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Ashi got to his hostel later that night feeling tipsy. The drinks he took had started to get to him. He opened the door only to see a slim pretty lady wearing one of Sete's Tees. It took him some seconds to remember Setufe had a 'visitor' since the previous night. He walked in and saw Sete seated on the only plastic chair in the room, sipping something from a bottle.

'Baba Setufe, I hail o, how u dey?' Ashi hailed Sete, but immediately stopped when he saw Sete wasn't smiling at him. Sete had warned him several times not to call him Setufe, as he believed Setufe was cursed while Sete was blessed.

'Errrr sorry bro, no vex, I been take one drink too many ni', Ashi apologized.

'Baby, so you bear Setufe too? What sort of funny name is that? Is that your real name or a nickname?' A tiny-voiced Fiona asked, obviously making a mockery of the name.

'Will you shut up and go ready the dinner?' Sete thundered, and immediately Fiona left the room for the kitchen.

'And you...', A visibly pissed Sete turned to Ashi.

'Baba no vex, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that', Ashi apologized again, looking serious and guilty.

'No wahala, na only you fit try am na. But how you take waka today? Na a whole day you use run the package? See as your legs dey shake for ground sef, dem no steady, dem just dey count legover without ball', Sete said laughing, making a mockery of Ashi's tipsy state.

'Baba, no mind me o, the booze don dey do me one kind. That reminds me, Ken been talk say make you help me pack bush luggage o, say you go understand', Ashi replied.

'For why na? Wetin happen?' Sete asked, looking surprised.

'Well, him say him wan monitor me and also give me some orientation before the initiation, which can come up anytime', Sete replied.

'Then how you go dey take enter classes?' Sete asked further.


'Ken don make arrangements for pesin to dey carry me go class and dey bring me back's, Ashi replied.
Sete stood up from the chair, picked up a used condom from under the bed, wrapped it in a piece of tissue paper and then looked straight into Ashi's eyes.
'Guy, you and Ken don sabi from somewhere before?' Ken asked.

'No o, the first time I met him was when you introduced us', Ashi replied, looking at his wristwatch.

'Hmm okay then, I think the guy has soft spots for you, I've observed him, it's more of a bond outside confra. I have a feeling he would be your mentor. Just be careful', Sete said, sipping his mixture again.

'Careful? I don't understand man', Ashi was confused.

'I didn't mean to scare you, it's just that if you both get too close, you could become each other's weakness. But don't worry, I would watch your back always, no fear', Sete said and started packing some stuffs Inside his big back pack.

He made a mental note of picking every necessary item he could remember, Ashi would get the consumables on his own.

'Sete, what's with the white and yellow the guys are wearing?' Ashi asked, and just then, Fiona entered with a tray of food, and had the whole room filled with its aroma.

Sete told Fiona to pack Ashi's food in a takeaway pack, as he was going to sleep in a friend's place.

'Ashi, you see ehn, all men get their color wey dem dey fly. Some dey fly red, some black, some blue, some green, some yellow, some purple. However, you would need your orientation to be gallant to decode who is who, as it's possible some mix colors. As far as I have observed Ken, them fine boys have different colours for different occasions, so I'm sorry, I don't know which one is their major color, but then, it could be white', Sete concluded.

'But why Ken people dey change color like chameleon na?' Ashi probed further.

'Alaye, I no be part of Una, when you see Ken, ask am, na part of orientation', Sete said as he cross-checked what he packed and zipped up the backpack.

They drank some Hennessy and at exactly 10pm, Ken called Ashi on his phone, telling him he was outside the hall. Sete saw Ashi to where Ken parked his car and hailed him. Ashi dropped his backpack on the back seat and hugged Sete. 'Come back alive Ashi', Sete whispered in his ears.

Ashi nodded and entered the car. Ken told Sete to constantly keep in touch with Ashi on phone and he drove off. On their way to Ken's house, Ken told Ashi the initiation was coming up that Friday, and it was going to be a big and rugged initiation. Deep down in him, Ken hoped and prayed Ashi survived the brutal initiation coming up.





