Title: THE GAME SHOW
******chapter 3******
The security official grabbed her, followed by a stern pull to the front of the camera.
The director signaled to them with a nod. Their wide hands grabbed her top and tore it off her. She screamed and at the same time begging them to stop. She was pinned down by one of the bodyguard while the other unhooked her bra and flung it across the room. Same was done to her skirt and panties.
Afterwards, they held her up and showed her to the world. The moment they released their grip on her, she carried herself and ran off the stage into the restroom.
Mukky stared into the distance. His mind was miles away. The thought of what just happened made his inside turn. He knew he would never be himself ever again. He would willingly take the blame for all that happened today and live with the that forever. He turned his head away as the camera came into his view. He couldn't bear to show his face to the world.
His girlfriend wouldn't come out of the restroom even after a dress was brought to her. After much cajoling she turned the lock and opened the door ajar. Her make up was ruined. The tears had dried, only tear stains were left on her cheek. The look of fear and hurt on her face earlier had now being replaced with one of mischief.
She put on the gown and walked over to where Mukky was sat. She took the chair beside him.

1ST JUDGE: we have our contestant back on air. Now we move onto the next phase of this game show. The Truth or Dare phase. Each contestant would ask the other a truth or dare. Whoever deters from carrying out the Dare or Truth assigned to them would be given fifty lashes of the official game show whip. We start with the contestant on the right. Choose now.
MUKKY: I choose truth
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: are you now happy after leaving me to be disgraced in front of the world while you watch.

Her voice was filled with hatred and anger.

MUKKY: no
2ND JUDGE: now it's your turn to choose.
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: I choose truth
MUKKY: will you ever forgive me for all that happened today?
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: no
3RD JUDGE: now it's time for Dare. The contestant on the left starts first.
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: I dare you to stand in front of the camera and strip yourself naked too.
MUKKY: I can't.

Two security officials walked over to Mukky's side and grabbed him on both hands. He would have resisted their hold on him but he knew it would be a futile attempt. They shoved him up and led him in front of the camera. He was made to lie down on a table while his shirt was taken off.
The whip was made up of three belts intertwined together.Mukky was handcuffed on both hands hands to a pole . The director signaled to them to begin the flogging.
1..2..3..4..5..6... Mukky tried to keep calm and hold himself together as the whip lashed on his back. It stung but he endured. 24..25..26..27..........
Mukky screamed, unable to bear the pain.
"Pls.. pls forgive me. It's hurting me I swear i will die. I feel like dying. Kill me. Just kill me pls I can't bear it. I have suffered enough. God pls kill me. I can't take it anymore.........",
His wailing did not deter them from lashing the belt on his back. With every rise and fall of the belt, Mukky kept on screaming and begging and pleading. But all fell on deaf ears.
When they were done, he was too weak to move. His body lay lifelessly on the floor. Deep cuts were all over his back, exposing his flesh which was bloodied as well. He was heaving uncontrollably. He was carried to his chair. A nurse came to treat his wounds. Spirit was poured on the cuts, this made him squirm in agony. Afterwards she covered the cuts with cotton wools and added a sticking plaster to them.
Mukky was looking weary like a man at the brink of death.

4TH JUDGE: now it's time for your Dare.

Mukky cast one look at his girlfriend and made up his mind.

MUKKY: I Dare you to kill yourself by hanging with those cables littered around.

She couldn't do it. The same treatment was done to her but she wasn't just screaming but also wailing and crying like an infant just leaving the womb. After the 50 lashes, she lay still on the ground like a log of wood. She looked wasted as all the skins on her back had deep cuts and were bleeding profusely. She looked much more worse than Mukky.
One of the security men checked her pulse then her heartbeats. He turned to the director.
"She is alive, just unconscious", he said.

Ann2012:
Following

welcome aboard. Grab a pop corn at the nearest stall beside you. Bills on me

I don't know you personally but I just gat to mention you anyway in this rally, and hopeful get to know you totally

Rachealfst
Chumzypinky
DemiKOL
seantunes
Pinkfeet
Lilyjoe567
Afollyshade
Creeza
Tohyin123
Hantonia
FortunateB
Ftosino
Pearl05

Title: THE GAME SHOW
******chapter 2*******
MUKKY: wait! Let's make a deal
1ST JUDGE: and why should we make this deal with you?
MUKKY: because if I kill her I will never be happy and if I kill myself then she too will suffer depression.

