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Thanks for your birthday messages and wishes...

'Good afternoon, who are you and what do you want?' Dr. Ken asked, without shifting his gaze from the magazine he was reading. He actually thought the young man talking to him was one of the house helps, and wanted to clean the room.

'I.. I...I am Ash..', Ashi paused immediately he remembered the number of times,the name 'Asiwaju' had landed him in trouble and also, he remembered the fact that he had gotten a new identity in the confraternity.

'Errmm I am Shhh... Showers of Mercy sir!', Ashi replied with his head bent downwards in fear.

On hearing that, Dr. Ken looked up and saw Ashi looking downward. He was looking like a boy caught doing something bad, and was about to be punished.

'Look up and face me', Dr. Ken commanded Ashi, while marking the page of the magazine he was reading. He dropped the magazine and stretched his back, which made some low noise.

'You say wetin?' Ken who was standing and watching, protested. He knew the rules of the confraternity, Dr. Ken knew also, and they both knew one of the rules was not looking into the Capon's eyes. In fact, only Ken (who was the 2ic
C) was allowed to look at his eyes. Why would Dr. Ken go against the rules, Ken wondered.

'Ken calm down, who no come no go know remember?' Dr. Ken replied smiling at Ken.
He knew what was on Ken's mind, but then, he wanted to have a proper look at the boy standing before him.

Ashi gently raised his head and looked into Dr. Ken's eyes. He couldn't believe how gentle and harmless the eyes were and for about forty seconds, their eyes were locked on each other. Behind Dr. Ken's gentle look, Ashi noticed authority; those eyes were shooting daggers at him literally. The more he stared, the more scared he was. He wasn't feeling comfortable and he wished he could disappear from that scene. Dr. Ken eventually shifted his gaze from Ashi back to his magazine and smiled. He had looked at the boy well enough, and there might not be another chance, till he hands over to someone else. He knew he had created tension in Ashi's mind and he wasn't bothered.
Acting in impulse, Ken couldn't help but give Ashi two stinging slaps. Ashi shouldn't have looked into Dr. Ken's eyes he maintained. Dr. Ken was the number one, the spiritual leader and the embodiment of mammy water, he ought to be respected at all times.

'Wetin I do na?' Ashi asked, rubbing his stinging cheek.

'Ken, it's enough. You shouldn't have slapped him though, I consider that as an unwarranted attack on the poor boy. If you don't mind, I would want everyone out of this room now', Dr. Ken said in a harmless, yet powerful tone. Everyone started leaving and Ken pulled Ashi closer, taking him along.

'Beauty and Wisdom, I want Showers of Mercy to stay behind, I want to have some private talks with him', Dr. Ken thundered and immediately, Ken left Ashi and went out reluctantly. He knew there were some things Dr. Ken was hiding from him, and he was determined to find out later.



When everyone except Ashi had left, Dr. Ken pointed to the seat in front of him and Ashi sat.

'Asiwaju, I've heard a lot about you, I mean about your fearlessness. Although I'm impressed, I'm also concerned. You see, we're Angels of Light, we aren't violent, we aren't arms carrying freaks like some others, yet we are rugged. You would need to add maturity to your fearlessness. Also, you need to be very careful. Mammy water dey follow you around o, na him pikin you be but if you miswaka, him go carry you go o, I don talk my own', Dr. Ken said, looking at Ashi keenly.

'Furthermore, since this fraternity was started some forty-something years ago, mammy water selects a special Angel every decade. This special Angel, she guides and protects specially and as from signals, it seems you are the special Angel for the next ten years, although I've not confirmed. If you are, then you need to exercise the highest level of caution', he concluded and took a sip of water.

Ashi was confused, he didn't understand most if what Dr. Ken had said to him, but in order not to look stupid, he nodded in affirmation, like he understood.

'Be free with me boy, but be respectful. You are the second Angel to have looked directly into my eyes since I became the Leading Angel, Beauty and Wisdom (Ken) was the first. If not for mammy water's backing, you for don collect immediately o', Dr. Ken said and laughed lightly.
Ashi thought about that and smiled.

'You must not be far from Ken and I, you need the right orientation and guidance, and we would give you that', Dr. Ken said with a note of finality while turning his concentration back to his magazine.

'Alright sir, I would do just that', Ashi said and left. He was happy to be free at last.

