Chapter 75: A Race Against Time
957words
When they returned to the village, their thoughts were very busy. They needed to move quickly. The secret society won't just watch while they get ready to break the curse.
The village, which before was calm and silent, now seemed like a stronghold during battle. The Oracle saw their enthusiasm and began getting ready for the ceremony. This job was not simple; it took many days of washing me and thinking very much.
Eki and Dapo were very involved in the ritual. Both their minds and bodies could feel the old rhythms of the earth. From the outside, it looked like the world was not so important compared to what they did inside this special place. In those moments, everything felt still and quiet.
But even in this special place, they still could feel the influence of the secret society. It felt like a continuous sense that something bad might happen, always making them remember the threat waiting for them outside these walls.
One night, while Eki was deeply meditating, she had a dream. In her dream, there existed a secret society governed by a dark figure who aimed to destroy everyone. They gathered their strength and were ready for the last fight.
Her heart felt fear, but it became strong. They would not let themselves lose. They would battle for the city's soul, to free many souls from bondage.
Dapo, noticing her worry, hugged her to provide comfort. "We will face them together," he said gently with kindness and support.
The village every day becomes more and more tense. People in the village feel very serious about what is going on, so they all come together around Eki and Dapo to give help in any way they can.
Next, very big surprising news comes to them. The secret group found out where they were hiding and sent a team of skilled killers to the village.
"The Oracle, with worry on her face, looked at it. She said 'They are coming for you,' in a voice that sounded very careful." 'We have to move fast.'"
Eki and Dapo stared at each other with serious faces. They knew leaving this village was needed but it also meant saying goodbye to the Oracle and all the people living there. This decision was hard for them yet still a choice needing to be made.
With much sadness, they say their goodbyes. The Oracle gives them her blessing, and her eyes are filled with hope and strong will. "You are the light," she said. "May the ancestors guide you."
As they prepare to leave, a distant noise starts. It is the secret society approaching.
The village was no more a place of peace; now it changed into a battleground. The calm sounds of nature were replaced by gunshots that echoed in the once-quiet area. Eki and Dapo were in this confusion, their hearts beating fast and minds filled with so many thoughts.
The attack by the secret society came very quickly and was very violent. The villagers, who were not expecting this, were shocked and could not protect themselves properly. Eki and Dapo also start to defend themselves, using what they have learned. They move very carefully, focusing only on surviving.
But there were many of them, and their weapons were much better. So they had to go back and organize themselves again. It was a very sad moment when they left the village, with the sounds of villagers' screams still stuck in their heads.
They escaped into darkness, with the forest keeping them hidden. The pursuit continued non-stop. The noise of gunfire and far-away sirens was everywhere. They ran, their bodies working as hard as they could.
Finally, they fell into a secret open space, feeling very exhausted and hurt. The energy from the adrenaline that had pushed them forward was now gone, changed by a cold sense of hopelessness. They are not able to save the village or show gratitude for the trust of Oracle.
But, self-pity was not an option. They had to concentrate on the task ahead. The secret society was nearing their location and they were losing available time.
They return to the city with hearts filled with much sadness. The art show, which before brought big hope, now seems like an old memory from far away time. The city they lived in turned into a war zone.
They hide in an empty warehouse, a place they have visited before. The space feels cold and lonely but gives them a sense of safety. While they looked after their injuries, they attempted to understand the events that occurred.
The secret group found out. They were very harsh, showing no kindness or mercy in their actions. They could do anything for what they wanted.
But Eki and Dapo still had hope. City stood by them, art's power was with them, and Olorun's spirit gave guidance. They wouldn't quit.
They called their friends, the artists who had come with them. They needed help very quickly. The city was threatened and it demanded a coming together of its populace.
While they worked on regaining their strength, an idea slowly formed. They would use the art show as a place to gather - it symbolized resistance. The gallery could be converted into a fortress for city defenders to gather at.
The plan was dangerous, but it was their last chance. The fight to control the city's spirit was not finished yet, and they were ready for a total war.