The second judge to Mukky's girlfriend.
2ND JUDGE: Do you love him
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: yes
3RD JUDGE: for how long have you been dating?
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: eight months
4TH JUDGE: do you plan on marrying?
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: we have never really discussed that but I can marry him.
5TH JUDGE: do you know if he's cheating or not?
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: I don't know
(An official hands mukky's girlfriend a gun)
5th judge: you have until the count of zero to shot either yourself or mukky. 5...... 4...... 3 ....... 2.... 1.....0
She pulled the trigger.
The whole room fell silent. The fifth judge lay in a pool of his own blood.
"Medic! Medic! Medic!", the director of the game show screamed.
Men dressed in red cross clothing appeared and whisked the 5th judge away.
1ST JUDGE: why did you shoot him
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: because I love mukky and can't live without him.
2ND JUDGE: you broke a rule of this game show. So what should your punishment be?
MUKKY'S GIRLFRIEND: Keep your 50million naira and Cherokee jeep. We are no longer playing.
3RD JUDGE: you cannot leave this show until the end.
4TH JUDGE: the director as decided we should strip you naked for our viewers at home.

Mukky jumps forward.

MUKKY: you can't do this. It's wrong. Humans are meant to be respected.
1ST JUDGE: if you won't let us strip her naked then we will strip you instead.

Mukky stood rooted in front of his girlfriend.Two security officials approached Mukky and pinned him to the ground. He tried to fight them off but he was no match. His girlfriend tried to hit them off him but a security held her back.
Every viewer at home was glued to their television and those live streaming it on their phone had their full concentration on the screen.
The two bodyguards stripped him off his shirt and then his trouser leaving only his boxers.
Mukky's girlfriend was already weeping and begging them to leave him.

2ND JUDGE: we're giving you one last chance. It's either you are stripped naked or your girlfriend. Choose now!

Mukky looked at her. She was shaking her head and begging him not to choose her.
He turned back to the judges. He couldn't go down like this and be remembered as the guy who was naked on TV. He thought of life outside the game show. He knew he couldn't bear the public share. His eyes were now fixed on her. He shook his head at her.

MUKKY: Strip her.

[b] Title: THE GAME SHOW
******chapter 1*******
In many homes, there was anxiety as millions nationwide viewed their television, watching a new type of TV show, way better than the famed "WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE". This was called "The Game Show (true love tester)"
Before five judges sat Mukky, a young man of 28. He was the lucky contestant to be chosen from over a hundred thousand applicants.
One of the judges stood up to address the audience.
"In this game show, which is all about testing the loves of of partners. Each of us judges will begin asking a question. If the contestant is able to answer correctly and prove how strong his love is for his partner. The contestant will leaves here with a 50million naira cheque and a brand new cherokee jeep. (Lights out) let the game begin!
{lights floods the stage}
The camera signals to the judges with a countdown from three to one with his finger before they go life. 3..2...1
The camera captures the wall lined with poster with "The Game Show" inscription on then. Then they camera moves on to capture each fave of the contestant before shifting to Mukky, whose eyes were fixated on the judges.
1st judge: do you believe in true love?
Mukky: yes
2nd judge: are you married or still a bachelor?
Mukky: bachelor
3rd judge: is your girl friend here?
Mukky: yes
{mukky's girl friend was ushered to stand beside him}
4th judge: can you die for her?
Mukky: Yes
{an official handed Mukky a gun}
5th judge: you've two options. Shoot yourself or shoot your girlfriend. I am counting down from 5to1. 5.......4.......3.......2.....1 /b]

Cc: all nairaland readers and writer. Your constructive criticism is super welcome.

I chose to have less flowery diction but more straight to the point approach. The chapters are shorter than usual. This is due to the way the story was crafted out in 2017. I couldn't do much about that...

I will also be posting an episode each day till the end... muchas gracis señor et señorita

This story was written in 2017. Some weeks back while going through my online library I came across. Reading if again after two years I still felt super drawn to it. Settling down on my couch, I reviewed it and did some editing and polishing. I was done in under a week. And yes I am now sharing this with the world instead of keeping it hidden in my library.
Author - Mukky

ABOUT
The story is a about a gameshow in its pilot season. It's not your regular kind of gameshow. Though hilarious, it sheds light on how the human mind works.

Title - Dynasty music group
Episode 3 - face off
A police siren followed us, over took us and blocked our way.
Three police officers got than from the van, armed with Ak 47s and one had a microphone. He ordered us through the microphone to get down.
I was about getting down when the producer held me back

"Can you use a gun?", he asked.

