"What's it, Bren? Do you see something?" Kent asked in quiet tone.
"Shhhhsh!" Bren's finger rested on his lips. He made his movement towards the very tree Akib was.
Having heard them, Akib knew he had been discovered and soon he would be uncovered. One after the other, thoughts flashed through his head. He looked up the tree branches above, he could have hidden himself within its shades. What about if he had the ability to melt into the tree and keep himself there, that would be so interesting.
Akib's parents had the opportunity to make something good out of magic. The earth, the water, the wind, everything needed was available for his father. But for the fact that his father disliked anything that was beyond ordinary because he believed it as a means to defraud. As a man of integrity, he had chosen a straight forward path to toll because that could give a sure peace. He said magical ability was used to take advantage of the less privileged so he drew the attention of his family from venturing into it.
This time, at least Akib could have used this to help himself. He could have just disappeared without a trace. He doubted if both fate and integrity would come to his side this moment of dire need.
"He's here," Bren announced.
Immediately Bren said those words, he felt sharp pain within his chest. He pressed hard on the heart region to control his pulse. He turned about to see that he had actually been found.
"Come forward," the command from Bren was audible enough for everyone to hear.
Sounds of feet stamping and running were coming to the centre. Not quite long, his voice summon had brought everyone. Both young and old, holding spear, cutlass, wood, sling, knife and all manners of weapons were on ground. Eyes menacing with evil intentions lurking around Akib.
"You think you can run?" Kent taunted.
As if he wanted to pass through his back, Kent gave him a push. Instead of moving forward, Akib fell on his knees.
"Akib, you're a pack of shit. See how you just fall," Bren was surprised how a push could bring him to his knees.
Everyone laughed to mock Akib. There was side talks to ridicule him.
Bren took some strides towards him and kicked in his stomach. He jerked him to his feet and punched his stomach twice.
"We've come with weapons forgetting were facing a stupid weakling. Out efforts do not worth wasting on Akib," Bren commented.
Another boy approached Akib and beat him with a rod. He could fallen again but for the grip of Bren.
"Even if you die, it doesn't matter to me. You are useless. No one would blame us for your death," Bren bragged.
"Dont kill me," Akib pleaded.
With excruciating pain all over, Akib cried for mercy. But that mercy was not going to be available here before his assailants.
Both Bren and Kent approached him with the aim to launch their feet at his head, a common style of fight common to the young generations. They call it pick-it-up.
Pick-it-up was a duo fight which had to be performed by two. It could be launched at any of the opponents body. The two feet, one from each donor must be used to kick the victim at the same time. It's a brutal attack.
"Pick-it-up," Said Bren.
Fortunately for Akib, Raph arrived at the scene. He ran forward stand between them and him. Raph's loyalty was uncommon and he had come to show himself worthy.
"What's going on? Do you want him dead?" Raph was furious.
The question of Raph didn't go down well with Bren. He shouldn't have come in at this time.
"Raph, don't play a hero. You can see the number."
The meaning of that was that the boys could deal with him in their own way. They could descend on him and Akib. Bren only needed to give order. But for him, Akib would not be the sacrificial lamb.
"Look, this is not what we should be doing, there's a boy right in that forbidden forest. We should do something about him."
This idea was to divert their attention. Everyone already knew about what happened, only they didn't know the particular boy. But Bren didn't botched as he understood what this was about. He laughed.
Daring the consequence, Raph got hold of his friend and they ran towards the forbidden forest he mentioned. Akib was too slow but he still managed to run.
So stressful and painful, they appeared from a distance and the building was before them. Akib rapidly regained strength and his speed became better. Soon, he caught up with Raph and left him behind. The sight of the house was the source of his motivation. This improvement was pleasant, from someone who limped and was led to becoming the leader himself.
"C'mon, Raph you need to run faster." Akib said.
Being afraid, Raph expected him to turn away from the building. He still had the thought of danger and fear but Akib really wanted to see the danger. He had made an attempt which failed and he would like to have another trial.
"Akib, turn back," Raph yelled after him.
Akib reached fir the wall with a loud slap which he intentionally did. As he placed his palm over the surface, he was held down momentarily and sparks of light glowed over him. He was powered.
Raph had to slowed down for others to bypass. Bren carelessly charged at Akib not knowing that things had changed for him. He met the unexpected as Akib kicked him in the stomach. Before he could recover from this dream, he unleashed another attack with his elbow to bring him down.
Ceed, a huge guy, found his way to the very front amidst the boys. He was the one who hit him with a stick. He came forward like someone who was certain of victory. He walk straight at Akib and held by the collar.
Ceed tried to yank him off his feet but he could not. He did it again and got the same result.
"Impossible?" His eyes got wider.
"Yes," Akib replied.
He sent Ceed off with his left foot and he fell into the receiving hands of the rest of the boys.
The other boys were shocked at the sudden change. No one of them dare to come forward except for the two leaders who had met their doom.
Bren stood up and looked at his followers. Certainly,no one would try. He rubbed his hand on his stomach to suppress the pain. He took a quick look around and then settled on Akib.
"Akib, you..." He nodded his head.
That was all he said before walking through their midst. This day, he had admitted defeat but it didn't look like he's giving up. The manner of his expression was a clear indicator that he might still fight.
"How did you manage to fight Bren? You know he'll still come after you," Raph asked two questions at once.
Raph had seen something special in Akib and he knew he was not to be taken as weakling. He hadn't seen him fight so bold.
For Akib, he had to see the woman his friend talked about, the one who knew much about the land. He shoud be able to tell all he wanted to know about the building.
"Please, can I see your mother?" Akib requested.
"She's not my mother. She's my grandma but I'll take you," Raph volunteered to render service.