TRAILING SHADOWS

Niniola half dragged, half-pulled Tayo as they raced across the market to the other side. He could swear that he had seen her become agitated for some seconds but it vanished almost immediately.

Niniola was wild, and yes, he felt attuned with her just like that. The winds blew hard against his hood, pushing it behind him as he enjoyed the rather rough ride.

Why was he even enjoying this?

Maybe that was because; he had never had a taste of moments like this? It would sound absurd, even to the Irunmoles of Ilu Ogun that he found p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e in little things one often overlooked. Like the sun rising at the east, the butterfly flapping past, even the changes in weather.

He enjoyed every one bit of them.

His daydream ended when they stopped at a restaurant that sold food. Technically, Irunmoles did not really need to eat to survive as they could sustain themselves on Agbara. However, eating helped to relax their minds and set them attuned for meditation and daily metabolism.

The restaurant was one large hall with a curtain of Adire(1). The aromas of just cooked foods wafted through the low humming of voices and utensils in the hall. The tables too were mostly occupied with perfumed incense burning on the center. The walls too seemed to be changing pattern, showing various drawings of various events that had Irunmoles involved in. And of course, the scenes it showed were scenes of victory, not one that showed the Irunmoles had ever been defeated.

Tayo shook his head, dismissing it as vanity that the Ilu Obatala was so much fond of. Politically, Ilu Obatala was in a better position to rule all the other realms. Because, when it came to calling shots that counted, Ilu Ogun had it best.

Niniola shoved him into a chair, which he did not protest, before moving to the counter. She ordered quite a lot of food, from roast beef to fried turkeys to white loaf to wine and some other things he lost track of. He was just about wondering how she would pay for all of that when she mentioned her name and suddenly, everyone in the restaurant began avoiding her like a plague.

'What kind of technique is that? To mention your name and everyone thinks you're repulsive suddenly?' He pondered,when some armed Irunmoles burst into the restaurant, rushing towards Niniola with destruction chants.

"That's the girl."

"Girl, you really don't know how to stay away, right!"

"Get her!!"

"She's an abomination, we'll bind her away."

"He was merciful but we are not!"

Suddenly, Niniola produced a large brown bag from nowhere and in a flash, the counter was empty of all she had ordered. She doubled, just in time to avoid an axe that dug its way into the counter.

Tayo exhaled, his heart beating twice it's rate.

'Damn, that was close!

And she's even smiling on top of it. She must have some record here.' Tayo thought, noting the smile on her face. He watched as she leapt into the air, symbols flashing around her free hand as she chanted. "Ino Agbara; Vanishing light."

A ball appeared in the hollow of her palm just as she began running into a fist crackling with lightning. Tayo stood up now, alarmed. He hadn't wanted to interfere initially because it seemed like she had it all but now.

"UHh!" He gasped, watching as blinding light appeared before him, condescending into a ball before vanishing.

"What? You've never seen Vanishing Light?" Niniola asked, full smile on, in front of him.

"I know, but not to this extent. DUCK!" Tayo shouted, extending his willpower into his innate barrier. He exploded his aura, inducing into it the Principle of Cutting.

Simultaneously, a heavy voltage bolt of lightning sn.a.k.e.d across, targeting Niniola. His Aura, induced with Cutting Energy slammed into the bolt, splitting it into two all the way to the energy tail. He shivered, a counter fire of the massive energy he had pulled, as the lightning volt passed by his sides.

"Uh… T-thank you, Tayo!" Niniola muttered, extremely shocked as she rose. He knew by all standards, he had pulled an extremely great feat. He had Cut into Energy itself.

Tayo felt his form shiver briefly as his presence suddenly tripled in the room. His soul was undergoing further baptism in the Principle of Cutting. And he welcomed it.

Pulling his soul status, Tayo grinned in appreciation.

NAME: Tayo

Specie: Irunmole

Soul Status: Omni Class

Aspectual Law: Law of Ogun

Principles: Principle of Cutting (70%)

Principle of Fervor (21%)

Principle of Might (12%)

Principle of Piercing (3%)

Principle of Valor (5%)

'Progress! Last time I checked, my cutting was 56%. And Might was merely 10%. This mere act of defending Niniola has pushed me up to 12%.