I was surprised he was asking this. I didn't answer, I just stated blankly at him.
Possibly he wasn't expecting me to reply 'cos he removed a pistol perfectly tucked away in between his belt and trouser. He handed it to me. Then he removed another one tucked in his boot.

"I am not doing this", I said.

He didn't answer me.

"Get down right now and let's see your hands in the air", the policed yelled into the microphone again.

"Prepare to aim your gun", he said to me. "We shoot at my count of three.... 1....2 ....3"

He aimed his gun outside the window at the police. He shot severally. I watched as the officer with the microphone fell to the ground making a splat sound as Blood gushed out his head.
The two other policemen followed suit. Blood gushing out of their chest.
The producer got out of the car, opening the door widely, to serve as a shield.
A police officer at the front seat and two others in the back shot at him. He crouched. Then I saw him remove the pin of a grenade, he heaved, then threw the grenade at them. An explosion followed. It rocked the ground. The police car burst out in flames.
He jumped back into the car and resumed speeding.

"Why didn't you shoot?", he asked.

"I...its not..I...just that....", words weren't forming in my head.

"You've never shot a gun before?"

I nod.
He didn't reply. He just sped off.
We dropped Adage off at the hospital.
He held me after Adage had been wheeled off into one of the wards room on a bed, "we are wanted so we have to go underground", he said.
I felt he wanted drag me into his mess possibly to have a partner in his woe.

"It's you that is wanted and not me". I fired back.

He laughed hard.

"Go on and tell the police you the good guy", he said mockingly.

"I have a friend in the police force. He can help me"

"Police is not your friend. And your friend is a police", he said.
TO BE CONT'D

Title - Dynasty music group
Episode 2 - bad things happen
I dropped my phone and ran down to his room. It was locked. I hit hard on the door with all my might but the door wouldn't bulge.
The producer joined me. He was much more muscular than I was. After three trials on the door, it gave way.
Flames had taken over adage's body. He was prancing about. The room smelled of roasted meat.
I was deliberating what to do next when the producer poured a bucket of water on him. It quenched the flame a little bit. He ran to the bathroom and refilled the bucket. He poured it on Adage again. This time it put out the fire.
Adage lay lifelessly on the floor. His body was still and I feared he might be dead.
The producer obviously didn't think that. He carried Adage and ran outside with his body. I followed suit.
We carried his body to my rickety 2001 Toyota Camry. We placed his him in the backseat.
I wanted to drive but the producer didn't allow me to.
"You are not stable enough. Shock is written all over your face", he said.
I didn't protest.
He collected the key and sped to the nearest hospital. The way he swerved through cars and overtook other speeding vehicles made my heart jump. I had a feeling whe wouldn't make it to the hospital. And this feeling of mine was right.

Title - Dynasty music group
Episode 1- fire
Dynasty Music group was doing all right as a music rental business until I met Adage. He was a rapper who was struggling to get his music out. He approached me to help him get exposure.
I wasn't a pro in the music industry but I knew for sure he had a future in the industry.
I loaned cash from my mom, hired a producer for him and released his track titled - I died young. The recording session of the track was done in his studio.

Title - I died young
Look from a young age I knew I wasn't gonna last// thugging was something I did since my birth// I sent a lot of old niggas to their tomb//and did same to young niggas too// I began selling coke before I was old enough to// if I die don't cry// and don't ask why// just know I did a lot of bad things for the money// I sabotage little innocent Ronnie// I shot my neighbour's bunny// If I go to hell I deserve it// I might even start by leaving this studio to step in a fire that is lit// God help me

He removed his headset, left the recording booth then excused himself. We both stared at him as he left. I couldn't understand his motive for this track. I knew his tracks were sadistic but not up to this level. Besides particular track was all shades of whack. I had a feeling I was going to regret this.
A video notification popped up on my phone. It was a live stream from Adage. He tagged it goodbye. I viewed the video.
Adage was in his room. He had a selfie stick with him which his phone was attached to. He went to his wardrobe and ransacked his while wardrobe. He dumped all his clothes on the floor. He removed a matchbox from his pocket and lit the whole clothe on fire. He looked into his camera and said goodbye. Then he stepped into the fire.
TO BE CONTINUED...

This story is all about savagery in words and actions. As savage as it seems, there are couple of advice in the words and realistic lessons in the actions. Best of all they are served out indirectly.

