waywardpikin:


You honor me mehn... it's definitely a pleasure!

8pm everyday... are you sure?

No problem bruh. You deserve it.

8pm. Hm... I just have to try my best. Lets see how things go. Besides it seems to be working out for you

Dedicated to my homies.


I cocked the rifle and stepped back slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements in case I was being watched by anything; mutant or wild animal. All the sudden movement and jogging had begun to strain my ankle and it stung sharply. I guess it was just not used to the sudden over exertion of leg muscles as it had been immobile for days in the room. I shrugged off the feeling of pain and focused on the most important thing troubling me which was what was hidden in the tree.

Still pointing the rifle at the tree, I tried to analyze the situation and see what escape measures I could muster. Whenever I attacked or used my gun, I always preferred being in the confines of anywhere located above the ground. It gave me a feeling of sovereignty and I had a bird’s eye view of everything around me. I could easily create numerous plans based on my situation and methods of assault too. Now I was the prey with a healing ankle and was stuck in an uncomfortable location.

The leaves rustled slightly again and a tree branch sagged under the weight of whatever was up there. There was definitely something large up there. I just hoped it was a large monkey or an animal because I didn’t think I could deal with a mutant in this condition. I was better suited for ranged assault and not close combat.

Whatever that was hiding in the tree kept mute and just stayed there without moving and I decided to take a different approach. The suspense was irking me and I rather preferred to be attacked consciously than to be taken by surprise. Its silence could just be a strategy to draw me away.

I clenched the rifle and aimed for a branch some centimeters below where I judged the being to be and squeezed the trigger. That was a warning shot and the bullet rang out and pierced through leaves. The leaves rustled for the third time and before I could register what was happening, something jumped from the tree headed straight towards me. I was taken aback as it seemed human, probably a mutant. It seemed oddly familiar though and because I was placed on the spot like that, I couldn’t think.

It landed right in front of me and I quickly noted its appearance. It tied a piece of cloth around its face and it was human so it was probably a mutant. However, it didn’t make any sound or act like normal mutants did. I also realized that it wore a black shirt, black pants and it sported black combat boots. What struck me however the holster on its waist, attached to a belt strap. This wasn’t no mutant zombie, it was somebody I knew quite fondly.

Derek

I lowered my gun and stared at him. He figured out that I had discovered it was him and loosened the piece of cloth on his face. He started laughing out loud and pointing at me like he was watching a funny Spongebob Squarepants episode. I was so astounded that I just kept staring at him with my mouth agape.

“Oh you should have seen your face. That look was priceless!” He said in between snorts still laughing hard. “If I had a camera, I would have filmed that, especially when I jumped. You looked like you could have had a heart attack.”

I inhaled deeply and cleaned my eyes with my left hand, the other firmly gripping the gun. I couldn’t believe that Derek had played this prank. This was immature and I was going to give him a piece of my mind.

“That was very mature.” I said calmly but sarcastically. “You really had me fooled there for a second.”

“Yeah I know, I won’t ever forget this, ever.” He said drying the tears in his eyes, he looked like he had had his fill of laughing.

“I know right, that was hilarious. You probably could have taken a video and posted on Youtube or something, right? Too sad there is no digital communication, people would have loved to see that.” I continued with a voice dripping heavily with sarcasm. “It would have also been very funny if shot your stupid head off, yes that would be priceless too.”

His smile wore off quickly and was replaced with a wary facial expression. I sounded very angry and I wanted him to know that. But I just wanted to let him off with a warning, I didn’t want this to escalate. “You are bad at jokes and this was a very expensive one, you could have gotten killed. I don’t want to talk about this too much, just don’t ever try something like this again.”

Derek just nodded stiffly and looked back at me uneasily. There was a kind of tension in the air and I felt it. I guess I had spoken too much, that was probably his way of fun. He didn’t usually joke around too often because he was always busy reading or doing some intellectual work, so I guessed he just wanted us to have a good laugh. The sad look he had on his face made me think twice about my words and he was my benefactor after all. I sighed deeply, I was going to have to apologize to him.