Chapter Three


The following days were busy days for everyone in Ken's house. Ken had been busy having series of meetings with different people. Ashi thought maybe Ken was the Capon, as everything rested on his shoulders. Ken hardly had time for Ashi, but he made sure he was comfortable. What Ashi had to do was wake up, take his bath, eat good food, go to school, come back home, and chill with a lady. Ken had advised Ashi not to have sex from Thursday, so he would have the strength for the initiation. On Thursday night, the received a lot of guests and Ashi thought they were having a party. The visitors were fresh looking guys from different tertiary institutions, who belonged to the same fraternity as Ken. Most of the guys wore neatly pressed shirts of different colours, with 'AOL' crested on the right breast side. Ashi figured that to mean Angel of Light. Also, he figured the other guys to be intending members like himself. They all had pretty ladies by their sides and Ashi was already feeling excited. He was happy for the sort of enjoyment that he would enjoy, or so he thought. The compound was filled with exotic cars the guys brought, and Ashi overheard Ken instruct some guys to drive fast to the airport to pick up some other members. Ken looked stressed, but still managed to work rightly.

Ashi was drinking his favourite Jack Daniels booze and also playing a game on Ken's PlayStation when a guy he knew to be Flash entered. Flash told him Ken wanted to see him immediately, and Ashi dropped his game controller and drink, wore a white tee and a black jean and followed Flash. On getting to the room Ken was, he met Ken with some other guys looking excited. While some were smoking, others were drinking. However, none of them was talking. Ashi felt they were the leaders of different schools. He looked around and a face looked familiar, however, he thought it could be the booze. Ashi bowed as a sign of respect and went to Ken. 'Baba Ken, you asked to see me', he told Ken. 'Yeah, I want you to meet my brothers, senior Angels of Light', Ken said and puffed out smoke from the Cuban Cigar he was smoking.
'Good evening sirs', Ashi said, trying to sound official. He thought the gathering was official, so he decided to be official too.

The guys just nodded their heads in acknowledgement and waited for Ken to talk.

'Brothers, na him be this', Ken said and dragged Ashi to the centre of the room. The guys observed Ashi for about ten minutes and Ashi became confused. What was happening? Was he being screened out? He was scared and started to panic.

'Wetin dey fear this one? Why you dey vibrate like Nokia phone wey no dey ring? Abi dem test juju for your body?' A slim guy said at last, and the way he spoke in pidgin was funny to Ashi.
Ashi sized him up and could see that he was from 'the abroad'. A stinging slap brought Ashi to his senses.

'Baba dey talk you dey smile, wetin funny?' the guy who slapped him asked. Ashi quickly comported himself and apologized. The next day was the initiation, and he couldn't afford to fumble. Only if he knew that the initiation process had started already.

IjeleNwa:
but the questions is that she has gone on a "haitus" she left us with imaginary new updates, where is she?

Dear reader(s), I'm sorry for not showing up, I can't even handle the circumstances surrounding my inability to update recently... Don't worry, I'll sure cover for both last and this week insha Allah

IjeleNwa:
puis-je t'envoyer e-mail,

Allez-y, monsieur IjeleNwa

IjeleNwa:
did you just say "French" wow! U are good

.... My dad is a French guru... So don't blame me... I can read French well... But can't converse well

IjeleNwa:
Emecheta actually killed it. As for Mariama Ba', it was a so long a letter"

'So Long a Letter' is my favourite, I read the French translation too... My love for Mariama Ba knows no bound...

IjeleNwa:
that's ma girl,the Achebes and Soyinkas are proud of u

Achebe and Soyinka ke? I'll prefer Mariama Ba and Buchi Emecheta

IjeleNwa:
finally I pulled u out.pls drop an update before I loose my job.I do send my boss ur updates to read,he is a novelist. I can't bear it wen he ask for new updates. Act fast

choi... I'll try and do that tomorrow

IjeleNwa:
Bibi went on maternity leave

Maternity leave ke? Ayam single biko.... Abi there's leave for singles ni?