EPISODE 4

The king was alone with the queen in their personal chamber, though it had a more masculine look and would pass for a male chamber. Animal skins and horns adorned the walls. Sculptures of deities all holding a calabash on their head. Paintings of the king and queen also hung on the wall. A bed with a bambo stand was at the corner of the room and on it sat the queen. Opposite her sat the kind on a cane chair, stroking his stubble.

The king: what do you think of that fine gentleman?

The queen: he is a fine gentleman

The king: we are no longer in public or with my chiefs. You no longer need to support my thoughts. You can voice out yours now

The queen pauses for a while.

The queen: he is a learned man and with a philosophy very different from the ones of this village. But do remember the tales our fathers told us of how the learned men and women came and poisoned our culture and the people's mind. Then they robbed us of our resources.

The king: but they came in groups. Besides, this is a black man and not a white.

The queen: the white men were able to penetrate our system using fellow black brothers of ours.

The king: then what do you suggest we do?

The queen: we sift through his knowledge and philosophies. The one we find well defined will be kept. Afterwards, we can behead him.

The king: but..... what if we can convert him to think and live like one of us.

The queen: the closer you keep your enemy, the nearer you are to your deathbed.

The king: what if he isn't the enemy. What if he is just a lost young man who miraculously wound up in our village.

The queen: this was the same thing our forefathers told themselves and see what it brought them.

The king scratches his jaw then rest it on his palm. He could see some truth in the queen words but still he wanted to be positive about this man. He wanted him to stay a little longer in the palace. He wanted something from him and this he couldn't disclose to the queen. This was something that had happened years ago. Something that wakes him in his slumber. And never was the queen aware.

The king: fine. I will follow your advice.

The king said trying to sound convincing.

He knew deep within him that the queen's advice was volatile to him. He couldn't do as she wanted. At least maybe not now.
*******
Ikulopade sat on one of the chairs in Tobe's room. She was still wearing her shiny silver gown. Tobe was tempted to ask if she had many of this gown or just one which she wore over and over again. But he thought better of it and let it pass.

Ikulopade: I know I am beautiful. You can cut the gaze now.

Tobe looks away but still his eyes returns back to her.

Tobe: what are you doing here?

Ikulopade: I am in one of my houses

Tobe: Why do you believe you own everything?

Ikulopade: because people gifts everything to me. The forest is avoided by everyone because they believe I reside there and bears ownership of it. The whole villagers believe every land is mine so they appease me with rituals and meat offerings whenever disasters befall their lands. I never wanted any but they forced it down my throat.

Tobe: why don't you just reject it?

Ikulopade: and why don't you reject this room that was offered you by the king and find somewhere else to stay.

Tobe: it would be an insult to the king

Ikulopade: rejecting the people's gifts to me will also be an insult to them.

She smirks upon realizing her thoughts had been passed well.

Tobe: what makes you come here?

Ikulopade: I want us to take a walk together.

Tobe: why

Ikulopade: so we can get to know each other better

Tobe: I have known enough. And least I forgot, you abandoned me.

Ikulopade: if you accept then I might be willing to tell you more about Kanalow

Tobe pauses and thinks it through. His goal from the start was to know more of Kanalow disappearance. But he couldn't be seen walking with her.

Tobe: I can't! And I suggest you leave now before I call the guards.

Ikulopade: you will be disappointed if you do that.

Tobe ignores her and goes outside his room then walks to the nearest guard he could see and tells him of the intruder in his room. He follows the guard back into his room. But things didn't go as expected. The guard didn't charge at her, instead he stands where he is and bows, calling her "your highness".

To be continued....

germaphobe:
o boy, make i grab my sit

Seats don dey run out but I fit help u use connection reserve one

damselposh:
Oga, you no mention me ooo, but am following

no vex jaare.... no need to buy popcorn the next time you are coming. Bills gonna be on me.

EPISODE 3

Tobe followed the pathway. Deep down within him, he had a feeling of whatever awaits him at the end of the pathway wasn't something pleasant. But he had no other way to go. He journeyed deeper down the pathway until he arrived at a village. The houses were built with mud and thatch. Every house had a palm tree grown beside it. Dogs, goats, hens and ducks were scattered about. The men and women all had a long cloth wound around their body. Some had necklaces and adorned their heads with beads. The children were mostly naked and ran around or played with sand. Tobe was the only one out of place, dressed in a black suit which had smears of dust and torn in several places due to the thorns and branches he had wade past. This dressing of his brought wild stares onto him. And not long, two hefty men with a spear each, grabbed him. He tried to resist their hold but his frail limbs failed him. The two men led him away down the dirt road until they came across a very large mud house. It was the largest he had seen so far in the village. Guards were stationed at every corner. Their faces plastered with a frown. The two guards led him inside various rooms until they got to a large room where a man with a beaded cap sat on a large chair covered with patterned clothes. Beside him was a woman in a beaded cap, though slightly smaller than the man's own. Her chair was smaller too. He processed it in his head that they both were the kind and queen.

