Four Kings

By Erica S Adams

Highlights

Immersive Fantasy

Supernatural Abilities

Multiple POV

Family Dynamics

Violence

Mystery

Corruption

Book Blurb

Kanai has never existed outside of the Renn household, but things are about to drastically change. 

Ever

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica S Adams
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798987748916

Erica S Adams

Erica is a writer, dedicated mother, and proud North Carolina A&T State University graduate. Four Kings: An Act of Opposition is her first novel in the Four Kings series, inspired by short stories created for her sons. When she is not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family.

Book preview

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Copyright © 2022 Erica S Adams

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

To request permission, contact Erica S Adams at ericasadams.com or [e-mail]

Erica S Adams asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Edited by Bookish Fox Cover

Art by Mehdi Fritah

Layout by Erica Adams

Printed and Distributed by IngramSparks

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Part

1.Kai

2.Kai

3.Kanai

4.Kanai

5.Kane

6.Kenzo

7.Kanai

8.Kenzo

9.Kanai

10.Kai

11.Kenzo

12.Kanai

13.Kai

14.Kenzo

15.Sway

16.Kenzo

17.Kai

18.Kanai

19.Kenzo

20.Kenzo

21.Kanai

22.Kane

23.Kanai

24.Kenzo

25.Karl

26.Kai

27.Kai

Part

28.Kenzo

29.Kai

30.Kenzo

31.Kane

32.Kenzo

33.Kai

34.Kanai

35.Kai

36.Kenzo

37.Kane

38.Kai

39.Kenzo

40.Kane

41.Kai

42.Kenzo

43.Kenzo

44.Kanai

45.Kane

46.Kanai

47.Kenzo

48.Asher

49.Kane

50.Kane

Character Art

Book Two Preview

Kenzo

Acknowledgments

Author Bio

Dedicated to the curious child and vivid imagination that lives inside each of you and urges you to see beyond what your eyes allow.

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1

Kai

Everything revolved around his family, and turning sixteen did not change anything in Kai’s world—that is, until his mother, Queen, approached the academy entrance with Kai and Kenzo gazing out the car window. As he rode under the large Cherry Lane Training Academy sign arching over the street, Kai transitioned into independence. He glanced over to his mother as she drove and saw a distinct twinkle of pride in her eye. Kai admired the gorgeous cherry blossom trees, coated in pink and white flowers, lining the main street as they approached the dormitories.

As Kai opened the trunk to retrieve his belongings, Kenzo nudged him in the side and pointed with his chin. Kai followed the gesture to a girl shrinking her boxes and luggage to the size of building blocks.

That is smart. If we could do that, we could carry all your underwear in one trip, Kenzo snickered.

Kai turned back to the truck and replied, That would be nice. I know you aren’t strong, so carrying normal-sized stuff is hard for you. Kai smiled, revealing his dimples.

Kenzo was Kai’s younger brother by a year and also his best friend. Yet for all their similarities, they had twice as many differences. Kenzo’s snarky attitude and Kai’s confident demeanor made an odd but intriguing combo. Even their styles conflicted. Kai favored bold colors, while Kenzo could live in black and gray.

They each grabbed a few bags from the trunk before walking to the dorm to find Kai’s room. They approached the four-story alpine brick building and ascended the semicircle staircase leading up to the entrance. As they proceeded toward the arched glass doors, Kai retrieved the lanyard with his student ID attached from his back pocket. They were greeted by a large rug that read Cherry Lane Training Academy, surrounded by a campus skyline outline featuring the clocktower at the center.

Everywhere Kai looked, he saw more doting families. When they finally arrived on the third floor, they followed the flow of students and parents until they reached room 329. Kai opened the door to a bare-bones dorm room with two beds, two dressers, two desks, and two trash cans. Everything was split, evenly divided by a large window in the center.

Looks like you got here before your roommate, so you get the first pick. Which side do you want? asked Queen.

