Voodoo Abdu Abdhala

Chapter 1: Death

The vibrant lights of the arcade welcomed Abdhu as he stepped into the bustling diner, Pietersburg's vibrant heartbeat. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet aroma of pastries, creating a heady mix that filled the air. Teenagers clustered around the arcade machines, their laughter and animated conversations adding to the lively atmosphere. Adults sat at tables, engrossed in their laptops, while the monitors overhead broadcasted a heated soccer match between Johannesburg clubs, the cheers of the crowd echoing through the space.Amidst the vibrant chaos, Abdhu found himself surrounded by friends, their voices blending into the melodic symphony of the diner. Eliot Emmanuel, his closest companion, leaned in with a concerned look, his eyes reflecting genuine worry.

"Abdhu, man, you gotta chill," Eliot urged, his voice filled with sincerity.

"I understand you're frustrated with your dad, but you can't let it consume you like this."Abdhu's frustration boiled beneath the surface, his emotions raw and untamed.

"You don't understand, Eliot," he snapped, his tone edged with bitterness.

"It's not as simple as you think." Eliot's expression softened, empathy shining in his eyes.

"I know, buddy. But think about it. Your parents may not share our traditions, but they've always been there for you. Maybe if they were more involved, things would be different."
The words struck a chord within Abdhu, igniting a spark of anger. Without a word, he pushed himself away from the table, the echoes of Eliot's voice fading as he stormed towards the arcade machines. Fury burned within Abdhu as he confronted the machines, his fists clenched in frustration. With a surge of pent-up emotion, he lashed out, his fist connecting with the metal casing of an arcade machine. The machine shuddered from the impact, a chorus of startled voices rising in its wake. Abdhu's breath came in ragged gasps as he stood amidst the chaos, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. Without a backward glance, he stormed out of the arcade, his heart heavy with turmoil.

Outside, the cool night air offered little solace as Abdhu hailed a passing taxi. The vehicle pulled up beside him, its white exterior adorned with South African flags fluttering in the breeze. Abdhu climbed inside, the gravel road stretching out before him as the taxi wound its way towards his home. The journey seemed interminable, each passing moment a testament to Abdhu's inner turmoil. The landscape blurred as they traveled, the familiar sights of the countryside offering no comfort. As they neared his village, Abdhu's gaze fell upon a Shebeen nestled by the roadside, its presence a stark reminder of the world he sought to escape.

With a heavy sigh, Abdhu stepped out of the taxi, his footsteps echoing against the gravel as he approached the Shebeen. The warm glow of light spilled from its windows, casting long shadows across the ground. Despite his inner turmoil, Abdhu found himself drawn towards the familiar sight, his thoughts swirling with conflicting emotions. As he drew closer, a sense of unease settled over him, sending shivers down his spine. A cold dread gripped his heart as he stood frozen in place, the air thick with anticipation.

Meanwhile, back at their humble abode following a heated argument with Abdhu earlier, we see Abdul turned to his wife, a thick African accent coloring his words.
"What have we done wrong, N'fesi?" he implored, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"Why does our son distrust us so? Have we spoiled him? Neglected him? Misguided him?"

N'fesi approached her husband, a basket of herbs clutched tightly in her hands. With a gentle touch, she placed the basket at his feet, her eyes filled with sadness.
"I don't know, my love," she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion.

"But perhaps it's time we showed him the true nature of our work. The magic we wield is not just voodoo hoodoo—it's real, and it's powerful. It's time for Abdhu to embrace his heritage, to learn the ways of our people."

Abdul's smile faltered as a wave of dread washed over him, the sound of shattering glass piercing the air. In a moment of realization, he knew they were too late.With a swift motion, Abdul sliced open his palm, his blood flowing freely as he began to chant. The room filled with an eerie darkness, shadows dancing across the walls as a malevolent presence loomed.

"We've failed, N'fesi," Abdul's voice trembled with regret.

"You must find Abdhu, help him succeed where I could not." But before N'fesi could respond, a clawed hand tore through the darkness, a booming voice echoing through the room.

"A mere shaman like yourself believes a wall of self-sacrifice can halt my presence?" the figure mocked.
"Don't make me laugh."

N'fesi's heart shattered as she watched her husband fall, his body torn asunder by unseen forces. With tears streaming down her face, she fled into the darkness, her screams swallowed by the night.As the room faded into oblivion, a sinister laugh echoed in the darkness—a chilling reminder of the horrors that lurked within. And in that moment, death loomed large, casting its shadow over all who dared to defy its embrace. This is death...