While Valor which is my courageous war attribute is painfully still where it has always been. Fervor needs to be upped too, if I want to be quite flexible, quick and able to bend metal. '

Sighing, he pulled his focus from his soul gazing and looked about. His aura attack had inflicted quite some damage on everyone in the restaurant besides Niniola that they doubled over, in pain.

With a long gash on his forehead, he pointed a saber at him. Obviously, the guy had used all his energy into an all out attack, else he would have attacked while he soul gazed himself.

Maybe he didn't because Niniola had already pulled him out away.

But, could he really trust that she would do the same for him?

"Nini, Wait. Let me call for my Esin Onina." Tayo dragged his hand from Niniola's vice-like grip. Frowning a little at the red fingerprints Niniola had left on his wrist, he couldn't help but wonder just which Ilu she came from.

He whistled now, a loud and shrill one.

Just then, the lightning saber guy leaned heavily at the doorpost which was enameled by cowries and inscriptions. His bathroom like robe now skittered with slashes that completely ruined the material.

"I'll find you. " He muttered before finally slipping off the posts.

Just then, Tayo's horse neighed into view, a little cl.u.s.ter of blue flames playing at its edges. Without exchanging words, Tayo leapt on the horse watching as Niniola followed suit. She put her hands around his waist, hugging him from behind.

He didn't like it one bit. It made him feel somehow and… 'what is this? This aura that's spreading everywhere.' The aura made him feel like slipping off and blacking out. He knew what that was.

In response, his Principle of Fervor kicked in, fuelling his flight instincts. The horse sensed it too as it kicked its hind hooves and blazed off in a fume of white, yellow flames engulfing its legs now.He felt Niniola's grip at his waist tightened and he felt she must have sensed it too.

With that thought on his mind, his visions blurred as his hands slipped from the reins. The last he heard was Niniola telling him not to black out on the horse. But it was already too late. His eyelids connected as he slumped down on the horse's neck. Which affected the horse since the frenzied state it was in was no longer supported by Tayo's flight instincts.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, a red belted robed plain masked figure materialized into view. He gazed into the distance Tayo's horse had galloped into before stooping down to the lightning sabre guy who was on the ground, cold.

"Well, partner. You used one of the strongest techniques from the Law of lightning, the Principle of Expulsion. You should have known too, that foreign laws burn more than normal energy ounces to pull off. " The figure looked up again at the place the duo had raced off into as if deciding something.

But to think we almost had her in our grasp. That was brilliant thinking from you except that, that boy had to interfere. Anyways, it's not like he can make it far from Empyrean Poison Nest in good time. That should take him out, long enough to get the bounty and long enough for your revenge."

"A-ha, we'll need that soul sensor too. We get the girl first and get Sunday later. To think that our bounties are in the same location."

"Sweet!"

Maerius stood on the balcony, looking down at the hustle bustle scene of the High Council House below him. The winds drifted noiselessly amongst the trees, accompanied by the chirpings of songbirds and large butterflies. It was a scene to behold but for 3rd Prime, it was the least of his concerns.

He looked back just in time to see a feminine figure join him. Second Prime, Anu, who happened to be the custodian of the scrolls in the Ilu. Seeing her now made his cheek tingle, reminding him of the slap he had a day ago.

"The Emergency Council Meeting has been called finally. In a few days, the other Ilu heads will be here to attend the summit. And Sunday is not found yet. What are you going to do about it?" Anu asked, sympathy in her tone.

Maerius simply shrugged, tugging his beard.

"I don't know. I already messaged Arlan to get across the Ascension camps to conduct a search for him, just to be sure there's no possibility of him In Earth."

Anu looked shocked. "The Ascenders? Why not an Irunmole Emergency Segment Camp? I mean, considering the fact that Sunday is an Irunmole and Ascenders cannot readily see spiritual beings except they are quite talented." She countered.

"I know! But I rather not disturb an I.E.S camp when there can be word getting to Elder. The Ascension camps are better at keeping it low and I'm sure Arlan would make provisions for them anyways."

With that, Maerius turned around, gazing down the walkway.

****

(Author's Note: There is a copy and paste error down there and as I can't delete it, here's my best bet.

No need to read it. It's the same as above.