Dybala11:

I'll let you know as soon as I start and probably keep you updated on my progress too.

I'd like that.

Dybala11:

FIFA 18, Assasin, Real Commando Secret Mission, Sniper 3D, Lonewolf etc. I'm managing playing these games for the time being, at least till I get a better phone. No good electricity here, so playing games on my laptop is out of it.
Can you recommend better games though and I'll like to know if you can recommend a site where I can get to download FIFA 20 too.

The games are cool. But which platform are you playing the FIFA 18 on? Your phone? So you also play Lonewolf too. I stopped at the last mission where you'd have to take out Redface's henchmen and I uninstalled it. As for electricity, honestly man, Nigeria is so frustrating in this kind of situations.

If you want me to recommend games, I can but I'm not sure which platform you're using, so I'll tell you mobile games for now.
Minecraft- On google playstore, you'd have to pay but if you use softonic.com, you can download the apk for free. About 100MB
eFootball Pes20- It's free on google playstore but it has additional files, everything is about 1.5GB
Alsphalt Nitro- Racing
Clash of Clans- It's an online game
The Battle of Polytopia- Offline strategy game but with in-app purchases.
Rocket Car League- Not amazing graphics but it is related to the PC and cosole game Rocket League. It's offline.
Player Unknown Battlegrounds- Battle royale game. You need a good phone.
Fortnite- Battle royale too.
Call of Duty
Eternium
Friday the 13th etc

I'll check for the FIFA 20 website but what platform?

Dybala11:

Thanks bro, I'll start working towards achieving this dream of mine henceforth, I'm home alone doing nothing except reading novels, playing games etc.

I hope you do. When you download them and start, give me feedback so I'll know how it went for you.
Good, playing games. Which ones? I also play too.

Lakesc:
Will be anticipating the updata sir...

I've got your back

Jaika:

I'm following ... But i don't know why our guy is being reckless. He's not completely healed and he's putting himself at risk. He might not want to trust Derek just yet, but at least the guy helped him. Can't wait to find out what was in that tree. I hope it's not a....

Honestly I agree with you. He's barely stable and he is in another trouble now. As for the tree, I guess we'll have to wait till tonight to find out.

Dybala11:

That's good bro.
By the way, you mentioned in one of your previous posts that you're a programmer, may I ask how you started?? I'm already a graduate though, but I'm interested in learning computer programming.

Oh yeah I program, but mostly for fun though. Umm.. I started in my Js1 in a summer camp. I learnt HTML and it was relatively easy. I've learnt a few more since then but school work keeps holding me back. So you're interested in learning... Alright.

You could pay a tutor to teach you or learn online. The second option would be better especially during this lockdown period. So I have two apps for you to download. First one is grasshopper for JavaScript. Very easy to understand and user friendly. Second one is Sololearn, you can learn multiple languages and get a certificate when you finish. Just start with this two first.

I hope it helps you.

Dybala11:

Nope. I'm a Ronaldo fan bro, the idea of using Paulo as my username here just kinda popped out of nowhere and I decided to go with the flow.

Ohh... That's cool. I'm also a diehard CR7 fan too. Nice to meet a fellow supporter.

Dybala11:

You're welcome OP.

No problem bruh.
BTW is dybala your favorite football player?

cassbeat:
Keep up the good work bro... I'm behind you

Thanks, good to know bro

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to dedicate this message to everyone reading my story. It's a pleasure and this makes me very happy. Honestly, I know the novel genre Science Fiction isn't very popular in Nigeria but I still have people that are willing to stay and diligently wait for updates. I have over a 1000 views as I write this now, but though the figures are quite impressive, I don't really pay too much attention to it because I know that most of them just read and pass by. I am happier when I am aware of the readers that constantly follow and comment. Thanks to you, even the silent ones too.