Crossing the room to the window, Kai opened the blinds and noticed the room overlooked the grassy courtyard. There really isn’t a difference. I guess I will take the left side.

Kai and Kenzo took a few trips to unload the car. As they brought the bags into the room, Queen unpacked the big items and left the smaller details for Kai to finish later. When Kai was settled into his dorm room, Queen and Kenzo left him to prepare for classes the next day.

When Kai’s alarm blared, he stretched and noticed his roommate had still not arrived. Maybe I will get my own room for once, Kai thought as he stepped into the hall. As soon as he stepped out, he was almost trampled by a boy hovering down the hallway. His feet were floating about five inches from the floor. Inside the restroom, someone was singing in the shower. A boy at the sink brushed his teeth while getting a pep talk from his reflection.

It’s everyone's first day, so there is no need to be nervous, the reflection said to the boy, who had foam building in his mouth.

This sharing-with-strangers thing will take some time to get used to, Kai thought.

As the morning sun blanketed the campus, Kai entered his first class. He noticed that only a few other students had arrived so far. As he scanned the room, he took note of the inspirational quotes and paintings of tranquil sceneries adorning the walls.

The instructor, Mr. Smada, finished writing his name and course information on the board before he noticed him. He crossed the room to meet Kai, It’s so good to see you.He placed a hand on Kai's shoulder, looked at Kai’s warm sepia-brown skin and tight coils, and smirked. Did you have any issues getting settled in?

No. Everything has been going well, Kai replied.

Good. Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you just because you’re blood. The older man looked at Kai sternly, then smirked again and walked away.

Kai watched as his grandfather walked to the front of the class donning his salt-and-pepper curls and beard. Karl Smada had once been a great warrior, but his fighting days were over. Now he taught the first-year trainees of Cherry Lane Training Academy how to understand and appreciate their gifts in the mindfulness course.

Welcome to Mindfulness! Mr. Smada waited for the chatter in the room to settle, then continued, I know what you’re all thinking. I’m going to come to show off my awesome gift because my parents told me I’m great and everyone will want to be my friend. The truth is that everyone has at least one gift. You may hear it called by many names, but the word ‘gift’ is standard because these abilities are not needed for survival but can enrich your life, and you do not have to do anything to be a recipient. That is why we call them gifts. This can range from advanced taste buds to communicating with spirits. There are no small gifts, just inadequate imaginations. God gave you these abilities with a purpose in mind, but you get to choose how much you develop your gift. You get to decide how to use your abilities. If your mind is not strong, your gift will fall short of its potential. Just remember, the stronger you get, the more enemies you will have. Are you ready to begin?

Enemies? The word bounced around in Kai’s head. He had been so preoccupied with the transition to school that the danger looming over his family had been temporarily pushed to the back of his mind. Kai thought back to a carefree sunny afternoon when, as a thirteen-year-old, he had leaned against the paint-chipped windowsill of his childhood home.

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Betty rolled away, hauling Kai’s possibilities for the day with her. It was not like he had any plans, but he had options. Maybe sleep in, hang out with friends, make some money, catch up on games, or relax, but that would not happen in the Renn house that day. Instead, the break had just started, and Kai watched as the ancient family car they called Betty drove away, leaving him with his little brother.

Kai was irritated he had to stay home to watch Kanai while his mom and other brothers, Kane and Kenzo, headed out to a friend's party. Of course, Kai was not interested in going to the kids' party at all, but it was a sunny afternoon, and he could think of many other things he would rather be doing than babysitting. It had only been an hour since they left, and Kanai, a six-year-old ball of energy and curiosity, was asking too many questions.

It's not fair. How come you get to go outside, but I don’t? Kanai pouted.

It is dangerous out there. If anyone figures out our secret, it will be the end of us, said Kai.

Why? I see people outside all the time, Kanai protested.

Well, we are different, replied Kai. Then, speaking out of boredom and frustration, he mumbled, There is nothing any of us can do. We were doomed from birth.