Thank You!)

***

**

"Meanwhile, the rescue squad has picked up Sunday's trail at the market, at a shop specifically. Report is, they are gathering enough evidences before storming Niniola half dragged, half-pulled Tayo as they raced across the market to the other side. He could swear that he had seen her become agitated for some seconds but it vanished almost immediately.

Niniola was wild, and yes, he felt attuned with her just like that. The winds blew hard against his hood, pushing it behind him as he enjoyed the rather rough ride.

Why was he even enjoying this?

Maybe that was because; he had never had a taste of moments like this? It would sound absurd, even to the Irunmoles of Ilu Ogun that he found p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e in little things one often overlooked. Like the sun rising at the east, the butterfly flapping past, even the changes in weather.

He enjoyed every one bit of them.

His daydream ended when they stopped at a restaurant that sold food. Technically, Irunmoles did not really need to eat to survive as they could sustain themselves on Agbara. However, eating helped to relax their minds and set them attuned for meditation and daily metabolism.

The restaurant was one large hall with a curtain of Adire(1). The aromas of just cooked foods wafted through the low humming of voices and utensils in the hall. The tables too were mostly occupied with perfumed incense burning on the center. The walls too seemed to be changing pattern, showing various drawings of various events that had Irunmoles involved in. And of course, the scenes it showed were scenes of victory, not one that showed the Irunmoles had ever been defeated.

Tayo shook his head, dismissing it as vanity that the Ilu Obatala was so much fond of. Politically, Ilu Obatala was in a better position to rule all the other realms. Because, when it came to calling shots that counted, Ilu Ogun had it best.

Niniola shoved him into a chair, which he did not protest, before moving to the counter. She ordered quite a lot of food, from roast beef to fried turkeys to white loaf to wine and some other things he lost track of. He was just about wondering how she would pay for all of that when she mentioned her name and suddenly, everyone in the restaurant began avoiding her like a plague.

'What kind of technique is that? To mention your name and everyone thinks you're repulsive suddenly?' He pondered,when some armed Irunmoles burst into the restaurant, rushing towards Niniola with destruction chants.

"That's the girl."

"Girl, you really don't know how to stay away, right!"

"Get her!!"

"She's an abomination, we'll bind her away."

"He was merciful but we are not!"

Suddenly, Niniola produced a large brown bag from nowhere and in a flash, the counter was empty of all she had ordered. She doubled, just in time to avoid an axe that dug its way into the counter.

Tayo exhaled, his heart beating twice it's rate.

'Damn, that was close!

And she's even smiling on top of it. She must have some record here.' Tayo thought, noting the smile on her face. He watched as she leapt into the air, symbols flashing around her free hand as she chanted. "Ino Agbara; Vanishing light."

A ball appeared in the hollow of her palm just as she began running into a fist crackling with lightning. Tayo stood up now, alarmed. He hadn't wanted to interfere initially because it seemed like she had it all but now.

"UHh!" He gasped, watching as blinding light appeared before him, condescending into a ball before vanishing.

Acting on impulse, he raised his hands to shield his eyes from the brilliance. The occupants in the restaurant did the same too, following his lead.

"What? You've never seen Vanishing Light?" Niniola asked, full smile on, in front of him.

"I know, but not to this extent. DUCK!" Tayo shouted, extending his willpower into his innate barrier. He exploded his aura, inducing into it the Principle of Cutting.

Simultaneously, a heavy voltage bolt of lightning sn.a.k.e.d across, targeting Niniola. His Aura, induced with Cutting Energy slammed into the bolt, splitting it into two all the way to the energy tail. He shivered, a counter fire of the massive energy he had pulled, as the lightning volt passed by his sides.

"Uh… T-thank you, Tayo!" Niniola muttered, extremely shocked as she rose. He knew by all standards, he had pulled an extremely great feat. He had Cut into Energy itself.

Tayo felt his form shiver briefly as his presence suddenly tripled in the room. His soul was undergoing further baptism in the Principle of Cutting. And he welcomed it.

Pulling his soul status, Tayo grinned in appreciation.

