THE DREAMS

Mr. Paul Angelo a tall, huge and attractive man has not always paid much attention to all of David’s dreams. His pot belly collaborated with his bald head to give him the appearance of a satisfied old man where as he was only in his late 50’s. He knows for sure that the die is cast and sincerely desired more time because the cut on his son’s arm has been his greatest fear. 

Emma cheerfully rides in a bus thinking of happy days. While she was waiting for her connecting bus she realizes she has forgotten her handbag; she enters the first bus only to discover that the bag isn’t there anymore; In desperation she asked the driver and learnt that David had found the bag and taken it to the lost property office; happily she goes to pick it up beaming with smile that he was such a gentle man. She recalls that David once came to her rescue when she was almost raped by three hefty guys. She was invited to a party by a friend but eventually got drunk and staggered down on a lonely street. Some men saw her and wanted utilizing the opportunity to satisfy their libido. They had asked her to stop while one of the men immediately rooted her to the ground and loosening up his belt in order to be the first to have a taste of the forbidden fruit. While all these were going on, rest waited patiently for their respective turns. David sighted them from a distance and attacked like a wounded lion. He managed to block the punch of the first guy by the right and immediately dashed a very heavy one on his face; he was not fast enough to defend the heavy punch from his left which came almost immediately after he kicked the guy on Emma on the neck. The punch which sent David Angelo straight to the ground almost left him unconscious; one of the men skillfully grabbed him by the neck trying so hard to strangle him to death but David managed to He to grab a log of wood by the corner and smashed it on his head. They all escaped when they heard the cop’s Siren and saw Alex and Lara approaching with speed from a distance to save their dear friend who was almost half dead. In as much as his left eye was badly almost damaged, he kept asking "where is Emma? Where is Emma?".Mean while Lara who has always pleaded with David to stop picking up fight on the street stood transfixed and jealous as she watched him leap towards Emma to ensure she was alright. “Why has he always been present?" Emma wondered as she sighted him from a distance and goes to meet him; this event however, brought them closer as the duo fell in love. 

Mr. Hommes sits comfortably in his garden wondering what the future holds. “Could this be the end of the road for me? Never!” he exclaimed. All he ever wanted was to eliminate the phantom. “Why has he always escaped all my traps? “He wondered holding his jaw. He is a dark complexioned and wealthy man in his early 50’s but has a face which suggest he is above seventy (70) years old perhaps it is because of his grey hair and fat nose which matched with his wide ears and fat lips. He must have lost most of his incisors in the struggle to accumulate the wealth and affluence he enjoyed. Mr. Hommes who is obviously afraelo dead because if he eventually takes the shadow vaccine he and Paul Angelo his father would die as a price to enable the Phantom access his powers and save the city from an impending doom that was foretold. “My only chance of survival is to kill him now that he is still vulnerable otherwise I can’t do it anymore when he becomes phantom. " He thought. 

Moreover, Paul Angelo has always done all he could to keep his son alive while he awaits the right time until an unfortunate fate brought Alex in the picture. Although he may be tagged a stern and well principled man but his love for his children was irrefutable. He will do virtually everything possible to keep his son alive in order to fulfill his destiny even at the expense of his own life. This is the reason he disagree with Mr. Hommes at the point of David’s birth to poison him to death because he was born as a curse on them. “God Forbid! I will rather die while doing the right thing than to spend a few more year in regret and anguish” he had told him twenty-five (25) years ago while he kept his son save by always restricting and regulating his movements and friends afterwards. 

Although Mr. Hommes planted Alex in the Angelo’s family as a ticking time bomb in order to make his evil plans go smoothly . He recalls he had asked Alex on several occasion to lure David out in a secret place. This is because he had confided in his son the moment he came of age about the generational curse as well as how it was going to end his life if preventive measures were not taken. However, Alex was not ready and willing to lose his beloved father to someone whose existence alone deprived him of Lara’s love due to some superstitious and age long curse. 