I am also very happy whenever people read my and leave comments, this encourages me to write because I know that they are following. I want to appreciate everyone that does that. You keep me going and that's why I put in effort to make sure each update keeps you entertained and yearning for more. That's why I'm using this opportunity to give a shoutout to the following Nairalanders for their support on this thread.

Biokuabdullahi for your comments. You actually made me continue the story when I wanted to give up.
Fioky for being a brother and being cool.
Busybrains for following.
cassbeat for your encouragement.
ena5four for competently reading. Thumbs up.
Jaika for your review and your comments. You are the bomb.
Dybala11 for being my first follower and for following the story patiently.
Lakesc though you're new here so thanks for sticking around.
Badasss for being a new friend
Waywardpikin or Waywardpikin1 I used two usernames because I wasn't sure. You inspired me to write on this forum and you've been like a role model, giving advice and your support. Man, you're too awesome.
P.S he has a good story so check it out on his thread.

Finally I'm dedicating my next chapter to you guys. Thanks for being there.

I'll be posting updates regularly by 8pm so anticipate.

Badasss:

Darkgamer you do programming
What's your fav language
What did you start with
Programming is so underrated in Nigeria

I know HTML and python. I'm learning JavaScript now.
My favorite should be HTML though.
I also started with HTML.
I know right . So underrated.
How bout you. Do you program?

Lakesc:
Yes Sir.. Reading through is like watching american zombie movie.. More inspiration and grace to carry on ur good works OP...

I appreciate your comment. Thumbs up. I got your back.

WaywardPikin1:


At least, I know that you understand. And no, you didn't say too much. I make no apologies though. Nigeria is a jungle so if you do anyhow you see anyhow. Manner maketh man. People will rub you the wrong way and expect you to look the other way. I no be gentleman o.

Have you seen that movie "The Kingsman"?

I forgot to mention you when I was relating with badasss. He reminded me of you instantly!

I feel you man. Wise words. You no be gentleman. Your moniker says it all. Truly wayward���

Yeah, I've watched all kingsman movies

Hmmm.... He reminded you of me. Mad oh����

Mad stuff. Can't wait.

Electricboy:

where you come day if you are preparing for waec

I don't really understand the question. Can you rephrase that?

Badasss:

Yeah darkgamer nice name you got there
The story is cool theses days have been tryna spice up my head with some romance books, about school yeah can't wait to through with although its kinda cool. I'm a fresher at a state University in kwara, college is dope bruhv.
It's nice to have someone to have someone to relate it, by the way I viewed your story i gotta say it's dope kinda just previewed it have not really read much but I like the thumbnail you used kinda depicits the whole story hahaha
So sad I have to join and start waiting for updates

This is the second person telling me my name is nice. Personally I think it's just there. Well what do I know
Yeah the story is nice. Normally I don't bother myself with romance books because I feel they are too mainstream and predictable but surprisingly I can relate to this.
If not for covid, I would have been looking forward to uni by now but not in NIgeria though, so no NYSC for me anytime soon
Thanks for viewing my story, I put effort into the cover too
Stay around.

Too many people are stressing over that michaelang guy's post. He just expressed his thoughts and this is a forum after all, right? I'm not supporting him at all. It's annoying I know but things should not have come this far. There are trolls everywhere on the internet and the best advice is to ignore them. Not everyone would appreciate or even understand the stress it takes to write, and even write regularly. Personally I struggle to write about a 1000 words each update and I know the stress it takes. I also have to read for my SAT and WAEC, write some other books, continue my guitar and programming tutoring, everyday online classes etc. Only other writers would truly understand how you feel and the sacrifice it takes to juggle writing and everyday activities. So op just ignore it, this shouldn't have even dragged on till now.

I feel I spoke too much but in summary, no bad vibes everyone. The world is already stressing us out.

