THE LEGEND OF KIWAKAAZI

A long time ago after prisoner 666’s escape, Gbelemantse Kakai (king of the death gods) started what he called the guardians of hell program. The first man to enroll was a man who loved his orphan wife too much to abandon her in the world of the living. This man made a deal with Gbelemantse Kakai and became the first rahasi (guardian of hell). Before he died, he whispered the following words into his wife’s ears: “When your time comes, do not be afraid of the dark ones who will come for you because they will unite us in the afterlife.”

So when her time came, she welcomed it. She was completely fearless. Shinko came for her and she demanded to speak to his boss. She bowed before Gbelemantse Kakai and begged to see her husband one more time. The first rahasi (later became Subrukutu after he fought Kaki) walked in and although he was very different, his wife recognized him behind the black vest. She therefore made a second request; to be enrolled into the guardian of hell program and she was welcomed with opened arms and perhaps even a party.

The first rahasi’s wife also trained and after about a century of training, she completely tamed the Uhurusa katui (ultimate slayer of the gods) and became the Uhurusa Rahasi (the ultimate guardian of hell). She was the only rahasi without the black vest. Instead, she had a pair of very red eyes, a U-mark on her face and the protection of an invisible black flame that surrounds her — the black flames known as the flames of hell.

Gbelemantse Kakai is rumored to have been afraid of her. The gods were not exactly immortals. They too can be killed and when they die, they are cast out of their homes and banished to the mortal world where they live like mortals. They have to struggle to eat, drink and be clothed like earthly beings. Sometimes they become wealthy and would have to leave their earthly wealth behind. However, in Gbeleshie (the afterlife), they had everything they wanted and it lasts longer than on earth.

So the gods will do anything to continue living the somehow immortal lives they were currently enjoying and the goodies that came along with it; power, wealth, women and respect. Ishfa is benevolent but nothing he offers and gives is for free. You have to work for it. You have to earn it. Sometimes, you have to work twice as hard. Usually, the god or goddess whose work output was the lowest was tagged and would be killed if performance continues to dwindle. This breeds envy, greed and lust among the gods and goddesses. Sabotage and plots to kill brother, sibling and friend rule Gbeleshie (Afterlife). The gods and goddesses whose performance are praised become the target. The politics in Gbeleshie is bloodier and more corrupting than politics on earth.

 The first rahasi’s power was beyond what Gbelemantse Kakai imagined. She was devoted to her duties as guardian but loved the first rahasi more than anything in the universe. Gbelemantse feared that to spend time with her beloved, she may make a move on him. She may try to kill him and she will win. He did not stand a chance. Kakai feared his own creation so much that, he was forced to sell her to one of his brothers, Rakiambe (Creator). In exchange, his brother will never use her as a weapon against him. If ever the Uhurusa Rahasi known later as Silbankutu (the invincible guardian) were to harm Gbelemantse Kakai, Rakiambe will pay the price and will be banished instead of Gbelemantse Kakai. She was the first and the only one to master the Uhurusa katui (ultimate slayer of the gods) completely and she did it while in Shiayen (white sand desert) of the Afterlife. Now, there is a second and his name is Kiwakaazi.

Back to the love story between Kiwakaazi II and Dedeli. The brave princess made a decision. She too wants to die where the man she loves died. She wants to get lost where he is also probably lost. If she dies there, they will be united in the afterlife and if she should get lost there, maybe they might meet and remain lost together. She journeyed from the north to Awufudom (land of ghosts).

Dedeli had lost all hope. For the first time, she followed Safiri. How many times had she sensed his presence only to be disappointed? Now, sensing his presence to her was a sign that he was not near. He was probably very far. It was all a trick. Her mind and heart were playing tricks on her.

Safiri suddenly caught hold of the princess who might have been deep in thought and shouted, “Look!” What should she look at? It was the presence of two young men. It had been six long years after their first meeting. The princess was about ten years of age then and Kiwakaazi II was about thirteen years old. But the princess never forgot how he looked like. One of the things she appreciated immediately after her recovery was art. She learned to draw and the only thing she drew was the face of the man she loved. She sat quietly once a day and imagined just how much his face would have changed and drew it. She drew with so much love that, those paintings of Kiwakaazi II were her best work.

