember what “NOT” training does!?... Maceo nods seriously. You also know how that seems to be when the “real ones” make their appearance! ...Slippery eels that they are! Hell...You never know where one might be!....Alot of times they’re even right under your nose!..says Mahtt trying not to look at Mary. ANYWAY!...I’m inviting you all out for dinner tomorrow!.... NO EXCEPTIONS!... This will be a good chance to let the little ones see that hunting isn’t just gloom and doom. How long has it been since the last family reunion!? JUST DINNER!..... will be fine! blurts out Mace. Mahtt is taken aback a little by Mace’s outburst. I mean...They’re fine with the blessings we have unc! Gotta keep em’ humble! Oh!...I see!..says Mahttshan. ....Dinner only! ...I thank and bless you for indulging an old man. My limo will pick you guys up tomorrow around Seven good? Mace and Mary nod. COOL!..says Mahttshan. Mace!.....Ma’am!................... KIDS! Mahttshan knew they listening. ...And tell Fenix and Slick Rick I said hello as well. Mahttshan is surprised at Maceo. ...GOOD!.....VERY good! Not many can sense Fenix let alone Ricky-B! You always were one the best hunters!, says the huge hulking Mahttshan as he leaves.

(TUESDAY)The following night Barnabi’s family go out to eat with their Uncle Mahttshan the two bodyguards that were with him the night before Fenix and Ricardo along with a few other Midianite elders and mothers. Barnabi notices that every so often Fenix and Rick dart their eyes at his sister Jouri. Maceo knowing the true underlying reason why Mahtt invited them to eat out stays vigilant. Mahtt imbued one of Maritza’s spoons with his Midianite power looking for an adverse reaction, but Maceo took it and changed it out discreetly. After a few tries and rejections Mace is distraught as Fenix politely offers Maritza some hot-fudge sundae. Only Mahttshan, Mace, Fenix know what was occurring. Rick knew too but his job was to distract everyone else. Maritza gives off a faint reaction, but not enough to be certain, but that doesn’t stop Mahtt from pulling Maceo to the side after dinner to berate him. Mary!...Your husband and I have some business to iron out regarding his retirement...My limo will take you and the kids home... Maritza hesitates, but Mace says it’s ok. So, THIS is the reason you’ve been so stand-offish for all these years!?...snaps Mahtt. If it wasn’t for the sake of my brother, I’d END you RIGHT NOW!...What da f*ck Mace!?... Of all the women in this world you pick THAT!?...And have CHILDREN!? What are you talking about Uncle!?...What do you call a woman that doesn’t practice Witchcraft!? Huh!?..replies Mahtt. ...Are you saying she’s not!...Look me in the eyes and tell me she’s NOT ONE OF THEM! ......after a moment of silence Mace replies. ...........Not anymore! MISHPACHAAAAAAA(family) shouts Mahtt in disappointment. Uncle!...She has long renounced that part of her life! She hates it more than we do! Mahtt calms himself and looks at Mace in disappointment... You’re telling me she’s reformed!?...A reformed witch!?... Tell me...Has she done anything to fully renounce her stance?... She convert to Islam? ...no! Judaism? ...no. How about baptism?....Has she been Born again Mace? ..no. So, there has been no major renouncement from this woman and that was good enough for you Maceo Donza Gideon!!? ....SIGH!..You wanted it!...Now you got it!...YOU’RE OUT OF THE FOLD! The twins SHALL BE taken in exchange for your treachery and properly trained to full capacity and exquisite ability! .......BUT!..replies Mace. THAT IS FINAL MIDIAN!..barks Mahtt. No need worry about Barbie or BJ or whatever the hell his name is! ...We’ve been watching, he’s too feeble and plays the buffoon! Hey!..That’s my son you’re talking about! Shall I WATCH MY MOUTH......Midian!? Mace quiets himself. You have no idea the rage I am holding in nephew!...You KNOW what this means...especially if the other families got wind! I wouldn’t be remiss if I put an end to the whole lot of you right now! ...But the love I have for my brother wouldn’t allow for it! I could NOT do this to his offspring! I know how he felt about “family!” It would break his heart! ....You would break his heart...As you’re breaking mine! Go!...Be with your degenerate wife and make preparations! We will retrieve the twins shortly! ....And Mace.... Don’t make me have to kill her by you trying to run!!..says Mahtt powering up immensely. Mace gulps and uses his Midian powers to slip and slide home not even realizing that he is doing it openly. Mace gets home to his wife waiting anxiously for his return. Oh, thank God!...says Maritza as he comes in the back door. The kids?,..asks Mace. Jouri and Jahmyr are in their rooms, and Bj..he’s....about! I see!..says Mace. Well..he knows! The entire Fold?,..asks Mary. No!...not yet!...or at least that’s what unc told me. We should get out of here!...proclaims Mary. No!...We can’t! ...He made that very clear! ...And that means we’d be tracked and hunted down anyway! So, what are we supposed to do?...asks Mary. For now, we go about our normal business as usual...but try to quickly come up with a plan! Mace said the last part with deep thought and a concerned look in his darting eyes. That caught Maritza’s attention. Hold up!.. “Quickly!?“...That means time is of the essence for some reason!...Why don’t we have time Mace!?......MACE!? I......I wanted out, but upon discovering your secret!....OUR SECRET!.... They’re putting me out, and plan to...... take the twins in exchange!! WHAT!!?..says Maritza. Barnabi said it too, but because he said it at the same time as his mother, they did not hear him in the other room although they knew he was there. I KNOW!..I KNOW!...but in the meantime, we have to stay calm and think this through! When are they coming?...asks Maritza. Didn’t say! So, they could be coming tonight,...tomorrow!!....UGH!!! I don’t think so!..replies Mace. If he wanted to he could have taken them NOW!,..But by not doing so it makes me think we may have a little time! How much time are you thinking?.... I’m thinking a couple of days to a week!..replies Mace. We just have to be smart Maritza and patient! Ok...ok...but we need to come up with something! ...I didn’t leave those freaks to lose my babies to the other freaks!...No offense! Last week maybe, but as of now......none taken!..replies Maceo. Barnabi sheds a tear as he tip toes up the stairs to his bedroom....But as he reaches his doorway he stops and thinks... What about me!?... Why was there no mention of me!?..