“There was a secret meeting tonight and I had to be there” David explained to his parent who has been worried about his where about; after he narrated the whole Story to them, his father was delighted that he made it back alive and that he still had a chance to rewrite his wrongs. After he tendered much apologies for hiding a lot fron his son for so long." I have been waiting for the right time” he explained. “I was only surpose to tell you all these the moment you get that cut on your left arm" he added while Maurine nodded her head in conformity to what her husband was saying. Mr. Angelo carefully explained to his son the mystery behind his birth; he equally told him about the generational curse as well as the death penalty involved. "The phantom will become a ghost that walks, protector of the innocent, fighter of injustice and cruelty as well as the defender of the city" Moreover, Mr. Angelo sorrowfully explained to his son how the production of the shadow vaccine has been his worst fear. “I knew my fears would be difficult to conquer but, I had to do it because of the love I have for you” he said while handing the vaccine over to his son. At this point, David understood the mystery behind his birth because like Maurine, he equally sought for answers for a lot of mysterious things that he has always experienced since childhood but found none . His father has always paid deaf ears to his nightmares, as well as not giving him cogent reasons and good explanations as to why he was born with an Eagle boldly tattooed on his chest as well as the reason he always objected to his friendship with Alex. 

However, Mr. Angelo always tells his son that he was born unique because God created him that way.” That family is evil and you must stay away from them, you shouldn’t go about searching for answers where there are none” Paul said to David more than a million times in the past. But this time around, everything became clear to him as he now understand his life purpose as well as the impending danger if he refuses to take the vaccine. 

While David Angelo hid the shadow Vaccine secretly in his closet; he thought about the consequence on Mr. Homme, his father and himself. He too was unwilling to loose his beloved father to an unknown fate they knew nothing about hence, he decided to put the vaccine away and pretended everything was fine after they reported the case to the police. 

No sooner had David thought everything was falling, into place than the nightmares started again. This time around it was more scary and frightening. Sleeping at night was like a death sentence.  His love for his father made him suffer more torments and unrest. In as much as his Dad wanted him to take the vaccine in order to end all the mysteries, he equally thought about his own life on the line. David was glad that the reasons behind his action all these years was due to the time, love kindness and sacrifice he had in stock for him so he could not help but love his father even the more 💕💔

Memories flooded back as Alex looked through the photo album while he wept bitterly. “I can’t believe she is gone forever because of that freak” he said while holding Lara’s picture amidst much tears. He hated David even the more and burnt in rage seeking revenge at all cost. However, Hommes capitalized on this situation after due apologies and consolation had been tendered. “that was a perfect opportunity to execute our plans, it was quite unfortunate that Lara got in the line of fire when we had absolutely no choice; she would have sold us out to the police if we had let her go “he said apologetically to his dear son who was extremely heart broken, shattered and infuriated.

A hostage situation at an isolated uncompleted building was not exactly how Maurine intended to spend her evening. She had stepped out of the super market when a bus filled with masked men suddenly appeared before her; in fright she tried to run before one of the men grabbed her by the hand and dragged her towards the bus; immediately she kicked the man on the testicle while she screamed for help however, she never knew what hit and left her unconscious until she was revived by a bucket of water already tied to chair in an unknown destination. 

The Angelo’s were thrown in a great state of confusion when they received the disheartening call on the recent development. David Angelo was to give up himself in exchange for his mother's life within the next 24 hours. “We have no other option my son” Said Mr Angelo to his son who became so sober. “you must not give up yourself without taking the Shadow Vaccine; I am ready and willing to be the sacrificial lamb to keep my family safe; I know this is a very difficult decision to make but a choice has to be made after all , tough times do not last but tough people do; you cannot always save everybody but will always live in regrets of not saving the one you can" he added almost at the point of tears while wishing it was all a big joke, David who only stood dumbfounded and confused looked at his father pitifully in conformity with all he just said. 

The night sky was full of stars but no moon as David sits sadly in the garden holding the Shadow Vaccine “It is now or never” he thought “the alarming spread of street protests and civil unrest across the city in recent months due to the fear that the country is slipping into economic recession as a result of so much money that is already spent on the battle against Covid – 19 (Corona Virus); A deadly virus which broke out in Wuhan, China and caused global pandemic, phobia, suffering and hardship. These triggered protest activities and rioting by the citizens against the government to loosen purse strings by providing relieve packages and assistance to see them through their trying times. They equally yearn for a formidable security outfit in order to combat the upsurge of crimes in the city ranging from, Armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and a host of other anti – social activities. “The city do not need David Angelo anymore; all they need is the Phantom” he said. “I am going to pick up the broken pieces and build it like a house; no matter how I feel I shall get, dress up, show up and never give up” he added not allowing his emotions to overpower his intelligence while he ruminated on the adverse consequences of the Shadow Vaccine. 

