Secret Identity

2 First time

2.

"Yonne, I am sorry to disturb you. But, you are going to want to hear this," Toccara, my right-hand says, standing just inside of my office.

I was in the doorway to my chamber, overseeing a local painter try and repair a special painting. It was damaged in the ruckus with Raijin. I inhaled deeply, I didn't want to kill him. But, Mondo made it law. Any Shea that I made my Sheerz, was not to be touched...by any man, in that kind of way. Well, at least without her permission. She was her on person, capable of choosing when, where and with whom she will lay with. When a Shea is born, there are not many roles we had to choose from. We're raised to be docile creatures, submissive and obedient; we birth their warriors, feed the warriors, and lay with the warriors whenever they want. It is our job as nurse maiden to care for the babies, until they are of age to either go off to training as a warrior, or train for their role as a Shea.

I was different though, from birth. My maiden, feared for my life and went in secret to Mondo to beg my freedom. Mondo, wanting to see this rebellious child, had me brought to him. I was told at the young age of six, that my nurse maiden had requested my freedom. He pledged he would free us both, but only if I could defeat several of his warriors. Unfortunately, I did not succeed. But, he saw something in me, and kept me by his side, and trained me as a warrior. I never saw my maid again. I often wondered what happened to her. Time after time, my Sheerz would recite this story. They would say when rumors began to spread of a Shea child at Mondo's side, hope began to spread through them.

"Toccara, I hope this is important," I responded, looking away from the painting, and waved her over.

"It is," she walked over to me and spoke in a soft tone.

"Isle, has had a vision."

"What kind of vision?"

"I know you think someone set up Mondo, and you want to find out who. But, I this is more important right now. Bulldog has done something far worse."

"Toccara, you mean over Raijin? He is not that crazy. It was one crew, who broke law."

"Between Isle vision and Rayne's street birds, there is word that someone is trying to kill you."

I raised my hand and everyone in the room immediately stopped what they were doing. I stared deep into Toccara's eyes, for a glint of untruth. She is known as a jokester. But, this would be an unforgivable deceit, even from her.

"This is no time for jokes," I informed her.

"I swear Queen. I speak truth to you."

I hated when they called me Queen. We do not have those types of ranks within the organization. Mondo is our Leader. That is, it.

"...on your life Toccara. You swear your words are pure?" I asked, watching for her response.

"I swear to you, on my life."

"It is your life at stake here Toccara. I would hate to lose you for a joke."

"I swear..." she began.

"Bring me Rayne," I ordered one of my guards.

"You sent for me, my Queen?" she said appearing moments later.

"Toccara, tells me there is unsettling news?"

"Yes," she answers.

"What have you heard?

"One of my birds on the street has overheard whispers of violence against you. There is always talk from time to time...," she paused "Meaningless chatter. But, this... this was detailed, vicious, anger."