(WEDNESDAY) The next morning as everyone prepares to leave for the day Barnabi pipes up..... Maybe we should take a day!?... Everyone looks at him. Ya’ know....like a family day! Whatever!..says Jouri gathering her books and bag. ....Today our project assignments are being handed out and I have to be there! Yeah, so you can make sure you’re on the same team as Ohani Brown!..teases Jahmyr. NO, I’M NOT!..NO IT’S NOT!..I MEAN!..AARRGGH!...GET OUT OF MY WAY TURD-BLOSSOM!... !!BWAHAHAHAHAHA!...OWE!!... Jouri punched her twin brother in the arm as she pushed past him out the door. Mary just looks at Barnabi sternly. You’re just going to let them go!? Hmmph!..chides Maritza. ....Something “FINALLY” concerns you!... Huh!?..Mom!?..what’s dat mean!? I know you always cared BJ, and you may have to be the one to take care of your brother and sister some day!..I believe in you!... Her words make Bj’s Midian face change colors as he gasps. .....BUT!...That day is NOT today Barnabi James Gideon!..FUFUFU! Barnabi calms as his mother slightly chuckles. Now GET BOY! ...You’ll miss your bus!...And I ain’t driving you to school today! Later that morning in school Kamnoor sees Bj talking to Camrin. She’s curious to what she could be saying to him. Kamnoor being a drop dead gorgeous popular student normally would be cool, calm and composed, but at this moment she is clearly upset by Camrin speaking to Bj. COME WITH ME!...says Kamnoor as she thrusts Bj into an empty classroom. Students gather around the door to hear Kamnoor berating Bj about talking to Camrin. WHY ARE YOU TALIKNING WITH HER!?,..barks Kamnoor. I don’t understand?...Why are you freaking out!?...replies Barnabi. What did that trashy senior have to say to you!? WHAT!?...what’re you saying Kam!? ARE YOU SAYING I CAN’T TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE?.....other girls? NO!.... Then I don’t understand?...Why are you being this way Kamnoor!? ...Sigh!...I’m sorry! It’s because she’s a senior, and she took a guy from me before. he graduated! I remained in Junior High, and when I got here...she had stolen him from me! So, you saying you see me as your “guy!” says Barnabi. I ain’t say all that!... That’s what it sounds like to me!..replies Barnabi. ....And a little toxic I might add!...Maybe that’s the reason...... Barnabi notices Kamnoor is bubbling with rage at his insinuation. I’M SORRY!..I’M SORRY!..says Barnabi as Kamnoor shuffles angrily to the classroom door. When Barnabi grabs Kamnoor’s arm she turns and looks him in the eyes. I know she has it in for me! I just thought you were “my” friend Bonzi! Kamnoor closes her eyes and comes in close as if to kiss Barnabi, but when he immediately closes his in hasty anticipation, she just looks at him and smiles. When he opens his eyes, she’s already out the door. She is happy all the students see her coming out of an empty classroom with Bj not far behind. Throughout the day when Camrin tries to admonish Barnabi about Kamnoor and what she’s about, she is lowkey hated and called out for trying to press up on Kamnoor’s “man.” Everything comes to a head when after school Kamnoor finally confronts Camrin about Barnabi. YOU!.....HEY YOU!....SENIOR B*TCH!....What’re you doing talking to my man!? “Your” man!?....Bwahahahaha!...Tramp we both know you wouldn’t talk to a goofy-nerd looking dude like that if your very life depended upon it! Camrin then notices Kamnoor folds her arms, sets back on one leg and gets a smug look. When Camrin turns around Barnabi is looking on mouth agape at Camrin’s insults. He turns and leaves. !!BARNABI WAIT!!..YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!!, says Camrin going after Barnabi, but is grabbed by Kamnoor. You’ve been going around making up rumors and talking sh*t about me and my family like we’re some sort of monsters!... Who’s da “real” monster here b*tch!.....I SHOULD WHIP YO’ ASS!! ......AWWWWEE SHOOOT! screams a kid from the back of the gathered crowd....FIGHT-FIGHT-FIGHT-FIGHT!! So soon?..says another student....It’s like the third day back and there’s already a school yard brawl!? Camrin got really angry and was about to attack, but she noticed all the faces giddy for a spectacle and restrained herself. YOU ALL KNOW!...“He” doesn’t know!....You freshmen don’t know!.....But the rest of you...Y’ALL ALL F*CKIN KNOW!!... I promised Peter!...And I intend to keep that promise!..says Camrin looking at the crowd before running off. Blending in the crowd are four teenage females who were gritting their teeth in anticipation of jumping in to protect Kamnoor, but then calmed down once Camrin ran off. AWWWWWWWEEEEEE!..moans the crowd of teenagers disappointed that a fight didn’t happen. Who da feck is Peter!?..says a freshman boy goofily. All the upperclassmen immediately turn and walk away. Well, that’s not odd at all!..replies another female freshman. Yeah!,..says a voice from the back of the crowd. WHO DA F*CK “IS” PETER!? It’s Barnabi. He doubled back afraid that he was going to have to break up the two girl’s fight. Kamnoor just stares at him unable to come up with a witty or funny retort to his question. Upon seeing she has no answer, Barnabi continues..... Seriously Kam!... This chick has been hounding me...NOT because she likes me. I thought that at first, but now I can’t help but think there is something more! ....Who’s Peter Kamnoor! YOU WANNA KNOW WHO PETER IS!?...replies Kamnoor walking over to Barnabi with a serious look.....YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW!?... YES! ......WELL I’LL TELL YOU WHO HE IS!...... !!SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH!! Kamnoor runs up on Barnabi and plants a long wet kiss on him. Everyone standing around can’t believe what they are seeing. I’LL TELL YOU.......AT DA PARTY!! !!KAWHOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!.. Jerico and the four other females immediately throw out a bunch of fancy party fliers that fly and float all over. Before Barnabi could gather himself Kamnoor, Jerico and the four females have already piled into the huge blacked out SUV they get in everyday and ride off. Inside the SUV. You really fallin’ for dat n*gga!?,..asks Jerico. Aren’t you supposed to be saving “all-dat-rizz” for something more IMPORTANT!? Shut da f*ck up Rico!... I do what da hell I want to! Heh!...I wanna be there when you say that to mom!...replies Jerico. Barnabi went home and as usual his parents ask him how his day went at dinner. Mary and Mace are concerned about how much their children may know about the Fold’s decision. Barnabi is sitting there barely eating at all. Mace is confused. ....BARNS!....BIG BJ!......BARNEY!?....YO! SON! ..Huh!?...I’m sorry what dad!? I was asking how your day went!? Uh oh!...chimes in Maritza... WHO’S DA GIRL!? !!NO, NO, NO!...THERE’S NO GIRL!...REALLY! !!KAMNOOOR!!..blurts out Journi. GASP!...Baranabi is surprised again by his siblings knowledge of what is going on in his high school. Huh!?...So Kamnoor is it?...asks Mary. Maritza and Mace both get a concerned look on their face because they know Kamnoor is a version of a common “visionary” name. Is there a problem mom?..asks Journi. No!...no!... My little man is growing up!..says Maritza in a low tone as she pinches Barnabi’s cheeks teasing. Maceo looks down and takes a few bites of dinner but then looks up at his wife. It’s ok! ...We just have to thread the needle! It’s most likely nothing! The siblings look at each other confused for their mother’s words. Mace nods in agreement. ....Just be sure to remain a gentleman!...Hear me!? Is there any other way!?..replies Barnabi with a cheesy smile. Any other way!...snarls his father. ...After dinner we need to talk! OH DAD!...NO!..replies Barnabi waiving embarrassingly. !!SNIIICKKKT!!..laughs Journi and Jahmyr. NOW!..laughs Journi..He’s just getting “the talk”...NOW!? Well, he is behind on his training!...says Jahmyr. Barnabi looks distraught. LOOK!...says Mace....NO!...on the first thing “the talk!“...Yes on the second “your training!” We talk!....Later!