David couldn’t think of anything else than his kidnapped mother as he started experiencing a lot of changes. He realized that he became more muscular, faster and smarter and his feet was about 12 metres off the ground in order to keep him ready for speed and acceleration. His eyes and ears were filled with smokes giving the impression that he could see and hear virtually everything whenever he decides to transform into a shadow. David Angelo had taken the shadow vaccine against all odds. 

However the phantom managed to suppress his emotions as his father handed over to him a phantom suit he had made for him. This suit was specifically made and designed in black with bullet proofs scattered all around it. The green shield that came with it is almost the same height with David as well as a long chain with very sharp edges for long rang attacks. Father and son were almost at the point of tears as they hugged each other passionately still wondering the fate that awaits them. 

Moreove, Maurine helplessly cried herself to sleep while tied to an arm chair looking very frustrated, weak and obviously in pains as a result of the hell she had gone through. Five of her fingers were already broken as blood drip down from her mouth like running water as a result of countless punches they have already landed on her face. All these, they did heartlessly over the phone to show that they were not out for a child’s play. While her neck slid to the right, she waited hopelessly for the arrival of her dear son. 

Mr. Hommes loitered around with a plier dripping with blood obviously the one he used to pluck out her finger nails. His son whose cloth as well as those of some of the men with them had blood stains on them sat comfortably by the corner well-armed while he enjoyed noodles and egg with a bottle of wine.

Moreover, a good number of well armed gun men were well positioned and ready to shoot while the police surrounded the two storey building. They shot aggressively at any police man that dared to raise his/her head above the vehicle or attempt to save any of the wounded or dead cop lying lifeless or even wounded on the streets. While they littered the streets with grenades and bombs, They created a lot of phobia and pandemonium.

The phantom fled like a novice cracking pole and windows aggressively to rescue his dear mother who was almost half dead. It was all over the internet and social medias as they wondered who the man who flew in black suit really is and where he was headed. Although he was faster and stronger, the road seemed farther and farther he went to rescue his mum. 

The police could only watched as the phantom sped into the building cracking the windows but still managed to maintain his balance in the air. As he wondered which direction to go, he dodged and blocked virtually all bullets and explosives coming at him from different angles. The Hommes were so shocked how the Phantom took out their men and blocked virtually all the bullet with his Phantom shield and bullet proof vest. He tore the gun men to pieces with his weapons; While Some were thrown out of the windows, some hung on the ceiling fan while some others ran for their dear lives perhaps they never anticipated what befell them that day. It finally dawned on Mr. Hommes that he was losing the fight so he immediately grabbed Maurine by the neck from behind with a very sharp dagger; too short to be called a sword while Alex shot furiously at his best friend. “ Stand down! Else I will chop off her head” thundered Mr. Hommes who was hiding his head behind Maurine’s while the dagger was pointed directly to her throat. “ I will eliminate her if you make any more moves” he further threatened looking desperately serious however, the phantom surrendered and was about winning Alex into a negotiation before the police rushed inside in high numbers and asked everyone to surrender. Mr. Hommes who was still in shock stood transfixed and distracted by the whole drama unwilling to give up before the Phantom tactically threw a very sharp Jack knife he had patiently reserved for that moment on Homme forehead and he died on the spot. Moreover, while Maurine was rescued but half dead, Alex was arrested for attempted murder and max destruction. 

The Phantom as he was later known as became very famous as he defended and protected the city from crimes, injustice as well as the adverse effects of the civil unrest triggered by an unfortunate fate we know nothing about. He finally got married to Emma while they waited patiently for what may befall Paul Angelo, his father. 

Moreover, I was still wondering the possibility of all these when I was awoken from the sleep by a cock crow. “Oh! It is a dream, a very big dream” I said rhetorically while I wondered if the Phantom would actually arise and save the world because all we need now is a miracle.

               🙏🙏🙏

  UGOH KINGSLEY I. (TEMPEST DS)