Shoutouts to my new niggas...
WHOcarex
neurojosh
Danchoco
Lorlahlizzy
dazzysleek
Bolaji299
suavetony...
A fruitful week ahead iJn

The weekend seemed to drag slowly, and Ashi was too anxious for it to end already. He couldn't wait to get the initiation rites done as soon as possible. Finally Monday came, and Ashi left his room as early as 6am for Mr. Chinedu's place. Sete didn't bother to stop him, as he was too tired from the overnight romp he had with Fiona, his new babe. He simply nodded and went back to sleep cuddling Fiona.

By 6:30am, Ashi was at Chinedu's gate. Having been informed by Ken about Ashi's impending visit, Mr. Chinedu had already prepared to meet him, however surprisingly, Ashi came earlier than expected. Mr. Chinedu at that point became suspicious of Ashi and immediately put a call through to Ken, asking if it wasn't a set-up by opposition frats. Ken told him to calm down, and attend to Ashi accordingly.
After some minutes, Mr Chinedu went to the gate and let Ashi in. 'Good morning sir', Ashi greeted.
'Good morning bro, how may I be of help to you this early Monday morning?' Mr Chinedu replied calmly. Mr Chinedu was a fair, handsome, well built man in his mid forties, but he looked like a guy of 28 years. He further glanced at his wristwatch and then to Ashi's face, hoping Ashi would get the message that it was too early.
Ashi didn't look disturbed, rather he smiled and apologized for coming that early.

'Bros, I'm Ashi, and bros Ken directed me to Mr Chinedu. I'm here for the registration', Ashi said the last part rather nervously.

'Well, I'm who you seek, but I don't understand the registration you are talking about. Course registration? SIM registration? Or what registration are you referring to exactly?' Mr Chinedu asked teasingly.

Ashi reasoned they were all fond of teasing intending members, as Ken did similar things to him earlier. 'Fine boys registration sir', Ashi answered shyly, hoping that would be the end of the tease.

'Fine boys? I still don't understand you sir', Mr Chinedu answered.

That was it, Ashi had had enough. He thought he went to a wrong place and brought out his phone to call Ken. Unfortunately for him, Ken only collected his number without giving him his'.
When Mr Chinedu saw the confusion on Ashi's face, he laughed and patted his shoulder.

'Come with me boy, but you would have to wait till 8am, that's the opening hour' he said.

Ashi followed Mr Chinedu into the building which looked like a flat. They entered a room which served as the reception/office and Mr Chinedu switched on the light. Ashi looked round and he saw a beautifully designed banner with the inscription 'ANGELS OF LIGHT' on it. The symbol was a white angel holding a lantern on its left hand, and a sword on its right hand. Below the symbol was written 'May The Angel That Shines Light Unto Your Paths Fight For You'. Ashi memorized those words and sat on a leather chair, on the instruction of Mr Chinedu. The room was designed and painted white; from the wallpapers to the floor tiles, everything was white. Ashi became uneasy, he was convinced he was at the wrong place. The plan was to join the 'Fine Boys' and not an official structured club, like the one he was in their office at that moment.

Mr Chinedu searched Ashi thoroughly and then collected his IDcard and also warned him against taking pictures of the place. He told Ashi to relax and wait till 8am.
At exactly 8:05am, Mr Chinedu walked into the room with fifteen other boys of Ashi's age. Ashi realised they were there for the same reason as him, he smiled inwardly.
Mr Chinedu gave everyone a form to fill (in order of arrival). Written boldly on the form was 'ANGELS OF LIGHT', and there were two parts to be filled in the form. The first was the biodata section and the other was the intent section.
Ashi looked lost and had to speak out. 'Excuse me sir, I think I have the wrong form. I am applying to join the Fine Boys, not Angels of Light', he said.
'Are you sure Kennedy directed you to me?' Mr Chinedu asked Ashi.
'Yes he did', Ashi replied.
'Then do as I say and fill the form. Also fill this'. He said and gave them all another form which entailed the association's bank account details. After the computer based exam, successful applicants were to take the forms to the association's bank and pay for the form they filled, called Expression of Interest form.
Ashi was confused more and he took out his phone to call Sete. He called Sete twice without Sete picking up and he became more frustrated. Just then, a strange number called him and he thought it was Sete calling back.

'Hello Sete, na puna make una ditch my calls bah?' He asked furiously.

'Hello Ashi, this is Ken', the cool, calm voice Ashi heard, said.