(THURSDAY) The next morning Barnabi is still on cloud nine. His twin siblings confront him about Kamnoor. How much do you know about this chick!?...asks Journi. Barnabi gives no answer but keeps getting ready. You do know something is up with her right!?...says Jahmyr. ..No response from Barnabi. He’s got it bad!,..says Journi....He’s not hearing a word we’re saying to him! !!SMACK!! Both siblings slap Barnabi across his face from either side. SNAP OUT OF IT! In an instant Barnabi’s look changed and he snatched up both siblings by the throat slamming them up against the wall. His bronzed Midian skin ripples with power as his eyes turn the powerful amber just like with Camrin. This is the first time any family member has seen it in him. It catches the twins off guard. We only did it because we care!..creeks Journi through being choked. UGH!....I’m sorry!..says Barnabi releasing them with regret. All we’re saying is you just need to be careful!, says Journi. Our peoples didn’t want to confirm our suspicions!,.says Jahmyr. ....Which was suspicious!, says Journi. ...You want to ask around bro! ...And be careful who you ask! Later that day in school Barzel who is Camrin’s boyfriend is starting to take notice of Barnabi after hearing all the rumors. Barzel looks around for Barnabi while trying to not draw attention to himself. When Barzel finally finds Barnabi he notices that he is acting a little weird. He sees Barnabi peaking in classrooms and running away as if he is avoiding something, or someone. While staying out of sight, Barzel sees Barnabi slip a girl into the Janitor’s Closet. Bethsaida!...I need your help! ...Dude just call me Betty already! Jeez!..I was introduced to you as Betty and the moment you find out my actual name....whatever!....What do you want!?...shouldn’t you be breaking up your harem of hoes! Haha Betts!...replies Barnabi. Oh now I’m Betts!?.. Wow!..Out with it already!...I’m two seconds from screaming r*pe! Ok!..Ok!...What do you know about Peter!? Who da f*ck’s Peter!? I don’t know!...That’s why I’m asking you! Do you know how many dudes are probably named Peter in this school Barnabi!! ..ARRGH!...groans Barnabi .....Nevermind! He opens the door to let her out first before he left so no one would notice. Betty stopped as soon as she got outside the door. If you’re referring to the kid that mysteriously went missing...among many!... You’d have to ask someone who was here last year........BONZI!. ...Barnabi just stared at her dumbfounded as the door closed itself shut. Barnabi needed to hurry, but at the same time he couldn’t just go out behind Betty as someone might see and jump to the wrong conclusion. Barnabi gives it a minute and tries to quickly slip out of the maintenance room but bumps into Barzel. !!SLAMM!!..Barzel being on the football team is a tailback who is thin but also a solid mass of muscle. He easily lifts and slams Barnabi’s frail body against the wall. What’s all this bullsh*t going on with you and my girl!!? I’m not interested in Camrin! She’s the one interested in “me!” If you can’t handle your girl that’s on “you!” !!WHAT DID YOU SAY MUTHAF*CKA!!?..snarls Barzel. Ok!..Easy!..easy!! She keeps hounding me about Kam! She thinks there’s something weird going on with her!... Camrin mentioned some guy named Peter...but no one wants to... Barnabi can feel Barzel immediately easing up off him and then notices Barzel acted as if he had bad mouthed a mob bosses’ daughter by mentioning the name Peter. With eyes widening Barzel throws Barnabi back into the Janitor’s closet. YOU TOO!?....F*CK! ...Whatever!...You wanna dance with the devil?...It’s your funeral!.. Do NOT tell him I sent you!...You hear me!? Baranabi nods. You wanna talk to Mark! Mark who? ...Da f*ck you mean Mark who?....WHO DA HELL YOU THINK!? ...You’re “not” a true nerd, are you?... And definitely not da “rizz-master” you think you are! .....No....You’re actually...... just a clueless f*ckin’ slacker! !!SHICHKT!!...And to think I was actually worried about you pressin’ up on my Camrin!...snarls Barzel as he busts out of the Janitor’s closet and heads to his next class. Oh yeah and if anything weird happens to her, I’m blaming YOU! Barnabi spends the rest of the day looking for the captain of the football team Mark Sampson. It isn’t until he finally sees Fiji that he finds out Mark was absent from school that day. He had to endure Felicity’s slick mouth but also found out that even she hasn’t been in contact with him all day which was highly unusual. Frustrated, Barnabi tries to stay unseen, and spends the last of the school day skulking around avoiding Camrin and Kamnoor.

(FRIDAY) Barnabi comes downstairs for breakfast before heading off to school... Morning electric turds! Journi and Jahmyr ignore him as they usually do, faces buried in their smart phones. As Barnabi pours his favorite cereal he then realizes his parents seem to be eerily missing from the morning routine. Uh!....Where’s mom and pop!? I don’t know!..mumbles Jahmyr and Journi. YO!...WHERE...IS...MOM...AND...DAD!? We don’t know!..replies Journi... They left a note or something!... On da fridge! !!WE ARE.......mumble mumble mumble...FOOD IS......mumble mumble mumble ...BEHAVE YOURSELVES!.........mumble mumble mumble....DON’T WAIT UP! WHAT DA HELL IS THIS!?..snaps Barnabi... Did either of you see them this morning at all!? Both look at each other and shrug their shoulders. Oh for the love of..... All right!...You two go on!...Your bus is coming! What’re you gonna do!?..asks Jahmyr and Journi. I’m going to school too! No reason to......over-react! Huh!?..replies Journi... Nothing!...just..... Have a good day! Barnabi is in a fog all day. Knowing what he knows he can’t concentrate on learning. Hey!...Do you understand what I’m telling you about those two!? Wha?... UGH!...dude!... Camrin storms off. Later Barnabi is sitting in the school atrium with Kanoor on his lap faking little kisses on his cheek, but he is zoned out. Don’t forget tomorrow night!...We’re setting it off at 10!.....Bonz!?....You are one distracted guy!..says Kamnoor. Wha?..replies Barnabi. Are you ok?...Is there something wrong Bonzi? I....I don’t....it’s nothing!..replies Barnabi trailing off. I’m heading to class...maybe we can talk about it later?.... Huh!?...replies Barnabi. Jerico looks at his sister with a teasing smirk. Talk to you later Bonz!..says Kanoor shuffling off a little upset with her entourage of female followers. Later Barnabi hurries home looking for his parents. Maritza and Maceo are nowhere to be found. By now Journi and Jahmyr realize something is off. Their parents work but they are always home when they arrive. What’s happening Bj!?...cries Journi. ....I’m worried!! Where could they be?...asks Jahmyr. The letter said don’t wait up!... Let’s give then another hour before we do anything! An hour has passed and still no parents. Ok...I have to call the police!...snaps Journi. Mom and dad have never done anything like this before! Jahmyr looks concerned but doesn’t say anything. Hold it!...says Barnabi with a serious look on his usually jovial face. We have to be patient before we react! !!WHAT!?...MOM AND DAD ARE MISSING! snaps Journi. we don’t know that!..replies barnabi calmly with a low tone covering the phone. There is something you guys should know! Journi and Jahmyr look at each other. Sigh!....Remember earlier this week when uncle Mattshan invited us all out to dinner? Well he was.... He found out something about mom! ...Barnabi hesitates..... WELL!?...WHAT IS IT!?...barks Jahmyr... TELL US!... WHAT IS IT ABOUT MOM!? says Journi. He uh....He wanted to take you two for....... ya’ know hunting because you guys are like.....prodigies! Ok so, you’re saying Mom and Dad are out there possibly fighting for us!?...asks Journi. Yes!...Maybe?...We can’t be sure how these things work. They may just be negotiating! .....Or they could be in a scrap and need their “prodigy” children’s help! I don’t think they need our help! I mean dad’s a beast!..replies Jahmyr.... But mom...I’m not too sure... Oh trust mom is....... Journi and Jahmyr look at Barnabi with anticipation for his next words. Mom is what!?...says Journi. Mom’s........ !!chinga-linga-linga!! The sound of keys rustling at the door can be heard.. Boom!...the door swings open and Mace and Mary burst through in a rush. Oh thank god!...says Maritza. WHAT!?...WHAT IS IT? Um...nothing!...everything’s ok...did you guys eat? Yeah,...replies Jahmyr who along with his siblings look on confused. Well now...I’m gonna grab a bite and then head off to bed myself!..says Maceo. !!YAAAAAAAAWWWWN!!....Yup! I need a bath!...says Maritza ....WAIT!....Has anyone been by here? No one!..replies all her children. Good!...good!........good! Mace goes into the kitchen and Mary heads upstairs. What da f*ck was that!? ....says Jahmyr. Just DON’T with the casual swearing Jah!, replies Journi...Freakin’ “MY-Tube” is turning your brain to mush! Look!...Just be on alert!...says Barnabi.... Clearly something has them upset,....BUT if they’re not freaking out whatever it is can’t be that bad!...Can it? Whatever says Jahmyr heading to his room. Journi heads up too looking back at Barnabi concerned as she goes. Stay alert!...says Barnabi. Journi stops and rolls her eyes. !!....Barnabi finally looks at his phone and sees he has missed multiple texts from Kamnoor, Jerico, his lunch squad friends, Camrin telling him “DON’T GO!” and a bunch of other students. ....Oh crap!, says Barnabi to himself.