She strained her eyes; she looked and she saw. It was not a mistake. It was the face of love — the face of Kiwakaazi II. She ran towards him and how can he stand still after seeing her run. So he also ran. Safiri whom harbored secret feelings and went with Dedeli just so that she too could meet him ran. Arangosango who also yearned to see the beautiful body of Dedeli buzzing with life followed suit; the great love rectangle.

Kiwakaazi’s eyes were overflowing with tears. After a long time of playing a game of hide and seek, the two lovers finally met. They embraced and they kissed. They pulled away from each other to have a good look at each other’s face; to burn the image of their faces in their minds. Then, they hugged and kissed again and again. 

Safiri and Arangosango stood and watched but I believe Safiri felt it; she believed and knew it in her heart that when two souls are entangled in love, not even the gods can prevent them from being together. I believe this too. What about you?

Back inside Nomposuro, Kiwakaazi and his fake twin had already started their battle. The dwarf-turned-Kiwakaazi was no pushover. He was as strong as ever. His magnetic powers no longer worked or Kiwakaazi but he still was strong. Kiwakaazi’s white double swung the silvery sword in his left aiming for Kiwakaazi’s neck. Kiwakaazi did not try to avoid his attack and also swung the golden sword in his left aiming for his look-alike’s neck. Both warriors sustained cuts on the neck and still both warriors survived and continued to fight as if nothing at all had happed.

Deila heard the earth shaking in her dream world. She asked Kaki, “What is going on?” Kaki answered, “They are coming. They are coming for you.” Deila questioned, “Who are they and why are they coming for me.”

The silver looking but sharp sword of Kiwakaazi’s fake and the golden swords of Kiwakaazi were making clanging sounds. Kiwakaazi and his fake were screaming with excitement. Blood splattered and they still continued to fight. Kiwakaazi felt his head ache and knew he was running out of time. It was either now or never for him.

Kaki answered, “You have been here for too long. They have pronounced you dead and are coming for you.” Deila asked, “Who are they?” “The souls of those who have died in Nomposuro. They come for those who die and show them the way to the Bon-su (pool of tears). You have to leave. You must return to your body before they take you,” answered Kaki. The problem was that Deila could not feel her body. It was as if the link between her body and soul had been severed. “Wait… That cannot happen. I am a kranju (immortal guardian). I must turn into a kafushii (stone mummy) when I die,” protested Deila. Kaki explained, “You are right. However, you stopped being a kranju a long time ago. Our partnership is not like the one between Aran and Shinko. They have a 50-50 partnership. In our partnership, I am a guest perhaps even a prisoner here. Deila, you are more human than kranju (immortal guardian). If you…” Suddenly, someone or something broke down the door to Kaki’s cottage. It was Zibaru. He entered the cottage. He looked at Deila and said, “I have come for you.”

Kiwakaazi and his double were at least six feet apart when he swung the golden sword in his right horizontally from right to left. His fake suddenly held his neck with his left to stop the bleeding. Next, he looked at his chest to see the tip of a golden sword. Kiwakaazi pulled out his golden sword; the one in his left and took a step backwards. The dwarf went on his knees and said, “This truly is your path to enlightenment. Never be swayed from it.” He fell face down and something like a piece of cloth started wrapping his body from feet until his entire body changed into a mummy — a kafushii (stone mummy).

Kiwakaazi went on his knees and felt a headache more intense than the first one. He shouted, “Hang on… you have to save her first!” He summoned all his will and rose to his feet. Kiwakaazi stretched his left leg and disappeared. He appeared almost instantaneously beside Deila. He turned her around and placed his head on her chest. He heard no heartbeat. She was dying. “Deila! Wake up!” shouted Kay repeatedly. She was still unconscious and not breathing.

Kaki touched Deila and she vanished. Zibaru turned to exit and the door of the cottage shut behind him. Zibaru turned to face Kaki. He frowned and sighed. “It seems you are not going to let me out of here without a fight,” remarked Zibaru (son of the devil).