Birthright: A Phoenix is Born

Z is Penger Still

Hello peps, feel free to critique. Like and appraisal comments appreciated.

Catch you in my stories,
GaisceKid.

The Following Morning

Damian

"Bro, I'm telling you, *Zendaya is penger."

"I see your point, but you have to admit *Tara Emad is just something else." Kumar soothed.

"Let's agree they're both beautiful."

In baggy blue and pink hoodies we rested on the couch of the penthouse, occasionally showing the other a pic of our future wife on Instagram. Koju gave us the day off, a just reward for our near-death experience. Windows fully drawn, the living room illuminated with the summer sun's vibrant brilliance. Today was Wednesday, three days until my mother's deadline.

"Yo Kumar, what do you even look for in a girl?" I asked.

"Big back." He shot back.

"Be serious man. What trait exactly?"

He tossed his Pe-Mi aside, nose flaring as warm air blew out. The sudden clicking between his fingers snapped my attention. His face twisted as he searched for the word. I sat up expectedly for his answer.

"Unique, she must be unique."

"What so have six toes or something? Damn Kumar, didn't think you're that type of guy."

"Shut up Damian." Backing his words with a dig. "Wouldn't be surprised if Elaine's feet gave you one of these."

I spun just in time for his hand gesture.

"Come on man, that's bad out."

"Anyways back home..." He laughed coyly. "Let's just say I didn't have many issues with women. Trouble is that quickly becomes boring. Simply tell a woman an interesting story and watch as her eyes light up. And since storytelling's in my blood. It's like shooting octopus in a cup."

My face scrunched hearing that remark. However, there was some truth to his words. Kumar had a knack for speaking with his hands. Weaving a tale through all manner of wrist jerk, twirls and occasional shaky ok sign. The last one, a warning before he'd swing at me.

"Even in Ireland..." He continued. "The women here are the same. The weather may be mad at times. But the game never changes. I need a woman who makes things a challenge in an interesting way."

"Well I promise you, Elizabeth is challenge like you have never encountered."

"If that is so, I may have to show her my charm." Beating at his chest with an extended hand before saluting himself.

"You do that."

I spent the next hour rejecting Kumar's attempts to "couch" me. Then jolted at the sound of the doorbell. Our nods synchronised as we crept low and in line towards the door. Muffling our footsteps while we approached. I arrived first but a shove to the rib sent me toppling. Bruised, I returned the blow and so began the battle for the peephole. The swinging door collided with both our heads, as Koju stepped through. In his cobalt dashiki, stacks of pizza boxes in hand. Emotions ranging from confusion, anger and annoyance streaked his face at the sight of our fists at the other's throat.

"I've given up." In one stride he cleared us both.

Scuttling to my feet, the enticing aroma of melted cheese called me. Immediately, Koju dropped the large and surprising heavy stacks in my arms. Apparently, children becoming their elder's personal slave was a big part of Yoruba culture. I swayed back and forward, struggling to find the leaning tower's centre of gravity. Finally setting on the marble finish of the kitchen island.

"If those pizzas had fallen,..." Humphed Koju. "You'd be the one eating them off the floor."

"What's all this for anyway?" I sprung. "Weren't you supposed to collect info for when we break out Elizabeth and my mom?"

Koju's cheek creased, highlighting the pucker of his lips and the shine off his naked head. I already knew the answer.

"No." I roared. "You promised if I helped with Kumar. We'd rescue my mom."

"Don't you think I want to rescue them too?" He sighed, slouching his head onto the table.

"But you weren't there when I scoped out Mercer's headquarters. It's isolated in the countryside, with one of the most advanced security networks in the world."

"Plus they already know we are coming." Kumar cut in.

"We?" I asked.

"As I said before, I still need to show Elizabeth my charm."

"Charm *bi bawo?" Koju snapped.

Kumar tensed, hands shielding his face. "I meant to say our discussion yesterday. When you suggested I stick with you guys till summer's end. Just in case Muna and Fiq have sympathizers who may wish me harm."

I smiled at Kumar's words yet Koju's betrayal cut deep. My one sliver of hope for through these past few days just pulled from under. Leaving me nothing but to fall.

How could I trust this guy?

What would happen to mom?

How was I so stupid?

"Damian, calm down." Koju breathed.

Thick white vapours clung to my limbs, warming them. While the crackle of searing cloth erupted. My breaths felt long and many. Similar to my thoughts. I glanced at Kumar and watched his disposition change to the day we first met. Then it blackened. Cool fluid doused my frame, shocking hundreds of goosebumps into action. I wiped away the water to see Koju, kitchen hose in one hand, head in the other.

"What else can I do Damian?" He sulked into his large palm. "I made that promise because secretly I desired to keep it. But doing so will put all our lives in too much danger. Not to mention jeopardize the mission."

Kumar's frantic footsteps rang in the back of my mind. Body quaking as liquid ice dripped slowly off my physique. Though I didn't care for either.

What was the point if I couldn't save my mother?

"Na'am." Kumar shouted, returning from the corridor. A smile stretching from ear to ear. "I've got it. I have a way of saving your mother."

Koju and I stared at one another. Then at the item Kumar held in his hand.

A Doyle Park Jumper.

"Well spit it out."

"Ww,w,wait." He peppered. "Don't stress yourselves too much as you bask in my overwhelming greatness."

"I will seriously injure this boy." Bellowed Koju.

"Ok, ok. If I am not mistaken, Damian wasn't the only winner of the Mercer Tex completion. Doyle Park also won a free trip of their facility in Ireland. If I remember correctly, it's happening this Friday. We could sneak in with them. Mercer would never expect us coming."

Koju's face puckered stone cold.

"We would need a distraction, something big away to allow us to slip away relatively unnoticed from the group." He mumbled.

Instinctively four faces entered my mind. The president, the pretty boy, four eyes and the baller.

"Mandem."

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Author's Notes

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*Zendaya and Tara Emad = I mean no disrespect towards both these women,

*bi bawo = Like how?