(SATURDAY) Ok you guys!...I’m gonna head over to Sheila’s for a couple of hours! says Journi. NO!..says Mace and Mary. We mean....usually we take it easy on Saturday, but we’re gonna need your help with some.... uh! Spring cleaning!...chimes in Mace. Ha-ha! You guys!....It’s not fully spring yet!.....And you two are the biggest lazy-bugs on Saturday. No, we mean it!...replies Maritza. Is something wrong?..asks Journi. NO!...replies Mary and Mace. Fine I’ll stay!... We know that you two are keeping something from us!....And I for one don’t like it! Mace and Maritza just look at Journi like she’s crazy which frustrates her even more. The Gideon family spends that Saturday cleaning up. It’s almost like they’re preparing for something!...says Jahmyr to Barnabi. Barnabi shrugs it off and goes back to his texting. Look at him!...says Jahmyr to Journi. Remember how he used to get on us!?....A day or two in Highschool and now he won’t put his cell down! It’s fused to his freakin’ hand! Journi looks at Jahmyr. I said Freakin’! As the later hours draw, Journi sees Barnabi getting dressed to go out! WHOA!...WHOA!...WHOA!...why do you look like you’re about to head out to some hip-hop party and I’ve been on lock-down all day! You ain’t me!...replies Barnabi. What’s all that racket!? Mom...Dad...How come Bj gets to go to a party and you guys kept me in all day! Barney you might want to stay in tonight! Pop!...I’ve been looking forward to this all week!....It’s only a little get together on the pier!... It’s right next to the police precinct! What could go wrong!?... I mean unless there’s some kind of emergency!? Mary folds her arms in disagreement. No..there’s no kind of emergency!..replies Mace a little deflated. No emergency!?....Cool! It’s only a couple of hours!....I’ll keep my cell on! OHHH YEEEAAAH,...THE PARTAAAAY! says Jahmyr...HELL YEAH! Uh....Where do you think you’re going!? I’m going too! Sorry bro!...It’s by invite only!...smirks Barnabi holding up the very expensive invite flier. ....AND “strictly” Highschoolers.....ANYWAY! Man, I got more friends up in there then you! I bet you do!..chuckles Barnabi sliding out the front door...I bet you do! I should crash it!..says Jahmyr upset causing his Midian eyes to glaze over amber. You’re crashing nothing!,..replies Mace. Help me with this sink! Jahmyr pouts as he follows his father into the kitchen. Barnabi looks back and can see his sister looking out the window as he zips off on his motorized scooter. That was easy!...thinks Barnabi to himself...... Is it because the fold isn’t interested in me!?...Oh well...I’m gonna have so much FUUUUNN!! Two weeks ago, in a warzone in eastern Europe a group of soldiers with two peculiar men are sent to join a platoon that has lost many men. Finally!...reinforcements!...barks the Captain. !!WHOA!,....Kinda ripe aren’t ya’!?...We scraping the bottom of the barrel already!? Tell me grandpa!.... How old are you!? The older guy looks up and ponders....... 2 almost.....3...hundred years old! !! BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!... All the soldiers laugh. Ah!....A cheeky one!... That might actually be good for morale!!..snarls the Captain. ...But serious!....!? I’m 42! Great!...That makes you my lieutenant!... Now I have to inform you guys although you just got here....We’re moving out immediately! We are to meet up with another platoon taking heavy assault and being overwhelmed at the northern front! They are losing ground! Ground that our boys took 6 months ago! It’s ours!...What say we go get it back!?...continues the Captain with an evil grin. !!!RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGH!!..All the soldiers roar with guns raised as they move out. I almost forgot!....What’s your name old man!? Lash(Laish) Alafair Lash! Well Lash, I hope you took your meds because we’re about to jump right into the Devil’s *sshole! Colorful!...replies Alafair under his breath. The troop travels in the night and reaches their destination with just a couple of hours until daybreak. The warzone is clearly hot as there are artilleries lighting up the night sky with fire and smoke all over as far as the eye can see. It’s easy for Alafair to see that he and his side are nothing but fodder for the regime. A strong strapping young buck breaks through and walks up to Alafair whispering. These people will be useless if they die before we can.... The young man stops because the Captain is pretending not to eavesdrop on his conversation. He looks at Alafair sternly. You’re right!,.. says Alafair... GO ON!... I’ll let you have the fun and take that side!.... I’ll finish up here! The young buck smiles menacingly. It catches the Captain’s attention as he looks at the young man’s face and is taken aback. The young soldier’s face had begun to grow dark with weird black tattoo markings. His eyes seem to light up like a wolves’ in the moonlight. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?,..snaps the Captain. Nothing!..replies Alafair. Just this!...!!RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!! Alafair grabbed up the Captain and seemed to be drinking the very energy from his body right in front of all the men. They are petrified with fear at seeing their captain shake violently as he is syphoned out painfully. By the time the Sun has risen only two figures walk among a mile worth of smoldering warzone. The air is cold and eerie as the two men go from man to man grabbing up dying soldiers and sucking the very life force from their bodies. The screams of agony can be heard echoing across the now silenced war fields. UGGH!!...some of these soldiers taste disgusting!,...gripes the young strapping soldier. That may be the case Billy, but they are packed with power! Enough to grow very strong on! You already know this my son! Speaking of Sons!..... I know!..replies Alafair cutting him off. I used to just think of him as weak, but this!....... if true is idiotic! Do you think it will interfere with the Objective!?, replies Billy. D*mn youth!....He’s only concerned with “likes” and social media status!....!!SNICHKT!!,..snarls the huge burly Alafair. “YOU” are my son Bildagar! I will not be sidetracked by petty insignificant shirkers!... I will get him on track for you my Lord!...Apologies! .....I mean...father!, replies Billy bowing respectfully. I must ask father! ...Why work with these “normals”!? “THEY” DO IT!... It’s simple!... We have left things to the Lionesses for far too long! It’s time for the Lions to lead the Pride! We have allowed the Divas to remain the heads for millennia while we sit in the back but constantly giving our lives for their protection and LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPENED!.... WE ARE NEAR EXTINCTION! ...They haven’t even produced a “proper” Abbess in centuries! THIS FOOLISHNESS MUST STOP!! Back at the present time about a half an hour before Barnabi left his house Kanoor is standing portside of the huge cruise boat that was rented for her party. With her beautiful long hair flowing in the wind, she watches gleefully as loads of people board the big vessel. The people laugh, horseplay and partake of the many amenities the Cruise Liner has to offer. In stark contrast to all the bright and colorful frolicking and reveling going on Kanoor is summoned by her mom to a dark back room. She has to pass the elite guard who are called “The Olders or Elders,” although they are not necessarily old. There are 20 of them with 10 on each side of the long dark hallway she walks down. It leads to what looks to be the Captain’s quarters. At the entrance door are standing two above special operations guards called the “Noises,” Serjunio and Serjernia who are rumored to be black-summons. Kanoor enters the smoke filled room with cauldrons bubbling, incense burning and soft spa music playing. Kanoor is immediately turned off by the scene. So freakin cliche’ Mom! !!GASP!! SUCH DISRESPECT FROM THIS YOUNG ONE!... SHE THINKS HER BEAUTY ALLOWS HER TO BE IMPUDENT!...UNFIT TO LEAD I SAY!! !!SILENCE!!...says Kanoor’s mother with a serious look. I will hear no more of that kind of talk your Graces! OUR APOLOGIES LEAD MOTHER! Now.... My darling Qam’nur,... Are you prepared to do your duty and take your proper place!? Why do you ask Mother!? Is there any doubt among the coven about my preparedness!? There is some doubt my daughter.....Because how can you be prepared if you are pissing about with a common Normie!?,.... And from what I hear, a woefully buffoonish one at that! Kanoor looks around at her mother’s cabinet of witches... He gives off a VERY powerful aura for a normal and will bring me over the pinnacle once I consume him! DO NOT LIE TO ME!! barks Kanoor’s mother. !!SNICKHT!!... You all designate me as your ABBESS, but talk to me as if I am a petulant brat!!..replies Kanoor with a snarky tone. !!YOU ARE NOT ABBESS YET!!..roars Kanoor’s mother. DO NOT TALK TO ME AS IF YOU ARE!! The Graces grumble among themselves. !!EVERYONE OUT!! Lead Mother Diogenese...we are your Graces, your “sisters” your Coven,...It is highly unusual to dismiss us while such