'Good morning bro, sorry I thought it was Sete calling', Ashi tried to apologize.

'Never mind man, it's nothing', Ken answered.

'Bro Ken, thank God you called, I've been thinking of how to reach you. It seems I'm at a wrong place o, no sign of fine boys here, just Angels of Light. Abeg I no wan miswaka', Ashi said sadly.

Ken couldn't help but bust into a loud laughter. 'Do what Mr Chinedu asks you to do accordingly, you are at the right place, comport yourself. I never told you our name is 'Fine Boys' na, outsiders like you gave us that name. Who no come no go know who we be na. Angels of Light are who you wanna join, is that clear?' Ken explained.

'Ookay sir' Ashi felt relieved.

'Meet me at Fresh Fish Bar by 4pm today, ask for inner room 2, you would be directed to where I would be. By the way, stop calling me sir, call me Ken, just Ken. Also know your initiation comes up later this week, remind me to tell you more when we meet', Ken said and ended the call.

Ashi filled the forms and went for the test. It was a tough test as it tested his brain thoroughly. At the end, Ashi and 7 other boys passed, while the remaining boys who failed were told to contact their 'sponsors'.

Ashi then proceeded to the bank to make the payment. Immediately he entered the banking hall, he showed his teller to a security man, who then directed him to the office on the last floor to meet Mr Josh.

Mr Josh collected the teller and accompanying form from Ashi, stamped and entered his details on his computer. He directed Ashi to pay at the counter and come back for his printout. After paying, Ashi went back to Mr Josh who handed him his copy of the teller and a receipt.
'Welcome to the organisation brother, may the angel that shines light unto your paths fight for you, rugged fine boy', Mr Josh said and smiled.
Ashi was surprised, he was surprised that a campus frat could be as organized as that, he was surprised big men and career guys belong too. He was grateful to Sete for making him see the light.

********************************************************

Ashi got to Fresh Fish Bar before 4pm, he didn't want anything to affect his desire. Maybe the timing was a test, he thought, and as far as he was concerned, he had passed. He took a seat at a corner and ordered for a chilled bottle of Heineken. Since he started moving with Sete, they had added all their monies together, and in truth, Ashi had more than enough money to spend, so he wasn't feeling the impact of the money he was spending. He knew they had more left, so no cause for alarm.
At exactly 4pm, Ashi asked for Inner Room 2, where he met Ken seated alone, looking serious. Ken spotted a white Polo Ralph Lauren T-shirt, with some faintly crafted yellow design on it. Ashi felt the urge to ask if the fraternity's color was white, but he overlooked it.

'Omo, you don dey step up your game o, na you dey drink Heineken without being shy?' Ken asked, as Ashi sat beside him.

'Barman, abeg refill my table abeg, give me two bottles of Kasaprenko and 4 bottles of Heineken. Also bring two plates of catfish pepper soup, just the way I like it', Ken ordered, flashing his trademark killer smile.

'I hope Mr Chinedu attended to you well?' Ken asked.

'Yes he did, although at some points, I thought it was a wrong parole', Ashi replied, gulping his drink.

'Ashi, we operate as a formal organisation, in fact, we are registered with CAC, we no be bread and fish confra o. However, we aren't a boys scout group, we are a serious fraternity', Ken said boastfully.

'Oh I see, everything just dey make sense now. I just can't wait for the initiation', Ashi replied.

'Don't worry, you go soon belong. That reminds me, the initiation comes up in few days, so be prepared'. Ken said, looking at Ashi's body language.

'So soon?' Ashi said nervously.

'Yes o, mammy water never pick date yet, but e go be this week. Abi you don dey fear already?' Ken asked jokingly.

'Fear Kwa? I no fear bros, nothing fit shake me. In fact, I wish it were now, like right now. I just can't wait', Ashi replied eagerly.

Ken had stopped laughing and was looking at Ashi. He saw a young Blade in him. Blade was also nervous, clumsy and impatient when he was younger. Ashi was just like a reincarnated Blade. He only prayed neither of them would die untimely, like Blade did.