There were elderly men and women who sat on the floor across them on both sides. They had no beaded cap but their bodies were adorned with beads. They were all probably the Chiefs.

The two men bowed when they entered and forced him to his knee.

The king: who are you and what brings you here?

The king said to him with a tone of authority, though still laced with curiosity.

Tobe: I am a researcher. I came to Akanje village upon reading a folklore about Kanalow.

The king: we know about the folklore, so what else?

Tobe: I journeyed down the river and came across the same lady I think Kanalow had come across. She is a lady of wits and tricked me with words until she blocked the path I came from and opened a new path which led me here.

The king: the lady you met by the riverside is called Ikulopade. Whoever meets her never lives. She loves riddles and that is the only way to her heart.

Tobe: I answered her riddle. And she opened her heart to me. But I failed her test.

The king: she is said to be very beautiful. Did you fall in love with her?

Tobe: no

The king: how is that possible? No man can ignore her beauty and her affection?

Tobe: I do not believe in love. Love is the sole greatest destruction of man. It was love that destroyed Kanalow himself

The king: you're a very much different man than I have seen. Your philosophies counters the ones upheld here. I will give you a room in my house and in return I want every detail you have of Ikulopade.

Tobe: I accept your offer.

Mukky bows now. The two hefty men led him away. They were gentle with him now. He was put into a room decorated with pots of flowers. In the center of the room was a table covered with cloth. Around it were chairs also covered with cloth. In a far corner of the room was a bed, neatly laid. He was about to slump on it when he heard a knock on his door. He opened it. It was the lady he met by the riverside. The lady the king called Ikulopade.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

KimberlyWest:
Following dear.

I already love the story and you haven't even gone halfway.

It's an honour to to have a legendary nairaland writer on my post. You made my day as the first to comment

THE HUNT

EPISODE 2
Two answers jumped into Tobe's head, love and yearn. He knew the riddle had something to do with Kanalow cos his final action on earth was jumping into a river because of a lady he fell in love with.

Tobe: love!

The lady: be my guest tomorrow for a date at this same hour of the night.

She stood up and walked deeper into the forest leaving a dazed Tobe.

The next day at the same hour of the night, Tobe left for the river again. But this time around, the riverside wasn't lit alone by the moon but also candles. There was a table and two chairs and the candles encircled it. The lady sat on one of the chairs and gestured at Tobe to join her. He did. On the table were two plates with smoked fishes and a bottle of wine which had no label.

She smiled when he sat. He was dressed in a dinner suit. She passed her finger around it, perusing the fabric.

The lady: do you believe in love?

Tobe: no

She grins wide.

The lady: tell me why

Tobe: love is the mother of greed, jealousy, envy, hate and every other negative feeling there is. Love turns a man into a child. It makes a man forget his goals and dreams. Though he is happy for sometime when he is in love. But in the end he gets heartbroken. And no matter how mended a broken heart is, it can never be fully mended.

The lady: your hate for love is strong. And I admire that. But the only reason a man would hate love is because he had abusive years while growing up, right?

Tobe: I can't say same for me.... and I really think we should talk about Kanalow for now. I am not the subject we agreed to talk upon.

She nods.

The lady: Kanalow was in love. He was madly in love. But the lady wasn't in love. The mistake every man makes when they are in love is they fail to also make the lady fall in love. He yearned for her but she didn't yearn for him.

Tobe: were you not the lady Kanalow saw that same night?

The lady: maybe or maybe not. You will soon see.

The lady stands and stretches her hand forth towards Tobe.

The lady: hold me

He does and they both walk deeper into the forest. He noticed she was barefoot and even with the sharp edged twigs, her feet never bruised.

The lady: I want to make you fall in love

Tobe: that would be futile from the start

The lady: a lady's heart can be won by sweet words and affection. A man's heart can be won by what he sees and some affection too.

Tobe: I am not like every other man

She doesn't reply. Instead she releases his hold on her hand. Then she cups his face and rests it on her chest. She strokes his hair gently. Her hands goes to the button of his shirt, undoing every single one. Tobe releases himself from her embrace.