How can that be? Kanai asked.

Kai sighed as he wiped his hand across his face, wishing he had kept his mouth shut. I overheard Mom talking to Aunt Ashlyn once. She asked, ‘What do you do when the entire world is against your children for simply being born?’ Kai sat on the worn beige couch and said, How about I start from the beginning? Let me tell you about the first time I heard the story. Then maybe you will understand. Kanai followed his lead and sat on the opposite end of the couch, then Kai continued. "I was seven the first time Mama told me about the prophecy. It was hard to understand then, but as I get older, it makes more sense.

It wasn’t long after Dad passed when Mom told us the story of the Four Kings and the Aces that fear them. In the prophecy, these four brothers are supposed to inherit God’s power. This power is supposed to remove power from oppressive rulers. No one knows what this God’s power is or what it can do, but apparently, it scared some people so much that they began hunting for brothers.

What does oppressive mean, Kanai asked.

Like a bad guy in one of your books. They all want some form of power and will take down anything and anyone that stands in their way. The only thing that differs is their approach. Some are ruthless, while others are charming, but they all prioritize their own desires over others.

Kanai settled into his understanding with a sigh.

It has been thousands of years since this prophecy started, but we are still affected. No one even knows that you exist, and we still get targeted from time to time. If anyone finds out there are four of us, we would be under constant attack. One of us could be taken or even killed, Kai explained. I remember Mom’s face when she told us. She tried to sound confident, but I could tell she was anxious.

That was when I was in Mama’s stomach? Kanai asked.

Yes. That was the first time I heard the story. I was not much older than you are now. You have heard pieces of the story over the years, but that is why you cannot go outside. If you think it is bad now, you must not remember much from before you got your first special ability.

So all of this is because of me?

It is actually because of all of us. No one is really to blame. It’s just the way it is. We are not the only family with four boys, and we will not be the last. Mama said it will not always be this way, but you have to stay out of sight for now. Now, do you see why you cannot go outside?

Yes. What if the bad guys get inside? Kanai asked.

That is why we are here. We look out for each other, Kai said.

Kanai transformed into Kai’s image and said, Don’t worry. I will save you. Then he proceeded to kick and throw wild punches. Kai laughed, and before he knew it, his doldrums were gone, and he was play-fighting on the living room floor.

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I told my brothers I would always be there for them, but I am not. What if they need me? What if Mama needs me? They should be moving today. I need to check on them, Kai thought.

Enough about me. Mr. Smada clapped his hands, and Kai snapped back to the moment. Can anyone tell me what mindfulness means to you?

A few people raised their hands. Mr. Smada pointed to the boy in the front row. Isn’t it like meditation?

Meditation can be a part of mindfulness, Mr. Smada answered. Mindfulness in this course pertains to learning to be the master of your mind and not letting your wayward mind run you. Emotional intelligence is the foundation for the rest of your studies and will help you control your gift and strengthen its impact. Harnessing your emotions can unlock new facets of your abilities. On the other hand, for example, you may need to use your ability when you are sad, frustrated, or ill. Overcoming these emotions or states of mind will allow you to perform better.

That statement struck Kai hard. He knew to succeed in his studies, he needed to focus and learn to let go of what he could not control. It would be difficult to leave his role as protector behind.

2

Kai

Kai rushed from Mindfulness to History, which was in a different building across campus. He was determined not to be late on the first day. Kai entered Mr. Hennisy’s History class with a few minutes to spare and looked around the room for an empty seat. Overflowing bookshelves lined the walls with models, artifacts, and other collections displayed on top.

Kai locked eyes with a girl across the room sitting by the window as he searched for somewhere to sit. She smiled at him, and Kai nodded in her direction. He took another quick look around the room and found an empty seat right in the center.

