It was a day to Boma's twenty first birthday. Though she wasn't interested in celebrating it, considering her current battles with saving the world. She even barely remembered that her birthday was around the corner. But one of the benefits of having loved ones around is their ability to pick you up when you are down, and celebrate you when you least expected, Jason already knew a bit of Boma's secrets, even if the two have never discussed it. He thought of surprising her by organizing a small party to celebrate her, he came to her house knowing already that Boma was out to discuss his plans with her mom. She objected to the idea at first, but later realized it could at least help shift her daughter's minds off the problems of the world for the moment and for once enjoy herself like other kids do. Jason was so happy with the response, he thanked Boma's mom for agreeing to his plans. Lindsey rejected his appreciation, but instead thanked him for looking out for her daughter. She offered him tea, but he rejected with the excuse that he needed to start the preparation as soon as possible. Lindsey refused and forced him to take some tea, which he later did. "please while looking out for my daughter, you shouldn't forget about yourself too, you know what I meant," Lindsey asked. He gave Jason some suspicious look, to buttress her ppoin, but Jason feigned innocence. He sipped his tea instead. "I know how you feel about Boma and I understand if you're cautious of her reaction, but you need to let her know too," Lindsey advised. Jason felt ashamed and gave a dry smile, since he was the only one with her in the house. While they discussed, Lindsey was at the same time cleaning the table and piling up the dirts in the house for disposal. Jason finished his tea and set the cup on the table. He stood up and appreciated her, "thank you Mrs Cross for the tea." Lindsey shook her head in admittance and returned a glaring smile. Jason picked the dirts to help disposed, but Lindsey told him not to bother. He didn't drop the dirt and was about exiting with it, when he looked back at Lindsey again," thank you once again Mrs Cross, really thank you," Jason appreciated. "You're welcome, she responded. Jason left the house and dropped the dirts inside the trash can outside.
Gestfield College was into their first basketball finals in the history of the school. They'll be playing against Ross County high in a very competitive and highly anticipated final which had seen Ross County high dominated the competition for the larger part of it's history. But since Gestfield college was only into the finals for the first time, the supporters and even the players of Ross County high rarely sees Gestfield college as a threat to their twenty-fifth trophy pursuit. They were already celebrating the trophy even before the game. Their Coach, Ashley Smith had won the competition for them seven times in a row, which made him wrote off his opponents, even before his own players. He still went ahead to meet with Gestfield's Coach, Henry Robertson at their court to rob his achievements in his face, leading to a high tension built up between both teams prior to the day of the final. Gestfield college principal attended the basketball teams practice before the final game to address them, he joined them in the dressing room to deliver to them the new kits to use for the final and also share with them some words of encouragement. The moment he was sighted in the dressing room, all the players gave him a standing ovation to appreciate his commitment and support for the team. " I believe you're all set for tomorrow's game?" he asked. "yes sir," they responded enthusiastically. " Even if this is going to be our first final ever for our college, I still believed that we have a chance to make history. Everyone have already seen our college as the underdog in the contest, but I personally believe we could spring up surprises to put our college and names on the history books," the principal addressed. The entire team was moved by the principals address, as they gave him rounds of applause." The match should not be made a do or die aaffair, so you need to approach the game with open minds and never go against each other on the court of play. If we win the game, it's good and if we lose, it still adds to our experiences, there shall be other chances to go again because we already made history. Now, let's crown our efforts and perseverance with the trophy,"the principal added. Everyone shouted with zeal and happiness. The coach signaled to Jason who was the team's captain for his address of the principal. He stood up and chanted the players anthem," Up Gestfield college, "they all shouted" great" in response. " We are the eagle," the all shouted "ruling the sky with strength." "What do we do all the time?" they all shouted in return, "we fight". "In the face of defeat, what do we do?" they all responded, "we never retreat" , "but when we smell victory, what do we do?" they all sniff with their noses and then cried vigorously like an eagle. Everyone including the principal laughed and Clapped. Jason turned his attention to the principal,"Thank you sir, for the love and support so far, the entire eagle promises you an absolute victory come tomorrow," Jason addressed. "With these energy, I bet with you that Ross County wouldn't stand a chance, and wouldn't know what hit them," the principal said. He personally presented each members of the team with their new kits with a handshake. The team engaged in soft training and prepared themselves tactically for the big day.After the training, Jason went to the cheerleading corner of the court to watch the cheerleaders, most especially Boma who was then the captain. They were almost done with practice before Jason arrived, he missed the fascinating part of the practice already. So he had no idea what the cheerleaders had in stock for the final. Jason met with Karen, Helena and Clara immediately after the cheerleading practice session before meeting with Boma to arrange with them the proposed surprise birthday party for Boma. They all loved it and agreed to assist him in whatever way to make it memorable for Boma, including Karen who used to be Boma's arch rival in the team. They all decided whatever the outcome of their final match, they wouldn't allow it interfere with the plans and success of the surprise party. Boma was on her way out when she saw Karen discussing with Jason, and immediately Jason saw her, he excused himself and rushed down to meet her. "were you going to leave without me?" Jason asked. What do you expect, when you are already with your girlfriend, "Boma responded." hnn hnn. For your information, it's ex-girlfriend, "Jason replied." Are you sure, you are the same genius Boma, that I used to know, "Jason asked. Boma paused for a second to stare at Jason and both laughed in return." You seemed to be a genius, but you actually know very little, "Jason added with laughter." well, you'll be surprised how much I know if I tell you,"replied Boma with laughter too." Someone seems to be jealous, "Jason joked. He managed to relate with Boma without arousing her suspicions about their plans.