matters are discussed! I SAID OOOOUT!! Useless b*tches!!...gripes Diogenese. She stands over the Captain’s table with both hands on it and looking down in disappointment. She then looks up at her daughter.... You”know” how important this is to me,...to us....to our way of life!! Babygirl the “Lockers” (Warlocks) are breathing down my neck! I do not have time for you to get distracted by infatuation and puppy love! ...I’m not her!..says Kanoor barely loud enough for her mother to hear. !!WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME!? ...I AM NOT HER!!..barks Kanoor. !!GET DA F*CK OUT!!... And that normal better be consumed by party’s end and you back on mission!...FIND A F*CKIN’ MIDI TO SEDUCE!! SLAM!!.. Kanoor slammed the door behind her as she left. !!F*******CK!!..One is an immensely insufferable wretch, and the other is a cockless wuss and a milksop!, snarls Diogenese. I may have to find another option!...I know he’s up to something! No worries my love!..says a voice out of nowhere like a dream. There is nothing he can come up with that we won’t be ready for! !!AAUGGH!!..snarls Diogenese falling back into the Captain’s huge chair frustrated. Upon leaving the darkened area Kanoor is immediately caught off guard by giddy laughing and surprise... !!KANNY!! ...Senjaza!?...is that you!? Yes girl!....And we brought company! What’s up Kan!? Hey Ahzazel!, replies Kanoor a little uneasy. ...Look who I got to come! Kanoor looks and has to pretend she is excited at the two guys putting out amazingly powerful auras. They’re from house Ios! Ilystra!..replies one of them. They are arrogant and too aloof to even fully look at Kanoor when being introduced. That’s Sariel and that’s Akeesh! says Ahzazel trying to hide his man-crushing. Oh wow!...Nice to have you!,..says Kannor through her teeth looking at her brother Jerico. He’s in the background shaking his head in disbelief. Please make yourselves at home house Ilystra!,.says Kanoor. Enjoy all our boat has to offer! I doubt we will!,.. says Sariel and Akeesh walking away with a too cool for school attitude. Ahzazel scurries behind them giddily asking if they want to try the pool. What da actual f*ck Rico!?,.snaps Kanoor lowly. I don’t know!?....replies Jerico. ....You told me to invite Ahzazel!...I didn’t know he had ties with any Ios! That sh*t caught me off guard when they walked up! What could I say or do!? ...They were here and looking like they wanted to stay! F*ck meee!...says Kanoor. Hey bestie...I understand! ..That is kind of messed up,..but I have a gift for youuuuu! Where is he!?...There he is.... Dorne! A very handsome jock looking guy walks over with bronzed skin and flowing hair. What’s up Kam!? Kanny!...You remember Dorne Rippah!? Ah Yes!,..says Kanoor who quickly darts her eyes around making sure Barnabi is not there. Outside the boat Barnabi rolls up and struggles to lock up his scooter, juggling the flowers and candy he brought for Kanoor. Go on Kanoor!, says Senjaza ...Why don’t you show Dorne around!? Sure!..replies Kanoor looking at Jerico who smiles knowing she may be in a spot. Barnabi has boarded the boat just in time as it immediately casts off. He then spends the better part of an hour or two looking for Kanoor. While searching he has seen and talked with friends, played games, and ate. There was even a point where he thought he had seen Camrin the girl who had been troubling him all week about Kanoor. Whenever he asks if anyone has seen Kanoor, they either say she was just there, or they hadn’t seen her in a while. He finally sees Jerico who seemed to almost act as if he was trying to hide from him. HEY!....HEY!.....HEY JERICO! Hey man have you seen Kam!? I....uh.... I think she went down to the lower levels!, replies Jerico lying badly. Oh ok!...Barnabi turns to go back down to the lower decks, even though he had just come from there. !!SLAM!!...that’s when a door slams open and Dorne with Kanoor come falling through laughing all over each other as they did when they were kids. Kanoor looks up and sees Barnabi dumbstruck. His countenance can be seen dropping like a bowling ball. !!.....His face turns from gobsmacked shock to a colossal, enraged power of piercing electric shock of heated fury that everyone on the boat felt for a split second. Everyone standing around can see his heart break before their eyes as he dropped the flowers and candy that he had been holding all night! Barnabi turns and takes off in a tare as fast as he can. Kanoor looks at Jerico with a distressed look, barely eking out a ....help me! Jerico looks down, sighs and replies... Not good Kan!...Before ripping through the boat behind Barnabi with Kanoor not too far behind. They moved through the Cruise liner so fast regular people couldn’t see it. A few of their kind look up and take notice of the two flying by still wondering what that immense power was earlier. Barnabi has run down to an area with an opening where he can jump off the humongous ship. The ship had left port but is now anchored out to sea. Barnabi hesitated for a split second before he was about to jump.... !!GRAB!!....Jerico had just caught him by the back of the shirt before he could leap. Distraught, Kanoor can’t believe what she was seeing. !!YOU WERE REALLY GOING TO JUMP!?...just to get away from ME!?... says Kannor. Dude we are 3 nautical miles out!..says Jerico. ....I don’t know if you would’ve made that bruh! Come!..please sit and let me explain!...says Kanoor. That guy is a childhood friend.... Look!...My family used to be kind of old fashion and eclectic. ...And he was meant to be my betrothed! So, you will eventually have to marry him!..replies Barnabi. Hahahaha!...No!..Not at all Bonzi!...We don’t do that anymore! That’s all there is! I’m sorry for kinda crashing out!...replies Barnabi. Kinda?..replies Kanoor. I just..never thought I’d ever feel this way.... I know!..replies Kanoor cutting him off. ...I feel the same way! Barnabi’s eyes widened. Come with me!...says Kanoor getting up and taking Barnabi by the hand noticing the “Noises” had left their post which they never do. As she pulls Barnabi away he notices the two menacing looking humanoid creatures. Do you see those two people dressed like Genies!? ..WOW!,..so you were actually gonna jump and die because you thought you couldn’t have me!?,..says Kanoor teasing but also changing the subject. She thinks to herself... Can he see them?...How? !!BOOOOOM..POP...POP....POP..POP!....BOOOOM....BOOOOOOOM....BOOOM!!...POP....POP...POP!!!SHOOOM!!..SHOOM!!...SHOOOM!!...SHOOOMM!!...SHOOOM!! Oh wow!...they’ve started!...says Kanoor as fireworks rocket up and explode over the cruise ship, while foam fills the many dancefloors. Music blasts real loud as the many guests laugh and are having an awesome time. Kanoor flings Barnabi into an empty room and on the bed. She gets a sinful grin as she locks the door behind her. She jumps on him kissing him all over. She removes his clothes from the waist down. As she interacts with him a loud blood curling scream can be heard.... !!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH!! What was that?...says Kanoor stopping what she was doing. I didn’t hear anything!...says Barnabi not wanting her to stop. Kanoor continues.... In the darkened room Barnabi looks at Kanoor who seems to be crying as it looks as if she was going to try to eat him as opposed to pleasure him. He was about to say something but then a scream can be heard again... !!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGHHH!! Ok I heard that!...says Barnabi. WHAT DA HELL IS HAPPENING OUT THERE!? This time Kanoor is trying to keep Barnabi from getting up and leaving. He burst out the door, but doesn’t see anything, but can hear screaming coming from the other rooms. As he goes down the halls, he hears some people having sex, and others sounding as if they are being tortured. What the hell is going on!?,..thinks Barnabi as his heart throbs. By now Kanoor has come up behind him low key trying to get him to go back to the room with her. !!ARE THOSE KIDS!?....WHY ARE THERE LITTLE KIDS ON THIS PARTY BOAT!? They’re here with their parents!,..replies Kanoor. I thought this was a Highschoolers only party!? We have money, but we wanted to offset the cost a little! So we invited some families for a good time on the ocean! Even with all the kids from other High schools there is still way too much boat Bonzi! !!