While with Dr. Ken, it was as if some unseen forces were putting Dr. Ken's fear into him forcefully.
However, he realised he liked him. He liked the way Dr. Ken carried himself, and his love for the medical field. Before then, Ashi had seen Dr. Ken in school several times and he had no reason to think he was a member of a fraternity, not to talk of being the leader.

]'Why una dey shout and why una dey make jest of a young Angel?' Ken asked angrily. 'Baba Showers of Mercy wan run mad ni, him don dey strip himself naked until Warrior Forever slapped the madness commot', a guy responded. Ken himself couldn't help but laugh. He understood Ashi's situation, he had tried. He called in a nurse and told her to attend to Ashi immediately. The nurse (who was Ken's favorite babe) did as she was told. She checked Ashi's pulse, eyes, heartbeat and physical body. She gave him and injection and also some pills. Ashi slept off immediately and was carried into Ken's room by some guys on Ken's instruction.
After few hours, Ashi woke up feeling better. He had his brunch and even had sex with Katrina, a girl Ken provided for him. Katrina was different, she was loving and caring, and Ashi thought about getting serious with her. However, he dismissed the thought immediately. He knew girls would not be a problem anymore, so he didn't have to stress himself. Ashi remembered the previous day and knew his life wouldn't be the same again. He felt like his inner man had gotten freedom. During his sleep, Blade had visited him in his dream and had urged him to be strong at heart, fearless and ruthless in action, yet merciful in thought. Blade told him not to be afraid, as he was special. He even told Ashi that he would be a better version of him. He further urged him to avenge his death and kill those who killed him.
Ashi woke up sweating and confused. He knew he would be a gentle-looking deadly guy, who would be better than his mentor. He however vowed to remain low-key and hide his identity for as long as possible. The thought of being a silent tormentor made him smile. When he was done with Katrina, he went to the sitting room and saw that a party was going on. While some were singing their bush songs, some were drinking, some were eating and others were smoking Cuban Cigar. Every member of the fraternity was in the room except for Dr Ken and his lieutenant. Ashi sat down at a corner looking lost. He didn't know anything he could say or do. Just then, he remembered he hadn't reached Sete since he came back and he was bothered. He made a mental note to ask Ken for his phone. Just then, Flash came over to where he sat.
'Hafar bro, why you low-key? You dey busy with that chick when we started and I no wan disturb you. You must be hungry again, food dey kitchen, go and take whatever you want. You are an angel now, we all have same rights, well, except for the Angels with heirarchy sha', Flash said. 'By the way, Ken wants to see you', Flash concluded and left to continue his fun.
Ashi was grateful to Flash for being by his side. Flash had taken an interest in him and had protected him in all ways he could. Ashi then wondered if Flash was the chief servant, but then thought he could be special also, to Ken. Flash was Ken's must trusted Angel. Ashi stood up and went over to Ken's seat. Ken stood up as he saw Ashi approach and smiled at him. 'Mi rugged brother, how body?' he said. 'Baba I bam', Ashi replied. Ken then took Ashi to his room to have some words with him. Ken opened the door and greeted Dr Ken, who was sitting comfortably on Ken's bed, reading some Medical journals. Ashi didn't see him early enough and had gotten to the middle of the room before he noticed him.
'Goooodddd afternoon sir', Ashi stammered, and tried to retreat. He was scared he could be punished for daring to look straight into Dr Ken's eyes, he learnt the previous day that nobody did that and went Scot free. He was scared of the punishment involved.

IjeleNwa:
........... after I called Bibi294 out she vex drop update sharpaly.
I wish I could call Buhari out too that way..........

For una mind, I actually came here to update when I saw ur comment... If I hear say na una rant..