'Ashi, when you get to your room, tell Sete to help you pack for initiation, he knows what to do. Whatever he misses, I would get for you. Call me immediately you are done packing, I would come pick you up, you would be with me till the end of the initiation', Ken concluded just as the pepper soup and drinks were brought.

'Bro why that fast?' Ashi asked.

'Do you think you are about to join the boys scout? Alaye, this isn't a child's play, you must be prepared well for the initiation, else mammy water fit carry you go. I would personally have to see to your preparation, and also give you the required orientation. Never mind, you are safe with me. Just make sure you learn everything by heart. Also, I would make arrangements for you to be dropped off for your lectures and be picked up afterwards, so don't be scared. Do you understand?' Ken asked with a mean voice.

'Sure, I do. Thanks bro, I'm grateful. I owe you one', Ashi replied.

'I'm sure you do', Ken replied and started devouring his pepper soup, while Ashi did the same. They had fun for few more minutes before they departed, with Ken dropping Ashi at his hostel to get prepared.

Bolaji299:
Nice write up Bibi.. I have always been a fan of your stories.. Main reason I registered on here.. I'm quite surprised about your knowledge of this confraternities and how they operate... You know quite alot... Can't wait to for you to drop the next part lol... Good job

Like I said, it's a true life story... Even though, there are some elements of fiction... Thanks all the way, bro.

YINKS89:
bibi294 love u re doin well juz plz update more frequently..... thumbs up

thanks Yinks, you're a source of inspiration to me

That week went slowly and uneventful, and Ashi had to painfully count the days, hoping the weekend came early. At last, Friday came, and Ashi woke up earlier than usual, took his bath and made breakfast. Sete had made sure Ashi was posted to his room, and had also paid off the supposed third roommate, so Ashi and Sete were the two occupants of the room. Around 4pm, just as Ashi was rounding off his last lecture for the week, he got a text from Sete, asking him to come over to their usual Friday hangout spot at exactly 4:25pm. When he got that text, Ashi felt nervous. He was about to embark on a mission which would change his life and living, forever.

They met Kennedy, popularly called Ken or K-Boy seated on a chair with some boys surrounding him. Ashi admitted to himself that the boys were fresh, in fact, freshness was an understatement. They were all gentlemanly, with cute ladies around them. From their clothes and books, Ashi realised some were Law students, some Medical students and some, political science students. He noticed Kennedy was an Agric student, judging by the way he talked about plants. The guys and ladies joked and Ashi felt relaxed.

After Sete and Ashi exchanged pleasantry with them, they sat on adjacent chairs, and soon afterwards, a pretty lady came to take their orders. While Sete asked for Alomo Bitters and Jedi, Ashi ordered for Malta Guinness. Kennedy who had been observing Ashi since he entered protested.

'Wetin happen na bros? Why you wan spoil my table? Sete where you for see this bros come?' Kennedy said jokingly.

'No mind am jere K-Boy, him see correct men, him liver cut. Make them bring one Guinness Africa for am first make him body enter factory reset', Sete replied. They all laughed and continued gisting about how hectic their week was.

When the ladies left, and Sete felt the atmosphere was good enough, he told Ken softly, 'bro na this my guy I carry come o'.

'Wetin do am?' Ken asked rather jokingly.

'Him wan fine bros, I don yarn you for phone na', Sete replied.

'Him wan fine? Him ugly before?', Ken asked, obviously enjoying the joke while also observing Ashi's body language.

'Bros him fine, but still wan add to him finess', Sete said.

'This one?' Ken asked, his eyes sizing Ashi up. 'Stand up make I see you wella', he commanded Ashi. Ashi stood up and Ken sized him up from head to toe. He was impressed with his physique.

'Wetin be your name?' Ken asked in a polished pidgin English and Ashi almost laughed out loud.

'Asiwaju Alabi', Ashi replied. '

Asiwaju Alabi Pasoma? Bros I no ask for your nickname here, na your real name I dey ask', Ken said with a pissed voice as he took a long drag of his Cuban Cigar.

'Asiwaju is my first name, Alabi is my surname', Ashi replied weakly.

'Bros, that Asiwaju na for your papa house o, no be for here. You know fit be Asiwaju for my presence, abi u wan check am?' Ken said with a relaxed voice which calmed Ashi down a bit.

