Chapter 20: The True Story Begins

"This Great Sage, for some reason, don dey very violent for past hundred years.

That time, as he see him monkey children dey kill by Celestial Soldiers, he roar with anger.

The already hundred-thousand-feet-tall Spirit form grow to almost fifty thousand feet, pass Giant Spirit God. After he kick Growth King, he wan kill Giant Spirit God.

But Musa Lawal no just dey look—he no fit wait again.

If he watch Great Sage dey fight, even generals no go remain.

He look Eze Uka, hiss, throw him golden calabash, everywhere dark, wan trap Great Sage."

...

Old Elder dey talk like say he dey there, the gist dey sweet. Listeners fit even picture Musa Lawal cold face.

Sun Zikora, even though he join the war, no know wetin happen for center—the old Elder sabi pass am. As old Elder pause, one person quickly ask:

"Elder, why you stop? Musa Lawal trap Great Sage or not?"

All eyes lock on the old Elder. The clink of tea cups, the slow swirl of incense, even the lazy ceiling fan seem to pause. Some young ones draw closer, breath held tight, as if the answer fit change their own fate. Sun Zikora himself shift on his mat, memory and longing dancing together, waiting for the next beat of the story—waiting, like all those who walk the Way, for the final word.

Old Elder clear throat, eyes shining. "Make I tell una wetin really happen that day..."