Badasss:

I'm not really black American just love their culture.
Yeah its bad ass but nairaland had me choose badasss.
Nysc sounds so cool,Its kinda cool with the clothes and all haha, can't wait to be done with school.
Good story bruhv , you got me stuck on my phone all through the night lol
Do have a nice day

Saw your post and decided to comment Badasss. I noticed you said you can't wait to be done with school, that's cool. Finally I have someone here around my age that I can relate to.
Honestly though, wayward is cool. His story is also what made me stick around NL and it spurred me to start my own. I know you'll read this op. Please don't get a big head.

Lakesc:
Thanks op...

You're welcome Lakesc. I'll do my best to come up with a captivating plot to please my audience. How do you find the story? Are you enjoying it?

Two weeks later, my bandaged ankle felt a lot better and I was itching to leave the stuffy and air deprived room. I needed some fresh air and being cooped up in this room was getting exasperating. Derek tried his best to take care of me and provided me with food every day. He roasted birds and small rodents that he caught and occasionally threw in some fruits and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet. I couldn’t complain though I was bedridden, always laying down and thinking.

Today, Derek sat on the rusty metal chair and crossed his outstretched legs on the table. He had a book before him, a novel to be precise and he was absorbed in reading it. I edged forward, so I could catch the title of the novel. It was 1984 by George Orwell, a book I faintly remembered my father reading. I recalled him narrating the plot of the book to me, I didn’t really understand it at that time but it was beginning to make sense to me now.

As I lay on the bed, I thought about the book and how it related to our present world. It was a satire and a somewhat distant but relatable visualization of our Earth now. Ever since Derek explained to me about his theory of the virus, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was perplexing and though it could be true, there was a high probability that it was just another hypothesis.

Derek was so engrossed in the book and he didn’t pay attention to anything around him. That was how a typical day around here went by, I woke up and ate, had a wash and lay on the bed throughout the entire day. Derek went out to hunt and examine the town above for any signs of intruders or mutant appearances, when he came back he either worked on his research, or read books. I looked at him as he sat and I called him. After the third time, I shouted his name and he just muttered something unintelligible and didn’t bother to look up.

Ughh…. What a nerd.

“Derek I’ve been thinking about something for a couple of days now and I just wanted to run it by you to see if it was okay.” I said while I looked at him. He nodded and I continued. “My ankle feels better now and I can walk around comfortably now.”

“Alright, but where are you going with this?” He asked calmly as he went on reading his book.

“I was wondering if I could accompany you when you leave to check out the town.” I replied while I fidgeted with the blanket on the bed. Something told me that I would receive a negative answer.

“No.”

Wait, I didn’t expect such a direct answer from him

“It’s not yet time for you to start walking long distances, give it a few more days and we’ll see how it goes.” He finished.

Then my rebellious and impulsive spirit kicked in. “A few more days! I’m lying down on this filthy bed every day and you tell me to keep waiting? Oh no, I’m going out whether you like it or not, who made you the boss of me anyways?”

I paused after my outburst and stared at him. He just looked stunned and it was the first time he looked at me since he read the book today. He just closed the book and dropped it on the table gently. I watched silently, not knowing what to expect. Derek stood up and grabbed a pistol from a drawer in the table and deposited in his holster and turned to me. He smirked evilly and headed to the ladder. Everything happened seemed like it happened in slow motion and before I could utter a word, he was already up the ladder and out the upper door. Then it hit me.

He was just too annoying, he knew I’ll need his assistance to climb the ladder and he left to discourage me. I’ll just have to show him.

I stretched my limbs on the bed and prepared to follow him. I was determined to show him that I was not a pushover and I could endure anything. There was no obstacle too strong for me overcome. I edged out of the bed and searched for my backpack, after some seconds I found it at a corner close to the bed. After ransacking the backpack, I found an old sweatshirt. I decided on it in case the weather was chilly outside. I also grabbed my M14 and slung it across my back. The last item was my stock pack which was, as usual always strung around my waist. My ammo supply was low though, If I didn’t find a dealer soon, I’d soon run out.

