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The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. - Literature - Nairaland

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The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 4:04pm On Dec 26, 2013
This work is copyright protected©2013 by royveruniverse productions.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems- without the prior written permission of the author.

You can reach the author at www.royveruniverse.. or pm email on royver's nairaland account.
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by mattyqueen(f): 4:23pm On Dec 26, 2013
owk ride on i pray dz story gona be mre interesting
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 4:25pm On Dec 26, 2013
It's past 2am in the night and very quiet, the only sound being made is the soft dull pattering thud of her flat and naked feet as she tries to run as fast as her legs can carry her. The streets are empty, not surprisingly as the small but fast growing town of asaba has gone to sleep. She would give anything now to see a sign of human life; vigilantes, men of the underworld even, any human being would be far better than the thing that is chasing her down the street.

She turns around and panicks when she sees it is catching up. Its movement is absurd, seemingly clumsy as it hobbles on all fours, and yet it has already shortened the distance between them since the chase began a few moments ago. She opens her mouth to scream but the substance she unknowingly drank is still in full effect. All she can do now is sob as she increases her speed, adrenaline coursing through her veins, the short shiny green dress she wore aiding her in leg movement, her matching high heels having being kicked off many yards away.

The young man in the blue Camry watches the race with cruel pleasure. It is always a welcome scene when they run. He knows this part of town very well and is quite sure the vigilante group on duty won't be anywhere here for another hour or two. He grins as he watches the prostitute's futile attempts at escape and hope the chase doesn't end too soon. The drink she foolishly accepted from him when she entered his car will prevent her from using her voice for only a few minutes but he knows a few minutes is all she has.
The lady trips and falls on the tarred road. He watches as the beast pounces on top of her, grasps her in its jaws and shakes her from side to side like a rag doll. He gets aroused as he sees her raise up her hand in a feeble attempt at defense as the creature tears at her innards. Somewhere in his sick mind he regrets giving her the drink. It would have been erotic to hear her screams, but the only sound to be heard at this distance is the faint "thump" as the creature throws the prostitute's lifeless body on the hard tarred road. He sighs, a little disappointed that the show is over already. The creature lumbers back to the car and he stretches backwards to open the rear door.
"You could have at least played with her a little bit more you know..."
The creature growls unintelligibly and jumps into the back seat.
"No blood on the seats, please!" He yells, though he makes no physical attempt to prevent the creature from staining the upholstery. He doesnt want to get his arm bitten off.
The creature ignores him and settles down in the backseat of the Camry, twitching its two tails under its sleek, muscular body. It begins to give off a sickly howl and the man quickly winds up the windows, puts on the air conditioning and some music. He hates this part.

The creature howls louder and fidgets, turning around on the seat and then, despite the noise of the air conditioning and the loud music, he hears bone cracking. He does not turn around but watches, a little sickened, through the rear-view mirror at what is going on in the back seat. The creature's spine visibly shifts and elongates. The skull bone breaks and reforms, the knobbly limbs crack and enlarges and the two tails fuse and become one long tail, now one short tail, now a stub of flesh, and then finally disappears. The face of the beast exhibits excruciating pain and fear and its mouth is open in a wide pitiful snarl. He can still make out pieces of flesh between its teeth and he remembers the corpse outside. He starts the car and drives the car a few meters forward. Quickly he opens the door, armed with a large plastic bag, black leather gloves and a short shovel. He puts on the gloves and proceeds to gather up the remains of the young girl. They'll be good for a snack later. He puts the remains in the boot and brings out the carcass of the young goat they had killed earlier and places it carefully in the pool of blood on the road. He goes back into the car, pulls off his gloves and drops them carefully in a clean black polythene bag. He'll dispose of those later.

"Idi0t!" He hears a gutteral whisper from the back. "This is the third time you are letting me chase down a meal!"

He turns around, a smile on his face to look at the naked man now seated in the back seat. His face is still contorted from the receding pain.

"Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't enjoy it." He says, still smiling.

The man at the back lets out a dangerous growl. "Its not safe! What if somebody saw us?"

"They would be too frightened to say anything. Relax man." He says as he turns on the ignition and puts the car into gear.

The naked man becomes silent. He seems to ponder something.
"I still haven't completely transformed. I don't know what I am not doing right. My ancestors would call me a disgrace..."

"Your ancestors had wise old people who worshipped them and took care of them and taught them what they needed to know. Be patient."

"Yes...but still," the mam at the back groans as the last bone in his spine snaps back into place.

'Let's discuss this at home, alright?" The other man says as he shifts the car into gear. The vehicle jumps forward, crushing the carcass of the goat and mixing its blood with that of the girl. Anyone now that looked at the scene would regard it as nothing more than roadkill.

And the blue Camry drove silently into the night.

24 Likes 1 Share

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by qweenaxx(f): 4:58pm On Dec 26, 2013
Lyk seriously,this is my kinda story @ Royver, u don become my person properly. ama follow u till it ends. Was just an observer in d previous story. KIU
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by coonax(f): 5:00pm On Dec 26, 2013
1word
Captivating
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 5:01pm On Dec 26, 2013
qweenaxx: Lyk seriously,this is my kinda story @ Royver, u don become my person properly. ama follow u till it ends. Was just an observer in d previous story. KIU
You are welcome. smiley
Em...what does KIU mean?
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 5:01pm On Dec 26, 2013
coonax: 1word
Captivating
Thanks.
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by qweenaxx(f): 5:03pm On Dec 26, 2013
Royver:
You are welcome. smiley
Em...what does KIU mean?

Keep It Up!
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Ishilove: 5:49pm On Dec 26, 2013
Seeeick!! angry

grin grin
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 6:07pm On Dec 26, 2013
Ishilove: Seeeick!! angry

grin grin
smiley
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Nobody: 10:02pm On Dec 26, 2013
One word .........
I Dont know the adjective to use grin
Well done royver!

1 Like

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Mutaino7(m): 10:09pm On Dec 26, 2013
I surely belief this will be a top chart seller. Following*teamshightable* *vvip*

1 Like

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 11:39pm On Dec 26, 2013
Am definately subscribing to dis,roy my main man...more engine oil to ur pen..*grabs chair and crosses leg*...errm qweenaxx, hope u dont mind if I sit beside U sha...:-D..
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 11:41pm On Dec 26, 2013
mZ sleeq: One word .........
I Dont know the adjective to use grin
Well done royver!
make i borrow u one ;-)
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 1:52am On Dec 27, 2013
I woke up suddenly, with sweat glistening over my half naked torso. The sweating wasn't because of the bad dream I had just had, but rather due to the fact that the weather was hot and PHCN was once again exhibiting its significance by not providing power. My air conditioning maintained its statutory silence and I stared at it wistfully in the dim light. My mind was still on my dream, the clarity of which had been not a little unnerving. I could still see the woman's face, contorted in terror, the animal that had attacked her, the wicked sneer of the driver in the blue Camry. I knew it was only a dream and yet there was a certain dread I felt, like I had been made to watch a murder. I got up from the bed and went to the kitchen to get something cold to drink, using my rechargeable lantern which had been at the edge of the bed and which currently supplied the only source of illumination as I walked groggily to the kitchen. On getting back I happened to take a quick glance at the wall clock. The time was 2.20am. I went back to bed, read a verse from my bible and closed my eyes.

I woke up later that morning around 7am. This time my sleep was interrupted by a more welcome source, the electronic buzzing of my alarm clock. I stretched a bit and went to brush my teeth, have my bath, get a quick breakfast of bread and tea with onion omelette going before venturing out to work. Hopefully it was going to be a busy day.