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUGGHHH!! Another scream comes from a room right where Barnabi and Kanoor are standing. Barnabi burst open the door to see one of the girls that usually follows Kanoor around sucking the life out of another teenage female. Kanoor immediately grabs the doorknob and closes it. WHAT DA HELL WAS THAT!?...shouts Barnabi who looks over and sees a child running in fear down the hall from one room only to be snatched into another dark room by what looked and sounded like a gigantic monster. Then a crunching sound with blood gushing from underneath the closed door. Kanoor........What da hell is happening!?...What is going on!?...says Barnabi slowly moving away. ...did you bring me here to kill me!? NO!....Bonzi... I would never!.... !!SHUUUMP!!...Barnabi ran in that instant. He sees all kind of debauchery and evil acts as he runs through the ship trying to get topside. People are screaming and running as all kinds of chaos is occurring on the Cruise Liner too far out to sea to escape. He figured he’d go as high as he could before trying another jump for it. As he trembles putting on a life preserver, he hears a familiar voice of someone being surrounded. It’s Camrin Deets. She actually had been on the ship. Didn’t I tell you if you ever came around again that there wouldn’t be any more forgiveness or clemency...Cammy!!,..says Kanoor’s close friend Senjaza with her hair turning into snakes just like the Greek goddess Madusa. That means this time you ain’t going free b*tch!...says another female friend named Shamsi. !!HA!!...Camrin throws up a mirror at Senjaza. Ha!? says Senjaza....What’s the mirror for?....Trick I ain’t a Greek Myth!... My gorgon Stare is just a description of this technique I do with my magic!...while fixing her hair in the mirror she then turns and looks at a running normal and turns them to stone. SEE!..he wasn’t even looking at me!..!!Fufufufufu!! Barnabi gasps as Senjaza easily snatched up Camrin and started to suck her life force out. Camrin immediately falls limp. UUUGH!!...powerless freaks taste disgusting!....!!TOSS!!... Senjaza threw Camrin’s lifeless body overboard. ...Just then the topside of the ship is hit with a...... !!BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!! followed by an intense bright light. As the light fades two strong figures immerge slowly stepping forward! WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEBACLE!!?,..says the bigger one. I WANT ANSWERS OR EVERYONE ON THIS SHIP DIES!! Now it’s a party!,.. says Akeesh. !!GASP!!... The sound of an Ilystra catches the big newcomer off guard. So Ios is here too!? Laish,....Alafair!...My dad said you were a good little underling!..Always doing as your told!...I’ll try to put in a good word!,..says Sariel snidely as he and his brother Akeesh standby as observers. !!GRRRRRRRR!!..Grumbles Alafair. !! !!WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SH*T!!? At that moment Kanoor has caught up to Barnabi. Her running up makes her stand out, while at the same time everyone cannot see Barnabi there because he is hiding. She pares at her father with a guilty look like a kid caught with its’ hand in the candy jar. It’s “MY” party! snarls Jerico standing up. NO!...thinks Kanoor to herself knowing that it was “her” idea to have the party, and what comes next for Jerico. You have broken the code!...And at a crucial moment!...barks Alafair. I CANNOT CONTINUE TO ABIDE YOUR INCOMPETENCE AND FOLLY ANY LONGER! YOUR ACTIONS CAUSE A DIRECT THREAT TO OUR EXISTENCE! I SENTENCE YOU TO SWIFT AND IMMEDIATE...DEATH!! !!NOOOOOO!.....IT WAS ME!....IT WAS MY IDEA TO HAVE THE PARTY IN ORDER TO TRICK SOME NORMALS ON THE BOAT TO BE CONSUMED! I NEEDED IT TO BRING ME OVER THE TOP IN ORDER TO BECOME A PROPER ABBESS! DON’T KILL HIM WHEN IT WAS MY IDEA! Alafair just looks at Kanoor while charging up his immense power. It’s so powerful it lights up the night sky on the cruise liner. Hmmph!.....For one!...you know I can’t do anything to you!...That is why you try to take his place!.... NO!..replies Kanoor. ...And two!.....He is a Warlock!....MY SON!.....AND HE ALLOWED THIS F*CKERY TO HAPPEN KNOWING WHAT IT WOULD MEAN! .....He has properly accepted his fate! ...The one act in his entire putrid life that I am proud of! NOW!....... DADDY DO NOT KILL THE ONLY BROTHER I HAVE!...pouts Kanoor. !!!WWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOM....WWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOMMMM!! Alafair’s magical power charges up to terrifying levels. Excluding Akeesh and Sariel his power causes all the other witches and warlocks to gasp and tremble in fear for how great it is. Kanoor doesn’t know what to do.... please daddy!....daddy noooooo!! as she grabbed on him.... She then tried to cover Rico who thrusts her aside looking his father dead in the eyes unflinching. Kanoor is grabbed and held by other warlocks standing around. She cries and screams out in desperation..... SOMEBODY HELP!!.........Alafair nods at his son then takes aim. !!!NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!......ANYBODY!!!...screams Kanoor. Being held she lets out a whimper. .......Barnabi! Just then a split second of silence seem to last forever to Kanoor, as a slim frail nerdy figure jumped in and covered her brother from what was the most powerful barrage of pure unleashed omega magic any of the young Visionaries had ever seen. !!KAAAAAAAAAAWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHHHH!At first Alafair was smiling as he unleashed his full power, but then his happiness turned to utter shock and slight fear. It couldn’t be!.....But there was no other explanation! His son still stood there alive after his most powerful attack. It was blocked....NO......nullified by the power of this insignificant little stripling of a boy. There can be no doubt!......HE’S MIDI!...says Alafair. All are shocked and some of the Visionaries cower in fear as most of them had not ever encountered a Midian in their entire lives. Kanoor is left looking at Barnabi in shock. QUICK!,... GIVE IT TO ME!!..shouts Alafair to Billy who shaking with fear opens a briefcase with a weird looking tech-gauntlet. Billy immediately hands it to Alafair who puts it on. I can tell you are a very powerful one!....But you LACK experience! This is the perfect opportunity to test this out!,..says Alafair stretching the weird glove over his right hand. He aims it at Barnabi and blast him again with all his might. This time Barnabi moved out the way, but it still grazed his arm burning it. Jerico behind Barnabi took a major shot to the face as he tried to hold Barnabi for his dad. Kanoor explodes with rage! .......HOW DARE YOU TRY TO FOOL THE ABBESS!......I HATE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!! Kanoor raised her magical energies way too high. !!Babygirl!...You gotta bring it down!..says Alafair. WHAT’S SHE DOING!...asks Billy. SHE’LL KILL US ALL!!...says Akeesh. !!JUMP!!..says Sariel! Akeesh and Sariel jump over the side of the boat. Seeing two Ios jump for their lives freaks out the other Visionaries who run around in a panic. !!STOP IT QAMNUR!!...shouts Alafair. !!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGHHHH!!!! KAAAAAAAAAAAAABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!! With a powerful shout Kanoor blew up the entire cruise liner in the ocean. From the shore the ship can be seen going up like a nuclear bomb. It was total catastrophe. Many people were on that boat and many died. All night bodies come crashing into the shore. Alafair sits on the water as if dry ground. It worked Billy!...says Alafair sitting as if nothing had happened. It is as they say....The hunted has now FINALLY become the hunters!... At that moment four of the elite guard called the Elders approach him. What is your bidding master?,...they ask. He’s a weak Midi. Follow him....and kill him! ...As you command! replies the four dark beings wearing what looks like big Asian conical straw hats. The tall slender black statue-esq figures rocket across the water in pursuit of the faint trail of energy they believe was left behind by one Barnabi J. Gideon. An hour has gone by and now rescue ships and helicopters have arrived along with news copters reporting on the mysterious incident. That’s right Jan we are flying over what was once a Cruise Liner...I believe it was the “High Fidelity Caribbean” cruise ship. Many bodies have already been recovered to the tune of over a hundred per the captain of the Coast Guard. And they are expecting many more!.... This is a flier we got from a student that was barred from going. Apparently, it was a party given by the very wealthy and powerful Laish family...A usually low-key dynasty of Affluents in these parts. Has there been any comments from the Laish family as of yet Tammy!? Not yet Jan but with this much death and destruction, they will surely have to answer to the authorities sooner or later!.... back to you in the studio Jan! Further out in the ocean a survival boat with Kanoor’s mother and the graces rows as the Noises appear out of nowhere. Well, what did you find out!?,...asks Diogenese taking a pull of a long stem cigarette in a sexy manner. Turns out your Daughter’s lover was a Midian all along! They have searched but have not found him as of yet. The Elders have been dispatched by your husband to find and eliminate him! HMMPHF!!..replies Diogenese with a slight smirk. ...And what of the children? There is no sign of them, therefore we assume they are alive as well! !!SUUUUUUPP!!...FOOOOOOO!!...Diogenese takes another long pull then exhales..... Good! That is all for now! LEAD MOTHER!..reply the Noises who then disappear. So does Diogenese and her boat as they row into the ocean night line as if on a stilled eerie lake.