I'll drop more tomorrow morning

They all marched into a large room (more like a hall) where they all ate and drank, before proceeding to board the waiting bus. Before they boarded the bus, the new initiates were given a backpack each. The backpack contained new shirts of different colours with the AoL alphabets crested neatly and carefully on the right side. While some got blue, some got purple, some got yellow and Ashi and some guys got the green. They were warned not to exchange with anybody else. Ashi collected his backpack and boarded the bus. Hardly had Ashi sat in the bus when he slept off. He was so tired and weak, and just wanted to sleep his pain off.
************************
Ashi was sure of what he saw, he was sure he saw an Angel (probably Angel Michael or Gabriel) signalling to him to change his clothes and come over to join them. He saw that the gathering was beautiful and he hastily pulled down his boxers. He was about to pull off his shirt when he had a somewhat familiar voice telling him to stop. 'Wetin dey do this young Angel na? Baba see as him wan run mad, better observe am well', the voice said. 'Why him been comot boxers from sleep na? Them give am Arizona for bush?' another voice said, and everybody started laughing. Ashi wondered if Angels spoke pidgin English. He was still thinking when he had a stinging slap on his face. Immediately, his unconsciousness cleared and he woke into consciousness. He looked around and indeed saw angels in the room. They were however not Angels from heaven, but his fellow Angels of Light.
He looked at himself, realized he was going naked and quickly pulled up his boxers. Everybody laughed at the short drama he acted and told him their own experiences. They were all talking until Ken came in.

IjeleNwa:
I wonder what Bibi does at nite dat she couldn't write us even 1 update a week. And she dey justify her self o. If only am a Mod,I will just kukuma delete the whole episodes. She will start from begining.

What I do at night... 5am -10pm everyday and you still wonder what I do at night,?

IjeleNwa:
To slap this Bibi just they hungry...........since lastyear.........shebi na u wan write story?.....u go tell me wether nah so Chimamanda Adichie. Or Buchi Emecheta take dey write?

Slap me ke? It's my story, remember? I'm neither Chimamanda nor Buchi, I'm Bibi... Now, get some chill pill. I've got alot to handle

rachealfst:
My Bibi...... I'm sorry, hope I'm forgiven. Welcome on board.

of course yes, this Tori dey sweet person for body

No one invited me... Thank God I invited myself

See as this thread dey dry..

Bolaji299, ayxmania, ijeleNwa, dazzysleek, YINKS89, BiadeFolar, Danchoco, aprilwise, xasviercasmier,kevwecute come o... Food don don

The initiation ground was dark, as there was no lightening there. The only source of light was from a lantern with a red cloth tied around it. The cloth reduced the brightness of the lantern and made it possible for it to shine only around it. Ken being the second in command was the one who held it.

The lantern was also a symbol of authority, with which he led the other members.

The Angels of Light formed a big circle around Ken, who addressed them accordingly. He reminded them of the purpose for the meeting, which was to initiate new Angels. Just as he was speaking, a phone rang from the far end of the circle.

'Whose phone is that?' Ken asked angrily.
A scared guy raised up his hands.

'Angel Terror, come to the centre circle', Ken said with a raised voiced and immediately the guy entered the centre of the circle, beside Ken.

'Angel Terror, what did I say concerning phones on this sacred ground?', Ken asked.

'Mi lordship, you said we should switch off our phones', the guy replied.

'Why then did you defy my order?' Ken asked further.
'I'm sorry mi lordship' the guy replied.

A visibly pissed Ken looked at the guy and told him to lower his hight.

'Make every junior Angel porous this Angel for 10 minutes', Ken ordered.

Immediately, all the junior ranked Angels descended on the guy and started kicking and punching him. The guy was so weak and bloodied.

After 10 minutes, Ken ordered them to stop and then collected his phone and told him to fall back in line.
The meeting continued with singing and drumming around a bonfire. The guys sang and danced to their bush songs around the fire and it was as if a spirit had descended on them.

Meanwhile in the room where the intending initiates were kept, the guys were seriously being tortured to show their ruggedity. Different tests were administered, with everyone who failed being dealt with.

'Spell staphylococcus', an Angel asked an intending initiate. 'S T A F I...' the poor boy stammered.

Before he completed it, he heard the sound of cutlass on his back. The pain was so much that other intending initiates shook in fear.

When the tension in the room subsided, the intending initiates were asked to move to another part of the compound, very close to the main initiation ground and just outside the room they were before. Ken came to see them, a part of him was glad they were all okay, and the other part angry, because he felt the boys were still too clean. They had come for an initiation, they needed to get dirty! Ken then ordered all the intending initiates to get up, paired them and instructed them to make their partner fall. They were to remain blindfolded with no facial contact. He further threatened to take those who fall into the devil's passage. On hearing that, the intending initiates began to fear. They didn't know what the devil's passage was, and they dreaded dying.

Immediately they all began to do everything they could to make each others fall. It was such a funny sight, seeing blindfolded guys trying to fall each other. Some lost balance and fell, and some were fell by their partners. After a long time, they were all dirty, and the atmosphere was lit up, exactly what Ken wanted, a rugged initiation atmosphere. He then assigned 4 Angels to continue handling the boys while he attended to the perfect circle.