Tobe: this is not what I came for

The lady: after I have undone your last button then you care to ask. Is this a way to show you can resist the urge that makes you want to grab me and lay me on the floor without my clothes on.

Tobe: such thought never crossed my mind

The lady: well.... it will now

She moves closer to him, their lips just few inches away.

The lady: you're such a fine man

Tobe stays silent, he just stares.

Their lips touch. Each savoring the sweetness of it before she withdrew.

The lady: UnCloth me

Reluctantly, his hands gently touches her shoulder then her back and he draws the zip downwards slowly, exposing her back. The gown drops and it reveals her whole nudity. She was clean shaven everywhere. She begins to laugh hysterically. The moon disappeared. Her iris dilate making the pupils vanish. The wind becomes rough and it twirls around her. This sight makes Tobe shiver. And he grabs a branch for support.

The lady: I was beginning to love you but you seem to be like every other man.

Tobe: how?

The lady: a woman always wants something she can't have. In the beginning, you didn't want me or even care about me or love me. This made you different from every other man I met. But giving you my body now makes you want me. And now that you want me, I don't want you again.

Tobe: what game is this?

The lady: it isn't a game. This is reality.

Tobe:

Tobe: you know, I really never wanted any of this. All I wanted was to know about Kanalow. God did say every woman was treacherous and I thought you will be different but alas I was wrong.

The lady: watch your tongue

Tobe: or else!

The lady: in tensed situations like this, only the calm survives. And you are not one of them. Also remember I own this forest and can do and undo. So good luck finding your way out of the forest.

The lady vanishes into thin air.

The path which he came through began to close up as trees began to grow over it. Another pathway opened. But this didn't lead him back to the village. It led him deeper into the forest.

TO BE CONTINUED....

The story will be written in episodes.

EPISODE 1
A man, simply called Kanalow, fell in love with a lady he met by the riverside one cold night when he went fishing. He came everyday after that cold night but he never saw her again. Believing she was probably a mermaid, he jumped into the river and never was he seen again.

A decade later, a researcher, Tobe Paul heard of this tale which was a folklore to the villagers of Akanje. He journeyed there and visited the man's house which was now tagged as accursed.

The house and its contents looked untouched for as long as one could think. Dust had gathered over everything. The walls were all laced with framed photograph of him. He looked lanky but handsome. Tobe found his study room. The rom was encircled with shelves stacked to the brink with books on almost all subjects. On his study table Tobe found a letter which read;

"My life story is like a treasure hunt in the deep forest. One day, many will journey into it but few will reach the end"

Beside the note was a painting of a woman in shiny silver gown. She looked like a princess to Tobe. Beside the painting was a map of the whole town of Akanje.

The one place that caught his sight on the map was the river. The infamous river told in the folklore to be an abyss of death. Using the map, Tobe Paul journeyed deep into the forest to where the river was. A lady in a shiny silver gown was by the riverside singing while her hands were in the water, wading gently through it. He moved closer and caught a sight of her. It was the same lady whose painting he had seen back in the study room.
*****
Fear gripped Tobe but he couldn't pull back now. Her shiny silver gown shone even brighter. Her hair was coal black and braided in cornrows. She gestured him to sit by her side. He did. Her eyes were overlooking the river.

The lady: what do you come looking for?

Tobe: Kanalow

She looked at him now. He caught sight of her face and couldn't but admire it. The edges of her face were well refined. She was a better masterpiece now than in the painting.

The lady: I will give you all the answer you need but you will first have to answer my puzzle

Tobe: what is it?

The lady: if you fail it, bad things will be the order of your day.

Tobe: I am ready....

The lady: what makes a man jump into a river for a woman

To be continued.....

Read this for better understanding


The Hunt �� is a series of writings by Tobe Paul found years after his death by kkumy. A man believed to have been somewhat close to Tobe Paul. The writings are believed to be his Autobiography.

The writings talks about his encounter with a lady spirit whose witty tongue and actions teaches him the one greatest thing a man can ever wish for......

