The Rap Devil Went Up to Ohio

The Glow

The grove of cypress trees was detached from the surrounding forest. The remainder of his land was an empty field that extended several acres into the woods. He entered a stony path leading into the cypress grove. An eerie, greenish glow could be seen in the distance, but its source was not readily discernible. Deep down, he knew what it was but lowered his expectations to maximize the eventual adrenaline rush.

The slender man noticed a shovel that he left up against a tree. He picked it up, resting it across his shoulders as he continued the walk. The path led him to a small clearing where the glow could be seen on the ground surrounding a cypress stump, upon which sat a man wearing a black hoodie. What the hell did he do to my tree? That was the tall man's initial thought. The glow didn't seem to emanate from objects on the ground as much as it appeared to be the ground itself glowing.

The man on the stump didn't look up or acknowledge the heavily tatted man brandishing a shovel. Not only did he remain silent, but he must have also threatened the crickets and cicadas into a deafening silence.

The slender man approached, careful not to stand on the greenish glow. He quickly noted that the man sitting on the stump was much smaller and unimposing than expected. There's no way this could be the larger-than-life icon he once idolized. Back then, almost having a chance to meet his idol in person dropped a tight knot into the slim man's gut. But on this day. He's just a man. "You calling yourself the Rap God these days?"

The man on the stump still didn't remove his hood or lift his head. The long pause made the other man wonder if he was being disrespected. Before the thin man could repeat his inquiry, the man answered. "I might have heard somebody call me a rap god once or twice. I can't say I claim any names, not even the one my mama gave me before my first ass slap. I guess I am whoever you say I am."

The tall man didn't hesitate. "Well, I guess I'll call you a bitch, Bitch."

"Suit yourself. You might wanna save them flaming bars for the battle, though."

"Get fucked."

The Bitch shrugged.