The atmosphere in the perfect circle was dull when he got there and Ken was pissed at the way things were going. He knew it was a sign, but what sign it was, he wasn't sure.

'Make all Angels apart from the senior Angels on board take on each other, I need this circle to get rough', Ken thundered and immediately, everyone in that category began to haul each other.

Cries of 'easy na', 'mercy me' 'small small' were heard from them all and just as Ken was about to stop them, an Angel mistakenly hit the lantern and caused it to fall on its side. Ken went mad. That act was an abominable act. The lantern wasn't expected to fall at anytime. He told the guy to come into the circle and personally hauled him till the guy broke a leg.

Ken knew too much about the lantern, he knew there were spiritual attachments to it, and the falling signified death. He knew death was around, but who would die, he didn't know.

He had had enough, he just had to get things done over with. He signalled to the Angels with the intending members to speed up whatever they were doing.

Meanwhile, inside the compound, Senior Angel Peace and Wealth (Dr Ken) was seated in a room with his lieutenant. They were relaxing and waiting for Ken to call them to come over. They didn't have much to do, there's was just to do the blood oath part and leave. Senior Angel Beauty and Wisdom (Ken) was supposed to handle the rest, and he was doing that well. Dr Ken asked his lieutenant again, what he thought of what the herbalist said.

'See mi rugged Senior Angel, I just feel say as the baba na confirm, make we just prepare for it. Also, make we ask Beauty and Wisdom if any signal show from mammy water', the lieutenant replied.

Dr Ken nodded and closed his eyes. That was one of the periods he wished he had handed over to someone else, the other Ken to be precise. However, that wasn't possible, as they both were graduating. They had done their parts, and would soon handover to some new leaders. However, he still wasn't sure who he would handover to, as those qualified weren't showing the skills to be leaders. Dr Ken just wished the night got over quickly. Time check, 8:30pm.

Back at the location of the initiation, a particular intending initiate was feeling discomfort breathing but was too shy to let others know. He felt he could be punished. Unknown to him, there was a first aid arrangement made already, and two nurses were in a room with their medical equipment set up. The torture continued for about some minutes before it ended. Then, the intending initiates were told to stand up in a file, drink some water and get ready for the next line of action. Ken also called Dr Ken to come over and complete the process. As soon as Ken made the call, he told an Angel to arrange mammy water's corner, where Dr Ken would sit and initiate the guys. Also, drinks mixed together were provided, along with some tasteless pieces of meat. Also, two packets of new blades were provided.

Few minutes later, a voice was heard coming into that part of the compound.

'Clear road for the rugged Senior Angel of Light, Peace and Wealth. Whoever obstructs his path shall not leave alive', the voice thundered. Immediately, all the Angels formed a straight line leaving the path to the mammy water's corner free. Furthermore, they all turned their backs and lowered their heights. Dr Ken was regarded as a deity, and he was feared and respected asuch.
Dr Ken walked majestically into the gathering and greeted Ken. He then instructed other Angels to rise up and face him, which they all did. However, they couldn't look at him straight in the eyes as it was considered a taboo. They all looked at their feet.


'Angels of Light I greet you all. Today we are witnessing the initiation of new members. Today, you all are becoming seniors again. Remember to cater for the soon-to-be members. Also remember to guide them aright. I won't say more than that', Dr Ken said, and the Angels shouted 'Akunmalele ooo', meaning 'so be it'.

Dr Ken then face Ken and asked him if there was any signal that was worth taking note of, and Ken replied that he felt death was around. Dr Ken and his lieutenant looked at each other and sighed.

'The atmosphere is tense, and the atukpa even fell', Ken said sadly. '

Any notable casualty yet?' Dr Ken asked.

'None recorded yet', Ken replied.