(SUNDAY)Barney struggled the rest of the night to make it back to shore with hopes that none of those witches and warlocks that call themselves “visionaries” followed him. Dredging out of the ocean he runs as fast as he can all the way home. When he gets there his heart goes up into his throat. The house is smoldering and smoking. It has blown out portions all over it. Clearly there has been a major altercation. The entire area that was his home on this serene sub-urban block now looks like a war zone. Barnabi doesn’t even know where to begin regarding looking for his family..... MOM!!....... DAD!!....... JOURN!....... JAH!........ ANYONE!..... He holds his breath as he tries to move through the two-story house that is no longer structurally sound looking for his family. He continues to call out.... But when he makes his way back down and into the kitchen area that’s where he sees it.... Two huge blood splatters that look like the remains of two individuals! Barnabi now starts to hyperventilate. WHAT HAS GONE ON HERE!!??.....WHO?...WHO DIED!?.....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGHHHH!!! ...shhhhh!...continuing to scream like that is not wise!,..says a voice. !!.....Barnabi looks up fast and in shock.....looking around but sees no one! WHO DA F*CK IS THERE!?....SHOW YOURSELF COWARD!! ...you don’t want to do that!....you want to follow me now! HOW DA F*CK CAN I FOLLOW YOU AND I DON’T SEE ANYONE TO FOLLOW!?... !!....Bj is it?...come with me! I KNOW YOU....YOU’RE THAT RICARDO BROWN GUY THAT WAS WITH UNCLE MATTSHAN!... THERE WAS NO RESIDUE OF MAGIC!....YOU GUYS DID THIS!.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGHH!!... Barnabi with his Midian eyes ablaze in amber dashed toward Ricardo for attack. !!WHAT!?... But in a split second is subdued face down with an arm behind his back. I am not your enemy!..says Ricky soft but sternly. !!BARNABI!!...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?...shouts Journi coming from the neighbor’s yard. Right behind her is Jahmyr both come out with tears streaming down their pretty faces. A wide eyed Barnabi is glad to see his two siblings are alive, but their demeanor lets him know who the two blood splatters are. !!SH*T!!...says Ricardo...... You were followed! The day will dawn pretty soon! Hmmph!.. It’s a miracle that emergency responders have not shown up yet! !!SNICHKT!!...Evil warlock assassins!...They must have placed an enchantment spell on the neighbors! ...Anyway!,.....I guess that means I need to end this fast! What are you saying Rick!?...asks Journi. You two take your brother back to the neighbor’s yard but watch closely! You “two” seem to be true prodigies but I can see there is much you are still greatly lacking!.. And you!...Ugh!... Just watch! This will be your first introduction to training! !!WWOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAGH! It’s the enchanted moan of the elite Elders assassins sent by Alafair. Rick stands up and stares at the towering black specters as they close in and surround him. He doesn’t flinch! You filthy-filthy monsters do you not understand that crossing a Midian is certain death!? FUFUFUFU!..laughs the dark monsters....Only if the Midi is an upper-level of the Fold!....And you are too young to wield the kind of power it takes to be any kind of worry for four Visionary Elder elites! I wonder about that!...replies Rick who then powers up to immense levels surprising the would-be assassins. Pay close attention!..says Rick. We do NOT conjure as these evil beings do!.... But with savvy understanding of our Midian might, the possibilities can be endless! The Elder specters attack with ferocity. They see that their magic has no effect whatsoever on this Midianite fighter, so they use very powerful physical attacks..... But still, they are no match for Ricky B. THIS is your basic Midianite Powers.... POWER PUNCH!!......!!BLAAMM!! Rick sends one of the specters flying across the street into a neighbor’s house destroying it. POWER GRAB!!.....!!SNATCH ...SLAM!! While evading two of the other specter’s attacks he grabbed the third and slams him hard into the ground creating a small crater in the Gideon yard. The force was strong enough to push the other two back, so Rick runs toward one.... POWER SLIDE!!... Rick slides into one of the specters knocking it off its feet. He follows up with a leg drop kick to the face crushing it. Ugh!!.. My god!..says Journi clutching her pearls. Jahmyr is beside her salivating at what he is seeing. This is how I’ll avenge you mother and father!..says Jahmyr tightly to himself. Barnabi is still in a fog of shock at all that is happening. And finally, the last..... As Rick was talking the last specter takes off flying up the street looking like a giant black kite or bed sheet. Running is futile!..says Rick. ....POWER JUMP!!.... Rick squats down just a little and rockets up into the air and lands square on the fleeing specter. Rick can be seen just staring at the monster under his feet. Rick drags him back to where the others are. It is time to go!...But I will show you one more ability that you all may learn...if you develop the talent for it that is! !!Burning Hand!!... !!KAWOOOOOSH!!... Rick’s hand lights up on fire until it looks white hot.... He then palm touches each of the Specters causing them to evaporate into ashes in the wind until there is no trace. Barnabi thinks to himself....Could that be why there was no trace of magic!?... I can’t be sure who was behind this? ...and I certainly cannot beat him! That’s it!....I have to get strong in order to find out and exact the truth in this underworld of powerful Sages, Witches and Warlocks! Rick then pulls out a key fob and calls up his snazzy EV car. It’s a little electric SUV tank!..says Journi. Kind of!..replies Rick looking at her a little longer than he should. Easy!..says Barnabi catching it. All that!... and we can’t just fly, or teleport or something more cooler!...says Jahmyr slightly disappointed. no!...replies Rick. They all pile into the modern car and as they zip up the road Rick looks back in the rear view as if he’s looking for someone but sees no one. High in a tree in one of the neighbor’s yards, a figure moves forward. It’s Fenix, Mattshan’s other bodyguard. He watches as they drive away. After a long drive into an area just outside the city they are taken to an abandoned Supermart grocery store. In the back of the huge empty store, they walk into the freezer area. A high-tech keycard and pin number is needed to open the freezer and inside is a stairway that leads down to a military-styled underground bunker. It is empty but looks as if it was recently occupied by many people. Will there be more showing up?..asks Jahmyr. Maybe?....But not for a while.... So, for now...... All this is yours and yours alone! How can you afford all this?,..asks Journi. I know about the Midian blessing of increase, but wow, how rich is the main fold!? It’s vast!,..but don’t get caught up in that sort of thing! We have more pressing issues and need to focus on your training! You two seem to have a decent foundation, but you Bj.... “YOUR” Midian ability seems to be in the toilet! How is that even possible?...How can you have two “younger” siblings who are excellent, while your ability is pretty much....ass! Are you an idiot or are you just a f*cking slow slacker!? You trying to get a rise out of me!?...asks Barnabi. No...If I were, I would ask where da f*ck were you when your parents NEEDED YOU THE MOST!?... OH, THAT’S RIGHT! PARTYING UP WITH THE ENEMY!...I MEAN THEY ASKED YOU TO STAY!...BUT YOUR PEA BIRD BRAIN COULD ONLY THINK ABOUT THAT TRAMP WITCH! YOU MUST BE THE FIRST MIDIAN TO GET ENCHANTED WITHOUT GETTING ENCHANTED!.. JUST A STRAIGHT UP CHUMP AND A SIMP-ASS SUCKER! !!KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMMMMMMMM!! WHO DA HELL YOU THINK YOU TALKING TO!?,..barks Barnabi. In a fit of rage