Boma was home before six in the evening to avoid being grounded by her mom, a new rule she set since Boma had become so elusive. She discussed with her mom for a while till she became engulfed again by the thought of her predicaments. She left her mom's room to breathe some fresh airs outside her window. She sat on the roof locking his sight on the stars. "they have no worries and are so free to be themselves, no one challenges the intensity of their lights, deem or bright. Still, they beautify the sky,"Boma thinking about the stars." She saw something emerging from the sky, as if from the stars. She thought at first, maybe it wad a bird, but the more the object approached, the larger it became. The speed at which it was descending increased momentarily, causing Boma to stand on his feet to avoid being hit. Someone landed on the roof beside her, but she had no idea who it was. "who are you?" she asked. He was completely dark in color with it wings. He retracted his wings and moved closer to Boma. "I'm Lucifer, he responded. What? You meant Lucifer, the Lucifer?" she asked. "yes, the Lucifer," he reacted. "what can I do you for?" she asked. Lucifer was thrilled with her confidence and boldness. "I think that's the wrong question, the real question should be what i can do for you," Lucifer commented. "Do I look like I need your help?" Boma asked. Lucifer smiled. "well, I'm on your side," he reacted. "I know Salvatore must return to the underworld for the world of the living to be safe from the attack of supernatural beings and demons from hell, "he added." If you knew all that, then why not go and face him and leave me the hell alone, "Boma spoke in hanger. Lucifer stared at Boma for several seconds, turned around and then reacted. " you must really love to work alone, thinking you can win the war on your own, but you my dear are going to need every help you can get. "Even if I needed help, it wouldn't be from you, because you're a fish from the same waters," Boma argued. You must have learnt from your scriptures what transpired between myself and Salvatore, which made him a prisoner of hell in the form of a king. And I, a cursed angel to walk all eternity on earth. You the children of Adam all condemned and cursed me everyday because you see me as your antagonist, that even when I'm a million miles away from you, you still perpetrated evils and successful colored me with the blame. You have wicked souls darker than the dark holes, yet you convince yourselves that you're God's beloved. Whatever I did, was because I had no choice. It's all in my destiny, just like it's your destiny to keep Salvatore away from your world either you like it or not, "Lucifer expressed." Would you like to come with me somewhere, I promised you it'll worth it, "he requested. Boma smiled sarcastically to Lucifer's request." What's this, I don't know you, I've never met you, but you think you can just badge on me and asked me to come with you, where in the world is that done? "Boma argued. She had no idea her voice had become raised to the point of her mom hearing her right from her room, she came looking for her confused who her daughter could be having an argument with at such late hour. She entered her room but noticed that her window was opened, so she checked for her on the roof. There she was sitting alone, "who are you talking to?" her mom asked. "It's him," she responded pointing directly at Lucifer, but her mom saw nothing. "He's here mom," she argued, but she still couldn't see Lucifer. It was then it dawn on her that she was the only one seeing him. "No wonder some passers by kept looking at me strangely, they thought I was talking to myself," Boma just realized. She stood up from the roof and went in with her mom, while Lucifer flew away.
