"
"Even when the sun rises, some shadows refuse to fade."
---
Scene 1: Cave of the Displaced
A hidden cave nestled in the hills becomes the rebels' temporary haven. The wounded rest, the children whisper old tales, and the air carries both survival and sorrow.
Adeola helps bandage an injured elder, his eyes flicking toward Yemi, who sits at the far end, quiet and brooding. The people whisper:
> "Who will lead us now?"
Morenike speaks:
> "Even a gourd broken by war can still carry wisdom. We must choose."
The vote begins. Yemi, with fire still smoldering in his chest, is named leader.
---
Scene 2: Between Brothers
Bayo remains quiet as murmurs blame him for the loss of Akinwumi.
> "He killed Tunde. And the fire followed."
Adeola steps forward.
> "Blame won't build a future. We fight together or fall apart."
Later, Bayo walks alone, and a flashback strikes:
> Chief Alade's voice, stern: "Pride builds walls around the heart. Don't let yours be your cage."
Bayo clenches his jaw.
> "I should have listened."
---
Scene 3: Yemi's Ascent
By the fire, Yemi addresses the rebels. His voice trembles at first but grows steadier.
> "We've buried too many. But as long as one heart beats with purpose, the Ojora throne will tremble."
His words echo. The legion bows—not to his age, but to his resolve.
---
Closing Beat:
As the fire crackles, Yemi, back at the cave, kneels by the flame and whispers to his father's spirit:
> "Guide me. I will not let your death be wasted."
.
---
Scene 4: The Mission Begins
Yemi chooses Damilola and Femi to scout Akinwumi Village, now under Ojora control. Whispers of captured rebels spark urgency.
> "Move like smoke. See what the fire didn't burn," Yemi instructs, handing them a map drawn from memory.
---
Scene 5: Ashes of the Past
Atop the hills near the village, Damilola and Femi crouch low. Below, the once-lively Akinwumi is now an armed outpost.
They spot General Adebayo, flanked by guards. A rebel prisoner, bound and kneeling, refuses to speak. Without hesitation, Adebayo signals execution.
The man's body crumples. Damilola grips the earth, jaw trembling.
Then she sees him—Durojaiye. Her breath catches. Her past comes roaring back:
> Chains. A dark room. The weight of helplessness.
Femi notices her shiver.
> Femi: "We can leave—"
Damilola (coldly): "No. I've seen enough. I know what I must do."
Scene 6: Vows in the Dark
That night, the two camp at the forest's edge. Damilola doe
sn't sleep.
> "If the gods give me a second chance... he won't walk away again."
Femi doesn't speak. He only nods.