Baranabi sends a quick shot of colossal power blazing throughout the underground bunker. It shoots a shiver down everyone’s spine. Ah....there’s that Midianite rage! You have a monstrous power, but it’s so dormant I don’t think even your parents were able to sense it! “I” was barely able to sense it! I’m guessing your lack of care and training is what allowed you to go so long without detection. ...But at the same time, you have a problem. You seem to have inherited the Ali Chamah...or Great Wrath! What’s that?,..asks Journi. Usually nothing.... But in a guy like him it could be disastrous! Are you guys aware of the Midian story!? They all nod yes. Let me hear it! They tell him the entire story of their ancestors and the prophet and the angel that presented them the Midian Gift. Just as I suspected!..replies Rick. There is a part of the story that is usually left out. Gallius along with Menowin and a band of Midianite soldiers eventually find the main coven! It was led by Chief Heethro’s son Dornor. He had betrayed his people and helped the ones we know today as “visionaries” or Witches make a blood oath with dark-entities in exchange for immense power! All because he thought his father and the councils’ ways were too old fashioned! He had also grown tired of waiting to be Chief-Sheik and head all the southern lands. His father wasn’t under the protection of the Midian gift at the time and so he cunningly killed him. When Gallius had finally found them Dornor had also taken his betrothed Orimah as one of many concubines! Enchanted he forced her to do lewd acts right in front of Gallius before killing her! !!GASP!!... This is the important part!...continues Rick. Gallius was so enraged that he went against one of the three rules given by the spirit who gave him the gift! What three rules!?...I’ve never heard of no three rules!,..says Barnabi with a snarky demeanor. When you are low level, we steer you away from the acts of the three rules but do not officially divulge them until your power is great enough that you “need” to know it! What are they?..asks Journi...Can you tell us? Rick just stares at Journi with a serious look. One!,...In order to remain in power you will have to hunt! Two!.. Do not harm innocents! ...And the third....Never lose yourself! That’s it!?,..laughs Jahmyr. ....Pishaw!...I was thinking it was going to be some ultra-deep sage wisdom stuff! Why would there be no need to tell that!? It is thought that it would be wiser to just raise up decent people who genuinely wouldn’t do such things anyway, rather than brow beating the rules into someone!.... Which may cause them to get on the wrong path directly leading to it! What happened to him!?..asks Barnabi.....The Gallius guy!! There is a biblical scripture that states the wrath of man worketh not righteousness!,..replies Rick. ...Gallius so enraged by the loss of his soon to be wife lost himself. When a Midian possessing the gift rages out the upper limits of his strength has no end. The Midian becomes an illuminated unstoppable ascended being! HELL YEAH!..says Jahmyr. Menowin and the others watched in horror as Gallius physically ripped the heads off every witch and warlock in that hidden coven temple with his bare hands. The soldiers reported that no one left without being drenched in blood. ...And Gallius?,..asks Barnabi. He could not stop heaving!..He continued to radiate and ascend until he faded away into sparkles of dust! ...BUT not before lamenting his weakness to his men and admonishing them to not let the same happen to them. Eh!...Bummer!...replies Jahmyr. With that tid-bit of information out of the way,..On to the more important thing! We have our first mission slash hunt ladies and gentlemen! We have a big problem and if we do not tend to it....It will become an insurmountable problem! What is it now?,..asks Barnabi. WE JUST LOST OUR F*CKING PARENTS!! .....Are we not allowed a moment to grieve!? The problem with the world you all are about to enter is there is little room for allowances! You would honor your parent’s memory well by stopping this evil quandary!...And fast! Everything your parents fought for...My parents!...Our people have fought millennia for could be undone and plunge this world into deep utter darkness! Ok...we get it!...What exactly are you talking about?,..asks Barnabi. !!GLOVES!!... Huh!?,..replies Journi. ....Skunk Works gauntlets to be exact!..replies Rick who keeps looking at Journi. The Visionaries as they like to call themselves have been laying low which caused us to believe that they might be up to something! ...And they were!... !Tap!.... Rick pulls up on the huge wall monitor a picture of what looks like a high-tech glove. All the Gideons shudder... That’s what that monster guy that attacked Mom and dad had on!...says Journi. It’s what that guy named Alafair put on and hit me with!,..says Barnabi showing his shoulder. They all look at him. !!He tangled with Alafair!?...And he had one of these gloves!!?,.And lived to talk about it!?thinks Rick to himself. ...You’re gonna have to let me take a look at that later!..says Rick. Getting back to the gloves, as of now we don’t know much because it is still being analyzed. All we do know is that it seems to nullify our Midian ability to not be affected by the witch and warlock’s magical powers! We have to infiltrate the high security facility that makes them and shut down the project for good! Our intel suggests that besides the top-notch security, it is likely guarded by a wannabe Locker named Tanto Damasac! He is a normal who has been imbued and enchanted with a massive amount of light-magic so he will be a handful! How are we supposed to do this?...asks Barnabi. By any means necessary!..replies Rick. Why us?...asks Journi..... I mean aren’t there more capable Midian warriors for such an important task!? We are the closest! The facility is one state over in Burlington County! They a bunch of weirdos in Burlington!...says Jahmyr. Journi gets up.... Are you going to the snack room?,..asks Barnabi. I wasn’t but do you need something!? Yeah, grab me a soda! Journi heads into the huge cafeteria. Dude, I know she’s pretty, but why do you keep staring at our sister!? Wha?...says Jahmyr taken aback by Barnabi’s question. I’m sorry!... It’s just curiosity! I don’t mean any harm it’s just that....She’s..... She’s supposed to be my P and P! WHAT!?..replies Barnabi. What da hell does that even mean!? I forgot what the letters stand for bro, but it means our sister could end up marrying him in an arrangement! ..says Jahmyr who pulls out his phone. See!...This one is supposed to be mine!... Her name is Jazelle Basma!... She looks pretty enough, but I don’t know... I’ve never tried to reach out! ....It would be kinda awkward! !!WHOA!...WHOA!...WHOA!..says Barnabi holding his head. Why don’t I know anything about this?... Do “I” have someone? Plug his name into the Midi app!,..says Rick. Barnabi....tap-tap-tap James tap-tap-tap Gideon! Oh!....ooooh! What is it!?...says Barnabi running over to Jahmyr and Rick. There’s nothing ....there!.... What...What does that mean!?...asks Barnabi confused. What does what mean!?...says Journi walking up with Barnabi’s soda and some snacks. Jahmyr hurries and turns off his smart phone while Rick and Barnabi look away. Uh....You guys were on Pledged and Promised weren’t you!?..Such babies! YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS!?..barks Barnabi. Yes! ....AND HIM!?... Uh Yeah!...replies Journi as if it was nothing. So, what now!?...asks Journi changing the subject. WE TRAIN! replies Slick-Rick clicking on a light revealing a vast warehouse with an expansive array of various special operations weaponry and training rooms. Ladies and gentlemen!...Welcome to the Hazard House!

*As always thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed! Please take all spelling and grammatical errors for love! Live, Love, and be Happy!