The writings were re-written by kkumy into a story. And it is believed whoever reads the story and finds the hidden things Tobe Paul learnt from the lady spirit, the person would become a celebrity with wealth more than he can handle....

cc:
boffinjay
yewande1234
olaayinkha
Therock5555
Larrysun
Divepen1
Audrey timms
Flow1759
Mynd44
Kayemjay
Frank316
Repogirl
ishilove
Humbledbygrace Royver
kingspen
cuddlemii
Firestar
Princesa UjSizzles
Maclatunji
foxybone
Redmosquito whitemosquito
Obinnau
senbonzakurakageyoshi
Naptu2
frank317 VanTee20
Chumzypinky
PamelB
KimberlyWest
Flakkydagirl
MaziOmenuko
TiffanyJ
rachealfst
SheWrites
D9ty7
fiyah
flow1759
Oyinprince
marianneada
EvaJael
bibijay123
davidflo
chistar01
victvames
BiafraBushBoy
Lleigh
solomonbrown64
KingzPen
Bibi294
skarlett
PrettySpicey
glowingscenes
safarigirl
stefikal
Creeza
TemitopeDaniel
pabon
ClassCaptain
Godmother
Fantasyisland
Queenxstar
ghostwritter
Apollux
Clemzy16
SurestG
ESIXLOVE
rapmike
kizzykeziah
AustinBlinks
Eze2000

All of you are legends and other Nl writers I didn't mention were once writers I did follow chapter to chapter as your stories either made me cry, laugh or reminisce about my very own life experiences. You inspired me to keep writing on when my mind was blank of creativity. Now I have rose and brought about a making of my own. My very own work of literature. Fully support your homeboy. Much love from me to you cc:
boffinjay
yewande1234
olaayinkha
Therock5555
Larrysun
Divepen1
Audrey timms
Flow1759
Mynd44
Kayemjay
Frank316
Repogirl
ishilove
Humbledbygrace Royver
kingspen
cuddlemii
Firestar
Princesa UjSizzles
Maclatunji
foxybone
Redmosquito whitemosquito
Obinnau
senbonzakurakageyoshi
Naptu2
frank317 VanTee20
Chumzypinky
PamelB
KimberlyWest
Flakkydagirl
MaziOmenuko
TiffanyJ
rachealfst
SheWrites
D9ty7
fiyah
flow1759
Oyinprince
marianneada
EvaJael
bibijay123
davidflo
chistar01
victvames
BiafraBushBoy
Lleigh
solomonbrown64
KingzPen
Bibi294
skarlett
PrettySpicey
glowingscenes
safarigirl
stefikal
Creeza
TemitopeDaniel
pabon
ClassCaptain
Godmother
Fantasyisland
Queenxstar
ghostwritter
Apollux
Clemzy16
SurestG
ESIXLOVE
rapmike
kizzykeziah
AustinBlinks
Eze2000

All of you are legends and other Nl writers I didn't mention were once writers I did follow chapter to chapter as your stories either made me cry, laugh or reminisce about my very own life experiences. You inspired me to keep writing on when my mind was blank of creativity. Now I have rose and brought about a making of my own. My very own work of literature. Fully support your homeboy. Much love from me to you

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The rights of this work of art is solely reserved to the author. No part of this work can be shared or stored for public viewing without the permission of the author.

The Hunt is a series of writings by Tobe Paul found years after his death by kkumy. A man believed to have been somewhat close to Tobe Paul. The writings are believed to be his Autobiography.

The writings talks about his encounter with a lady spirit whose witty tongue and actions teaches him the one greatest thing a man can ever wish for......

The writings were re-written by kkumy into a story. And it is believed whoever reads the story and finds the hidden things Tobe Paul learnt from the lady spirit, the person would become a celebrity with wealth more than he can handle....

EPISODE 4

The next day in school was the worst of my schooling years. Tifé had told everyone what happened yesterday. I was now famous, but for the wrong reasons. Anywhere I passed, people pointed fingers at me or they directed their stare at me.
I tried not to let it get to me but I failed in that. I spent the whole day in the class. All the lectures we were given didn't stay in my head. I hated the teachers and this was my first time of noticing how cheap their clothes looked. The mens were mostly skinny and they looked like beggars n their oversized shirt and trouser, they looked like beggars who were lucky to get a job but still worked part-time as a beggar. And when they talked, I realized for the first time that their phonetics were like those who attended village school.
During our English teacher, Mr Azubike, lesson period, he asked me to stand up and tell him what he just said last. I stood up and just stared at him, since I was listening, I didn't know the reply to give him.