I had chosen to put on a blue black plain trousers atop a light blue long sleeved shirt with diamond engravings decorating its entire surface. I had just bought the shirt yesterday and it fit my robust build very well. My tie was a Putman, a gift from my girlfriend who was now currently visiting her parents in the eastern part of the country. She had asked me to come along but I wasn't able to make out extra time from work. I sighed happily as I thought of my sweet Nina, the girl I had decidedly given my heart to. She was, as far as I was concerned, the belle of the ball, my princess and precious one. And right now I was missing her like crazy.

I took a cab down to work, hadn't gotten around to buying a car yet even though i had the need and the money for one. My workplace wasn't so close to my house and Lagos was still crowded with enough early risers to make late coming an easy habit to acquire. I got to my firm just as the time struck 8am and quickly clocked in. Going up the stairs I went to the second floor where I had recently been promoted to a private office, complete with all the perks. My personal secretary, Mrs Adekoya stood up as I came in.

"Good morning sir." She announced.

"Good morning ma," I replied good naturedly.

"Leeman consulting have agreed to the terms sir. We have the contract." She said smiling. She was a Kind looking woman, in her middle 40s and I had chosen her because of her courteous demeanour and impeccable efficiency. I returned the smile.

"Thanks for being the bearer of good news. Does the boss know?"

"Yes sir, he received a call from them this morning so I believe they told him. " she searched the drawer beside her desk and pulled out a file. On handing the file to me she quickly left to order coffee.

I walked around my posh office a little bit, taking in and enjoying the view. the large mahogany desk was the main attraction and easily the largest element in my office. I took a seat at settled into it, waiting for my morning coffee when the phone rang. It was my boss.

"Good morning sir," I said.

"Whatever," he replied brusquely. "I suppose congratulations are in order."

"Thanks sir," I replied.

"Leeman consulting
called me this morning. They said they want you to personally oversee the project in Asaba. I told them you'll be there later this evening."

"Sir?" I said, letting out an audible gasp.

"Your flight ticket has already been paid, be rest assured it will be deducted from your salary. We cannot afford to lose this contract so head back home and pack your things. Your flight leaves in 2hours. We have to get you to the airport before then.

"But, but sir, what about my other assignments? I have..."

"I don't care what you have chuks! Just get yourself to Asaba immediately! And stop pretending you are not happy they chose you instead of me! Call me as soon as you land!" And he hung up. But not before I heard the greed demon that usually sat on his head growling menacingly.

I sat down at my desk pondering what had just happened. Its true the representative of leeman's consulting had developed a liking for me over the phone and its true they had been interested in my resume...but I was only an assistant manager to my firm for now. Surely they would require one of the many managers we had in the firm to go instead of me. But my boss had called and confirmed it was me they wanted. And this asaba job had even more perks than the managers'. It was a great opportunity...

But then again, there was my dream. Things had a way of happening around me for a reason. Maybe the call to Asaba was a call of destiny as much as it was a call of providence. I sighed, got up and headed out the door just as Mrs Adekoya was returning with the coffee. Right above her, a small dark cloud had formed, formidable looking and gloomy. Every once in a while the cloud took the shape of a stern looking middle aged man. I saw silver drops of rain begin to fall from the cloud into Mrs Adekoya's head. To be honest this wasn't the first time I was seeing this manifestation, but this was the first the the face had appeared. She saw me looking above her head and her eyes looked upward, trying to decipher what I was looking at.

"Did you know I was going to Asaba?" I asked her.

"What? No sir!" She replied, astonished. "Isn't that our Oga's job?"

"Yes, but for some reason, they want me. So I want you to tidy up my appointments. Cancel those that are not so important. Restructure the urgent ones for two weeks."

"Ok sir," she said and started to bustle away when I called her back.

"Ma'm do you know I really like your smile?"

She smiled again. "You do Sir? Why?"

"Its because it is so perfect it hides even your greatest worries." I replied. "Your husband isn't going to leave you. You are going through a rough patch right now and it seems like he is the enemy but really he isn't. He's just going through a kind of mid-life crisis. So please be patient with him. I want to see this your kind smile when I get back!"