Just then, there was a loud shout from where the intending initiates were told to stand. Ashi had fainted due to exhaustion and the Angels raised the alarm. They took him to the back of the building, unbuttoned his clothes and poured some water on him. When Dr Ken, his lieutenant and Ken got there, they were sad. They thought he had died. Ken was puzzled as to why death came for Ashi in particular. He wasn't sure Ashi was dead. Ashi was a fighter, and he had to fight death now. Dr Ken and his lieutenant on the other hand were confused. It seemed the herbalist got the message wrong they both thought. Dr Ken even made a mental note of telling the herbalist how wrong he was, the following day. One of the nurses looked at Ashi and felt his pulse. SHe noticed he had weak pulse, meaning Ashi was alive.
'He never drop!' Dr Ken said excitedly. Ken secretly thanked his creator for keeping Ashi. Dr Ken told some guys to turn fan Ashi for some minutes and then give him water. After what seemed like eternity, Ashi opened his eyes. Everyone was happy, they had escaped mammy water's punishment, so they thought.

Ashi was led back to the fold and his face was blindfolded. He was however, given a seat while others remained standing.

After a while, Dr Ken blessed the gathering and went to his seat. Just then, the lantern went out again without anybody touching it. Ken was confused. Why would that happen again? He lit up the lantern again and went to inform Dr Ken.

'Baba, e be like say mammy water no gree yet o, the atukpa die again just now, by itself', Ken said.

Dr Ken was visibly shaken, he didn't know what to do. He then told Ken to let the initiates come over quickly for the last part of initiation.
Ken signalled for everyone to be silent, form two lines with space in between and await the arrival of the intending initiates. The intending initiates were to crawl in-between them till they got to Dr Ken. Angels of Light there present were expected to beat and treat the intending initiates like non-initiates one last time before they were finally initiated. The Angels made sure they gave the intending members as hard as they could, some got slapped, some got punched, others got kicked. Ashi being the last person on the queue felt someone urinate on him.

The first guy was brought in and after reciting the oath, got his thumb pinched, his blood collected, ate the tasteless meat and also drank from the red mixture. Dr Ken looked into his jotter and gave him the name as given by the herbalist. The next guy was brought in and same thing happened. The same thing happened to the fourth, fifth and others in that manner. However, when it got to the fifteenth guy, tragedy struck. While still in the devil's passage, the guy was hit hard by some guys on his back and he fell. The fall made him lose strength and he became weaker, struggling for breadth. He however struggled to complete the initiation process but slumped on his was out. He died on the spot. He was later identified to be the Vice-chancellor's nephew. Everyone went moody. Mammy water had eventually taken an Angel.
The initiation process continued and the initiates got initiated. When it got to the 39th person, the sky became cloudy and it seemed like it wanted to rain. The guys didn't take note, but Dr Ken did. The 39th guy came out and then it was Ashi's turn to be initiated. Before he went in, he received several beatings from the devil's passage, as he was unfortunate to be the last. Ken came and led Ashi in and Ashi knelt in front of Dr Ken. On realising Ashi was the last person, Dr Ken looked at him carefully and sighed. He was about to initiate Showers of Mercy. Just as he was preparing to start the process, the sky opened and it began to rain. The rain came as a suprise, as they were in the dry season, and the rain was not expected. Dr Ken knew the herbalist was right, before him was the choosen Angel.
'Repeat after me and call yourself Shower of Mercy', Dr Ken said to Ashi who simply nodded.

'I, Shower of Mercy, on this day consent willingly to be a member of the Angels of Light fraternity. I vow to always walk within the tenets of this noble fraternity, to keep all rules and to be a perfect gentleman. I also vow never to discriminate against tribe, tongue or gender. As I have eaten the sacred flesh of mammy water and drank out of her blood, I vow to keep the secrets of this noble fraternity and it the cause of doing otherwise, may mammy water strike me dead, Akunmalele o', Dr Ken said and Ashi repeated.

It was over, Ashi was a member of the great Angels of Light fraternity, he had become Ashiwaju Adelana, bush-named Shower of Mercy.
When Ken led him out if that corner, he felt happy and relieved. Ashi finally made it. When he got to where the other guys were (by then they had formed a perfect circle) Ken raised Ashi's hands and said

'rugged brothers of this fraternity, fellow Angels of Light, I present to you, the last Angel of Light to be initiated, Angel Shower of Mercy'. Everyone shouted Akunmalele oo, rugged Angel you are welcome.

Dr Ken then addressed them and consoled them on the death of the guy who died. He then ordered the dead body to be packed and buried in the temple of the fallen angels, a building where members who died during initiation or as a result of clashes with other frats were buried.

Some guys were assigned the duty and others moved out in an orderly manner, with Ken leading the way with the latern on his head, and others following his footsteps. Immediately they got out of the initiation ground, the rain stopped. Time check 11:47pm.