Mr. Hennisy made a dramatic entrance into the classroom, declaring, History is important! His eyes roamed the room, and then he continued, When you know about different gifts and their application in the past, you gain great insight into how to use your abilities. Knowing our history can stop us from making the same mistakes, help mitigate potential threats, and understand how we got to this point. Like our collective history, it is important to know your personal history—where you come from, the values passed from generation to generation, and the struggles your family had to endure for you to be here today. He pointed at a boy in the front row as he continued, Ultimately, what makes you who you are. We are going to go down each row and have you share a snapshot of your history.

Kai looked around the room. This will be easy. I’ve been practicing this speech since primary school: name, favorite subject, personal detail. No sweat.

I’ll start us off. Mr. Hennisy leaned back against his desk, took a breath, ran his hand over his bald head, and began. I have been teaching here for twelve years. Each year is more interesting than the last one. I am sure you all will not disappoint. Let’s think outside the box. How would you like to be remembered? What advice would you give five-year-old you? Who influences you the most and how?

Kai was trying to prepare a response, but he could not focus. These questions were quite different than what he was expecting. All he could think about was the last time he had been this tense about introducing himself.

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It had been an eventful year, and it was time for the first day at their new school. Kai and Kenzo hugged their mother tight and left the house, eager to see the new school. They jumped onto their bikes and peddled down the street. The school was not far from their new home. Kai, Kenzo, and Kane had explored the streets over the last few days while the family settled in and learned about the new town.

As Kai peddled, his mind wandered. What will this new school be like? Will any of the teachers be wicked? I hope I can make some new friends.

Suddenly, another bike rounded the corner and knocked Kai off his. He tried to brace himself by throwing up his hands. He struck the ground hard and then looked up to figure out what had happened.

Oh, my God! Are you okay? A young girl with afro puffs looked down at him with wide, concerned eyes.

He looked down at his sprained wrist and scrapes. I will be fine. Immediately, the cuts and scratches started to get smaller and smaller. He wiggled his wrist, and the pain subsided. Less than a minute later, he was back on his feet and good as new. See? I don’t bruise easily. He reached down and picked up his bike. As he looked down at his bent tire and dangling chain, Kai said, My bike, on the other hand, will need some time to recover.

Pretty cool. Right? He heals quick. Believe me. We have tested it out. Kenzo said as he giggled at the horror on her face.

She turned her attention from Kenzo back to Kai. I’m so sorry! Are you on the way to school? I can walk the rest of the way with you. I’m Odey, by the way. She cracked a hesitant smile.

Kai, and that’s my brother, Kenzo. We can all walk together. I will fix the bike when I get home, Kai said.

They began walking down the street, and they could see the school in the distance. It would not take long for them to get there.

If you heal so fast, how did you get that? Odey asked as she pointed at the scar in Kai’s left eyebrow.

Kai touched the spot. Oh, this? I fell when I was little. Before I got my gift.

Ahh. Cool, Odey said.

Odey clued them into a few tips about the school and what to expect as they walked. They soon entered through Oakwell Primary School's front door and went their separate ways to their respective homerooms.

Kai looked around the room at all the strange faces. It was the middle of the school year, and he knew it was time for the awkward introduction. The two giggling girls in the back caught his attention while the teacher stood at the front of the class and said, Good morning, class! Help me in welcoming Kai to Oakwell Primary School.

The class simultaneously said, Hi, Kai!

With a tenuous wave, Kai replied, Hi.

Kai, please tell us a little about yourself. Let’s start with where you are from. Do you have any siblings? What is your favorite subject? Then anything additional you wish to share.

Kai’s face got hot as he tried to find the words and started tapping his foot. We just moved here from Illa for my mother’s job. I have two little brothers. My favorite subject is science.

Well, it is nice to meet you, Kai. You can sit right here, and we will get started.

He took his seat and breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the butterflies in his stomach settle. He had to be careful not to reveal the existence of his baby brother. He could heal his body, but he could not turn back time if he were to make a mistake. Kanai had been born two days prior, and Kai needed to protect his family.