"Are you deaf? I told you to say what I said last", he yelled at me.
I wouldn't have being annoyed if he hadn't yelled or called me deaf, but since he had, I yelled back at him "ask Google"
The whole class fell into silence. I myself couldn't believe I could talk up to my teacher.
All eyes were on me. Mr Azubike stormed out of the class and when he reappeared minutes later he had a cane with him. He told me to come to the front of the class and kneel in front of him. I replied defiantly that he should come and carry me. The whole class gasped. This was unheard of, a student challenging his teacher. Mr Azubike charged at me with the cane raised in the air but before it touched me, I managed to grab it. He slapped me and angrily I pushed him against the wall. He was short man with slim build and I was opposite of that. I was over 5 inches taller than him and I had the build of light weight boxer. He tried to hit me again but I pushed him with all might. His head hit hard against the concrete then he slumped on the floor. We tried waking him but he wouldn't bulge. He was either dead or had fainted, but I didn't care. I was hard heartened and prepared for whatever came next.

Episode 4 unloading..........
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EPISODE 3

When I got to the class, Tifé was the only one there. She sat at the far end of the class and her back was resting on the wall. She was busy on her phone. When I walked in, she looked away from her phone and fixed her gaze on me.
For a split second, the world stopped around me and all I did was stare at her as I couldn't still believe Tifé the girl who always ignored me actually was crushing on me. It was like a miracle. It was a dream come true. I didn't know, but a smile crept onto my lips and I approached her.

"Hey, I got your message", I said, sounding as cool as I can.

"Which message?", she asked.

Her reply cut right through my heart. I began to feel she wasn't actually the one sending me those messages, it had to be someone else. As much as I tried to believe that, I also thought maybe she was just trying to joke with me. I chose to believe it was the latter.

"You sent me a message just now to meet you in the class?"

She dropped her phone on the table, stared me deep in the eye then asked, "did I?"

I gave up hope that she was the one. "Never mind I must be mistaken", I said and turned to leave.

"Wait!", she exclaimed and I turned to look at her."what did the message say?", she asked.

Should I tell her it was a love message or should I just ignore her and keep walking, I asked myself this. But I did neither, instead, I asked her "why do you ask?"

"Just show me. I think I can help you out"

Deep within i had this feeling that she wasn't the sender of the message but was just messing around with me, but as there ate two sides to everything, another feeling erupted in me that she was the sender of the message but just trying to tease me a little. In the end I showed her the message.
She burst out laughing.

"Really.....  Do you think I will send you this kind of message. Of all people what makes you think I will choose you to send this message to. Boy, search further to know who this mysterious crush of yours is"

If she had just said she wasn't the one, I might have endured getting very much heartbroken but the fact that she added she could never ever send me this message was what brought down my defenses. I felt stupid. I felt played and regretted ever showing her and even knowing her. I hated the sender of that message too. I hated everything and everyone. I left Tifé. Tears threatened my eyes, but I fought it back as much as I could but when I got home, the resistance was weak. I gave up and let the tears fall. When I found my phone lying beside me. I picked it and deleted the message then flung my phone away from me. It was an evil artifact to me now and a reminder of my woes. I resumed sobbing 'cos it was the only solitude I could embrace.

EPISODE 2

The next day at school, I spent it looking for clues on who might possibly have sent the message to me. I looked at every girl who passed me by to see if they were staring at me or at least stealing glances from the corner of their eyes. None was.
I showed no one the message cos guys in my school were also gossipers and back stabbers. And since I had no best friend, I thought it best to keep it to myself.
I couldn't stay focused for class that day, I was staring at the chalk board like everyone else but my mind was far away. It was busy processing images of every girl it could come by and bringing back occurrences I must have had with them which could suggest they may be crushing on me but still this attempt was futile.
A thought struck me as we neared the end of the class for the day. I picked my phone and typed "let's meet up" then sent it to the anonymous sender. Almost immediately, a message popped up on my screen,  saying,  "choose a place"

"Let's meet up at the library", I replied. The library actually crossed my mind unexpectedly. But maybe it was due to the fact that it was the place where all these started.

Few seconds later, she replied with "OK".

I hurried to the library and sat myself not too far from the entrance so I could see who came in or went out. Occasionally as I flip through the leaves of the book in front of me, I also glanced at the door. Over twenty minutes later, Hannah walked in. My heartbeat increased. She was walking in my direction. I wished I had super powers which could teleport me away, far away. Knowing this wasn't possible, I made up my mind to excuse myself the moment she sat beside me.
Lucky for me, she walked pass me and sat at a very far angle from where I was and buried her head in a textbook.
I waited for a few more minutes but still she wasn't here. I messaged her, "where are you, I have been waiting"
A reply popped up, "sorry ....... plans changed, come meet me in the class. I am all alone there"
I packed my bag and left for the class.