IjeleNwa:
Bibi thought she is writing for Nobel lourett awards,her updates is taking months

It's difficult combining work and writing... Just got home right now since I left around 7am yesterday... Thanks to ayxmania who assisted me... Omo, I for don Jonce o

YINKS89, it's actually contain some elements of fiction....
ayxmania, my blooda, thanks hon for being of great assistance..
IjeleNwa, Soyinka's not really at fault...
Thanks BiadeFolar kevwecute

aprilwise, once you're ready to learn and research...you can always write about anything.... Hint to my next story: 'twill be a story of a yahoo boy in efcc custody... And trust me, it's gonna look real...

xasviercasmier
Danchoco

It's a lengthy update guys... To cover up for last week... Love y'all guys... Happy new month...

'Who you be? Wetin be your identity?' One of the guys asked Ashi.

'I am Asiwaju Alabi', Ashi replied more calmly this time, going on his knees immediately.

'Who taught you to lower your height when speaking to senior Angels?' Another guy who was impressed asked Ashi.

'Nobody sir, I just say make I respect my ogas ni', Ashi responded.

'Ookay, so you be Asiwaju shey? Asiwaju of where? For where? And to who?' Another guy said mockingly, and others laughed.

Ashi felt embarrassed again, he wondered why people were fond of making mockery of his precious name.

'Sorry sir, you can simply call me Ashi', Ashi said.

'Thunder fire your mouth, who you be to dey give us orders?' The 'abroad' looking guy said angrily.

Ashi felt he had had enough and he got up angrily.

'I said Asiwaju is my name, what else do you want? My life?' Ashi said angrily.

For a while, there was silence in the room, and all of a sudden, Ashi felt three stinging slaps on his face. The slaps came from the back and Ashi didn't see them coming. It was when Ken hissed that Ashi knew Ken had just slapped him. Ken expected more from Ashi and was disappointed, thus, he had to slap him.

When the tension subsided a bit, ASK stood up, carrying his red cup and faced Ken.

'Mi broda, where you for carry this one come?' He asked Ken who didn't reply. AK then faced Ashi who was back on his knees.

'I be AK D Shooter, and I psycho gan. If I para small, nobody fit wait. Who you dey galiba for? I fit make you dey for 6 feet now, and nothing go happen', AK thundered at Ashi.

Ashi kept staring at AK and AK felt insulted. He charged towards Ashi but was held back by a slim guy who didn't comment throughout the whole ordeal.

'Calm down AK, you shouldn't be dragging issues with him, no de-rep yourself', the guy told AK and AK left Ashi alone.

'Do you know where you are? Guy na Angels of Light territory you dey o, and I am someone you don't want to mess with. We are honorable and respectful guys, we aren't rude like you. If you want to sail through the initiation process, you must work on your temper. If not for Ken, my good friend, I would have requested you screened out. For your information, I am Jidenna, I'm not from your school as you can see, but I can stick with you like a shadow. I won't say more than that', Jidenna concluded.

Ashi prostrated and apologized, promising never to be rude again. Ken then called in Flash and instructed him to take Ashi to where OTHERS are. Flash blindfolded Ashi immediately, and led him to a big room, where other intending members were being kept.

The scream of pain brought Ashi back to reality. It then dawned on him that the initiation had started. He was scared, but when he remembered that Sete told him to come back alive, he braced up for the worst and toughened up his spirit. He was going to be tortured for a short while, he consoled himself.

'Flash, why this guy dey come in just now? Wey porous don almost end?' Tyson, the guy torturing the intending initiated asked.

'No vex bro, them Senior Angels been dey drill am ni, and him don too collect for there', Flash replied.

Flash knew lying was a serious offence, but he had to lie, to help Ashi. He didn't want Ashi to go through the pains he went through during his own time.

'No wahala, make I touch am small sha, at all at all na him bad pass', Tyson replied.

Tyson brought out his horsewhip and gave Ashi 5 quick whip. To his suprise, Ashi didn't flinch. For a second, they all thought Ashi had died, but when then felt him breath, they realised he was alive. Tyson made a mental note of giving Ashi hell the following day.