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The hair-raising screech of the chair moving in front of Kai captured his attention. A petite golden-haired boy stood up. He looked small for his age, but his bass voice starkly contrasted with his stature. Kai panicked, trying to come up with something to say. Fortunately, it did not take him much longer to come up with something straightforward but not too revealing. Kai half-listened while the boy finished speaking and retook his seat.

Kai stood and took a deep breath. My name is Kai Renn. I want to be remembered for protecting those who can’t defend themselves. I would tell five-year-old me to enjoy being carefree. My mother is the greatest influence in my life because she is resilient and strong, raising my brothers and me all alone after my father died.

Mr. Hennisy’s eyes widened. I’m sorry to hear that. How many brothers do you have?

It was a long time ago, but thanks. Kai took a deep breath before continuing, I have two brothers.

One side of Mr. Hennisy’s mouth twitched into a crooked smile, then faded just as fast before he replied, Nice to meet you, Kai. Then Kai took a seat. Who’s next?

After a few more students introduced themselves, the girl with the curly chocolate afro and crimson-rimmed glasses stood up. My name is Seven. I want to be remembered for making the world more colorful. I would tell five-year-old me, ‘Never let anyone dull your light.’ My brother is my biggest influence. He is an outgoing person who took his own path against my parents’ wishes. I hope I can be more like him one day.

After two more introductions and a thirty-minute conversation about the course expectations, Kai rose from his seat to head out of the classroom. He was almost out the door when Mr. Hennisy called his name. Kai! Next class, we will look at some real heroes that might interest you. Have a good day.

Kai looked over his shoulder back at Mr. Hennisy and gave a weak smile. See ya.

Mr. Hennisy seems like a nice teacher. This class should not be too bad.

The day was going well so far. Kai had some time before his next class, so he headed to his dorm room before lunch. He put the key in the door, but before he could turn it, the door swung open.

Oh, hey! A familiar person with a basket full of snacks and bags hanging from her wrist was looking back at him.

Hello. Seven, right? Kai asked.

Were you trying to break into my room? She looked at him, perplexed.

Kai was confused himself. He looked up at the door, and it read 326. He looked down at the label on his key that read 329. Of course! I needed some brownies. They both laughed. Actually, it looks like I’m supposed to be in the other hall, three-two-nine. These halls all look the same to me. Need any help with that?

Sure. My mother bought some ‘community snacks’ for the dorm. I was taking them to the Commons, Seven replied.

Perfect—you can take me on a tour, because I have no idea where that is, Kai said.

He took a majority of the bags from Seven and backed up to let her out the door so she could lead the way. As they walked to the Commons, she started talking. So, is this your first act of heroism? She looked at him with a sly smile.

Don’t think that I will tell you all of my secrets just because you have snacks.

Their laughter and banter filled the empty halls. As they turned the corner, three guys were coming toward them. As Kai walked by them, he felt a jolt on his left side. One of the guys had intentionally bumped right into him. Kai turned his head and glared at him. Excuse you!

The tall, muscle-bound guy whipped around and took a few steps to close the distance between them. What did you say?

The boy with a buzz cut stood a few inches taller than Kai. Kai looked him in the eyes and repeated, I said, ‘Excuse you.’ His eyes narrowed. He would not let this guy intimidate him, especially in front of Seven. No way!

You better watch who you’re talking to. You might regret it. Looking past Kai, he cocked his head to one side and cracked a smile at Seven before turning around and walking out with his two friends right behind him.

Seven sighed and shook her head. Then she turned to enter the Commons. As soon as Kai entered, the scent of popcorn and lavender air freshener filled his nose. Seven started putting the snacks in the cabinets and baskets lining the kitchenette before she spoke again. He is a bit of a jerk. His name is Yoni. He’s a second-year trainee and top of his class. People either love him or they hate him. There is very little middle ground. She rolled her eyes. "He’s from my hometown and used to be best friends with my