Cross checking everything, I concluded that I was ready and I walked towards the ladder. I stopped and looked at the ladder having seconds thought about it. I decided to continue and held the lowest rung of the ladder. Since it was made of rope, it was not as sturdy as I would have liked it to be and it flayed carelessly. I gripped the two sides of the ladder and slowly put my feet on a rung, the good feet. I tried to maintain a steady weight on the ladder with some success and I got more optimistic. Then I slowly put the other feet on the ladder and paused, hanging in midair. It didn’t hurt much so I put my good right foot up and continued the process until I got to the top.

Derek left the door opened and I grabbed the edges of the floor and inched upwards. Half of my body was already in the bookstore and a few moments later, I was standing in the first floor of the book store. With a smile on my face, I strode towards the front door. I opened the front door and was greeted by cold and natural air. I paused and allowed the air to caress my skin and pores, enjoying every second of it. The underground room seemed like a sauna when compared to this.

After relishing the natural air, I stepped out into the parking lot of the bookstore. Everything looked the same except the sign had fallen down. I walked past it and hugged my sweatshirt. The air was indeed chilly and I was happy that I had brought the sweatshirt. I got out of the environs of the bookstore and warily checked the surroundings for anything strange, specifically for mutants. I knew it was a ghost town but I needed to be sure, besides I was attacked when I arrived here so I wasn’t taking any chances.

I increased my walk to a slow jog and I looked around the block as I moved past. When we got here that first night, I was drowsy from the walk and my ankle hurt so I couldn’t adequately examine my surroundings. Minutes into my walk, I stopped because I had arrived at a junction. There were two roads leading to different directions and I wasn’t sure which to pick. Then I turned back to see the path I had just come from, I couldn’t recognize it. I was so absorbed in my newfound freedom that I let my guard down and forgot to keep a mental note of my location. As if that wasn’t enough, I heard rustling sounds from a tree beside me. Grabbing my rifle, I moved back slowly while I kept my eyes focused on the tree.

Here we go again.

Interested

08089356242

No problem. I'll keep you covered.

waywardpikin:
Dedicated to DarkGamer, for your kind words and boundless enthusiasm. Bless up!

Wow! I don't know what to say, I feel honored. Thanks man.

Besides WTF!!!!! 7 year old daughter. Blood Of Jesus, I did not see that coming. Please that is your cue to quickly run away as fast as you can.

Well, Nife is on walking running on the path of envy. See the time she is texting, after flexing with macho man. And Cassie just seems needy and clingy to me. Just now she seems like she is head over heels in love with you. Well... you people should have continued your activity, badluck . Then Sarah seems self conscious and cautious. At this point of the story, I'm feeling Toyo's vibe. I almost forgot, it seems Hajia is also interested in cashing out too. Very soon she'll start knocking. Honestly I don't even know again. I would have loved you to play all of them but that's also not possible.

I held my cup tightly while I pressed it to my lips. I turned to face him, temporarily reeling from the shock of the flashback. I slowly hobbled to the table where he stood looking at papers and tried to clear my mind. Then I took a sip from the cup of water and steadied my stance. He looked up from the papers and stared at me, waiting for me to say something.

“I’m aware that for us to co-exist mutually and successfully, there has to be a level of trust between us.” I started uneasily and tried to figure my next choice of words. “Also the exchanging names seems like an insignificant element of building a relationship but it matters and it is essential.” He just continued staring at me agape, evidently trying to comprehend what I had just said.

“So in essence, what are you trying to say?” He inquired.

“I’m saying that I don’t think it’s time for me to tell you my name.” Immediately I said that, I paused unsure if I was making any sense with my words.