After a while, all the intending initiated were led to the dining room, where their blindfolds were removed, and their food served. Ashi ate in silence, and refused to chat with any of the guys. He was weak already, and needed to rest his body. He finished his food, stood up and Flash took him back to Ken's room. On their way, Ashi asked Flash why he covered up for him. Flash simply looked into his eyes and told him to brace up for days ahead. Ashi shook his head and went into the room, too tired to change his clothes.
Ashi laid on Ken's bed, reminiscing on what Jidenna had said. He wouldn't have forgiven himself if he had been screened out. He decided to be humble and patient henceforth. He thought of what Sete told him about coming back alive, and with what he witnessed that day, he knew Sete knew what he was saying. What if he doesn't make it alive? What would happen to his parents and Detoun, his baby pet? He then picked up his phone and dialled Detoun's number which she picked at first ring.
'Ashi trouble, Ashi stubborn, Ashi first shit', he heard her little sister scremed into the phone with her tiny voice.

'My baby boo, my love, my little cupcake', Ashi replied smiling. Detoun was his second love, while his mom was the first.

'Na wa o, you just forgot me shebi? Because you are in the university, continue o', Detoun accused Ashi.

'No vex Toun, I'm sorry, I've been so busy with school. I had a tough time settling here. How's mom and dad?' Ashi replied.

'They are fine, thanks', his sister replied. 'See brother 'Lana, Dad is mad at you o, seriously. He received a call from your former school, informing him that your suspension was over, and you are to resume next Monday o', Detoun concluded.

'My former school? That church university? Ashi asked, sitting up.

'Yes o, what did you get yourself into there?' Detoun asked inquisitively.

'See ehn, it's a long story. But wait, I hope they didn't tell him anything else about me yet? I mean what led to the suspension?' Ashi asked, hoping she would reply negatively.

'No o, they just said your suspension was over. However, they said he should come with you on Monday, to sign some documents', Detoun replied.

'Good. So is he going?' Ashi asked, knowing fully well that he was in big trouble. His father was definitely going to kill him slowly and painfully.

'Errmm I think he is going. He is angry you kept the suspension away from him. He even said he was going not to call you till he get to know your offence', Detoun replied.

'Detoun baby, you need to help me please. Make sure he calls me tonight, so I can explain things to him. Please talk to him for me', Ashi begged his sister.

'5000 naira', his sister said.

Ashi smiled and knew there was a solution already.

'Hanhan na, shebi it's just to talk to him. I'll send you 500 airtime', Ashi replied.

'You and who? No way o, it's 1,000 or nothing', his sister said defiantly.

'Good, I'll send it tomorrow, it's late already', Ashi said.

'Alright na, no shakement. Be good and expect his call soon', his sister said and dropped the call.

Ashi was still thinking when his father's call came in. He picked up feigning sleepy.

'Good evening sir', Ashi said yawning.

'Evening', his father said coldly. I received a call from your former university earlier today, informing me of a supposed suspension. Delana, what did you get yourself into? Why on earth would you get suspended? Why did you decide to punish me like this?' His father questioned, expecting his response.

'Dad, it's not what you think. I was suspended for not attending classes and chapel. And that was because I had left the school. My fault there is that I didn't inform the registrar of my leaving, so he thought I was playing truancy.i didn't see any reason for telling the school authority because I knew I wasn't going back. I'm sorry dad', he concluded.

His father thought about what Ashi said and believed him. He saw sense in it and blamed himself for being foolish enough to blame his son without listening to his side of the story.

'And why haven't you been calling home to ask for money lately? You have a job there already?' his father questioned.

'No sir, I've just been managing the little I have, as I do not want to bother either you or mom. I know you have a lot on your hands', Ashi replied. He had just won his father over. His father's weakness was Ashiwaju showing sympathy for them.

'Eehya, I have always known God blessed me with a good son, a son who has the interest of his parents at heart. Thank you. I would tell your mom to send 50,000 Naira into your account tomorrow, make do with that for a while. I would not be going to the school again on Monday, as there's no reason for it. Also, I would be busy with work. Please, be a good boy and always remember the son of who you are', his father admonished.

'Thank you sir, I've heard', he said weakly.

'Good night son', his father concluded and ended the call.
Ashi was more than happy. It was a close one, he thought. He wondered where the lie came from, as he had not thought about it before the call. He was however grateful to his sister for telling him about the messy situation early. He grudgingly stood up, took off his clothes, took his bath and drank a shot of Jack Daniels. Off he went to sleep. What a day it had been. Tomorrow is another day, he thought.