NAME: Tayo

Specie: Irunmole

Soul Status: Omni Class

Energy: 58,000/120,000

Aspectual Law: Law of Ogun

Principles: Principle of Cutting (70%)

Principle of Fervor (21%)

Principle of Might (12%)

Principle of Piercing (3%)

Principle of Valor (5%)

'Progress! Last time I checked, my cutting was 56%. And Might was merely 10%. This mere act of defending Niniola has pushed me up to 12%.

While Valor which is my courageous war attribute is painfully still where it has always been. Fervor needs to be upped too, if I want to be quite flexible, quick and able to bend metal. '

Sighing, he pulled his focus from his soul gazing and looked about. His aura attack had inflicted quite some damage on everyone in the restaurant besides Niniola that they doubled over, in pain.

Except for one, the irunmole who had fired the lightning bolt.

With a long gash on his forehead, he pointed a saber at him. Obviously, the guy had used all his energy into an all out attack, else he would have attacked while he soul gazed himself.

Maybe he didn't because Niniola had already pulled him out away.

But, could he really trust that she would do the same for him?

"Nini, Wait. Let me call for my Esin Onina." Tayo dragged his hand from Niniola's vice-like grip. Frowning a little at the red fingerprints Niniola had left on his wrist, he couldn't help but wonder just which Ilu she came from.

He whistled now, a loud and shrill one.

Just then, the lightning saber guy leaned heavily at the doorpost which was enameled by cowries and inscriptions. His bathroom like robe now skittered with slashes that completely ruined the material.

"I'll find you. " He muttered before finally slipping off the posts.

Just then, Tayo's horse neighed into view, a little cl.u.s.ter of blue flames playing at its edges. Without exchanging words, Tayo leapt on the horse watching as Niniola followed suit. She put her hands around his waist, hugging him from behind.

He didn't like it one bit. It made him feel somehow and… 'what is this? This aura that's spreading everywhere.' The aura made him feel like slipping off and blacking out. He knew what that was.

He was being hunted!

In response, his Principle of Fervor kicked in, fuelling his flight instincts. The horse sensed it too as it kicked its hind hooves and blazed off in a fume of white, yellow flames engulfing its legs now.He felt Niniola's grip at his waist tightened and he felt she must have sensed it too.

With that thought on his mind, his visions blurred as his hands slipped from the reins. The last he heard was Niniola telling him not to black out on the horse. But it was already too late. His eyelids connected as he slumped down on the horse's neck. Which affected the horse since the frenzied state it was in was no longer supported by Tayo's flight instincts.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, a red belted robed plain masked figure materialized into view. He gazed into the distance Tayo's horse had galloped into before stooping down to the lightning sabre guy who was on the ground, cold.

"Well, partner. You used one of the strongest techniques from the Law of lightning, the Principle of Expulsion. You should have known too, that foreign laws burn more than normal energy ounces to pull off. " The figure looked up again at the place the duo had raced off into as if deciding something.

But to think we almost had her in our grasp. That was brilliant thinking from you except that, that boy had to interfere. Anyways, it's not like he can make it far from Empyrean Poison Nest in good time. That should take him out, long enough to get the bounty and long enough for your revenge."

"A-ha, we'll need that soul sensor too. We get the girl first and get Sunday later. To think that our bounties are in the same location."

"Sweet!"

Maerius stood on the balcony, looking down at the hustle bustle scene of the High Council House below him. The winds drifted noiselessly amongst the trees, accompanied by the chirpings of songbirds and large butterflies. It was a scene to behold but for 3rd Prime, it was the least of his concerns.

He looked back just in time to see a feminine figure join him. Second Prime, Anu, who happened to be the custodian of the scrolls in the Ilu. Seeing her now made his cheek tingle, reminding him of the slap he had a day ago.

"The Emergency Council Meeting has been called finally. In a few days, the other Ilu heads will be here to attend the summit. And Sunday is not found yet. What are you going to do about it?" Anu asked, sympathy in her tone.

Maerius simply shrugged, tugging his beard.

"I don't know. I already messaged Arlan to get across the Transcension camps to conduct a search for him, just to be sure there's no possibility of him In Earth."

Anu looked shocked. "The Transcenders? Why not an Irunmole Emergency Segment Camp? I mean, considering the fact that Sunday is an Irunmole and Transcenders cannot readily see spiritual beings except they are quite talented." She countered.