Actually, What’s important in withholding your name from him? It really doesn’t make any sense and he’s going to probably think you’re an insecure weirdo. Maybe that’s what he thinks right now? I said to myself, conflicting thoughts clashing in my brain.

“Well that honestly seems like a psychological theory which I’m unaware but I don’t mind telling you mine.” He responded with a casual look as he picked up a piece of paper from the floor to examine. “I’m Derek, Derek Walker”

I paused and realized that I just found out his name and he didn’t seem to mind. He must have had trust in me to have been able to do that. I considered damning the consequences and reciprocating by telling him mine, but I quickly decided against the idea. He was going to have to earn my trust and my name.

“Alright, but I’m still not telling you my name.” I said dropping the cup on the table and pulling a chair close so I could sit down.

“Quick question then, what am I supposed to call you or how do I refer to you?” He with a hint of sarcasm and a smile on his face.

“I suppose you could call me whatever you wanted, I don’t mind.” I replied as I sat down on the metal chair. He just shrugged and continued looking at papers.

I leaned in towards him so I could see what he was looking at. The papers were mostly covered with diagrams and calculations. I wondered what they could be and despite the urge I felt to ask, I chose not to. I just looked at the papers intently with a nonchalant outlook. I felt the need to say something in order to break the ice between us.

“Umm… Derek, I was thinking about something.” I started, his name sounding strange out loud. “Well you know when you met me and stopped me from touching my gun?”

He looked up from the papers and turned to listen to my question.

“You told me not to touch the gun because it could be infected and I was wondering how you brought it here, obviously you touched it.” I said, glancing at the rifle on the bed. “And now I’ve touched it too, so what if it’s actually infected?”

He laughed and quickly stopped when he noticed my demeanor. I was confused and angry that he was making fun of my simple question.

“I expected you to ask that. Well I wasn’t exactly sure if it was infected or not, so I had to disinfect the rifle with some chemicals.”

“Chemicals? Where did you get them?” I pressed on.

“Well, it’s just a few hydrocarbons that I mixed together to form an alcohol. It’s actually a self-made disinfectant. Have I answered your question?”

“Yeah I guess so, I just wanted to be sure.” I also felt urged to commend his intelligence but I decided against it again. He seemed very smart and knowledgeable, so it was probably good I had him as a partner. I stared closely at his face as he continued looking at the papers and realized that I had never actually observed his features. He had chestnut brown hair which was rumpled and messy but still looked good. The area around his nose was covered in freckles and he had brown eyes which looked like caramel toffee. Facial hair spurted from the sides of his face and he had a lean body build.

“Hey! Are you staring at me?” Derek inquired and I blinked furiously, trying to focus on him. Very embarrassing that he caught me out like that.

“Umm… no. Absolutely not, I was just trying to… imagine something,” I shot at him.

“Whatever, just don’t make it too creepy.” He responded. “I wanted to wait till you felt better we just met and all, but since we are partners, we need to work together.”

I wasn’t sure where he was heading with his statement, but I still decided to wait and listen to him.

“You’ve seen these papers I’ve been looking at since right?” He asked rhetorically.

Obviously, you’ve been staring at them all day, I thought to myself.

“Well, they’re coordinates of some locations I’ve stumbled across in the past,” He said concentrating as he looked at them. “I just wanted you to know in guess you were wondering.”

Oh okay, apparently that was a very important piece of information which you felt inclined to share, I thought sarcastically.

I stood up from the chair and stretched my legs. Derek was still absorbed in the papers which seemed very significant to him and he didn’t notice me standing. I turned and decided to go back to the bed so that I could rest. I hobbled to the bed and lifted myself unto it. I lay facing upwards and covered up to my neck with an old blanket and prepared to drift off when I heard Derek’s voice.

“Mutants are not as dumb as they seem to appear, they are intelligent and adaptive. There’s something or someone controlling them.”

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to update recently. I've been really busy.

Feel free to share links and recommend books for others.