'You can call me Ashi then, my friends call me that anyway', Ashi said and shrugged. He loved and adored his name, and he wasn't willing to drop it for some boys he just met.

'Bros, no worry, when time comes, your name go show, mammy water go tell us', Ken said with a tone of finality.

'I have observed you since you came in here Ashi, and I can say you don't meet up with the whole criteria for becoming one of us. You are only handsome and bold, and maybe brilliant, nothing more. You don't look fearless, in fact, you look weak. If I were to go by the rules, I would have told you to Bleep off and try other groups', Ken said looking straight into Ashi's eyes. Ashi smiled and thought to himself, only if Ken knew him, only if he knew his story.

As if Sete read Ashi's mind, he quickly replied

'Kay-Boy, no reason am o, u know say u and I don dey, no be today, despite our different ways, I still respect you and your guys. I know fit give you lamba, this guy get potential o, na because you know sabi him story, na why you dey wenk him. You hear about that Snake parole na? For that church university for the other side? You hear say one small boy fall him rank, bloody am mercilessly? Na this Ashi be the boy o'.

'Sorry, which Ashi?' Ken asked looking doubtfully at Sete.

'This same Ashi of course, you fit confirm from your guys over there', Sete responded.

Ken looked at Ashi straight in the eyes and something stirred Inside him. 'Who trained you Ashi?' Ken asked.

'I was trained by a very rugged brother, he's late now tho, he was called Blade', Ashi said proudly and sadly.

Ken looked into his eyes again and was shocked! Blade was his maternal cousin, and he had witnessed his death, in fact, Blade died in his hands, at the General Hospital. After Blade's death, Ken had gone to the herbalist they shared and told him of his intention to strike back. The herbalist consulted the oracle and told him not to retaliate, however, someone else would. He further said, Ken and the 'someone' would meet, and there would be a link, which would be Blade. Also, on the day the 'someone' would be initiated, the heavens would cry, the herbalist concluded. Ken was happy but didn't show it, if Ashi was that 'someone', then he was ready to have him under his wings. He decided to continue the way he was to Ashi.

'Ashi, I hope you know what we stand for? I hope you know we don't involve ourselves in dirty stuffs like.. ' Ken was saying before Sete cut in.
'Abeg abeg abeg, we don hear, I know say you wan wenk my parole, but all men are rugged', Sete said jokingly. Ken had been fun of Sete since they met, and if not for Sete's earlier problems in life, he could have become one of Ken's guys. Ken even talked to him about cross-carpeting, but Sete refused, he couldn't leave those who helped him when others rejected him.

However, Sete remained close to Ken and some of Ken's guys. In fact, Sete was the reason Ken had not fought with the Blue Serpents yet.


'There's filling station beside Feather Fast Food by the second gate, go there early on Monday, around 8am, ask for Mr Chinedu or Mr Chi, whichever you remember, tell him from Kay-boy, he would attend to you', Ken said.

'What's with Mr Chinedu again?', Ashi asked frustrated.

'This organisation is officially in nature, and we follow protocols. Chinedu would give you some forms to fill, administer your entrance exam and IF you pass, would tell you to pay for the expression of interest form, that would be into a bank account by the way', Ken explained calmly.

'Sete, let him meet with Chinedu on Monday because very soon, as soon as mammy water gives signal, we would have our initiation, the date and time, I don't know, just get your friend ready', Ken said to Sete, who simply noded.

'Can I meet with Mr Chinedu today?' Ashi asked desperately.

'I told you we follow protocols here, today is Friday and he has closed, I'm sure he would be in Quilox by now. We attend to people from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, so wait till Monday Mr Ashi', Ken replied, gesticulating with his hands. He loved Ashi already, he could see Blade's effect on him.

Ashi finished his drink, brought out his wallet and wanted to pay. Ken laughed heartily and called him closer.

'Ashi, save your money for more pressing needs, I've got this', he said to Ashi, who nodded, stood up, thanked him and left. He couldn't wait for Monday to come. He didn't mind missing Prof Kolapo's lecture too, the first time he would be ditching class since he began his University education. He couldn't wait to meet Mr Chinedu and get the initiation over with.