The time for the highly anticipated match begone. The Ross County cheerleading team approached the court for their performance, and the performance was excellent. The entire spectators and the umpires both knowingly or unknowingly clapped for them for their performance. This sent a lot of fears down the Gestfield college supporters spines, finding it hard to believe any other performance could shadow the performance they've just witnessed. Not even the Gestfield college basketball players had any idea what their own cheerleading team had in stock, but they just held on to fate. Some were even afraid to watch them perform with the fear of shame that could follow their failure, but they were about to be blown away. The entrance of the Gestfield cheerleaders alone had never been seen, which glued the buttocks of everyone to their seats. By the end of their performance, the entire court was left shockingly quiet with the extraordinary performance just concluded. Everyone in the audience section including the Ross county supporters, initially thought they were in the wrong court or perhaps a different cheerleading group mistakenly entered the stage in place of the Gestfield's team. The message was sent already, but the Ross County team received it too late. They barely prepared for both the game and the dance, but it was already too late to try and do things differently. Anxiety grips the resolve of the Ross County team entering into the game and they were actually right to be afraid. The Gestfield team equally had their own share of tensions and anxiety early into the game leading to a lot of mistakes on their part. Before the first break into the game, Ross County high was already leading Gestfield college by 28 to 10. During the break, their coach had to relief them of their fears and made it known to them the reason they were losing. "Guys, you've got this, don't be intimidated by their past successes, because your time his now. You're giving them too much respect when actually they should be the one doing that. Whatever the outcome, I stand with you, but I promise you, If you do these right, victory his ours, "Coach Henry addressed. At the other end of the court were the Ross County team being addressed by their overconfident coach." I don't have much to tell you other than what you already knew, so go in there and use them for lunch. Make them regret ever playing against us, and next time they heard the call of Ross County high, they ran away as fast as their legs could carry them,"the Coach addressed and the players began to rejoice their victory even before the start of the last half.
The referee called in the teams for the start of the last half. The Ross County team began to make jest of the Gestfield's team. But they had no idea what's coming. Before they realized the extent of the game, it was already 28 to 25. Confusion sets in and the game was 55 to 54 with only thirty seconds to the end of the game. The ball was in the Ross County high's court hoping to end the game with the last port, but the Gestfield college back line seized the ball and sent it down to Jason immediately, with just seven seconds to the end of the game, he couldn't pass the ball to anyone else, but instead took his chances. He threw the ball straight into the basket and the game ended 55 to 57 in favor of Gestfield college. The entire court went insanely jubilant, for the unexpected that just happened. Gestfield college teams have both carried the day. Boma ran towards Jason with extreme happiness and jumped on him. The two looked each other in the face and laughed. Jason made the move for a kiss, but wasn't sure what the response would be, so he went for a slight kiss instead, which was well received. Boma kissed him back and both inaugurated there love affairs. Karen approached them, "you guys are disgusting, you should get a room," she said jokingly. Boma was surprised with Karen's reaction as they both smiled at each other. Everyone departed the court, but left Boma behind under the disguise that they had somewhere they needed to be. She was suspicious, but couldn't quite placed her fingers on it. She left alone on her bike, got to her home's entrance door. She was about to open the door when she suddenly heard her mom screaming, she forced open the door and went for the light switch instantly, but she was surprised when she found the whole cheerleading and basketball teams players in her house, including the Principal and Coach. "What's going on," she asked. Jason came up to her with cake and sang to her Happy birthday. She was so happy as everyone celebrated her school's victories as well as her birthday. She sat at a distance watching the crowd in her house with happiness, her mom moved closer to her and sat beside her, Boma Cross, you're really blessed with great people, "Lindsey said to her daughter. They both smiled uncontrollably and for the first time, they felt the true purpose of friendship." Happy birthday princess, "Lucifer greeted. Boma heard him coming from behind." You again, what's it again?"she asked." we couldn't finish our conversation the last time,"Lucifer responded. I'm not doing this here now, please go," she instructed. Boma was sitting beside her mom discussing with Lucifer, then Jason came to Boma's mom asking about her whereabout, she was surprised, "what are you doing, can't you see me here?" Boma responded sarcastically, but she wasn't seen. Her mom responded to Jason," she was just here with me, where did she go?" Boma was no longer finding it funny, especially when Clara joined in asking where she was, when she was there sited. Then it occurred to her that it might be Lucifer's doing. "what did you do?" she asked him. Salvatore smiled, "I told you earlier that I was interrupted the last time, that's not happening again. He responded. Boma lowered her guard to welcome what Lucifer really wanted. He picked her up and flew to a remote area in Gestfield. There was a hut at the middle of the forest, they entered the hut and there was a Wizard who worked for Lucifer. The wizard was one of the most powerful wizards alive, he already found the celestial stones and wanted to deliver the stones. Boma didn't know what it was af first, till Lucifer explained to her what it was. She collected the four stones in her hands, and immediately they started to whisper to her. That confirmed to her that the stones were genuine. Lucifer told her he can never moved close to her as long as she is with the stones, the stones could be used to destroy celestial beings or banished them from this world. "I bet Salvatore never knew the stones have been located and were under my care," he said and giggled. "why are you helping me," Boma asked with confusion. "You see, I was not as bad as the people of the book portrayed me, and I want to use this avenue to redeem my image," he replied. Lucifer was gone before Boma could thought to ask how the stones should be used. "How do i get home without my staff?" she kept ruminating for a while, then it occurred to her that someone has powerful and resourceful enough to find the celestial stones, should have no problem taking her home. She stole a quick look at the wizard, but he neglected her. After several failed attempts by Boma to get him reacted, he decided to go the verbal way. "can you please help me out of here," she requested. The wizard smiled softly, "I thought you wouldn't ask, it's my pleasure to be of assistance to you," he responded. He waved to Boma to move closer, she approached him and he was sent away.
