It’s been four days since the dance, the children strolled around town enjoying their new freedom. Shango sometimes tagged alone, uninterested, a faraway look in his eyes.

Having no idea of what had become of Logan, they sometimes argued at length about finding out whether he was okay and how they were going to rescue him.

“I’m pretty sure he is still alive, I bet he’s much more valuable to them now since they lost us, they must have simply moved him to some other safe house elsewhere.” Shettima remarked. “Now that the institute and the government have their hands full convincing the public, we can be on to them, the assurance that we would be running as far away from them gives us the upper hand.”

Afterwards, they all concluded that with Shango by their side they can launch a rescue for Logan and then figure out how to disappear from the institute's radar, they hurried back to their camp on the plateau to inform the thunder god.

“I fear I shall not be with you for a while child, my path lies elsewhere.” His grave reply stunned them into silence.

“You’re leaving us.” Obiora exclaimed.

“Yes I am, for like I said, my path lies elsewhere as do yours, this is your story, it does you no good if i do not take away my shadow, for how will you make your own renown as i once did if i keep stealing your thunder. And besides, there are answers that i seek and a path that i must trek on my own."

"Not you too, you're abandoning us, just like our mothers." Binta cried.

"Perish that thought child, I am only leaving you because I have to and you know it, and when I am done, I will surely find you but until then i leave you a parting word, I know your very being thirst for vengeance for the childhood that was denied you, but leave retribution to the All maker, be normal children, strive to live normal lives, that I say is the best revenge against the men in white coats for that which they had denied you. Do not be quick to judge your mothers, a chance at redemption should be offered them, and the means I shall provide for that shall guide you down that path.

“But what are we going to do without you? Omotola said.

Shango grinned and replied, “No child, for it was I who would not be here if not for you, coming this far was not my doing, it was all you for all I did was burn down a few things, but in answer to the question, look to yourselves for answers. He turned towards Obiora and laid a hand on his shoulder.

“Obiora, the man with the strength of ten, as sleek and powerful as the Gabon viper, he who falls on a calabash and bounces off and then fall on an iron mortal and it is rent asunder, your brother and sisters looks to you for protection, be their shield and wall, guide them with your shoulders and absorb all offences with your body.”

He smiled down at Orchid. “My beautiful child, graceful as the flowing brook, you are strong in your own way for while your twin is raging fire you are the calm water, sooth your siblings, let your shoulders be their comfort."

“Shettima the silent one, the wisdom of the fabled tortoise is yours and so is its infinite patience, control your siblings rage, guide them away from paths that leads astray, with you by their side, they will be one step ahead of their adversaries."

He piercing eyes shifted on to Omotola, a rare softness in their savage gaze. “Omotola, child of mystery; you have brought your siblings this far, continue to lead them for what is a body without its head, you feel your lack of powers demerits you. The institute may have deemed you insignificant but yet you stood astride the ashes of their fortress, leadership is power, it is the heritage of Jakuta’s descendants, embrace your power and lead them."

“Binta speedster, one who when everyone takes a step she has taken a hundred more, never let the rapid beating of your heart diminish, for you bring cheekiness and laughter to your siblings, a group without jolly does not survive the sinking sun.

“And to the last but not least of them all,” Shango said

“About time I say, what am I to do with these lots.” Babybaby remarked grinning infectiously.

“You are already starting little one, you are the glue to their harmony." Shango answered.

“Why do I have to be the glue? I could be goddess, let them bring me food sacrifices." She chirped in.

“You are the spoke to their wheel Babybaby, their mutual affection for you will hold them together in their time of conflict for that time will surely come, remember today and know that a single broomstick is weak but together in a bunch, they can never be broken, keep them that way and the enemies will not know how to overcome you."

“I promise to hold them together," Babybaby murmured solemnly.

“I have faith in you little one, in you all. Shango concluded. On saying this he rose up to his full height, hands stretched over them as if in blessing and said.

“And whenever it seems like all is lost and despair begin to set in, remember this, you are the sons and daughters of Shango also named Jakuta, lord of chaos and order, storm bringer, earth shaker, stone hurler. call on me in your hour of need, and I shall answer with lightening and fire, but in all this know that you are the children of thunder and when you call, thunder will answer. Farewell my children and may our reunion be as sweet as honey Ashe!”

A doorway of mist shimmered into existence, and Shango walked backwards into it and was gone.

“Talk about stylish exit, the showoff." Omotola murmured rather fondly, and then gasped as she pictured images in her head, like she was watching a memory via a 3d digital visual.

She saw her mother, a penniless jobless Liverpool orphan who had to make unflattering decisions to survive, preparing to head to another country after being contacted by the institute; she saw her fear, her regrets, her beautiful face, red hair and cheeky grin like hers. Do not judge too harshly Shango had said.

“am I the only one seeing this? Binta exclaimed.

“You saw our mother too isn’t it? Orchid gasped at a gaping Obiora.

“Good gracious, my mommy is so pretty.” Babybaby squealed with glee.

“Gracious me, what a surprise, Binta answered, both hands held her cheek, feigned shock on her face.

They all laughed at this, cried and held hands. With their father’s parting gift; the future did not seem bleak after all.