The look on her face...for a moment I thought she was about to faint. But then she steadied herself and whispered

"How do you know?"

"Heard you arguing with him on the phone when you went to get coffee." I lied.

She looked sad for a moment but regained her composure and smiled.

"Thanks for the encouragement Mr Chukwudi. You are nice."

I smiled and walked out the office back to my apartment. No point telling her about the manifestation. She probably would think I was crazy if I had opened my mouth and said I see things others do not see.

16 Likes

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 3:02am On Dec 27, 2013
mZ sleeq: One word .........
I Dont know the adjective to use grin
Well done royver!
Thanks!
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 3:03am On Dec 27, 2013
Layiwoo: Am definately subscribing to dis,roy my main man...more engine oil to ur pen..*grabs chair and crosses leg*...errm qweenaxx, hope u dont mind if I sit beside U sha...:-D..
You are welcome.
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by 2bey(m): 8:25am On Dec 27, 2013
If the 'Claw' is this suspense-filled, what's the 'Tail' and 'Cross' gonna be . . .? Breathtaking I guess. Roy, you rock!

1 Like 1 Share

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 9:19am On Dec 27, 2013
I am beginning to see tins o..is dis a continuation cos dis one Chucks is beginning to appear..
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Wealthyone: 9:37am On Dec 27, 2013
THE RETURN OF CHUCKS B. More Ink To Ya Pen Royver grin
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by qweenaxx(f): 10:26am On Dec 27, 2013
Layiwoo: Am definately subscribing to dis,roy my main man...more engine oil to ur pen..*grabs chair and crosses leg*...errm qweenaxx, hope u dont mind if I sit beside U sha...:-D..

If u come along with d neccecities wink
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Nobody: 10:30am On Dec 27, 2013
Layiwoo: make i borrow u one ;-)
] cheesy.please idea is need embarassed
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 10:57am On Dec 27, 2013
qweenaxx:

If u come along with d neccecities wink
okay...*hands her freshly tapped palm wine*..pls manage am
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 10:58am On Dec 27, 2013
qweenaxx:

If u come along with d neccecities wink
okay...*hands her freshly tapped palm wine + pop corn*..pls manage am
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 11:02am On Dec 27, 2013
mZ sleeq:
] cheesy.please idea is need embarassed
Dialling *Hon Patrick number*,i fink he will be in d best position to assist..;-)
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by qweenaxx(f): 11:05am On Dec 27, 2013
Layiwoo: okay...*hands her freshly tapped palm wine + pop corn*..pls manage am

U be correct person
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 11:16am On Dec 27, 2013
qweenaxx:

U be correct person
Always at ur service :-D:-D..btw Op whre re U hiding o!.
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Layiwoo(m): 11:17am On Dec 27, 2013
qweenaxx:

U be correct person
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Royver(m): 11:28am On Dec 27, 2013
You are all welcome! I'm currently at work and will update in the evening. Thanks!
Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by davedave1: 1:37pm On Dec 27, 2013
Look Mr Roy, i am sort of a person that hardly comment on NL, more of a silent reader, but i enjoyed the first 'Chuks' story, and i am going to say this that you have made me one of your greatest fan that i even bookmarked ur NL profile to know wen you start anoda story. Even the start of this story had knock me off mt feet already, the point in this comment is to let you know am with you all the way, i understand the pain and the pleasure in writing, so take your time bro,and i hope and pray that someday, we will meet at the top....**spread mat, took a few out of the 25ltr palm wine, and looking anxiously for the next update**. YOU ROCK !!!

3 Likes

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Obinnau(m): 2:07pm On Dec 27, 2013
Just passing. Anyway, nice story plot.

1 Like

Re: The Claw, The Tail, And The Cross. by Nobody: 11:43pm On Dec 27, 2013
Beautiful!

2 Likes

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