Boma arrived home when everyone in his home had left already, she remembered there's still her mother to contend with after the mysterious disappearance again. She quietly got into her room to find a hidden spot to keep the stones and then crashed on her bed. She heard a Clapp from the entrance immediately, she knew already it was her mom, she gave a tired face before sitting up to face her. "I'm really sorry mom, but can we please talk tomorrow," she requested. Her mom nodded in agreement and left the room. Boma gave the face again and crashed back on the bed. Very early the following morning, she left with the stones to meet with the protectors. Arriving at the entrance of the Cave, she expected to see Morpheus, but he was nowhere to be found, so she went into the cave. The protectors were already edgy and restless, "what's going on?" she asked. The leader approached her and swiftly brought her into the revelation chamber to see for herself. Salvatore already blasted the Cave of the witches in an attempt to expose the hole in it to direct sunlight from heaven, once that happened, the seal between the worlds would be broken and the hell from the underworld would penetrate through and consume the living world. This would have a severe devastating effects for the two worlds. Boma turned to the leader immediately and brought out the stones. He recognized them immediately, "how did you get them," he asked. "It was a long story that I would love to share, but now is not the time, we need to find Salvatore and stop him," Boma gave her opinion. "It's going to be difficult because he now has many soldiers and even now, Morpheus has joined his side. He gathered the warrior protectors and they all left for the Cave, but it was already too late before they arrived. The seal was broken already and the mysterious inhabitants of the underworld let lose into the living world. They've started killing and kidnapping earth residents. Boma and the protectors arrived to salvage the situation, the stones began to whisper to Boma to arrange them on the ground at right angles to have a marching sides. Boma did as directed and the stones merged forming a single stone. Everywhere is in chaos and things were much worse than Boma nor the protectors could contend with. They were being over stretched, then suddenly, the strongest hell, the ABYSS began to roar from the ground, about to enter the living world. The leader shouted at Boma, it's now or never. Boma was instructed to pick up the stone and throw into the hole. She leant forward to pick the stone, grabbed it, but a flying creature pulled her off the ground into the air and the stone fell, she fought the creature from the sky but hoped the protectors would finish what she started before it was too late, but the protectors were already having their own shares of worries than they bargained for. The ABYSS roared again and this time, the whole world experienced a destructive tremor all over. Salvatore was all happy standing on the hole, he kept celebrating the ordeal. Boma realized it was becoming too late, she stabbed her staff into the creature and they fell together. She struggled to reach the stone, but Salvatore already realized what she could do with the stone too, he left the hole and charged towards Boma, grabbing her by the neck. "Now you will watch has your world turned to flames and I, king of the underworld took over your world and the kingdom of the underworld brought to your world," Salvatore said to her. She remembered immediately her dream sometimes ago, she tried to escape his grip, but he's too strong for her. She looked around and hoped for helper, but no one to turn to or expect. All of a sudden, she saw Lucifer badged into Salvatore and the two continued the fight they started Billions of years ago when they were first banished to earth. Boma struggled to get the stone and ran towards the hole, she dropped it down the hole, creating a kind of suction which began to attract every inhabitants of the underworld that just escaped back into the underworld. It pulled them all in and began to pull Salvatore, she shouted, No!!!. But there's nothing he could do against the force pulling him, then he decided he was not going to leave without a consolation prize, he pulled on Lucifer and the force dragged them both down the hole into the underworld. Immediately Salvatore was past the region of the living world, the seals formed again and covered the whole, then things began to return to normal and the threatening ABYSS returned to it natural destination.
TO BE CONTINUED.....